2016-04-29Staff Report 2 Ongwediva Vice Chancellor of the University of Namibia (Unam) Professor Lazarus Hangula on Thursday bestowed a medal of academic merit on Auguste Petrus for her exceptional academic performance that surpassed the achievements of other graduates. Hangula said the award of merit presented was the first ever to be received by a northern Unam campus student. “This special award is to be received by a student who passed all modules with 70 percent throughout the entire study session, from the first year. The student should have passed all major subjects with not less than 80 percent to the finish,” the vice chancellor explained. Petrus also received her Bachelor of Nursing Clinical Science Honours degree on the day. The 30-year-old student noted that she also has a certificate in nursing, which she acquired at the Oshakati Health Training Centre. Petrus said she was an enrolled nurse for four years, but resigned to fulfil her wish of becoming a qualified nurse. “Studies were hectic, I studied really hard. I enjoyed studying in groups with my fellow students and I would always take notes in class. It takes a self-determined, courageous and prayerful student to graduate with a Cum Laude, like myself,” she said proudly. Petrus revealed that she faced major challenges along the way, such as a lack of accommodation on campus and she had to rent in Oshakati. She also endured financial hardship. She further noted that the Oshakati Unam campus library is not well-equipped, but she was very determined to study hard no matter the challenges. Petrus said that she would be going back to Unam to complete her master’s degree next year. 2016-04-29Staff Report 2
