Press Release

Preparations at the University of the South Pacific Laucala Campus for the September 2013 graduation are well underway.

The graduation ceremony which will take place at the Vodafone Arena on Friday, 6 September, will also see His Majesty, The King of Tonga, Tupou VI officiate in his capacity as 20th Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific.  His Majesty was recently installed as Chancellor at the USP Tonga Graduation ceremony held in July of this year.

In his first official visit as USP Chancellor, His Majesty will also be touring the University’s Laucala Campus on Thursday morning, meeting with key senior staff and sections of USP.

His Majesty carries on the tradition of distinguished individuals across USP's 12 member countries, holding the title of Chancellor.  His late father, His Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV was the first Chancellor of USP.

Given that His Majesty will also be visiting Fiji for the first time as Tonga's monarch, the Tongan community based in Fiji will also be conducting a formal welcome ceremony for him on Wednesday. Several USP staff and a significant USP student population will join the wider Tongan community to welcome their monarch.

Over 700 students will be graduating at Friday’s ceremony, with at least 600 being expected to attend.

The University holds two annual graduation ceremonies at its Laucala campus, with the first one being held in April.