A PROFESSOR CALLED

The sitting of the PTC Council and Executive at the Jovili Meo Mission Centre in Suva.

The sitting of the Pacific Theological College Council and Executive Council in November 2019 saw the award of the title of ‘Professor in Theology in Ethics’ to the College Principal Rev. Dr. Upolu Luma Va’ai. 

Celebrated and internationally renowned poet and known ‘mother of Pacific education’ Professor Konai Helu-Thaman stated her respect for Rev. Professor Dr. Va’ai while announcing the award to the PTC community on November 13.

Professor Helu-Thaman represented the other four international professors from around the world who refereed and examined Rev. Professor Vaai’s academic career.

Professor Helu-Thaman represented the other four international professors from around the world who refereed and examined Rev. Professor Vaai’s academic career.

They include Professor Manulani Meyer from the University of Hawaii, Professor Joerg Rieger from Vandabilt University in the United Sates, Professor John Samuel from India and Professor Anthony Kelly from the Australian Catholic University. 

They hailed Rev. Professor Va’ai as a knowledgeable, widely published academic.

Reverend Professor Dr. Upolu Luma Va’ai the night Professor Helu-Thaman announced his professorship to the PTC Community.

Professor Helu- Thaman said Rev. Professor Va’ai is also a great advocate for Pacific heritage in terms of philosophy and theoloy.

‘He is widely respected in the region and his books, while bringing great publicity to PTC is valued and used by the University of the South Pacific and other regional and international institutions,’ said Professor Helu-Thaman.

Rev. Professor Dr. Va’ai praised God for the achievement.

Ends….