ʻATENISI INSTITUTE

In his final fortnight as Prime Minister, Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke committed the Government to expediting the University’s eight-year-old application for accreditation. “We must try and do something to change the standard,” he assured a crowded hall at Davina House 29 November, gathered to fete ‘Atenisi’s half-century. “The main criteria must be the acceptance of ‘Atenisi’s diplomas overseas. That’s the main thing!” he emphasised to spirited applause.

Indeed, over the past decade ‘Atenisi graduates have twice qualified – and deployed – postgraduate fellowships at Northern Illinois University outside Chicago, USA, as well as postgraduate stipends at the University of Fiji and the University of Wroclaw in southwestern Poland. “His Majesty and the Government are grateful", Dr Eke concluded, "for the great service ’Atenisi has provided for our citizens over the past fifty years.”

Attached to the celebration was the conferring of five diplomas to deserving graduands, i.e. Rev. Marvin E Stow [Associate: Teaching English Language], Placido Lolohea [B.A. Distinction], Matthew Kalaniuvalu [B.A. Distinction], ‘Olivia Lolohea [B.A. Dux and High Distinction], and Soloni Lutui [M.A., Philosophy of Physics]. Vasalua Jenner-Helu was advanced to PhD candidacy on the recommendation of her thesis chair, Dr Lorenz Gonschor at USP/Laucala, who called her to the podium to receive her certificate following the conferring of diplomas.

Lastly, ‘Atenisi’s outgoing dean, Dr Michael Horowitz, was inducted as University Fellow on the recommendation of the Faculty. He will be shortly leaving the Pacific to assume a staff position at a psychotherapy centre in Vermont, USA.

Note: The half-century celebration of the university ought not be confused with the half-century celebration of the supervising Institute that was belatedly held in 2017.