Sacred Heart Gulu graduates urged to turn learning into community impact

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Graduates of the University of the Sacred Heart Gulu have been urged to use the skills and knowledge they have acquired to improve their lives and contribute positively to their communities.

Rev. Fr Prof. Odubuker Picho Epiphany, chairperson of the university’s Governing Council, made the remarks on Saturday during the institution’s fourth graduation ceremony at its premises in Bardege-Layibi division, Gulu city, where 63 students graduated.

The private university, established by the Archdiocese of Gulu under the founding vision of Archbishop Emeritus John Baptist Odama to promote healing, reconciliation, and development, particularly in post-conflict Northern Uganda, held its first graduation on October 2, 2021, with 22 students completing two academic programmes.

Four years later, the university has expanded its academic offerings and continues to register growth in student enrolment.

Fr Odubuker advised the graduates to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the university’s mission and vision.

He said: "Behave like people who have not just passed through the university, but whom the university has passed through. You cannot spend your time here and emerge unchanged. Be creative, be responsible, and be entrepreneurial. The university has taught you how to think critically, use the skills to prepare yourselves to become better persons, so that the world can see that the university has truly shaped you."

He added that "Education does not end here; continue to grow intellectually in today’s demanding world. Always seek to expand your knowledge and make a positive impact wherever you go."

Fr Odubuker further encouraged the public to consider the university for quality education, noting, "Do not ignore this university. Send your children here for quality education. Bigger universities may seem attractive, but often the larger the institution, the harder it is to receive the individual attention needed for true transformation."

Fr Jino Mwaka, the vice chancellor, expressed gratitude for the community’s trust and commitment, highlighting the university’s progress.

"In 2017, total enrolment was only 40 students across two academic programs. Today, we have seven programs with a total enrollment of 141 students," Fr Mwaka said.

This year, 63 students graduated in four disciplines. They included 25 graduates who obtained a Bachelor of Counselling Psychology, 19 who received a Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership, 15 awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics, and four who completed a Bachelor of Commerce.

Of the four Bachelor of Commerce graduates, three achieved first-class degrees.

Jackline Alimocan, one of the first-class graduates, told New Vision that teamwork and cooperation were key to their success.

"The lecturers here don’t just lecture, they teach. When you come across something you don’t understand, they make sure you grasp it. What helped us excel was working together, discussing and sharing ideas. We weren’t here to compete; we were here to succeed together. That approach helped three of us achieve first-class degrees, while the fourth earned a second-class upper."

Fr. Mwaka thanked the community and the lecturers for their continued support and dedication to the students’ success.