The UWI Global Campus Dominica hosted a Recognition of Graduates Ceremony for the Dominican contingent of the Class of 2023 on Friday, December 15, 2023 at Truth & Grace Fellowship Global Church in Roseau. The event was celebrated under The UWI 75th Anniversary theme: “Rooted. Ready. Rising.”
Dr. Francis Severin, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of The UWI Global Campus presided over the Ceremony. In his welcome remarks, Dr. Severin reminded the graduates of the powerful reach of the Global Campus.
“The Global Campus, now your alma mater, continues to be a godsend and boon to the Caribbean,” said Dr. Severin. “And as we move inexorably into the global market, we will continue to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt our supremacy in delivering asynchronous online teaching and learning, the authentic and real thing, which is absolutely not the same as remote emergency teaching which others supply.”
Ms. Alexandra “Val” Dupigny, an airline pilot, who graduated with her BSc Management Studies (Tourism & Hospitality Management), gave the outstanding student address at the event. “I compare this journey with a flight at work where the goal is getting to the destination safely. For us, it was completing our degrees,” Dupigny remarked. “Preparation was key. However, we sometimes met unexpected turbulence. These included financial issues, family issues, and the like. While these turbulences may have delayed us getting to the destination, and we may have had to switch our paths to get to the goal, through perseverance and resilience, we got there. Nevertheless, it does not end here. Please continue to learn and further yourselves. There are many other destinations out there.”
Dr. Hazel Shillingford-Ricketts, Consultant Ophthalmologist, gave the featured address at the event. She remind the graduates that they have been rooted in a rich UWI history of excellence, and that they ready to make a difference in the world.
“The roots of the University of the West Indies are continuing to grow and it is ready and rising along its journey which started 75 years ago,” Shillingford-Ricketts said. “Graduates, you are rooted in the deep traditions and knowledge that The UWI Global Campus has instilled in you. Now, you are ready, not just for the opportunities like appointments and higher-paying jobs, but also for the challenges that await. You have been molded into capable, resilient individuals and with the tools to make a difference.”
Seventy-Five graduates participated in the Ceremony (29 graduates in Certificate in Early Childhood Education, Care & Development and 46 graduates of Senate-approved undergraduate and graduate programmes). The Ceremony provided an opportunity for graduates to be able to share their moment of accomplishment with the family and friends in a face-to-face setting.
