From vision to reality: Parami University celebrates its first bachelor’s graduates

Photo of BA and AA graduates, trustees, and faculty members

Parami University marked a historic milestone on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, with its 2026 Commencement Ceremony at the Chiangmai Grandview Hotel & Convention Center in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Four years after launching its undergraduate programs online, the university celebrated its first-ever cohort of Bachelor of Arts graduates, who received dual degrees from Parami University and Bard College, as well as its third cohort of Associate Degree graduates. In total, 119 graduates were recognized for their academic achievements and perseverance through years of uncertainty, disruption, and adversity.

A Historic Milestone for Parami University

The ceremony celebrated 30 Bachelor of Arts graduates and 89 Associate Degree graduates, many of whom completed their studies amid political instability, internet disruptions, power outages, displacement, and other significant challenges. The event represented not only the culmination of years of academic effort but also a landmark moment in Parami University's mission to expand access to quality higher education.

Held in a hybrid format, the ceremony connected graduates, families, faculty, and supporters from around the world through in-person and virtual participation. The event was livestreamed on YouTube, allowing friends, families, alumni, and supporters worldwide to celebrate alongside graduates in real time.

Reflections from University Leaders and Distinguished Guests

In his welcome address, President Dr. Kyaw Moe Tun reflected on the life and legacy of the late trustee Dwight Clark, whose generosity and commitment helped transform Parami University from an idea into reality. Sharing Clark's example of service, integrity, community, and stewardship, he encouraged graduates to consider how they themselves wished to live and be remembered. As they embark on the next chapter of their journeys, he urged them to remain grounded in enduring principles, reminding them that "humans are bound to change, yet there are some fundamental human values that must stand the test of time." He concluded with a challenge that echoed throughout the ceremony: to carry those values into the world and "lead a life of positive impact." 

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Zali Win, reflected on the extraordinary journey that students and faculty have shared over the past four years. He noted that Parami had transformed from what was envisioned as an in-person university in Yangon into a thriving online institution serving students worldwide. Praising graduates for their resilience and commitment to one another, he credited their success to "your resilience, the sharp application of the problem-solving abilities from your liberal arts education, and your beautiful capacity to care for one another."

Representing Bard College, Parami University's academic partner in New York and the institution through which Bachelor of Arts students earn a second degree, Dr. Jonathan Becker, Executive Vice President of Bard College, congratulated the graduating class and reminded them that commencement marks a beginning rather than an end. "You are graduating today, but your education has not ended," he said, encouraging graduates to continue cultivating the habits of lifelong learning, critical thinking, and creativity. He also urged them to nurture what he called "Human Intelligence"—the empathy, imagination, and human connection that remain essential in an increasingly technological world.

Dr. Phil Enns, Dean of Academic Affairs, reflected on the rapidly changing world graduates are entering and expressed confidence in their ability to navigate it successfully. While acknowledging that no one can predict exactly what the future will bring, he reassured graduates that Parami had prepared them to adapt and thrive. "Whatever comes your way, we believe you are fully equipped to be successful," he said.

A highlight of the ceremony was the conferral of an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree upon Dr. Kevin Quigley in recognition of his outstanding contributions to education and civic engagement. In his Commencement Address, Dr. Quigley reflected on a career shaped by service, higher education, and global engagement, emphasizing three principles he hoped graduates would carry forward: gratitude, adaptability, and mindfulness. He encouraged graduates to meet uncertainty with courage and purpose, reminding them that "the world is calling out loudly for your courage, your compassion, your judgment, your knowledge, and your willingness to build a tomorrow that is better than today."

Celebrating Academic Achievement and Excellence

The formal conferral of degrees was the centerpiece of the ceremony. Thirty Bachelor of Arts candidates and eighty-nine Associate Degree candidates were recognized, with 59 graduates participating in person and 60 joining virtually.

As Parami University's first undergraduate cohort, the Bachelor of Arts graduates represented a particularly significant achievement. Twenty-four students crossed the stage to receive their diplomas in person from Dr. Phil Enns and Dr. Jonathan Becker, while six graduates participated remotely. The Associate Degree graduates followed, with thirty-five attending in person and fifty-four joining online.

The university also recognized outstanding student achievement through a series of awards celebrating academic excellence, leadership, creativity, civic engagement, and community building. Five students received Bard College Civic Engagement Certificates for integrating academic learning with meaningful community action.

Valedictorian honors were awarded to Kaung Myat Phyo (BA) and Lu Htoi (AA) for achieving the highest GPAs in their respective programs. Additional awards recognized students whose contributions extended beyond the classroom. Creativity and Innovation Awards were presented to Wai Moe (BA) and Kyi Min Thant (AA), while Leadership Excellence Awards were awarded to Ei Mon Soe (BA) and Saw Khant Zaw Win (AA). Civic Engagement Awards recognized The The Zuu Zin (BA) and Sawyadul Amin (AA) for their commitment to community impact. The Online Community Builder Awards were presented to Shun La Wonn Aung (BA) and Aung Chit Thae Ko (AA) for fostering connection and engagement within Parami's virtual learning environment.

Together, these awards reflected the university's commitment to recognizing not only academic achievement but also leadership, creativity, civic responsibility, and service to the community.

Voices of the Graduates

Among the most memorable moments of the ceremony were speeches delivered by student representatives Eaint Thet Hmu (BA) and Lu Htoi (AA), who reflected on the friendships, perseverance, and shared experiences that defined their time at Parami University.

Representing Parami University's inaugural Bachelor of Arts cohort, Eaint Thet Hmu reflected on the unique responsibility of helping build the university's legacy from the ground up.

Recalling the uncertainty of joining a new institution without alumni or predecessors, she observed, "We did not have senior graduates to guide us. No alumni. No blueprint for what a 'Parami student' even looked like. So we became each other's blueprint." Looking back on the journey, she described the Class of 2026 as "the generation who kept learning while the world around us was falling apart," highlighting the resilience and determination that defined Parami's pioneering graduates.

Associate Degree graduate Lu Htoi shared a deeply personal story of perseverance as the first person in her family to attend and graduate from university. Reflecting on the challenges she faced and the opportunities that changed her life, she described Parami University as a turning point not only for herself but for many students who persevered through uncertainty and hardship.

"Parami University did not simply accept me. It gave me hope again. It gave me a future again. It became the turning point in my life."

Together, the student speakers captured both the historic significance of Parami University's first graduating cohort and the transformative power of educational opportunity.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional ringing of the Burmese spinning gong, a practice observed across Bard-affiliated campuses in honor of the late senior administrator U Ba Win. Dr. Jonathan Becker struck the gong three times as attendees observed a moment of reflection, marking the graduates' transition into the global alumni community.

As the first-ever Bachelor of Arts graduates leave Parami University with dual degrees from Parami University and Bard College, they carry forward not only academic credentials but also the resilience, civic commitment, and leadership skills developed throughout their studies. Meanwhile, the Associate Degree graduates continue their educational journeys, building on this milestone as they pursue further undergraduate studies.

Together, the Classes of 2026 and 2028 embody the promise of higher education to transform lives, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for future generations. As graduates step into the next chapter of their journeys, they carry with them the values, resilience, and sense of purpose that defined their time at Parami. Echoing a theme that resonated throughout the ceremony, President Dr. Kyaw Moe Tun offered a final challenge to the graduating class: "Go and lead a life of positive impact."