Caps, Gowns and Dreams: BracU celebrates its 17th convocation

Brac University’s 17th Convocation unfolded from November 27^th to 29^th, marking the first time the ceremony was held on its own campus. The opening day lit up with gold medalists, the valedictorian, and the conferring of degrees, followed by celebrations for all departments who took their moment on the 28th and 29th. Wrapped in blue gowns that shimmered like calm skies, students stepped forward as parents watched with eyes full of pride, love, and the soft recognition of dreams finally finding their shape. Two thousand fifty-five students from thirty-four programs received their degrees, which also honoured two Chancellor’s Gold Medal winners and twenty-eight Vice-Chancellor’s Gold Medal recipients.

Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, (Advisor, Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Interim Government of Bangladesh) formally declared the convocation open as the chief guest. Professor Adam Habib (Vice Chancellor, SOAS University of London), as the convocation speaker, offered an important message to the graduates: “You have to become the architect of your own future. Having agency also means having leverage, and if you want your vision to predominate the world, then you need to consider what may influence others to align with your choices.”

Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar (Vice Chancellor, BracU) reminded graduates that the sky is not the limit and that we set our own limits through ambitions and efforts. He said, “This moment is not the true beginning, the journey will truly begin when they choose to give, grow and contribute to the world around them.” He emphasised that learning is not an endpoint but a continuous beginning.

This year’s recipient of the Chancellor’s Gold Medal & Valedictorian, Rana Tabassum (TA, SoP) shared, “BracU provided me with more than I anticipated. Although Pharmacy was difficult, it gave me a sense of purpose and accountability. Now that I work as a TA, I can see the hard work that goes on behind the scenes as well. My advice to upcoming students is to explore, enjoy, learn from your mistakes and strike a balance between your experiences and grades since that’s what will last.”

Umme Jannat Taposhi (Lecturer, CSE), receiver of the Chancellor’s Gold Medal (postgraduate programs), stated, “I’m pleased to receive this honour and also share the stagraduge along with my students at the same time. Balancing a full-time job, teaching, and my own education was tough, but self-motivation drove me through. You will succeed if you put in a lot of effort and maintain consistency, regardless of your strengths.”

As the blue gowns drifted away from the campus grounds, the calm sky held on to the memory of three days that had turned familiar spaces into milestones. And just like that, Brac University’s 17th Convocation closed not with an ending, but with futures unfolding beyond its own campus for the first time.