My fellow Stephanians – both senior and junior members

We are on the threshold of a new academic year. Most freshmen residents have joined and today the new batch of junior members take their fledgling steps into a period, which we all wish, hope and pray, will be fulfilling and help them carry out the two fundamental principles on which the College is founded – academic excellence and concern for their fellow beings. Our returning students will join us in a day and they too will continue their quest upholding the essential qualities which has characterized all good Stephanians.

Beginnings are wonderful opportunities to look into the past, take stock and plan for the future. For all of us, too, the beginning of a new academic year affords an opportunity to plan for the future having considered our past and keeping in focus our long-term and immediate goals. For the newly joined junior members, I wish each one of you a clarity of vision and a year of happy discoveries when you may be able to see and savour this great institution and all that it stands for. May all of you be enthused by what happens in your classrooms to carry forward the time-honoured tradition of academic excellence. May all you newly joined junior members go through a period of enchantment as you explore the many societies and the opportunities that it offers you for both discovery and development. And may you experience, at the end of the year, satisfaction and be able to share the joy that comes from that contentment with the world around you.

To the returning junior members, I welcome you back to college. I am sure the annual break has afforded all of you time to put things in perspective, realign your priorities and come back renewed in your purpose to study well to gain knowledge and to prove yourselves approved to both God and Humanity. I am sure you will study well, carry out your activities in the Societies, our extended classrooms, with zest and reap experience and success. I wish you a year devoted to academics and one that gets you closer to the goals that you came to college with.

Whether you are freshmen or returning junior members, remember that my colleagues and I are here to help you in your pursuit of academic excellence. Studies comes first and you will find that your teachers will constantly exemplify this ideal. The Staff Advisors are available for you to consult with and help you achieve the objectives of the societies and clubs. The Deans, Chaplain, Bursar, Counsellors, members of the Administration and everyone else are committed to help you do your best. 

A world of opportunities lies open before us all. It is up to each one of us to seize Time by the forelock and progress. One day at a time.

Welcome to the new academic term!

Prof. John Varghese
July 2017