DWU students challenged to be leaders of character and purpose
Final year students at the Divine Word University in Madang have been challenged to become leaders of character and purpose after university life.
They were also told that Papua New Guinea needs leaders to lead it, not just brilliant leaders but people who can think with their hearts.
The challenge came from David Kitchnoge, the Chief Investment Officer with Kumuls Consolidated Holdings, whilst delivering the keynote address during Friday's missioning ceremony at the university's SVD Auditorium.
The missioning ceremony, held annually for final year students before they sit for their final examinations; was the 18th for DWU.
Mr Kitchnoge reminded the final year students that serving their calling with humility, obedience, respect, and a spirit of service would bring them rewards far beyond personal success.
He further advised them that employers are nowadays seeking individuals with the right attitude and strong values.
"Employers today are seeking people with the right attitude, organisations are looking for trustworthy counterparties, and the country is crying out for its sons and daughters to lead it with both their hearts and minds," he said.
On behalf of the DWU community, Maria Huaniangre, Madang’s Port Manager with the National Fisheries Authority and a former student of the university, emphasised the importance of character in professional life.
She told the students, "Your degrees will open doors, but your character will keep them open and determine how far you will go."
Huaniangre stressed that qualities such as integrity, humility, honesty, respect, and teamwork are highly valued just as academic achievements.
"People may forget your grades, but they will always remember your professionalism, your work ethics, and the way you treat other people at work," she said.
Archbishop Douglas Young delivered the homily, reflecting on the significance of the missioning cross, and drew inspiration from the Book of Mathew, recalling how Jesus walked through towns and the synagogues, showing and teaching compassion to people who were harassed and helpless.
Archbishop Young encouraged the students to view the world through the eyes of Christ and respond to the needs of others with empathy and understanding.
He added, "It is the hope and prayer of Divine Word University that the graduates, in a genuine missionary spirit, look upon this broken world, this world of suffering with different eyes, with eyes of heart and compassion, and use the ability, knowledge, skills, and talents gained during their time at the university to genuinely serve people."
Meanwhile, university president Professor Fr. Philip Gibbs, in his welcome remarks; highlighted the significance of the occasion as DWU celebrates 30 years as a university.
"This event is a time of thanksgiving, a time of appreciation, and a time of blessings," he said.
Fr. Gibbs further explained that the missioning crosses presented to students symbolise that blessing and serve as a reminder of their responsibility to serve others.
Fr. Gibbs also quoted the university's first president, Professor Fr. Jan Czuba in the 2011 missioning ceremony stating that, "As we gather to celebrate the journey of the students, we are reminded that the education you receive at DWU is not just about academic achievements but about becoming a person of value."
The cross symbolises the graduates' commitment to carry forward the values instilled in them during their time at Divine Word University, and to serve their communities with compassion, respect and love.