The first session of the Durban leg of the Durban University of Technology Technology (DUT) Autumn Graduation ceremonies got off to a thrilling start, where an impressive 240 students were conferred with their Degrees and Diplomas from the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment earlier today, 07 May 2018 at the Fred Crookes Sport Centre, Steve Biko Campus, Durban.

During this session, seven post-graduate students were conferred with the Degree of Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering for their groundbreaking dissertations exploring various topics in the Chemical Engineering programme. Of the 240 students who graduated in the first session, 19 of them received Cum Laude.

Ululations, cheers, whistles and rapturous applauses were the prominent features from families, parents and friends who were joyously cheering on their children and friends who had made them proud through their graduation.
Befitting to the mood and significance of this day, the graduation venue was akin to a fashion show, with graduates and parents ravishingly stylish and fashionable with alluring hairstyles, designer dresses, tailored suits and traditional attires.

Vishay Ramdhav who graduated with a National Diploma in Chemical Engineering said he can’t describe his excitement with words, “It was hectic but it was all worth it in the end, I can’t express my excitement right now but I’m over the moon. Now I’m looking forward to doing my BTech,” he said.

Even though Fikile Ntuli has attended graduation ceremonies for his other two children before, she said the feeling of witnessing the graduation of her child is a remarkable and exciting moment. Ntuli is a mother to Velisiwe Ntuli who graduated with a National Diploma in Chemical Engineering. “I’m very happy for my child and would like to thank God for this. She worked very hard on her studies and she deserves this,” Ntuli said with excitement.

Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Prof Theophilus Andrew congratulated graduates for making history for themselves as well as their families through their graduation. “You should thank your parents and academic staff because without their support you could not have made it this far. Serve your profession with a passion but remember to look at the world from all perspectives, as you are now entering the second stage of your lifelong learning experience,” said Prof Andrew.

The Durban leg of the Autumn Graduation ceremonies will conclude next week Monday, 14 May 2018. Congratulations to all graduates who will be graduating in this graduation season.

Pictured: Durban University of Technology (DUT) graduates eagerly waiting for their names to be called during the 09h00 session graduation ceremony on 07 May 2018 at Fred Crookes Sport Centre, Steve Biko Campus, Durban.

Nduduzo Ndlovu