All convocations are memorable events - but the first convocation of a new university certainly ranks as the most significant event of its history. The meticulously planned and punctiliously executed, first Graduation Ceremony of Mohammad Ali Jinnah University, Islamabad Campus, was held on 21st November 2002 at the Convention Center. The event had been looked forward to by the faculty and students with great fervor. It would be an understatement to remark that the dignified manner in which the ceremony was held and the zeal with which the students and graduates participated in it exceeded all expectations. Such was the exuberance of the students' body that campus's somber looking building was transformed into a colorful edifice: walls adorned with decorative slogans, charts, buntings, banners and other visuals, announcing the event and congratulating the graduates.

The planning of the event was an arduous task. It was the first educational event to be held in the Convention Center. Hence, there was little by way of precedence to go by. Every step and stage of the event was thought of, planned and executed with full regard to the solemnity of the ceremony and joyous sentiments of those students who were due to receive the just rewards for their labors. The organizers succeeded in achieving such a delicate balance that neither glamour was sacrificed for solemnity nor petty joviality was permitted to cloud the dignity of the occasion.

Proceedings of Convocation

The grand procession - headed by Honorable Mr. Justice Sheikh Riaz Ahmed Chief Justice of Pakistan and Chancellor Mian Amer Mehmood, followed by the administration, Board of Governors, faculty, and the graduating students of Mohammad Ali Jinnah University - entered into the Convention Hall with great pomp. National Anthem was played. The chief guest declared the convocation open. Recitation of Holy Quran by Mr. Haroon Rashid Student of BS-7 followed by its translation. Executive Vice President, gave a comprehensive introduction on the status and operations of the University, outlining all major the achievements of the last 4 years. He lauded the efforts of the teachers, the hard work of the graduating students and the faith their parents held in the institute - all of which had culminated in the memorable day for all of them to be pride of. The President of M.A.J.U., Dr. Abdul Wahab, in his address, advised the graduates to contribute to the welfare of our society while they play their roles as good professionals. He prayed for their success in life and for their courage to make Pakistan a model of democracy, prosperity, equality and good governance. Dean School of Management Sciences, presented the graduating students of MBA to the Chancellor, followed by the presentation of graduating students of BS and MS Computer Science by Dean School of Engineering and Sciences. The Chancellor, upon request from the Deans, authorized the President of M.A.J.U. to confer the degrees on graduating students. The President conferred the degrees to the graduating students. A total of 112 graduates were awarded degrees. Gracefully lined up, the graduates came up one by one in a dignified and disciplined manner to receive their degrees from the Chancellor..
Addressing the august house, Chancellor Mian Amer Mehmood advised the graduating students that the day marked the beginning of a new era of their lives, their degrees being the first step in the world of wisdom. He hoped that with the zest to work hard, instilled in them by M.A.J.U, they would be able to realize their true potential and prove to be of the greatest value to our country.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Justice Sheikh Riaz Ahmed, Chief Justice of Pakistan, delivered his address. He said that there were no shortcuts to success life, hence to succeed in the fiercely competitive business world the students would need to have a clear vision of life, their goals and pursuits.
The Chief Guest Mr. Justice Sheikh Riaz Ahmed - Chief Justice of Pakistan- awarded the gold and silver medals to the outstanding students.
The convocation was then declared formally closed by the Chief Guest.

The Chancellor presented the University Crest to the chief guest. The Executive Vice President presented the University Crest to the Chancellor and the President of Mohammad Ali Jinnah University.

The procession departed the Hall with the same grace with which it had entered. Once outside the Hall, the procession was photographed. The evening ended by a sumptuous Iftar-dinner.

All the strenuous rehearsals, the long ungodly hours spent on making arrangements during Ramazan, the attention to a million details, the energy-sapping efforts to ensure best results - all these were handsomely rewarded. The beaming faces of the graduating students, the enthusiastic response of the proud parents, and the extensive media coverage turned out to be a morale booster for the management team who had spared no effort or cost in ensuring the success of the event. Convocation committee was praised by all for their efforts. Equally, the event's success is sure to serve as a major motivational factor for the current students.

EXCERPTS FROM SPEECH BY Mr. JUSTICE SHIEKH RIAZ AHMED (CHIEF JUSTICE OF PAKISTAN), CHIEF GUEST

Your degree has equipped you with a quantity of knowledge and skills. The use of this knowledge is however still dependent on your own attitude to life. You can use this knowledge merely for the mundane objective of earning a livelihood, or for a more noble aim of playing an effective role in the development of your nation. You must make the right choice. My advice to you is that on this choice depends the quality of our country's future.

My dear graduates, there is no shortcut to success in the practical life. Whatever job you will undertake, it will demand a high sense of responsibility, dedication, commitment, devotion and understanding. In order to succeed in the fiercely competitive business world, you need to have a clear vision of life, your goals and pursuits. What I have gathered from your Chancellor and President's address to you is that you have been provided with adequate opportunity to translate your personalities into success-oriented, focused, well-trained, and committed individuals. I have, therefore, no doubt that you will earn pride not only for yourself but also for the nation by your conduct and contribution to its well-being

EXCERPTS FROM SPEECH BY MIAN AMER MAHMOOD, CHANCELLOR

Those of you who have earned a degree must remember that this is just the beginning of a new era in your life. A degree, be it a bachelors degree, a masters degree or a doctorate, is only the start of a world of wisdom and knowledge. You are undoubtedly well equipped for your future, not only in your chosen careers but also in many other aspects of your life.

The need to develop your personal skills and expertise will, however, always be present. I hope that Jinnah has given you a zest to continue 'learning for life' so that you can realize your full potential and become of the greatest value to our beloved country while at the same time gaining the sense of maximum personal achievement.

It is pertinent to mention that our graduates have performed extremely well, wherever they have secured admission in renowned universities abroad and are achieving laurels not just for themselves but for their country also. Their success and achievements are a source of pride and contentment for us.

Remember what our Holy prophets (SA) told us: "acquisition of Knowledge is the duty of all Muslims men and Muslims women." Go forth to perform your duty. May the blessings of Allah Be upon you.

EXCERPTS FROM SPEECH BY Dr. ABDUL WAHAB, PRESIDENT

Do not forget that you are graduating from Mohammad Ali Jinnah University. The first part of the name of your University is Mohammad - The Holy Prophet (PBUH). This reminds you that in your personal life and interaction with other people, you must follow the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

The second part of the name of your University is Ali, who is known as Bab-ul-ilm or Gate of Knowledge. It emphasizes the importance of knowledge. The award of a degree is not the end of learning rather these degrees equip and motivate you to understand and acquire more knowledge.

The third part of the name of the University is Jinnah. This reminds you of leadership to meet challenges and not to give up hope even when circumstances are hostile.

EXCERPTS FROM SPEECH BY E.V.P.

We are rising to the challenges of higher education in the twenty-first century. We offer undergraduate and graduate programmes in computer science, computer engineering, telecommunication engineering, bio-informatics, business administration, hotel management, media management and doctorate program in computer engineering. We are constantly updating our curriculum to ensure that it is always in line with the demands of the time.

University provides opportunities to the students to realize their full potential by honing their basic skills, equipping them with relevant knowledge and instilling in them a firm sense of social justice, responsible leadership and commitment to the country.

In a short span of just four years, Jinnah has come a long way. The Islamabad Campus started with only 42 students in 1998; its present enrolment is almost 1000. Almost 60% of our total enrolment enjoys some form of bursary or fee concession or scholarships.

1 Mr. Amjad Iqbal
Silver Medal
MBA
Fall 2000 to Summer 2001
Graduates with a cumulative grade point average of 3.68 on a 4.0 scale and is designated as graduate cum laude.

2 Mr. Omer Akbar
Gold Medal
MBA
Fall 2000 to Summer 2001
Graduates with a cumulative grade point average of 3.84 on a 4.0 scale and is designated as graduate magna cum laude.

3 Miss Mahwish Anjum
Silver Medal
MBA
Fall 2001 to Summer 2002
Graduates with a cumulative grade point average of 3.83 on a 4.0 scale and is designated as graduate magna cum laude.

4 Miss Sobia Javed
Silver Medal
MBA
Fall 2001 to Summer 2002
Graduates with a cumulative grade point average of 3.83 on a 4.0 scale and is designated as graduate magna cum laude.

5 Mr.Salman Ali
Gold Medal
MBA
Fall 2001 to Summer 2002
Graduates with a cumulative grade point average of 3.9 on a 4.0 scale and is designated as graduate magna cum laude.

6 Miss Binish Tanveer
Silver Medal
BS Computer Science
Fall 2001 to Summer 2002
Graduates with a cumulative grade point average of 3.68 on a 4.0 scale and is designated as graduate cum laude.

7 Miss Zil-e-Huma
Gold Medal
BS Computer Science
Fall 2001 to Summer 2002
Graduates with a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale and is designated as graduate cum laude.