During the commencement held at the institution’s Lebu campus, His Eminence Cardinal Berhaneyesus, Archbishop Metropolitan of Addis Abeba, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Ethiopia, and Chancellor of ECUSTA Higher Learning Institute, His Excellency Archbishop Antoine Camilleri, Apostolic Nuncio to Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Somalia, Rev. Abba Teshome Fikre (Ph.D.), Secretary-General of the Ethiopian Catholic Bishops Conference and chairman of the Board, guests, officials of the University, honorable guests, and families of graduates have attended the ceremony.

 

His Holiness Cardinal Birhaneyesus D. Suriphael opened the commencement with prayer and shared a message of peace with the graduating students, encouraging them to build bridges instead of walls for unity and harmony and to continue to learn so that they can be successful in their future endeavors. His Excellency Archbishop Antoine Camilleri also underscores the importance of “Transforming Lives” by creating a climate of fraternity, a home for all, and respect for humanity. H.E. advised the graduates to avoid selfishness and help transform society. The guest of honor at the commencement ceremony, Prof. Brook Hailu, shared his personal life experiences and shared his message to the graduating class: to be grounded despite any challenges, to have a purpose-driven life, not to look down on others, to accomplish and have success stories, but most importantly, to be modest and humble. Rev. Abba Teshome Fikre and the institution’s president, Br. Hans Moran, also shared their messages with the graduating students.

 

Among the Gold medalists from the three departments, the highest score was achieved by the social work department.