Dutch is new Unitech VC

By GABRIEL LAHOC
Dr ALBERT Schram is the new Vice-Chancellor of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (Unitech).
He has officially replaced the nation’s longest serving national vice-chancellor Dr Misty Baloiloi, who served for 17 years at the Lae-based institution.
The official handover ceremony was witnessed by the university council, academics, staff and their families, students, partners and members of the public at Duncanson Hall.
Baloiloi handed over the VC’s gown, hood, scroll and office keys to Schram.
Schram, from the Netherlands, had previously served in senior positions at universities and organisations in 15 countries, including his last post as the research and policy advisor to the VC of Maastrict University in his home country.
“Baloiloi left behind big shoes for me to fill, but I hope to make Unitech fly and make it the most innovative institution in the South Pacific,” Schram said.
Schram brings with him to this university considerable wealth of experience especially in academic, research and research funding, policy advice on business and environment as well as management, Unitech Chancellor Philip Stagg said in his welcome address.
Stagg paid tribute to Baloiloi, whom he described as the captain of the mv Unitech, in taking the institution through many stormy seas with distinction.
“Prof Baloiloi has been the mainstay for the development of this institution since his appointment as VC in 1992, and let me say thank you to his family – his wife Olive and children Kalafi, Wayne, Sharon and Heidi – as well as other family members whose support got him this far,” he said.
Baloiloi declined to touch on the highs and lows in his capacity as VC but could only say thank you to all individuals and organisations who had been part of his life.
Office of Higher Education director general Dr William Tagis thanked Baloiloi and pledged to work closely with Schram.