Today (28 February) marked the first day of Saint Francis University's (SFU) two-day Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2025. The ceremony celebrated the conferment of master's, bachelor's, and associate degrees, as well as higher diplomas and diplomas, upon more than 1,470 graduates—an increase of about 7% compared to that of last year. Nearly half of this year's graduates majored in nursing, physiotherapy, or social work. With the professional qualifications obtained through their studies at the University, they will become the vital force of the respective sectors they will be serving.
For the 2025 academic year, SFU's student enrollment also rose by over 5% year-on-year. SFU will continue to develop and launch new programmes at various levels, providing students with diversified study pathways that align with ongoing socioeconomic developments.
The Ceremony was officiated by the Chairperson of the Board of Governors and Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong His Eminence Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau Yan, S.J.; the Chairperson of Council, Dr. Denis Chang Khen-lee S.C.; the Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Governors and Vicar General of Hong Kong Rev Peter Choy Wai-man; the Vice-Chairperson of Council and Chief Executive of Caritas-Hong Kong Rev Joseph Yim Tak-lung and the President Professor Stephen Cheung Yan-leung. Together, they shared the pride and joy of the graduates and their families.
Professor Stephen Cheung extended his heartfelt congratulations to the graduates through a video message, encouraging them to persevere and apply their professional knowledge in practical settings. "I sincerely hope they will draw inspiration from the University's motto, "Ad Destinatum Persequor" (自強不息), and strive to excel not only in Hong Kong but also across our nation, where they can fully develop their potential and pursue a bright future," he said. He added that the steady rise in both the number of graduates and student enrolments reflects the University's pioneering role in advancing the University of Applied Sciences model.
Given SFU's close partnerships with industry, several distinguished leaders were invited to share their insights at the Ceremony. They included Dr. Lam Ching-choi, Chief Executive Officer of Haven of Hope Christian Service and Non-Official Member of the Executive Council (HKSAR); Ir Dr. Derrick Pang Yat-bond, Executive Vice President of the Hong Kong Young Industrialists Council and Chief Executive Officer of Asia Allied Infrastructure Holdings Limited; Professor Sylvia Fung Yuk-kuen, President of the Hong Kong Academy of Nursing & Midwifery; and Mr. William Chui Chun-ming, Chief Pharmacist of the Hospital Authority.
This year's Ceremony held special significance for the SFU community, coinciding with the second anniversary of its retitling—a milestone marked by notable achievements and continued progress. It was also the final year in which 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. With this strengthened academic structure and enhanced resources, the University is better positioned to support students pursuing diverse pathways for further studies and career development.