Arba Minch University’s Architecture and Urban Planning Department has rolled out its 4th batch of 45 graduates in an impressive graduation ceremony at Main Campus on 4th March, 2017. The delegate of the President of Association of Ethiopian Architects, Dr Wubshet Birhanu, was the guest of honor; AMU community, kith and kin of graduates, relatives and others graced the function. Click here to see the pictures.
The three male graduates adjudged outstanding are, Kiflemariam Getaneh Bisetegn, who for having outclassed all with 3.61 CGPA was the toast of the function. Mesafint Wihib Wondimu, 3.52, and Abel Aynalem Godene, 3.49, came second and third respectively.
Of only four females, three could reach near-to-3 CGPA mark, wherein Bethel Teshome Teka, 2.96, was feted for excelling in female category; Hawi Bogale Gebremariam and Beimnet Abraham Gebeyehu were other two best performers.
The program got off to a thrilling start with Gamo Gofa Cultural band belting out ethnic numbers regaled the audience. Community School kids hogged the limelight for their wonderful rendition of a congratulatory number that has evoked an emotional response from all across.
University President, Dr Damtew Darza, while addressing graduates said in order to be one of the medium income nations, all higher education institutions are mandated to produce competent graduates who would spur the process of growth and transformation in the country. Taking this call in right earnest, AMU is producing qualified graduates and strengthening its faculties through career enhancement programs that have ensured quality in education.
He also informed that at present, 367 males and 64 females of AMU are pursuing their Master and PhD degrees and by the end of Growth and Transformation Plan-II, at least 60% of its teachers are expected to acquire Master degrees and 40% PhDs to suffice the required pool of talents.
The guest of honor, Dr Wubshet Birhanu, in his key-note speech exhorting graduates for the new challenges said, we live in the era where knowledge is supreme and learning skills to unlock natural gifts in ourselves and in the nature sound absolutely sensible.
Terming architecture as an embodiment of history, culture, economics, and sum total of present and past, he said, with expanding world, the proportional gap between urban and rural residence has whittled down for more are rushing to urban areas. In such complex circumstances, we need space creator and here architects have the crucial role; it’s here, where you will fit the bill.
Dr Wubshet further exhorting graduates said, ‘‘You should use your skills judiciously, work hard and never quit, for your growth and success will have domino effects; it will not only benefit your family, society and but the nation at large.’’
At the outset, Institute of Technology’s Scientific Director, Dr Alemayehu Chufamo, introduced his graduates. All first three outstanding graduates were felicitated by the guest of honor, Dr Wubshet Birhanu and Dr Damtew Darza.
There was one common thing in all outstanding graduates that they wish to excel in design as it’s the backbone of industry. Kiflemariam Getaneh and Mesafint Wihib aspire to enhance their skills through academics; while Abel Aynalem and Bethel Teshome want to imbibe nuances of it by joining good construction firms.
Furthermore, the available data points at crucial factors that unravel individual acumen. Of 45, only three graduates with their impressive CGPA could cross 3.5 marks; while 13 displayed good potential as they try to reach close to 3 and remaining 29 fared well but couldn’t go past 3.
University top officials including Vice Presidents, deans, directors and community members were in attendance. Corporate Communication Directorate Director, Mr Fissiha Bekele anchored the function.
(Corporate Communication Directorate)