Commitment, professionalism, determination and excellence honed in a constant knowledge gaining culture, are the facets that were winning drivers for over 200 high achievers and graduates honoured and recognised at the annual ANC Awards Night. This year, the event was graced by Godwin Perera, Chairman of Ceylinco Insurance as the Chief Guest and deans and chancellors of the affiliated universities who presented the commencement certificates.
Eighty seven graduates completed their programmes at the ANC campus in Sri Lanka and transferred to Monash University, while 66 were transferred to other universities in Canada and the US.
Dr Jagath Alwis, Chairman of ANC in his speech of commendation said, “the reason we continue with our tradition of having a corporate champion and steward as our chief guest, like we have Mr Godwin Perera here today, is because we believe these are the highly
respected role models we have in
Sri Lanka and should be emulated.
We also want you to take a leaf from their books of corporate leadership and write your own chapters, when in the future, you will make not only the institution you work for, but your country proud too.”
Adding to these sentiments,
Dr Punarjeeva Karunanayake, Executive Director/CEO urged the young people to remember and optimise on their contribution. “Sri Lanka needs achievers like you to go forward. You are equipped with Sri Lankan values, but with knowledge and skills that are global. The bigger conglomerates in Sri Lanka want those with your competencies to buy into their vision of growth. You have immense opportunity and it is vital that you remain focused, build your competencies and nurture your knowledge. What we teach at ANC is that you must look beyond your books; grasp all the learning experiences we impart to you and this means, all the ‘out of the box’ initiatives we have for you, whether it’s internships, field trips, extracurricular activities or even simply having proactive discussions with your counsellors. You are the future and it is a responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly,” he asserted.
The presence of Dawn Suni,
Cultural Affairs Officer at the US
Embassy further cemented the long relationships ANC has nurtured with nearly sixty US universities in numerous states, some of which were represented by their respective Deans, Vice Chancellors and Heads of Department.
Dean of International Programmes at Northwood University, Mamiko Reeves enthused that she was delighted with the results each of the students had received and the heights to which they had aspired. “We are most excited to welcome ANC students into the University because you add a uniqueness to our campus, given that you come from a multi-cultural background which is certainly an advantage and you always work on constantly upping your goals.”
Dr Michael Graney-Mulholland, Dean of Undergraduate Programmes at John F Kennedy University said that she is impressed with the professionalism of the ANC staff, faculty and students. “We are confident in ANC’s ability to transform lives, which is the vision of JFKU. We do not measure success by the number of students that sit in the seats you sit in today, but more importantly, by the impact that each graduate has upon those around them. Challenge and opportunity will surround you as you commence into the next stage in your life, but no matter the challenge, there is opportunity for creativity, quality, innovation and community.”
Monash College has seen increasing numbers transfer for programmes either to Malaysia or Australia and as Director of Monash College, Dr Faye Lambert mentioned, “there is a symbiotic relationship our two countries have with each other and that historical significance adds to that dimension of knowledge. I’m so glad to see ANC students truly maximising on the opportunities available to them and using these opportunities to further themselves.”
The ANC Clubs and Societies presented their colourful and multi-dimensional activities for the year, including a medley performed by the ANC Performing Arts Club.
