The Graduation Ceremony for the class 2012 took place on the 20th of June, 2012. Professor Philippos Constantinou, President of the Council of Management of the Philips College, in his address to the graduants said the following:
It is with much pleasure that I take this opportunity to address you on such a happy occasion. Graduation marks the culmination of your efforts and is a time when you, your families and friends can take pride in your success.
All of us here today recognise the achievements of our graduands and acknowledge their hard work and dedication. For you, our graduands, this moment marks the successful end of a long and hard road. We join you in rejoicing with the fulfilment of your dreams.
Herbert Spencer, one of the great British philosophers once said: “The great aim of education is not knowledge but action”. In a society, which often confuses right and wrong, you now have the chance to make a difference. Use your education to bring about optimism and fairness to an often gloomy and discriminatory world. Now that Cyprus is a member of the enlarged European Union, new demands and challenges will be placed on you. In the years to come you will be asked to make your own contribution to the many debates that are now raging and cover a multitude of crucial issues affecting your future.
Those of us who are committed to higher education have long appreciated the value of our students as ambassadors of the College. I would ask you all to stay in touch. We will be strengthening our alumni association and seeking to help you stay in touch with each other and the College, in the expectation that we will be able to help you again in the future. It is my sincere wish that this graduation will not mark the end of your association with the Philips College, but will be the beginning of a new relationship.
I am honoured to be able to join with your families and friends in congratulating you on your success. As you move into the next stage of your lives I am sure that you will look back with affection on your time at the Philips College. I wish you well and pray that you have a bright and rewarding future.
Professor Philippos Constantinou
President
The Philips College
