Diploma Ceremony 2025 at FHR Institute for Higher Education:

“Education is Everything”

Pride and celebration filled the Royal Torarica Ballroom on Saturday, August 30, 2025, as the FHR Institute for Higher Education hosted its annual Graduation Ceremony. In the presence of family, friends, faculty, and distinguished guests, 69 master’s and 85 bachelor’s graduates proudly received their diplomas, marking the culmination of a journey defined by discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance.

The ceremony was opened with an address by Rector Mr. Dr. Hans Lim A Po, who congratulated the graduates on behalf of the institute. He reminded them that their success reflected not only their own determination but also the steadfast support of teachers, family, and friends. Declaring that “education is everything,” Lim A Po stressed that the true value of education lies not in personal gain but in the contributions graduates make to society. Reflecting on history, he noted that nations rich in natural resources often remain unequal and underdeveloped when education is neglected, while resource-poor countries that invest in education systems thrive. For Suriname, now on the cusp of offshore oil and gas development, the challenge is to avoid the mistakes of the past and seize the opportunity to build a just and sustainable society.

Lim A Po emphasized that good governance and economic discipline are essential, but lasting progress cannot exist without quality education. He outlined FHR’s commitment to four national educational objectives: enrichment of human beings, transformation of the extractive mindset, commitment to the public good, and the prioritization of higher education. Concluding powerfully, he declared, “Education is everything, and without it the country is doomed.” He urged the graduates to see their education not merely as a personal triumph but as a responsibility to Suriname.

Following his speech, Drs. Dirk Currie, Minister of Education, Science, and Culture, took the stage. He began by honoring Dr. Lim A Po for twenty-five years of commitment to higher education in Suriname, acknowledging that FHR’s mission has always been driven not by commercial motives but by a profound belief that education is the foundation of a knowledge-based society. Currie described the graduation as a milestone not only for the individuals receiving their diplomas but also for the nation, as their sacrifices and determination strengthen families, communities, and the country’s development.

The Minister reflected on education’s role in Suriname’s independence and identity, stressing the need to constantly adapt to global realities—from migration and globalization to the urgent challenges of climate change, sustainability, and digital transformation. He urged graduates to be globally competitive while remaining firmly rooted in Surinamese culture, balancing economic progress with biodiversity and cultural heritage. With oil and gas revenues on the horizon, he warned against the “paradox of plenty” and called for leadership to ensure that natural wealth is invested in people, knowledge, and sustainable industries. As one of the world’s most carbon-negative countries, he added, Suriname carries a special responsibility to safeguard its forests, rivers, and biodiversity.

Currie encouraged graduates to foster entrepreneurship in agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, and technology, while proudly representing Suriname on the global stage. A diploma, he reminded them, is not merely a ticket to a career but a responsibility to society. He closed by underscoring four guiding values—critical thinking, ethical leadership, collaboration, and resilience—concluding that success must be measured not by what one acquires but by what one contributes.

On behalf of the Board of FHR Institute for Higher Education, Reverend Esteban Kross congratulated the graduates, describing the evening as a celebration of pride, hard work, and resilience. He reminded them that success is never the result of luck but of preparation, effort, and persistence. Every late night of studying, every difficult assignment, and every obstacle overcome had led to this moment. Kross stressed that beyond academic knowledge, the graduates had cultivated essential qualities—teamwork, perseverance, responsibility, and character. “Knowledge makes one competent, but character makes one trustworthy and strong,” he said. He urged graduates to see their diplomas not only as certificates but as a calling to contribute to a more just, sustainable, and humane society.

Quoting Abraham Lincoln— “The best way to predict the future is to create it”—he reminded them that their choices will shape Suriname’s tomorrow, especially as they assume positions where temptations such as corruption and selfishness may arise. Remaining true to integrity and values, he emphasized, is essential. Reverend Kross concluded with a call to courage, creativity, and faithfulness: “Tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

The international academic partnerships that make FHR’s programs possible were also highlighted. Professor Boris Blumberg (MBA Convener) and Professor Alexander Brüggen (Accounting) attended the ceremony in person, while Professors Jaap Paauwe (HRM) and Wil Hout (Public Administration) conveyed their congratulations via video message. Representing FHR’s partner universities, they reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to delivering education that meets international standards in Suriname. Mr. Roepesh Hari, Director of Education at FHR School of Business, also addressed the BBA graduates, underlining the institute’s continued dedication to excellence.

Adding to the festive spirit, musical performances by Sifra Kerk-Richards, Duncan Brunings, Bryan Muntslag, and Kenrich Blijd filled the ballroom, celebrating the graduates’ achievements with artistry and joy.

Special recognition was given to outstanding graduates. Charnelle Dongo, the top graduate of the Master in Human Resource Management program, was honored in her absence following her recent relocation abroad. In recognition of her achievement, the second outstanding student at the master’s level, Leandro Loswijk of the Master of Accounting program, was invited to address his fellow graduates and the audience. At the bachelor’s level, Stacey Djosari received distinction for her outstanding performance in the Business Administration program, Law and Business. The ceremony was not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a collective call to responsibility. As the graduates of 2025 step into new chapters of their lives, they carry with them diplomas that symbolize far more than academic success. They embody the knowledge, character, and determination to shape Suriname’s future. With education as their foundation, they are entrusted with the task of building a society that is just, sustainable, and profoundly human.