46 UWI Graduates recognized

Last Friday marked the end of a gruelling academic journey for 46 Vincentians, who graduated from the University of the West Indies (UWI), having completed undergraduate and graduate degrees, diplomas and certificates from various faculties of the university.{{more}}

Valedictorian Graham Greaves graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Accounting, with first class honours . In his address, Greaves told his fellow graduates that their success can be attributed to their sacrifice, hard work and determination.

Greaves, who began his studies at the UWI Open Campus, reflected on his academic journey and gave high praises for being able to study at his own pace.

However, he noted that several persons, who also began the journey with him, were unable to endure to the end.

“Pressure may turn you into either dust or diamonds,” the valedictorian said.

He told his fellow graduates that “education undoubtedly has the power to make the world a better place.

“At some point in our lives, we decided to make something better of ourselves and so change became necessary. In life, we know that change is inevitable, so why not make a change to something positive or something that is potentially more fruitful,” he said. “Education is not acquiring a good job. Acquiring a good job is one of the perks which come with education. Instead education is a means to transport you or to help you navigate a social hierarchy or climb the ladder of success”.

The valedictorian also took time to thank families and friends who supported their loved ones. He also thanked the UWI Open Campus staff for their dedication and the Mustique Charitable Trust, who helped with his studies by giving him a bursary.

Guest speaker Clement William Iton urged graduates to enhance their personal effectiveness.

“You go out into the world with very ambitious thoughts, ideas [and] plans. You go out into the world, certainly more equipped than when you started this journey,” he said. “It is a journey and it isn’t completed. Today, I want to… urge you to ensure that you complete the loop”.

Iton explained to the graduates seven habits, as identified by author Stephen Covey. He revealed that these habits have helped in shaping the person that he is today.

These habits are, “Be Proactive”, “Begin with an end in mind”, “Put first things first”, “Think win-win”, “Seek first to understand then be understood”, “Synergize” and “Sharpen the saw”.

He stressed that it is important for persons to work on building all aspects of themselves, in order to be successful in all areas of their lives.

Joeleen Doyle, Samarsh Pilgrim and Carreen Stephens each graduated on Friday with a BSc in Accounting.

Graduates who now hold a BSc in Management Studies are Kurlene Anderson, Sean DaSilva, Fenton Harry, Timora Peters and Juovanie Roberts. Ann Gordon now holds a Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Literacy Studies.

From the Community College, 14 persons also graduated with a BEd in Literacy Studies. These persons are Judith Stewart-Ballantyne, Felicia Burke, Maxine Coombs, Courine Forde, Melrose George, Elsa Gordon, Laurel Lewis-Harry, Racquel Robertson, Youster Snagg, Sherma Straker, Swen Swift, Sherminna Williams, Kesslon Wilson and Rosmond Woods.

Also under the Community College, Marva Hector, Judith Jordan-Tucker, Coreen Kirby-Jones, Ruthlyn Lorraine-Abbott, Nichole Parris and Sonia Soleyn graduated with a BEd in Teaching of Mathematics.

From the Cave Hill Campus, Jacqueline Sutherland graduated with a BSc in Accounting and Science.

From the St Augustine Campus, Shervern Lewis graduated with a Master of Science (MSc) in Management; Jessica Lewis Ralph graduated with a BSc in Management Studies with Psychology; La Toya Pope graduated with a BSc in Political Science with International Relatitons; La Fleaur Quammie graduated with a BSc in Public Sector Management; and Annel Romeo graduated with a BSc in Psychology.

Shavar Maloney graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Media and Communication, with first class honours, from the Mona Campus. Also from the Mona Campus, Shunice Butcher now holds a BA in Media and Communication, while Colvin Harry graduated with a Diploma in Media and Communication.

Cherese DeRoche-John graduated with a Master of Education degree (MEd) in Educational Administration; Affia James graduated with a BSc in Management Studies (Marketing); and Marlene Culzac Young graduated with an MSc in Clinical Nursing Specialist. Roucha Caesar graduated with an MSc in Forensic Science with distinction.

June Knights graduated with an ASc in Administrative Professional Office Management.

Desiree Wilson graduated with an Associate Science degree(ASc) in Social Work and Eucina Thompson graduated with a Certificate in Guidance and Counselling.