This year, Frederick University had the honor of virtually hosting two distinguished, internationally recognized figures during its graduation ceremonies: Professor Jeffrey Sachs and Professor Georgios Babiniotis, both Honorary Doctors of the University.

With the final ceremony held on Wednesday, June 25, Frederick University concluded its Graduation Ceremonies for the 2024–25 academic year.

These ceremonies represent the pinnacle of academic celebration, conducted with great formality and marking a defining moment in students’ lives - the transition to a new, creative chapter of personal and professional growth.

In this celebratory context, the University had the honor of hearing from two distinguished Honorary Doctors, who shared personal messages with the graduating class.

Professor Jeffrey Sachs, one of the world’s most influential economists, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, and President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, joined the Limassol graduation ceremony live from New York. Awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Frederick University in May, Professor Sachs congratulated the graduates and praised the university’s mission:

“I want to say how proud I am of the University and of you for your accomplishments and how lucky you are to be a graduate of this wonderful institution. The mission of the University for improving society and promoting sustainable development in our time is truly inspiring for me.”

He emphasized the global context of their achievement: “We are in the midst of unprecedented and complicated disruptions and change — but we also have fantastic opportunities. With the training that you have, the skills that you have received, with the mission of the university and the remarkable civilizational depth of Cyprus, you have tools and an opportunity now to help the world to be born on the right principles.”

With warmth and humor, Prof. Sachs noted that he had also "graduated" recently from Frederick University, referring to his honorary degree: “All I had to do was to give an hour speech,” he joked, while recognizing the dedication and effort that brought the students to this milestone.

Watch his live-streamed message here.

Professor Georgios Babiniotis, a leading linguist and the first Honorary Doctor of the University’s School of Education, followed with his own message of congratulations. In a brief but impactful address, he commended the graduates not only on completing their studies but also on choosing: “a dynamic, serious, and trustworthy university—with worthy educators, a capable and creative Rector, and an administration committed to ensuring the quality of your education.” 

He concluded with a heartfelt message: “Leave the gates of this university with your head held high—with pride, confidence, courage, and boldness—as you step into the next phase of your life. With the knowledge and skills you have gained, I am certain you will succeed.”

Watch his message here.

The inspiring words of the two Honorary Doctors underscored the academic highlight of the evening: the conferral of doctoral degrees to students who successfully completed a demanding yet profoundly creative journey of research and discovery.

Frederick University extends its warmest congratulations to its graduates on their accomplishments and expresses sincere gratitude to the two Honorary Doctors for their meaningful and deeply appreciated presence.