Pacific Adventist University (PAU), Papua New Guinea, celebrated a significant milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for a new 2000-seat auditorium on November 20.
After five years of planning, this project will address the university’s growing need for larger lecture spaces to accommodate its increasing student population.
“This auditorium will be a major boost to ensure that the university can deliver lectures to classes exceeding 200 students,” PAU vice-chancellor Professor Lohi Matainaho said.
“This is just the beginning of the project, made possible by the support of the Papua New Guinea government through the Department of Higher Education.”
Professor Matainaho emphasised the spiritual significance of the occasion, dedicating the project to God.
“We give God the glory for this amazing project that will help us deliver our mandate of providing the best Christian, Adventist education to the Pacific islands,” he said.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including the President of the South Pacific Division (SPD) and chancellor of PAU, Pastor Glenn Townend, chief financial officer for the SPD Francois Keet and Papua New Guinea prime minister’s office representative Ray Paul. The PAU vice-chancellor and deputy vice-chancellors were also in attendance alongside PAU staff and students.
On the day, Pastor Townend delivered a spiritually uplifting message, drawing inspiration from Ephesians 3:9-15. He reminded attendees that PAU’s mission is not only to build physical infrastructure but, most importantly, to build God’s kingdom through its people.
“Paul’s interest was that any building should be used to build God’s kingdom,” Pastor Townend said.
“I believe this auditorium will foster academic discipline, sports, health and good habits. Ultimately, as an Adventist university, PAU will use this space to build the kingdom of God in the Pacific.”
The auditorium will feature a 2000-seat main hall, three conference rooms which will accommodate 150 attendees each, office spaces, a canteen and a 100-space car park.
With a total projected cost of K25.85 million, the facility is expected to transform the campus’ academic and social landscape.
An artist’s impression of the new stadium set to be built on the grounds of Pacific Adventist University.
