BY FRANKLIN KOLMA

About 353 final year undergraduate students will mark their completion of studies at Divine Word University’s Madang campus on Friday when they partake in the ninth annual missioning ceremony.

The ceremony will be witnessed by over 700 parents and guardians, and is the university and its students formal way of appreciation for the support given by parents and guardians during their time as members of the DWU community.

During the event, each student will be given a DWU pendant in the shape of a cross which has been blessed. The cross symbolises students’ readiness into the workforce as professionals who possess Christ-like principles promoted through DWU core values.

The values are integrity, academic excellence, community service/engagement, respect, diversity, hospitality, learning for life and social responsibility.

About 40 per cent of the final year undergraduate students who have completed studies are from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS).

Majority of the students from this faculty are from rural health program, which produces health professionals to work as rural health officers formerly known as health extension officers.

The Faculty of Business and Informatics will have over 120 students participating. Out of this, 47 students are from the business accounting program. The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences will have over 60 students.

Pacific Islands Forum secretary general, Dame Meg Taylor will give the parental address on behalf of parents.