Wednesday 21 September 2005 was the
Commencement or Graduation Day at Asian University.
This year, Graduates from the faculty of Business
Administration, both MBA and BBA as well as Graduates from the faculty of
Engineering and Technology, B. Eng., received their rewards for four years
of hard study.
Lord
Ronald Oxburgh congratulates one of the new graduates.
Of this year’s graduates, nearly 30% were not able to
attend as they were either furthering their studies, or working overseas.
The University President, Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya welcomed the guests,
parents, staff and most of all, the new graduates. He spoke of how the
University was changing, and that nearly 20% of the current students come
from outside Thailand. He is keen to see this proportion increase in the
future, and scholarship programmes for overseas students have been put in
place to encourage non-Thais to come to study at Asian U.
HE
David Fall addressing the audience.
Lord Ronald Oxburgh then conferred the degrees on the
new graduates.
Lord Oxburgh then addressed the audience, with
congratulations and timely advice for the graduates. He also reminded them
to thank their parents and friends for their help and support. H. E. The
British Ambassador, David Fall, then spoke in both English and Thai. He
too gave advice to the graduates, and explained how much he enjoyed these
occasions, seeing positive young people were setting out into a rapidly
changing world.
Asian University was founded in 1993, and the first undergraduates
joined us in 1998, with just two faculties. Since then the number of
course options has increased and a third faculty, Liberal Arts, was
started in 2002.
Dr.
Viphandh Roengpithya welcomes the guests.
Assistant
Professor and Lord Oxburgh heading the procession of graduates.
HE
David fall cuts the congratulatory cake.
Captain
Sai-chon Kong-on from the Queen Sirikit Hospital receives her welcome
corsage.
The
Class of 2005 gathers for photographs and celebrations.
Suchada Tupchai
Krailas Homklin (Num) is 16 years old. Like many
unfortunate children in the world today, Krailas had many family problems
when he was young. He came from a broken home and spent most of his
childhood living with his relatives.
Novice
Krailas listens attentively to chief abbot Phrakhru Pipitkitjarak’s
teachings.
One day realizing that he lacked the warmth and comforts
not to mention the love of a family, he left home and headed for Pattaya
where he existed for quite some time as a street kid, until a welfare
officer took him into custody and placed him in the care of the Sai Yai Rak
Project.
Krailas was diligent and promised himself that he would
complete the 3 month rehabilitation course in the ‘camp of love’
He also promised himself that when he finished his
training course, he would become a novice in a Buddhist temple.
Krailas
takes his first steps towards seeking the truth and dharma.
The elders were overjoyed to hear him make such a
promise, as they all had also vowed that they would make a good boy out of
him. They promised to lend a hand and help him cross the threshold into the
realm of goodness and holiness.
On the auspicious day, which fell on the 13
th
of September, his patrons and adopted parents gathered at Wat Nongprue to
see their child take the first steps into manhood.
This ceremony was simple and was witnessed by the monks
from many temples in the area. In the morning they had a traditional
procession for the novices to be, followed by a lecture given by chief abbot
Phrakhru Pipitkitjarak on subjects concerning youth, life and truth. He said
that in the present day, there are so many things that can distract young
people and its is so important that they are cared for, supported and loved
by their guardians.
Sadly for many they don’t have guardians, but some are
more fortunate to be cared for by the benevolent men and women of the Sai
Yai Rak project.
This is one day Krailas will never forget. It was the day
that he not only took the first step towards seeking the truth and dharma,
but it was also the day that he found his family who opened their arms to
receive Krairas and gave him a home in their hearts.
Arunee
Prayongyaem, Chief Judge of the Juvenile and Family Court of the Chon Buri
presents saffron robes to the young novice.
Sopin
Thepajak, Associate judge of the Youth and family court and Pol. Capt.
Jeerawat Sukhonthasap of the Tourist Police, the adopted guardians.
