Graduation address from the General Manager of UNYP

Adversity, perseverance, tolerance, and patience are some of the life lessons that we have all had to learn over the last few years. The fact is that we live in an imperfect world, and every day we must learn how to cope and how to hope.  During your time at UNYP, we gave you the opportunity to earn the skills needed to solve the problems of this imperfect world. Through your graduation, you have proven to us and your families that you are ready to go into the world and take up your charge. So, don’t just hope that the world will get better – be the catalyst for better, make the changes!

You are graduating from various programs – from business to psychology, communications and international relations. Individually, you can make changes and you will, but also remember that as alumni of diverse cultures, backgrounds, programs, and core skills, together you can change the world. Today you are part of a global network of UNYP graduates and alumni that have the skills to make the world a better place, to make each day a little more perfect than the last, and I know you will. Don’t settle for an imperfect world anymore, don’t waste the knowledge you acquired during your years at UNYP, don’t forget the friends you made here when you all move away…find ways to work together and together you will be stronger. Together, you can achieve anything.

By graduating, you will leave the physical campus of UNYP, but you will always be a part of the UNYP community. So today is not a goodbye, but a “see you soon!” As you go into your futures as successful young adults, remember that UNYP is always here for you. Come back and visit us sometimes, get involved in projects with us, come to alumni reunions and be our ambassadors to the greater world. Never forget that there will be so many new generations who will look up to you, to your success and be happy to have your mentorship.

I am proud of each and every one of you and I know you will do well in all you choose to do, just remember to work hard, never stop learning, always reach for the stars, and well, if you get the moon sometimes, that’s ok too… Congratulations to all of you, the class of ‘22, our graduates!

Sotiris Foutsis, General Manager