The 7th Convocation of the University of Management and Technology (UMT) was held today, on Saturday, December 03, 2011 at the UMT campus. A total of 740 students were awarded degrees in various disciplines/programs while 31 students received various medals including Patron, Rector and sponsor medals on the basis of outstanding academic performance. The Convocation was attended by Senator Prof Khurshid Ahmad who was also the Chief Guest on the occasion, Dr Rafique Ahmad, Former Vice Chancellor of Punjab University and Dr Manzoor Ahmad, Vice Chancellor Animal Science University.
Kiran Shabbir, graduate of the Master in Media and Communication program, was awarded the Dr Muhammad Ahmed Gold Medal along with a cash prize of Rs 50,000. The Sardar Muhammad Ghalib Gold Medal was awarded to Aisha Aziz, graduate of the BS Electrical Engineering program. Arslan Javaid, graduate of MBA-P received the Ahmed Dawood Gold Medal along with a cash prize of Rs 100,000.
Addressing on the occasion, Dr Hasan Sohaib Murad, Rector UMT, said that we have reached a significant milestone in the history of our institution and are embarking on a new journey as well. He congratulated all the graduating students and reminded them that their dreams have come true this year with the blessings of Allah, the prayers of their parents, and their own hard work. Dr Hasan said that there is absolutely no doubt in his mind that all the graduates assembled here today are among the best in the world and have the potential to become catalysts for change. He added that the world is awaiting their contributions and the knowledge and expertise acquired at UMT will surely lead to positive change.
Enumerating the successes of UMT over the past year, Dr Hasan said that UMT students and faculty have made great progress in knowledge acquisition, research and technology. Outlining important developmental plans for the future, he said that globally connected smart class rooms are being envisaged for the future, enabling UMT faculty members to teach across the world and co-opt faculty from anywhere in the world in real time. This would enable them to become part of a global educational network. Dr Hasan said that special alumni programs would be conducted across major cities of Pakistan, the Gulf and Europe to honor ILM/UMT alumni. This would also facilitate out students in the international job market.
Dr Hasan took this opportunity to announce that new hostels to accommodate 1200 male and 800 female students would be constructed to facilitate the increasing number of students.
Dr Hasan said that the 7th UMT Convocation is being held in the holy month of Muharram-al-Haram and the Muslim world in remembering the tragic sacrifice of the beloved grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He said that Hazrat Imam Hussain lived up to the expectations of his maternal grandfather and remained true to his upbringing, choosing martyrdom and thus becoming a symbol of courageous defiance and bravery in the midst of oppression. As such his name remains enshrined in the annals of history.
Towards the end of his address, Dr Hasan Sohaib Murad said that all the graduates assembled here today are well equipped to lead the world due to the knowledge acquired at UMT.
Delivering the Convocation Address, Prof Khurshid Ahmad said that UMT is not just an academic institution but an idea and a vision. The tragedy of secular education is that it delinks the individual from his Maker. UMT does not just churn our graduates equipped with market driven skills but produces graduates who are able to discover their own identify. The University aims to inculcate attributes of truth, justice and courage. Prof Khurshid said that the crisis of leadership in society today was due to failure of the educational system to impart the right values. He said that only Islam gives a totally holistic system of knowledge.
The Convocation was attended by educationists, dignitaries, graduating students and their parents.
18 National dailies and electronic media including City 42 extensively cover 7th UMT Convocation
The 7th UMT Convocation was extensively covered the next day by the print and electronic media. Leading newspapers such as the Dawn, The News, Express, The Nation, Jang, Nawa-i-Waqt, etc. and popular TV channel City 42 gave prominent coverage to the event.
A G Ghaffari, Head, Office of Communications and Media (OCM), has appreciated the entire OCM team for their persistent efforts towards ensuring that the event gets such good media coverage. The team’s hard work and the follow-up maintained even on Sunday has certainly has paid off well.