Pacific Adventist University Breaks Ground for 2,000-Seat Auditorium

Pacific Adventist University (PAU), a church institution of higher learning in Papua New Guinea, celebrated a significant milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for a new 2,000-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 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 church leaders, including the president of the South Pacific Division (SPD) and chancellor of PAU 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, Townend delivered a spiritual message, drawing inspiration from Ephesians 3:9-15. He reminded attendees that PAU’s mission is not only to build physical infrastructure but also, most importantly, to build God’s kingdom through its people.

“[The apostle] 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 2,000-seat main hall; three conference rooms that will accommodate 150 attendees each; office spaces; a canteen; and a 100-space car park.

With a total projected cost of Papua New Guinean 25.85 million kinas (almost US$6.45 million), the facility is expected to transform the campus’ academic and social landscape.

About Pacific Adventist University

PAU is owned and operated by the South Pacific Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The institution is accredited by the Adventist Accreditation Association, an international denominational authority for all tertiary and graduate educational programs and institutions owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church entities.

The main campus is located on the pristine Koiari Park, 14 miles outside of Port Moresby, the capital of PNG. It is set in a beautiful environment consisting of water-lily lakes, a wealth of bird life, and well-maintained lawns, shrubs, and shade trees, making it a peaceful place for both residents and guests.

The institution was established in 1984. Since then, it has grown from a college of 20 students to a university of more than 1,000 students from across the Pacific.

The original version of this story was posted by Adventist Record.