The Government College University Lahore held its 22nd Convocation Ceremony, which took place over two days, 28th and 30th September 2023. The second day featured the presentation of the Vice Chancellor's detailed annual report and the conferring of degrees as well as Co-Curricular Rolls of Honour and the lifetime achievement awards to distinguished old Ravians and teachers of Government College University.
The Ceremony began with Dr. Asghar Zaidi, the Vice Chancellor of Government College University, welcoming attendees on behalf of the Syndicate and himself. Dr. Zaidi emphasized the importance of values such as passion, perseverance, empathy, and maintaining a balance between career achievements and personal relationships for success. During his speech, Prof. Zaidi highlighted the university's development projects, including the construction of a girls' hostel, model classrooms, academic block in the new campus, and faculty apartments, amounting to a budget of close to Rs 2 billion rupees in 2022 and 2023. In addition, GC University has initiated a Center of Excellence for Biomaterials and Tissue Sciences, with expectation of funding from the German Science Foundation and the British Council, aimed at development and commercial production of prosthetics. Dr. Zaidi also mentioned the establishment of three new endowment funds, the largest of which is valued at RS 1.5 billion, providing enough financial backing for GCU during many years in the future.
Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Asghar Zaidi honored several distinguished individuals with lifetime achievement awards. Among the recipients were Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal from Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Olympian Manzoorul Hasan, and 7 senior teachers from GCU, namely Prof. Dr. Saadat Saeed, Prof. Dr. Inamul Haque, Prof. Dr. Khalid Hameed Sheikh, Prof. Dr. Zahiruddin Khan, Prof. Dr. Ikram ul Haq, Prof. Dr. Riaz Ahmed, and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Shahid.
The convocation was presided by Dr. Amjad Saqib, Chairman of Akhuwat Foundation and the nominee of the Chancellor, in attendance as a special guest. He delivered an inspiring address, expressing his pride in being a part of the event and highlighting the importance of education for underprivileged children. He emphasized qualities such as integrity, humility, empathy, and passion as an essential for leadership. Moreover, the Muaz Medal, with subtitle "VWB - Vision without Boundaries," was awarded for the first time to a differently-abled special student who demonstrated exceptional achievements.
The best teachers award of Rs 100,000 was given to three most distinguished teachers of GCU.
Overall, the convocation was considered highly successful in celebrating the accomplishments of distinguished individuals and highlighted the university's commitment to development and excellence.