Heartfelt tribute: Mother accepts diploma on behalf of late UiTM graduate

KOTA SAMARAHAN (Dec 5): Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)’s 100th Convocation Ceremony (Session 4) at the UiTM Sarawak Campus Jubilee Hall today was a bittersweet occasion for Georgina John, 43.

Instead of celebrating alongside her late daughter Emiliany Lavinia Drunny, she attended the ceremony to accept the diploma in Electrical Engineering (Electronics) on behalf of Emiliany, who had worked so hard to achieve.

Emiliany, who passed away on January 30 this year due to complications from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), was remembered as a bright, kind-hearted, and independent young woman.

Born on September 11, 2002 in Kuching, Emiliany was the eldest of four siblings and the only daughter in her Bidayuh family from Kampung Paon Sungai Rimu, Serian.

“She had dreams of furthering her studies to a degree level… but that was her plan. She had a sudden diagnosis of lupus in January (2024). She was in and out of the hospital, and in just a week, we lost her,” Georgina told reporters after the convocation ceremony.

Despite her sorrow, Georgina spoke of Emiliany’s legacy with quiet pride, highlighting her academic excellence and the positive impact she had on others.

Emiliany had excelled not only in her studies at UiTM but also during her earlier schooling at SMK Kota Samarahan.

Beyond academics, she was a role model to her younger siblings, particularly her youngest brother, whom she often helped with mathematics, said Georgina.

“She was the only girl in our family and it’s a heavy loss for us. I have three other children – her brothers. The second one is already working, the third is in Form 5, and the youngest is just in primary 1.

“We live in Taman Desa Ilmu now. My husband, who is from Kampung Petag, works in Kuching while I take care of the household,” she said.

As Georgina stood on stage to receive her late daughter’s diploma, the hall was filled with a solemn sense of respect and admiration.

“Maybe her youngest brother will follow in her footsteps as she used to guide him and encourage him. That’s something we will hold on to as we remember her,” she said.

The convocation ceremony concluded with UiTM officials extending their condolences to Georgina and her family, acknowledging the profound loss of a promising young graduate who had already touched so many lives.

Meanwhile, during the ceremony, UiTM Sarawak Pro-Chancellor Datuk Abdul Wahab Aziz stated that degrees and diplomas were awarded to 303 graduates during Session 4 of the convocation.

“These graduates hail from the College of Engineering, Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Faculty of Hotel and Tourism Management, and the Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies.

“Overall, the graduation rate within the stipulated time frame for UiTM Sarawak Campus graduates recorded an impressive average of 85 per cent,” he said in his speech.

The UiTM 100th Convocation Ceremony at the UiTM Sarawak Campus was divided into four sessions over two days, celebrating the achievements of a total of 1,235 graduates.