The new Pasifika Communities University (PCU) at its Inaugural Graduation on May 1, 2025 accorded to its two most prominent theologians the rare Honorary Doctorate degrees for outstanding and longstanding theological and community services to the Church in their countries, the Pasifika and globally.
After over 14 months of transitional changes, the Pacific Theological College (PTC) became the newly rebranded PCU, launched this week on 29 April 2025.
A new page and a new chapter begin for the PCU as it witnessed its first inaugural graduation of its first 168 graduates, at the ceremony that was held at the CIVIC centre in Suva, Fiji.
The inaugural graduation yesterday, also marked the PCU’s first recipients of the prestigious academic award of the Honorary Doctorate Degrees.
One of two recipients was accorded to Bishop Reverend Sir Leslie Tanaboe Boseto of Solomon Islands in recognition of his long and invaluable diligent service and contributions to the communities in Solomon Islands, the Pasifika and globally through the World Conference of Churches when he was the first from the Pasifika to be one of its seven presidents, 1991-1998.
The Vice Chancellor Rev. Professor Dr Vaai of the PCU in referring to the award announced that “There was no question in my mind that Bishop Reverend Sir Leslie Boseto more than adequately deserved the award of the Honorary Doctorate degree.”
Receiving the prestigious and distinguished award, representing Bishop Rev Sir Dr Leslie Tanaboe Boseto was his son, Dr Fred Boseto.
Dr Fred Boseto, who is a specialist general surgeon was accompanied by his wife Mrs Nairie Boseto, and Sir Dr Nathan K Kere, a prominent leader and Lauru kaji of Choiseul together with his wife Lady Joy Kere.
In commenting on his father’s Honorary Doctorate award, Dr Fred Boseto said “it is an honor and a humbling experience to be receiving this prestigious award on behalf of my dear father. My family wishes to acknowledge the University’s recognition of my father’s steadfast commitment and contribution to Pasifika Theology. And that stands him apart as an inspiration to our humble communities in Choiseul, our country, and the Pasifika community and hopefully for the future generation. We are indeed so very thankful to God, the Pasifika Communities University and the Pasifika Community.”
Sir Dr Nathan K Kere, on behalf of all Lauru Kajikaji, and all chiefs, men, women, boys, girls and children of the Lauru Land Conference, said, “we have no doubt about it, but praise God, for the overwhelming community contributions and theological credentials of Bishop Rev Sir Dr Leslie Tanaboe Boseto. I am honored and thank God, to be at the inaugural graduation of PCU, with my wife Lady Joy to witness this auspicious presentation to our very own Lauru Paramount Chief.”
The other recipient of the auspicious award, Honorary Doctorate degree was 86-year-old Mrs Lorine Chan Tevi, with similar credentials of services to communities in Fiji, Pasifika and internationally especially again with the World Council of Churches. Dr Lorine Chan Levi was the General Secretary when Bishop Rev. Sir Dr Leslie T Boseto was the President of the Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) from 1986 to 1991.
In the meantime, Reverend Dr John Kadiba, the author and writer of Reverend Sir Dr Leslie Boseto’s biography, extended his congratulatory message to Bishop Reverend Sir Dr Leslie Boseto for the inaugural Honorary Doctorate award of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) which he received from the new Pasifika Communities University, Suva, Fiji.
In making reference to the Honorary Doctorate award of Bishop Reverend Sir Dr Leslie Boseto, Reverend Dr John Kadiba said “this is a very highly deserved honor. He is a Melanesian, and in the Melanesia way of honoring of recognized wise elders, he deserves all the highest praise and respect. The biography is written by a Melanesian for a Melanesian”
Meanwhile, Reverend Sir Dr Leslie Boseto is 92 years old and together with his wife Marama Lady Hazel Boseto, who is 87 years old, live in Honiara with their children and their families.
