AUCA President Timothy O'Connor's Speech at the Initiation Ceremony
November 19, 2024
AUCA President Timothy O'Connor's Speech at the Initiation Ceremony 2024
Dear students, parents, colleagues, friends! Today is a special day for our university and, above all, for you, dear students who have become part of our academic family. You have embarked on a path that will shape your knowledge, beliefs, and vision of the future.
Dear students, In the modern world, the question of the importance of higher education is becoming more acute. With the development of technology, an abundance of information, and a rapid exchange of knowledge, many ask, "Do we need higher education?" But I want you to understand that real education is a profound path. It is a process of self–discovery, where knowledge becomes a tool for understanding the world, yourself, and others.
You have chosen the American University in Central Asia, meaning you have chosen a space for disclosure and development. At our university, we adhere to the liberal arts and sciences model. This means that you have the freedom to study not only your chosen profession but also a range of disciplines that open up a broader world. You will be able to understand better the contexts in which people live and work, think critically, create, and, most importantly, be flexible in a changing world.
But, of course, your path is not only lectures, books, and exams. It's also cultural diversity, new friends, and mentors who will help you unlock your potential. You will study among students and teachers from different parts of the world, which will allow you to expand your knowledge horizons and learn how to work in a multicultural environment, which is extremely important in the modern world. Here, at our university, you will learn how to understand and appreciate the diversity of views. This knowledge and skills will become your faithful companions in life.
Dear parents, thank you for the trust and support you have shown your children on this important path. You have chosen a place for them that will provide academic education and fundamental life skills. We promise that we will do everything possible to justify this trust. For us, every student is not just a student but also a person who will find himself and be ready for the difficulties and joys of the big world.
Your children's education is their fulcrum in the face of uncertainty. The world we will find ourselves in in a few years will be different. But thanks to fundamental training and a holistic approach to learning, our graduates are ready to adapt to these changes, creating and transforming the world around them. The AUCA diploma is not just a document; it is a sign that the student has passed the path of self–knowledge, research, and reflection.
Let's look a little ahead—for 20-25 years: We see you, today's students, as accomplished professionals, leaders capable of inspiring and guiding. You will become those who determine the future—in science, art, technology, and education. And we are sure that, despite all the challenges that time will bring, you will be ready because you have a solid foundation that we are laying here and now.
It is equally important to note that the American University in Central Asia is a place where values and an understanding of responsibility for the future of the Kyrgyz Republic are formed. Here, we educate highly qualified specialists and citizens who are aware of their role in society, their mission, and their duty to the country. Our graduates are not just professionals but also true patriots who are ready to invest their efforts in the prosperity and development of the Kyrgyz Republic.
So, dear students, welcome to our family and to the world of knowledge, discoveries, and opportunities!
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