Thursday 3 October, or Day 4 of the KSU Freshers’ Week 2024, was marked by a series of prominent visitors who made their way to the Msida Campus to join in the celebratory and exciting atmosphere.
Together with Dr Lydia Abela, Malta’s Prime Minister Dr Robert Abela kicked off the sequence of visits in the morning as he was greeted by University Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella and KSU President, Mr Luke Bonanno, among others. Both were accompanied by Hon. Clifton Grima, the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research & Innovation.
Both the Prime Minister and Dr Lydia Abela paused to engage in lively conversations with students, taking time to listen to their concerns. They were also briefly interviewed live by the University’s radio station, Campus 103.7, where they first recounted the highlights of their own university experience back when they were students, and then encouraged students to make the most of their time here by voicing their own thoughts and listening to others’ ideas to ultimately lead to a better future for their successors.
In the last part of their visit, they were joined by Hon. Chris Bonett, the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure & Public Works.
Hon. Miriam Dalli, the Minister for the Environment, Energy and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour also paid a visit to the UM campus, stopping by several stands, including that of the University itself, where she augured all staff and students well for the upcoming academic year.
For his visit, Dr Bernard Grech, Leader of the Opposition, was accompanied by the Shadow Minister for Education, Hon. Justin Schembri and a number of PN MPs who were keen to learn more about the various offerings on this year’s stands and hear the concerns expressed by those who were manning them.
Reflecting on these visits, University Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella emphasised how valuable it was to see the enthusiasm and hear directly from students, noting that their input always plays a vital role in shaping the university’s future initiatives.
He also echoed his Opening Ceremony Speech motto, Don’t be afraid to speak your mind, as he reiterated that a good university education should enable its students to express themselves boldly, truthfully and without hesitation.
