Divine Word University’s St Benedict’s Campus in Wewak is set to host the final leg of the university’s 30th Anniversary celebrations from Monday 14 to Wednesday 16 September.
The three-day Festival of Legacy and Vision will be held under the theme, “Serving the Nation with Over 30 Years of Quality Education.”
The celebrations will begin with a Thanksgiving Mass on Monday, giving the university community an opportunity to reflect on DWU’s achievements and the people who have contributed to its development.
The anniversary celebrations have already been held across DWU campuses in Rabaul, Port Moresby and Madang, with Wewak bringing the university-wide celebrations to a close.
St Benedict’s Campus Administrator Peter Kaiyeke said the celebrations would provide an opportunity to reflect on DWU’s journey while looking ahead to its future.
He said the anniversary was not only about celebrating the past, but also recognising the contributions of staff, students, alumni, partners, and communities.
Kaiyeke has invited the DWU community and people of East Sepik to join the celebrations and mark the university’s legacy and future.
The Festival of Legacy and Vision will feature activities highlighting DWU’s history, achievements and contribution to education and national development.
The university will also recognise the early missionaries and religious congregations whose work in education, formation and community service helped establish the foundations of DWU.
Special recognition will be given to the Sisters of Mercy, Holy Spirit Sisters, and the Society of the Divine Word for their longstanding contribution to education and communities.
DWU will also acknowledge the three Presidents who have led the university since it became a university in 1996 – founding President Professor Fr Jan Czuba, SVD, Professor Cecilia Nembou, and current President Professor Fr Philip Gibbs, SVD, OBE.
A major feature of the Wewak celebrations will be a Cultural Day on Wednesday 16th September.
Students and staff will showcase Papua New Guinea’s cultural diversity through traditional attire, music, dance, food and other cultural presentations.
The event will also coincide with Papua New Guinea’s 51st Independence Anniversary celebrations, providing an opportunity for the DWU community to celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The Wewak program will bring DWU’s 30th Anniversary celebrations to a close while highlighting the university’s continuing commitment to quality education and preparing graduates to contribute to Papua New Guinea’s future.