The University of the West Indies Open Campus (Anguilla) held its 2018 recognition of graduates ceremony on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 27th.
Under the distinguished motto, “Oriens Ex Occidente Lux”—
A Light Rising From the West, twenty-one students were recognized for their degrees in several disciplines including: Human Resource Management, International Business, Management Studies, Youth Development Work, Education Leadership Management, Business Administration, English Language, Education Literacy Instruction, Instructional Design and Technology, Management and Educational Leadership, and Public Sector Management.
In greeting the audience, the chairperson, Dr. Phyllis Fleming-Banks, who is the Manager of the institute in British Overseas Territories, stated that this year was a significant and special graduation, because the university was observing 70 years of its existence, and the ceremony was graced with the presence of Pro Vice Chancellor, and Principal, Dr. Luz Longsworth.
The Honorable Minister of Education, Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, greeted the graduates with a highly congratulatory tone. She stressed: “I am aware of the rigors that you graduates would have gone through to attain your certification. The road may have seemed long and it might have appeared that you were pushing a boulder uphill. As we would say, ‘the struggle was real’ but you made it to the end…Today I would like to say congratulations on your success. Not only have you invested in your personal and professional goals, but you have contributed to Anguilla’s overall development. And wherever your paths lead you, no matter where you are called to serve, you are now more equipped to answer to that calling. So as a nation, I say thank you, congratulations and best wishes to you.”
The feature address was given by Dr. Luz Longsworth. She stated in part: “To the graduates, today, we highly recognize you and say congratulations for your achievements. You are a very special class. You will go down in history as the graduating class on Anguilla in the 70th year of the University of the West Indies service and existence. The University of the West Indies is no ordinary university, and our graduates are not graduates from any ordinary institution. You are special.”
Graduate responses were made by Mr. Trevor Queeley, as well as Ms. Vanisha Proctor who made a stellar address of her experiences while pursuing her studies. She heartily encouraged her peers to persevere against all odds.
The vote of thanks was given by graduate Vonlee Harris, and the recital of the pledge was led by the President of the Alumni Association, Ms. Yvette Wallace.
