KARACHI: As many as 383 students were awarded degrees in various disciplines at the 14th convocation of Ziauddin University held at the Expo Centre on Thursday.

The university awarded the Sir Ziauddin Ahmed Academic Excellence Gold Medal to nine high achievers: Mohammed Shariq (dental surgery), Taliya Karim (biomedical), Mirza Omer Baig (media sciences), Aiesha (medical technology), Zinnia Mohsin (speech language therapy), Hina Murad (generic), Zoya Jabeen (physical therapy), Hareem Arif (MBBS) and Urooj Sheikh (Pharm D).

“During my four-year education, I constantly did internships in different organisations. I think it’s the key to my success. Having the ability to interact, socialise and conveying your message strongly are qualities that give you an edge in a field like media sciences,” said Mirza Omer Baig, the recipient of the best graduate award in media sciences, as he shared his sentiments with journalists after the ceremony.

He acknowledged support of his parents and teachers in his success. Baig’s future plans included doing master’s from the Institute of Business Administration in marketing and advertising.

For Zinnia Mohsin, the gold medallist in speech language therapy, it was important to prepare and complete study projects on time for an outstanding academic performance.

“None of my family members are connected with medicine but I feel proud that I chose this field and acquired a distinction. The field of speech, language and hearing sciences plays a crucial role in rehabilitation not just for patients with genetic health issues, but also for those recovering from a stroke, trauma or cancer,” she explained.

Another high achiever was Anum Shahid of the college of media sciences who also delivered the valedictory speech. “I worked hard on my assignments and always tried to [take] good notes. I think this helped me achieve success,” she said.

Earlier, Prof Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, the university’s vice chancellor, in his welcome address highlighted the institution’s progress and said more than 2,000 students had graduated since its inception.

Advising students, he said: “Seek and gain more and more knowledge as this is a real value addition to human beings. And, bear in mind that you have taken the oath to abide by professional ethics and be ready to serve humanity, speak truthfully and practice your profession without any prejudice.”

Speaking as the chief guest at the ceremony, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah congratulated students on their success, urging them to serve the country with honesty and dedication.

“You are the custodians of rich traditions and values. Your accomplishment is a source of pride not only for yourself but also for the university and the country,” he said.

Higher Education Commission Chair­man Dr Mukhtar Ahmed praised the university’s efforts and its faculty for training students at par with international standards.

A knowledge-based society was a nation’s real asset and students could be change-makers, he said.

A message on behalf of university chancellor Dr Asim Hussain was also read out.

The disciplines in which the degrees were awarded included medicine, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, biomedical engineering, physical therapy, medical technology and media sciences.

Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2017