Brac University organized an online orientation program for the new students of Summer 2021, on 17 June, 2021. It was broadcasted live on the university’s Facebook page.
The program started with a video tribute to the founder of the University, Late Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, KCMG. Professor Vincent Chang, Vice-Chancellor, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Tahsan Rahman Khan, eminent songwriter, actor and a former Brac University faculty, attended the program as a special guest. Dr. David Dowland, Registrar, Dr. Samia Huq, Dean, School of General Education and Professor also attended the event as distinguished speakers.
Dr. David Dowland, Registrar highlighted the scopes of availing potential scholarship opportunities and financial aid at Brac University. He encouraged the freshers to feel absolutely free and open to seek any kind of assistance from the university in case of need. Dr. Samia Huq, Dean, School of General Education discussed important academic aspects and unique features of the university in her speech.
The special guest, Mr. Tahsan Rahman Khan advised the freshers to be open to the change and any kind of challenges they have been exposed to. “Nothing is constant and we need to learn from every new experience,” he said. As the students will evolve in next four years through different types of experiences, it is crucial to learn separating negative emotions from the actions to pursue excellence, he added.
“Life is full of possibilities, if you dare to dream and act,” said Vice-Chancellor Professor Vincent Chang in his enlightening speech to the freshers. The Vice-Chancellor shared his own experiences of making choices while moving through different phases of life, exploring various opportunities that life has offered him. The inspiring speech containing the memory of his voyage from the very beginning to become the Vice-Chancellor of Brac University highlighted the conviction that everyone is blessed with some talents and potentials, and from such fortunate position, one can choose to take the opportunities that life has to offer.
“In this wicked, changing and uncertain world, it’s OK to learn slowly, to wander, to experiment, to explore; it’s OK to have detours; it’s OK to try new things without purpose; and compare yourself today to yourself yesterday, not to others who are not you,” said Professor Chang, based on the theme of a book called ‘Range’ by David Epstein, an American author.
Professor Chang also remembered his first conversation with late Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, KCMG. The concept of ‘Brac University 2.0’ which aims to become an international university is the first step toward Sir Fazle Abed’s aspiration for the University to become the Harvard of South Asia. It may take decades to get there but Brac University has already taken the steps to continue the journey, he added.
Marzuq Mohammad Alam, a current student of the university with bright academic excellence also addressed the freshers and shared his experiences of studying at Brac University. The orientation program was conducted by Mr. Saif Hossain, Assistant Professor of Brac Business School.