Pacific Adventist University (PAU) in Papua New Guinea celebrated a significant milestone on November 20, 2024, when it held the groundbreaking ceremony for a new 2000-seat auditorium.

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.”

Matainaho emphasized 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 several prominent figures, including Glenn Townend, the President of the South Pacific Division (SPD) and Chancellor of Pacific Adventist University (PAU); Francois Keet, the Chief Financial Officer for the SPD; and Ray Paul, a representative from the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s office. Additionally, the PAU Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, and various PAU staff and students were present at the event.

On the day, 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,” 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.

The facility is expected to transform the campus’ academic and social landscape.

The original article was published on the South Pacific Division news site, Adventist Record.