USM Celebrates 29th Commencement Ceremony
June 19, 2023
Philipsburg, June 18, 2023 - The University of St. Martin (USM) proudly celebrated its 29th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, June 17th, 2023, at the Belair Community Center. A total of 22 students graduated from various programs, marking a significant milestone in their academic journey.
The evening commenced with a warm welcome and recognition of esteemed dignitaries by Mrs. Valerie Giterson Pantophlet, President of the USM Board of Directors and Foundation. Ms. Gwendeline Holiday, Chief of Cabinet of the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports Affairs, and Dr. Antonio Carmona Baez, President of USM, also delivered remarks, along with Dr. David Hall, President of UVI, and Mr. Wycliffe Smith, Interim Dean of Academics.
The audience was captivated by the insightful and moving keynote speech delivered by Dr. Yadira Boston, leaving many in tears with her inspiring words. Dr. Yadira Boston and her husband Dr. Delroy Pierre received their Ph.D. from the University of the Virgin Islands in May 2023. These are the first 2 doctoral graduates among USM faculty.
President Carmona also congratulated the GED graduates and encouraged them to go further with their studies. Sweet Pan Entertainment added a touch of elegance to the ceremony, leading the procession with their soulful rendition of the Pomp and Circumstance on the steelpan.
During the event, Judith Anderson-Woods delivered the class address, reflecting on the achievements, challenges, and growth experienced by the graduating class. The dedication and commitment shown by the students were further highlighted as two outstanding male students were recognized for their remarkable contributions to USM. Keyon Lynch received the prestigious Academic Achievement Award for attaining the highest grade point average, while Nicholas Pida was honored with the President's Award for his exceptional capacity in both academics and extracurricular activities. Both students graduated from the Associate of Arts in General Liberal Arts program.
Joanna Franklyn, who graduated from the Associate of Arts in Business program, received Cum Laude distinction. In addition to her degree, she also obtained a Level 4 Higher National Certificate from BTEC. The graduates represented a range of programs, including Associate of Arts in General Liberal Arts, Associate of Arts in Business, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, Master of Arts in School Counseling, and the Certificate in Secondary Teacher Preparation.
Furthermore, the outstanding faculty award, selected by the graduating class, was presented to Mrs. Juliana Shipley Hodge, who received well-deserved recognition for her exceptional commitment to teaching and guiding students throughout their academic journey.
The University of St. Martin congratulates all the graduates on their remarkable achievements and extends gratitude to the faculty, staff, and distinguished guests for their unwavering support in shaping the future leaders of tomorrow. During the ceremony, Mrs. Julian Shipley Hodge was recognized as the Faculty of the Year and received the Outstanding Faculty Award. This esteemed honor was bestowed upon her by the graduating class, showcasing her dedication and commitment to academic excellence.
The USM staff extends their encouragement to the St. Martin community, urging individuals to believe in themselves and embrace the transformative opportunities offered by USM. Applications for the Fall 2023 semester are now open, and interested individuals are invited to visit the campus for further information or to begin the application process.
The application fee remains $25, and the deadline for submissions is fast approaching on July 9th, 2023. USM also welcomes mature students aged 26 and above, who have the option to apply based on their work experience. For more information on programs, admission, and general inquiries, please contact us today +1 721 542 5171. The University of St. Martin is committed to providing the right program to empower individuals and unlock their full potential.
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The audience was captivated by the insightful and moving keynote speech delivered by Dr. Yadira Boston, leaving many in tears with her inspiring words. Dr. Yadira Boston and her husband Dr. Delroy Pierre received their Ph.D. from the University of the Virgin Islands in May 2023. These are the first 2 doctoral graduates among USM faculty.
President Carmona also congratulated the GED graduates and encouraged them to go further with their studies. Sweet Pan Entertainment added a touch of elegance to the ceremony, leading the procession with their soulful rendition of the Pomp and Circumstance on the steelpan.
During the event, Judith Anderson-Woods delivered the class address, reflecting on the achievements, challenges, and growth experienced by the graduating class. The dedication and commitment shown by the students were further highlighted as two outstanding male students were recognized for their remarkable contributions to USM. Keyon Lynch received the prestigious Academic Achievement Award for attaining the highest grade point average, while Nicholas Pida was honored with the President's Award for his exceptional capacity in both academics and extracurricular activities. Both students graduated from the Associate of Arts in General Liberal Arts program.
Joanna Franklyn, who graduated from the Associate of Arts in Business program, received Cum Laude distinction. In addition to her degree, she also obtained a Level 4 Higher National Certificate from BTEC. The graduates represented a range of programs, including Associate of Arts in General Liberal Arts, Associate of Arts in Business, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, Master of Arts in School Counseling, and the Certificate in Secondary Teacher Preparation.
Furthermore, the outstanding faculty award, selected by the graduating class, was presented to Mrs. Juliana Shipley Hodge, who received well-deserved recognition for her exceptional commitment to teaching and guiding students throughout their academic journey.
The University of St. Martin congratulates all the graduates on their remarkable achievements and extends gratitude to the faculty, staff, and distinguished guests for their unwavering support in shaping the future leaders of tomorrow. During the ceremony, Mrs. Julian Shipley Hodge was recognized as the Faculty of the Year and received the Outstanding Faculty Award. This esteemed honor was bestowed upon her by the graduating class, showcasing her dedication and commitment to academic excellence.
The USM staff extends their encouragement to the St. Martin community, urging individuals to believe in themselves and embrace the transformative opportunities offered by USM. Applications for the Fall 2023 semester are now open, and interested individuals are invited to visit the campus for further information or to begin the application process.
The application fee remains $25, and the deadline for submissions is fast approaching on July 9th, 2023. USM also welcomes mature students aged 26 and above, who have the option to apply based on their work experience. For more information on programs, admission, and general inquiries, please contact us today +1 721 542 5171. The University of St. Martin is committed to providing the right program to empower individuals and unlock their full potential.
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