Westford University College, located in the UAE, is a well-reputed and sought-after transnational educational partner of leading international universities, delivering quality education since 2008. La Reussite, the institution's annual felicitation celebration, was held on March 18 and 19, 2023 in Mina Al Salam, Madinat Jumeirah, UAE. The event featured five distinct ceremonies honouring the institution's undergraduate, postgraduate, M.Phil., and DBA graduates. The felicitation ceremony celebrated academic achievement and marked the start of a new chapter in the lives of the graduates.
Hanil Das, Co-founder, and CEO of Westford University College opened the ceremony by spotlighting the highlights of the event and emphasising the awe that the students earned for their efforts and accomplishments. In his message to the graduates he said, "The challenges you faced during your academic journey have prepared you well for the real world. Success is not just about achieving personal goals; it's about making a positive impact on the world around you. I encourage you to use your education and experiences to become leaders who inspire change and create a better future for all."
Over a thousand individuals attended the two-day celebration, including graduates from the class of 2022, their families, patrons, and guests from partner universities. The event was live broadcasted on Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn, with over 5,000 views globally.
The first ceremony, held on March 18, 2023, saw the graduation of students pursuing undergraduate degrees at Westford in collaboration with Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). Dr. Julia Wang, Director of International Relations (LJMU) UK, and Dr. Emma Roberts, Associate Dean Global Engagement and Faculty of Arts, Professional and Social Sciences (LJMU) UK, attended the event and presented congratulatory testamurs to students, making the day even more memorable for the graduates.
Firoz Thairinil, the Founder of Westford Education Group also took to the stage at the first ceremony to share a few words of wisdom with the students. He said, “Remember, success will follow if you follow your passion and failure is not an unwanted guest, it is a part of who you are. Without failures, there cannot be success. And always be grateful to your family, society, and the people around you. It took a team of people to get you to where you are. So, look for opportunities where you can give back and be the support system that someone else needs. Lastly, always believe in yourself.”
The second and third ceremonies of the day honoured students studying MBAs, MPhils, and Doctor of Business Administration in collaboration with Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM). Representatives, Jose Luis Mendoza García, Director of Institutional Relations, UCAM, Samuel Mendoza García, Director of Infrastructures and Digital Development, Dr Gonzalo Wandosell Fernández de Bobadilla, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law, and Ernesto García Rodríguez, Corporate Partnerships Manager of UCAM travelled from Spain to Dubai to attend the UCAM students' felicitation ceremonies.
Miss Mona Golshun Suroor, pursuing DBA at Westford, says, “Westford offers its students with a great opportunity to achieve a M.Phil. on their journey to pursuing a DBA. It puts a lot of theories into perspective from a management point of view. I am grateful to Westford, and this memorable and amazingly put-together event.”
The inaugural ceremony held on March 19, 2023, honoured the postgraduate students earning an MBA at another one of Westford's prominent partners, Cardiff Metropolitan University (CMU). Prof. David Brooksbank, Senior Dean of the Cardiff School of Management at Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK, addressed the students and congratulated them, stating, "It is a great day that you will all remember for the rest of your lives. I should begin by complimenting you on seeking qualification of this type and level; it is not an easy task."
The celebrations concluded well with the second and final La Reussite ceremony, which honoured undergraduate and postgraduate students from two more Westford partners, Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), UK and Girne American University (GAU). Richard Pole, Senior Lecturer and Course Director for BSc Tourism Management & MA/BSc in Tourism Studies (CCCU Business School), and Mr Ismet Esenyel, Vice Rector and Director of Global Strategy and Partnerships (GAU) travelled in from the UK and Cyprus to present the students with their testamurs and commemorate their special day with them.
"On this day, I'm reminded of a saying that has kept me motivated throughout the course of my master's degree - "to educate a woman is to educate a whole generation," and I want to thank Westford for allowing me and many other women - working or not - to continue our education online. I don't believe there is a wrong time to pursue one’s passion. "I wholeheartedly endorse Westford," says Rabia Amer, Executive MBA Specialization in Digital Marketing – GAU.
Zawahir Siddique, Dean and Head of Blended Learning at Westford University College, addressed the graduating students at the end of the ceremony to congratulate them on reaching a new milestone, saying, "We are so happy to see you all graduate; we are proud of the hard work and sacrifice that each of you has made." I realise it has taken a lot of time away from your friends, family, and others who have supported you during this process. I'm sure your education doesn't stop here. It is a lifelong pursuit to learn more, know more, and do more — not only for yourself but also for others."
