There were emotional scenes as parents, families and friends converged on the Malua Theological College on Saturday to witness the graduating class of 2023 receive their degrees.

Hundreds of people from Samoa and abroad went to the Congregational Christian Church Samoa's Theological College on Saturday morning to celebrate and witness the end of another academic journey in Malua for 34 graduates. 

Out of the 34 who graduated on Saturday, 22 graduated with a Bachelor of Theology, four graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity with Honors and eight graduated with Master of Theology degrees. 

Held at the Malua Jubilee church, the graduation ceremony was led by the Chairman of the Board of Malua, Reverend Elder Asotasi Gu Time. 

Among the crowd was Samoa's Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II, Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio, Cabinet Ministers as well as leaders of the largest church denomination in Samoa. 

The Principal of the College, Rev. Dr. Vaitusi Nofoa'iga delivered the report of this academic year on behalf of the Malua Theological College staff and teachers.

According to Rev. Dr. Nofoaiga, there were 112 students who enrolled at the theological college this year. This total number includes scholarship students from other Pacific Island countries. 

Three students were suspended from the college this year due to misconduct. 

For the Masters programme, there were 14 students this year with eight completing their studies and graduating on Saturday with two theses scoring over 90 marks. 

There were 14 teachers at the beginning of this academic year but two of the college's senior Lecturers were appointed to other positions within the church during the Fonotele Annual Conference this year in May. 

Rev. Dr. Nofoa'iga then used the opportunity to extend the college's sincere gratitude to the executives and leaders of the C.C.C.S church for their prayers and support throughout this academic year. 

He also acknowledged the support of the families, friends, members of the church, the Government and the community for their ongoing support and assistance. 

He also used the opportunity to congratulate the graduating class for their perseverance, commitment, dedication and hard work throughout their four-year academic journey in Samoa. 

He credited God's guidance upon their journey in Malua and reminded them to remain humble and stay true to their callings. 

Rev. Dr. Nofoa'iga also commended the hard work of the Malua Theological College's staff for this year's work. 

Here are the names of the graduates: 

Bachelor of Theology: Alexander and Townsville Serita Pelesala, Esera and Malefou Tufuga, Filipi and Upolu Lepai Taa, Laifaga and Manutagi Laifaga, Lotufa'amanatu and Ema, Maluapapa and Mayanne Niulesa, Brian and Liuasi T. Anae, Fiaali'i and Alovale Mafuolo, Isa'ako Tunumoso Iosia, Laupama and Annette Lefaoseu, Malaeoloa and Fa'asalu Toleafoa, Manase and Urita Afutiti, Matelili and Toese  Tautalagia, Peoni and Hela Lapana, Semi Iosia and Fuapepe Sititi, Soloi and Tutogi Keilani, Sonny Satiu, Michael Poutasi and Nevada Poutasi, Sailimalo Umalau, Shalom Pulu, Solomona and Josephine Tini and Sulufaiga and Georgina Samasoni. 

Bachelor of Divinity with Honors: Elise Peleti Fuimaono Alolua, Taumaloto and Josephine Salevao, Saleaula and Moevasa Reti and Va'afuti and Agneta Alaumi. 

Masters in Theology 2023 (2-year-programme): Reverend Semikueva, Lavea'i Sene, Niutuiatua Onesemo, Paie Tapulegalo, Ronald Tuimauga and Tafatolu Tapaleao (with distinction). 

Master of Theology Distinction 1-year programme: Fa'afetai Koria and Hobert Sasa. 

Principal's Award for Outstanding Thesis: Fa'afetai Koria and Hobert Sasa. 

The top Bachelor of Theology student for the graduating class is Matelili Tautalagia while Saleaula Reti was named the Top Bachelor of Divinity with Honors student for the year 2023. 

They have been offered scholarships from the church to do their Master of Theology degrees to start in 2024.