Held at the International Conference Center, the joyous occasion was well attended by dignitaries from the public and private sector, members of the diplomatic corps, USP staff, graduates, and their families and friends.

Among those present were President Christopher J. Loeak, USP Chancellor and Solomon Islands Governor Sir Frank Ofagioro Kabui, and Vice Chancellor and President of USP, Professor Rajesh Chandra.

In his address, President Loeak encouraged graduands to become a force of leadership and change.

"We must make a difference, and the difference must be in the task of uplifting our society. You have a responsibility. We will rely on you to help us broaden, as far as possible, our vision of what is our potential," stated President Loeak.

He emphasized on the need to transform existing levels of efficiency to new scales of achievement.

"We need people who can, by their sheer force of volition and personality, transform seemingly static conditions into new situations," said President Loeak.

President Loeak confirmed the government's commitment to education when he announced the government's $500,000 pledge to the long awaited establishment of a north regional campus on Majuro.

President Loeak acknowledged the efforts of Dr. Irene Taafaki and her staff at the USP Center, as well as, Principal Mrs. Tapu Rokolekutu and the teachers of the RMI-USP Foundation Program.

He also expressed the Government's appreciation to the donor countries of Australia, Republic of China (Taiwan), Japan, and the United States for supporting the USP programs and projects.

The conferring of awards was done by the USP Chancellor, Sir Frank Kabui. Sir Frank Kabui who is the Governor General of the Solomon Islands is the 18th Chancellor of USP.

52 students graduated with 78 academic qualifications.  19 students earned Masters level qualification- 11 MBAs, 6 MEd's, and 1 MA and 1 MSc. The majority of graduates were Marshallese citizens (65%).

The ceremony was aired live on V7AB and televised on National Telecommunications Authority (NTA).

- RMI President’s Office, Majuro, Marshall Islands

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