Chulalongkorn Graduates: Their Pride and Joy as Chula Students and 2023 Commencement Ceremony

30 January 2024

Chulalongkorn University’s Commencement Ceremony held on October 5 – 7, 2023, marked the point of pride for many graduates who have completed their educational dreams. The time spent within Chulalongkorn will forever be remembered as valuable memories for every graduate. Some of them have expressed their feelings and left messages for current students as follows.

Naphassaranjana Mitrtheeraroj (Tak), actor and MC, a Ph.D. graduate in Thai Dance, Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University, revealed that “It is my utmost pride to have graduated from a prestigious institution like Chulalongkorn University. The professors have widened my horizons and I owe this degree to all of them.”

Although I normally prefer practice to classroom learning, studying at a doctoral level at Chula has shown me the importance of studying and recording knowledge in books, theses, or research, to be used by the younger generations. As an actor, I aim to utilize the knowledge I’ve gained in my work and hope to benefit the country and the new generation who share the belief that Thai traditional dance can be modernized. His message for the younger students is “Everyone may go through some dark times, but a wise teacher once told me that there is always light in the dark.”

Dr. Kitti Supchukun, a Ph.D. graduate in Technopreneurship and Innovation Management (Interdisciplinary Program), recipient of the National Innovation Award in Economics 2016, stated that he was honored to receive the second degree from Chulalongkorn University, the first one being a bachelor’s degree in veterinary science in 1988. As a vet, the knowledge gained from the Technopreneurship and Innovation Management (Interdisciplinary Program) is certainly helpful in his work. Chula’s advancements in various aspects to keep up with the times corresponds with the university’s anthem which reminds the Chula community of the honor and prestige of being part of Chula.

Chalida Vijitvongthong (Mint), actress and an M.A. graduate of the Technology Management and Innopreneurship (Interdisciplinary Program), shared her joy of studying at Chula, gaining new knowledge and positive energy. The program helps fulfill her interest in business administration, giving her the knowledge of business processes and systematic management, which will be useful for her current business and future endeavors. The challenge was managing her schedule between work and study.

Chalida’s advice to the current students is that “nothing is too hard if you are determined and have a clear goal. Start with something you like that makes you happy, and you might find your future career.”

Siengsaw Lertratanachai, a graduate of the Faculty of Sports Science and Thai national squad equestrian athlete, expressed her delight in achieving the 2nd degree after graduating from the Faculty of Communication Arts, Chulalongkorn University. Being a student and an athlete required a lot of perseverance, patience, and responsibility, which all contributed to a successful academic career. She felt grateful for the opportunity that allows athletes to develop their potential by studying at Chula.

“I want to thank every opportunity that all the professors have given me to constantly learn and improve myself. I will always cherish the memories of being a Chula student. To the current students, I want them to find happiness and experience being Chula students to the fullest as it will help us grow in the future. Don’t forget to pay back to society and pay the good vibes forward to the next generations.”

Rattapong Pitichan (Eff), from The Golden Song, an M.A. graduate of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University, felt glad to have graduated with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Western Music. As a singer who has participated in many contests, he felt proud that he could apply the knowledge from his studies to his work in real life. The trick to a successful academic career is good time management. He wished for current Chula students to achieve their goals and never give up. Despite having an MFA, he continues to learn and plans to enroll in short courses offered by Chula.

  Natruja Chutiwansopon (Kaew BNK 48), an M.A. graduate of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts in Western Music, was immensely proud of her degree. She intends to apply the knowledge to teaching piano, which is her favorite instrument. She said that studying at a graduate level requires doing research and presenting the data, so to excel in studying, she needed to stay focused and spend her time effectively between working as a singer and writing her thesis. She is grateful for all the professors who supported her from her undergraduate years until now. She wants the younger students to be diligent and enjoy life in university as much as they can because these times will never come back.

Kitjamnong Jamnongkit (Money), a graduate of the Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University, with 2nd class honors, was happy with graduating from Chulalongkorn University. He shared a trick that apart from being attentive in class, another important factor is responsibility, which he demonstrated by always keeping up with classwork despite having to miss some classes for work. He would like to thank all the professors at the Department of Lifelong Education, Faculty of Education, for always supporting him. His advice for Chula students is for them to find themselves and what they like by joining activities in Chula to discover their passion for the future.

Narongchai Sangukkee, graduate from the Faculty of Education with 1st class honors and recipient of the Student Royal Awards 2023 for Higher Education in the category of Large Educational Institutions in Bangkok, described being a “Chula graduate” as the proudest achievement. Throughout his time at Chula, he received scholarships from the Faculty of Education and the Bhumibol scholarship, making him feel secure and at home at the university.

“I love Chula and the good friends that I have made here. They have supported me and helped me graduate despite having to work and miss some classes. Time management and setting appropriate priorities are crucial. I want Chula students to realize that, and I want them to join activities that they like,” said Narongchai.

Peeraya Jungtanasomboon, a graduate of the Faculty of Veterinary Science with 1^st class honors, also shared her pride in being part of the Chula community. Her trick for studying efficiently is time management. Spend your time in class wisely so that revision becomes easier and do not let studying get in the way of the activities that you want to do.

Peeraya said that she received a lot of support from the professors at Chula who always encouraged students to showcase their full potential. She encourages students to enjoy their time in university and participate in activities alongside studying to become well-rounded individuals.

Thanapong Muangsilpasart, a graduate of the Faculty of Arts with 1st class honors and a Gold Medal in Thai, revealed that graduating from Chulalongkorn University was a childhood dream that he could finally fulfill through hard work. From now on, he will give himself time to discover new goals for himself.

Apart from the friendship found among the people in the faculty, Thanapong is impressed with the professors in the Department of Thai who not only give knowledge but act as “teachers” who nurture and inspire students. He wants Chula students to experience university life to the fullest and gain as much knowledge as possible.

Theerawut Rirattanapong, an M.A. graduate in the Interdisciplinary Program in European Studies, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, one of the graduates with disabilities this year, revealed that he was proud to have studied at Chulalongkorn University, with supportive environment and knowledgeable professors. His inspiration for choosing an M.A. in European Studies is his interest in history, politics, and culture of Europe, as well as his wanting to expand on his foundation in B.A. in Language and Culture, Faculty of Arts, where he chose to work on the topics of evolution and characteristics of movements for people with disabilities in the European Union for his Independent Studies. He received ample support and facilitation while studying at Chula and is grateful to the university for helping people with disabilities get around using a wheelchair, especially on the shuttle bus. Currently, Theerawut is an unpaid volunteer at the United Nations helping with PR materials on Facebook.