On October 29, Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor of Troy University in the US, came to Danang to award diplomas to 36 DTU graduates of the joint American Degree Program (ADP). Notably, many of the new graduates had already found excellent jobs at large local companies while still studying.
Troy University (US) Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. and DTU (Vietnam) Provost, Hero of Labor and Meritorious Teacher Le Cong Co speaking at the graduation ceremony
Dr. Hawkins had much to say at the ceremony: “Troy University is proud of our partnership with DTU and also proud to be the first American university to award Bachelor’s degrees in Vietnam. Troy University is known as “Alabama’s International University”: a school that educates students from all over the world, including the 800 from Vietnam who are studying here at DTU or with us in America. The past two years have been especially challenging globally because of Covid, limiting travel and communications, causing chaos and limiting personal contact and travel, with online teaching becoming a viable alternative. Despite all this, you all kept going and today finally earned your American Bachelor’s degrees, which is especially meaningful as the relationship between our countries continues to strengthen even faster. DTU has succeeded in transforming you all into internationally aware and competitive graduates.”
“Congratulations to our newly graduated Bachelors! Today you become part of a community of more than 170 thousand Troy University graduates around the world. Stay in touch with the university, be good citizens, and strive for lifelong learning. Your knowledge and skills have now been broadened, use them in the service of others and, meanwhile, build a bright future for yourselves. My university and I are truly proud of you.”
Among the 36 DTU ADP graduates today, 19 came from Tourism & Hospitality Management and 17 from Computer Science. Many of them found jobs before graduation, notable examples being:
- Doan Thuy Linh at ONE Tech Stop Vietnam
- The Nam Hai at Quang Nam province
- Le Thi Ly at TMA Solutions in HCMC
- Pham Quang Du at FPT Software Danang
- Phan Van Hieu at Gear Inc
- Nguyen Thi Hong Yen at CMC Global
- Pham Tuan Dung at the New Orient Hotel in Danang
- Tran Khanh Linh at the Four Seasons Resort
Professor. Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., Chancellor of Troy University
Excited on receiving his prestigious US university degree, Doan Thuy Linh, a newly graduated Bachelor of Computer Science said: “Four years at university is not too long in a lifetime, but it is important for us to gain experience and realize how valuable a university education can be. These are the youthful years when we are nurtured, we mature, grow intellectually and begin to contribute to and live life to the full. Today is not only an important day for us, but also for our families, relatives and teachers. From the bottom of our hearts, we are very grateful for their dedicated education and support. In the future, no matter where we are or what we are doing, we’ll always be proud of DTU, which allowed us to grow into who we are today.”
The Korean Provost of the DTU International School, Professor Lim Sang-taek, offers flowers to graduates
The ADP program in association with Troy University was structured according to US accreditation standards. Students study at DTU and all subjects are taught in English. 70% of the subjects are taught in-person by professors from the US and Troy University and the remaining 30% are taught by DTU’s foreign lecturers, providing a high-quality American academic environment, totally in Vietnam, at very low cost.
Troy University was established in Alabama in 1887. It is a public institution and one of the leading public universities in the US, in terms of lecturer quality, student activities and sports. The university currently has about 27 thousand students in the US and elsewhere, with 4 campuses in the US, and in more than 62 other educational facilities in twelve different countries.
Joyful students with their lecturers on one of the most important days of their lives
DTU Chairman, Hero of Labor and Meritorious Teacher Le Cong Co welcomed Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Vice-Chancellors Dr. Sohail Agboatwala and Dr. Lance Tatum, and Troy University International Sites Director, Ms. Sharron Becton. He shared his thoughts on that happy day as the highly trained DTU graduates became global citizens.
“You have been able to study for an American degree in Vietnam at relatively low cost. That’s very fortunate for you, as graduates of the first prestigious American degree program in Central Vietnam. I am very happy to welcome Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., the two Vice Chancellors Dr Sohail Agboatwala and Dr Lance Tatum, and Troy University International Sites Director Ms. Sharron Becton.”
“The Troy University leadership has been very thoughtful in creating the ideal academic environment here in Central Vietnam. This region suffered heavily during wartime, is poor, and suffers from natural disasters year after year, so we deeply thank Troy University for this. Actually, there’s something predestinated in our relationship because Dr. Hawkins, who was a lieutenant in the US marines, first landed in Danang, spent 13 months here and fell deeply in love with the region. After returning to the US, he decided to work in education and rose to the position of Chancellor at Troy University.
“I was a also soldier of the Liberation Army and, after the war, I also worked in education. Just like Dr Hawkins, I also was Provost of DTU for many years. As two soldiers on opposing front lines, it seemed that we’d never meet again, the war was ferocious. However, on the road to knowledge, we are now working closely together provide the best international education, without borders. Dr. Hawkins probably also thought that he’d never have a chance to return to Danang again. Today, two soldiers meet on the ‘battlefield’ of education, close a chapter of the past, and are working together to build new, local, modern and unique academic opportunities”
(Media Center)