Hailey College: Foundation day brings alumni together

More than a 1,000 alumni, including some politicians, gather at the Punjab University’s New Campus.

LAHORE:

More than a 1,000 alumni, including some politicians, gathered at the Punjab University’s New Campus on Sunday to celebrate the 85th foundation day of the Hailey College of Commerce.

Speaking at the ceremony, former finance minister Sartaj Aziz recalled how his father had wanted him to study law, but he was so impressed by the newly founded Hailey College that he opted for it instead. He said he was one of the 10 Muslim and five Sikh students who successfully campaigned for the use of halal meat at the college canteen.

PPP’s general secretary Jahangir Badr said the knowledge he gained at the college played a significant role in his life.

He said he wanted to continue his studies at the college for a doctorate degree.

Vice Chancellor Dr Mujahid Kamran said he was delighted to see the alumni of the college reuniting for the occasion. He said he would make sure the college maintained its tradition of turning talented students into capable graduates.

Haji Abdul Jabbar, the oldest graduate attending, said he owed everything he had achieved in life to the college. He said he had arrived at the college from a remote village, but left it as a trained professional.

Others present at the occasion included Senator Ishaq Dar, former principal Abdul Rahim and Bashir A Buksh, the Haji Karim Buksh chief executive officer.

The college was established on March 4, 1927.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 7^th, 2011.