The Nepalese Student Association of Southeastern (NSAS) honored two of its own graduates with a small ceremony.
The ceremony, held on Friday, May 4 at 11 a.m. in the Magnolia Room in the War Memorial Student Union, brought friends together to reward the efforts of graduates Nilesh Chitrakar and Ratish Shrestha.
“Just four or five years ago there was hardly any Nepalese here. Every year there are more and more,” said Dr. George Gibson, professor of English and faculty advisor for the NSAS. “The first of our two people are graduating. As I mentioned, one of them can’t be here because he already has a full-time job. That’s what we call a success.”
For Gibson, the fact that Shrestha could not be in attendance to receive his reward spoke volumes to the success of the organization. Gibson spoke during the ceremony saying that one of the appeals of the organizations, particularly for non-Nepalese students, was improving academics.
“You don’t have to be Nepalese to join. NSAS is open to any student on campus,” said Gibson. “Anyone interested in learning in Nepalese culture, improving their academics, willing to share anything from their culture, we want in NSAS.”
NSAS President Saroj Simkhada spent part of the ceremony acknowledging the accomplishments of NSAS as an organization. He offered words of encouragement and praise for the two members who were graduating.
“Of all the Nepalese, these two people have graduated. We are here since 2009 and we are all on the same boat. Everyone is a junior right now, so to see them graduate it really feels great,” said Simkhada. “There are none of these Nepalese who have graduated in Southeastern particularly so I personally feel very proud about that and next year, after a couple of years, everyone will be heading in that direction.”
During the ceremony, Chitrakar, who is graduating with an MBA from Southeastern, offered words of thanks to the NSAS members who helped him during his time at Southeastern.
“I remember the day when I came to Southeastern. I came around 7 o’ clock, and I didn’t know anyone at that time,” said Chitrakar. “I want to thank each and every one who helped at that time, who helped make it successful. I hope that all the members of NSAS will do the same thing for future students so they don’t feel lonely and so they feel a friendly environment in NSAS.”
For more information on NSAS, visit their Facebook page by searching Nepalese Student Association at Southeastern Louisiana University.