PM is Chief Guest at FCC Alumni Reunion

The Rector, Dr Armacost, presents a shield to the Prime Minister

6 March 2010: The Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani, was the chief guest at the Alumni Reunion Dinner at Forman Christian College. In his speech he spoke of FCC’s long and glorious tradition of educating leaders. He said a large number of Formanites had served Pakistan as politicians, educationists, businessmen, doctors, jurists, intellectuals and scholars. In his own cabinet, Formanites held important posts such as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Defence and Finance Minister. He praised the core values taught at FCC which contributed to a better Pakistan. By learning to live together with mutual respect and trust, he felt, people of all faiths could contribute to the solution of major problems that face our world.

Earlier, Chaudhry Ahmad Saeed, President of the Formanites Alumni Association and chairman of BHT, had spoken about the growth at FCC and its transition from a college to a chartered university. Referring to the contributions of alumni to the needs-based scholarships for students, he said currently 30% of students were receiving some form of financial aid. Alumni had also donated three buildings. Future plans for the growth of FCC included a new student centre, a new university library, extension of the social sciences building, three new hostels and additional faculty hiring.

The Rector, Dr Peter H Armacost, in his address spoke about the progress FC College had made in the few years since denationalization. He enumerated the changes of the last seven years which include the increase in faculty size and quality, the increased numbers in the Baccalaureate program and the new postgraduate programs. He emphasized the importance of FCC’s liberal arts education which prepares students for a career through depth of teaching, prepares them for their roles as citizens of Pakistan through the breadth of the education, and emphasizes core values. He also stressed the need for scholarships support.

The Reunion ceremony was also attended by many distinguished alumni, including the Federal Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar, MNA Jehangeer Khan Tareen and Mr Pervaiz Shahid, Co-Chairman of Abu Dhabi Group. Distinguished Formanite Awards were presented to Mr Jahangir Khan Tareen for his work for agriculture and community development and education; and to Mr Suleman Ghani for his leadership in planning and development and commitment to poverty reduction and higher education. The speeches and awards were followed by dinner for the alumni, faculty and guests and a musical performance by the renowned singer Shafqat Amanat Ali.