HONG KONG (SE): Saint Francis University [SFU] held a two-day graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025 on February 28. The event marked the conferment of master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees, as well as higher diplomas and diplomas, on more than 1,470 graduates—an increase of approximately seven per cent from last year.
Nearly half of this year’s graduates majored in nursing, physiotherapy or social work.
The ceremony was officiated by Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., chairperson of the board of governors and bishop of the Diocese of Hong Kong; Denis Chang Khen-lee S.C., chairperson of the university council; Father Peter Choy Wai-man, vice-chairperson of the board of governors and vicar general; Father Joseph Yim Tak-lung, vice-chairperson of the university council and chief executive of Caritas-Hong Kong; and Professor Stephen Cheung Yan-leung, president. Together, they joined the graduates and their families in celebrating this significant milestone.
For the 2025 academic year, SFU’s student enrolment also increased by over five per cent year-on-year. The university will continue to develop and launch new programmes at various levels, offering students diverse study pathways aligned with evolving socioeconomic developments.
Professor Stephen Cheung extended his heartfelt congratulations to the graduates in a video message, encouraging them to persevere and apply their professional knowledge in real-world settings. “I sincerely hope they will draw inspiration from the University’s motto, Ad Destinatum Persequor [With zeal and perseverance, strive towards the goal], and strive to excel not only in Hong Kong but also across our nation, where they can fully realise their potential and pursue a bright future,” he said.
He added that the steady increase in both graduate numbers and student enrolments demonstrates the university’s pioneering role in advancing the University of Applied Sciences model.
It was also the final year that SFU and the former Caritas Bianchi College of Careers jointly hosted the ceremony, as the latter has now become an academic department within the university
Reflecting SFU’s strong partnerships with industry, several distinguished leaders were invited to share their insights at the ceremony. These included Lam Ching-choi, chief executive officer of Haven of Hope Christian Service and non-official member of the Executive Council of the Hong Kong government; Derrick Pang Yat-bond, executive vice president of the Hong Kong Young Industrialists Council and chief executive officer of Asia Allied Infrastructure Holdings Limited; Sylvia Fung Yuk-kuen, president of the Hong Kong Academy of Nursing & Midwifery; and William Chui Chun-ming, chief pharmacist at the Hospital Authority.
This year’s ceremony held special significance for the SFU community, as it coincided with the second anniversary of its retitling—a milestone marked by notable achievements and continued progress.
It was also the final year that SFU and the former Caritas Bianchi College of Careers jointly hosted the ceremony, as the latter has now become an academic department within the university.
