By: Koena Mokobocho
On the morning of April 19, 2024, at the Lehahoke Recreational and Culture Center, Botho University faculty members, university officials, and guest speakers gather in convocation to honor the Botho University Class of 2023 for bravely walking through the treacherous and difficult academic journey and ultimately achieving academic success.
The Honorable Minister of Transport and Public Works, Neo Matjato Moteane, attends the convocation and declares the major occasion open.
With great admiration, Botho University Country Head Ms. ‘Makhosi Hlalele offers her heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2023 for their remarkable academic performance and unwavering determination in the face of adversity.
She urges the fresh graduates to “embrace the challenges that lie ahead with bravery and optimism” acknowledging that the journey has only just begun.
The Pro-Vice Chancellor for People and Impact, Priya Iyer, joining in on the celebration, acknowledges the significance of the occasion by emphasizing that “this graduation ceremony marks the beginning of a new journey”.
The Pro-Vice Chancellor advices students to be irrepressible, citing Botho University as an example of their tenacity and resolve in the face of the recent flooding at their campus in Maseru Mall.
The university is also pleased to announce that in January 2025, it’s cutting-edge, multi-facility building complex at Ha Pena Pena, Maseru, will begin operations.
Valedictorian, Mrs. Ellaine Fontamillas then gives a farewell speech to her class, recalling all the times the journey seemed impossible, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Learning online was a great challenge, but Botho University’s established online learning infrastructure was a big benefit.
Mrs. Ellaine Fontamillas received numerous awards for her outstanding academic performance, including the best performer award in the faculty of engineering and technology.
To conclude the beautiful celebration, Mr. Golekanye Setume, Pro-Vice Chancellor of External Relations, Lesotho and Eswatini campuses, presents a vote of thanks to the graduates and attendees of the graduation ceremony.
He thanks everyone who helped make the event a success and expresses gratitude for the presence of the Minister of Transportation and Public Works, who then delivers the keynote message for the day.
As cheers echo around the Lehahoke Recreational and Culture Center, the atmosphere is filled with accomplishment and potential.
The Botho University Class of 2023 stands at the start of a new chapter, bolstered by their resilience, tenacity, and academic prowess.
As they leave the familiar halls of academia, they bring with them the legacy of Botho University’s persistent commitment to excellence and innovation. Congratulations, Class of 2023; may your futures be as brilliant as your successes today.