This year’s department luncheon for students who are graduating in Semester 2, as well as those students who have graduated in Semester 1 of this AY was held on Monday, 19 May, 2014, from 12-2PM in LT14. In the past, the luncheon had been held on the same day of the commencement. However, this was not the case for this year since the commencement day for psychology (July 8) falls within our Muslim friends’ fasting month.
The luncheon was attended by some faculty members and office staff in addition to the students. The atmosphere was very relaxed with lots of photo-taking as well as catching up with fellow cohorts. Students and faculty mingled, sat together, and chatted as they enjoyed the sumptuous lunch.
The event included a welcome message by the head of the department, A/P Sim Tick Ngee, who updated the students on various departmental efforts to improve student experience, as well as a reminder that faculty members will be present for photo-taking on the Commencement day itself. Mr. Chua Sin Chew, a representative from the Office of Alumni Relations, presented a brief talk on various ways that an alumnus can connect with his/her fellow alumni and the university. In his talk, Mr. Chua also highlighted the benefits of being NUS alumni, as well as free events and services provided for alumni (e.g., lifetime e-mail address, NUS alumni card which may be used to get discounts at certain partner vendors, etc). The luncheon concluded with a photo/video presentation prepared by the NUSPsyche. The presentation drew some laughter and chuckles, and it definitely showed the lighter side of the faculty, staff, and students.
A Linus stuffed toy was distributed to each of the graduates and graduating seniors who attended the luncheon and this was made possible by the generous support of the Office of Alumni Relations.
Here’s wishing all the graduates all the best in their future endeavours, and I would like to end this brief report with a quote from William James, one of the greatest philosophers/psychologists of all time:
“Begin to be now what you will be hereafter.”
Note: Special thanks to Yeo Pei Shi, Filbert Koung Wen Jie, Alexis Loh Jen Ing, and Tan Sze Chuan for the help during the event.
Dr. Travellia Tjokro (Alumni Coordinator)
