The University of Utah Asia Campus celebrated its sixth commencement ceremony on May 23. The 2024 ceremony honored 160 graduates from six countries.
Mitzi M. Montoya, provost and senior vice president of the University of Utah, who attended the ceremony in person, expressed her admiration for the graduates. “Today, you are the largest graduating class in the 10-year history of the University of Utah Asia Campus. You have shown incredible resilience in overcoming the challenges of the pandemic, and I support each of you as you embark on this exciting new journey,” she remarked.
Meilin Tang Soares, a psychology graduate and student speaker, inspired her peers with a heartfelt message. “We are the ‘COVID class’ that overcame isolation and numerous challenges brought by the pandemic. I hope that we have gained the strength and courage at the University of Utah Asia Campus to move forward fearlessly into the unknown future,” she said.
Muhammad Al-Amin Suharwoto, another student speaker, shared his journey and growth during his time at the University of Utah Asia Campus. “When I first arrived in Korea, I felt lost and anxious, but I realized that these feelings were part of my growth. I encourage my fellow graduates to focus on their own progress and not compare themselves to others. Be patient, work towards your goals, and leave a trail of kindness and empathy wherever you go.”
Held at the Incheon Global Campus Auditorium in Incheon, South Korea, the ceremony was attended by a few hundred people, including Byunggeun Park, CEO of Incheon Global Campus Foundation; Yong Kiel Sung, president of the University of Utah Korean Alumni Association; Gregory Hill, chief administrative officer of the University of Utah Asia Campus; Randy McCrillis, dean of students; as well as students, parents and faculty members.
Congratulatory remarks
- Mitzi M. Montoya, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs
- Byeongguen Park, CEO of lncheon Global Campus Foundation
- Yong Kiel Sung, president of the University of Utah Korean Alumni Association
Student speakers
- Meilin Tang Soares, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology
- Muhammad Al-Amin Suharwoto, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology
- Nicole Codd, graduating with a master’s degree in public health
