PNGUoT REMEMBERS LATE ANNA WISSINK

By Lucy KOPANA

Members of PNGUoT’s Senior Executive Management Team and staff were amongst those who gathered at the Lae Botanic Gardens, to commemorate the life of the university’s Late Pro Chancellor Mrs. Anna Wissink.

*PNGUoT staff arriving at the venue for Late Anna Wissink’s Memorial Service at Lae Botanical Gardens.*

In a small yet beautiful Memorial Service, Late Anna Wissink was remembered for her unyielding character and determination to be a catalyst for change within her circles of influence and beyond.
The PNGUoT Council stands as one such area, that Late Mrs. Wissink served diligently in until the time of her passing.

During the service, Vice Chancellor Professor Ora Renagi said the university emphasizes on the need to translate knowledge to impact communities, and Late Mrs. Wissink was a beacon of that message.
“Out of her love for the farmers in the villages who are able to plant taro, she gave them the opportunity to export their taro and bring some much needed funds into the families to build good houses, to have a better livelihood.”

*PNGUoT’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Ora Renagi giving his speech during the memorial service.*

Late Mrs. Wissink was first appointed to the University Council in 2017, and had much impact on the scope of Human Resource and business functions of the University. In November 2023, she was appointed as Pro Chancellor, where she served with distinction, and a strong commitment to promoting high standards for serving students, staff, and improving operations of the University up until the time of her passing. She also served in various capacities within the university as the Chairperson of the Unitech Enterprises Ltd, Chair of the Finance and General Purposes Committee, the Student Appeals Committee, and was Acting Chair of the Honorary Awards Committee, and the Master Plan Committee.
Professor Renagi said Late Mrs. Wissink had a vision to see the university become self-funding, and was instrumental in setting up the university’s business arm Unitech Enterprise Limited (UEL).

He added that Late Mrs Wissink freely offered advice and ideas to improve systems, and that was her service to the university and the country as as well.

Other tributes made at the memorial service came from representatives from Wafi Golpu Joint Venture, Femili PNG, Friends of Lae Botanic Gardens & LCCI, Women in Agriculture, Floriculture Women, and Taro Farmers.

Late Mrs Wissink’s husband, Mr. David Wissink, children, and family members were also present at the Memorial Service.