More than two dozen Saint Lucian students were among the 2 785 graduates who earned degrees at Monroe University’s 92nd Annual Commencement, held recently in New York City.
While graduates from the university’s Castries campus typically celebrate their commencement locally in October, nearly 30 students travelled to New York to take part in the milestone event at the iconic Radio City Music Hall.
Joining the graduates and their guests were Saint Lucia’s Minister of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Sean Edward, and Neal Fontenelle, President of the Principals’ Association and Principal of St Mary’s College. Faculty and staff from Monroe’s Castries campus also attended, including Dean of Academics Dr Ernest Ottley, Dean of Administration Gus Small, Director of Admissions Wincess Gaspard-Mathurin, and Director of Student Services Aritha Emmanuel.
This year’s ceremony was particularly special, as it marked the university’s first commencement since attaining university status last summer.
“You are a historic class,” said Monroe University President Marc Jerome. “We started the academic year together as Monroe College, and you have the honour of being the first graduating class from Monroe University.”
“Graduation is always one of my favourite days of the year,” Jerome added. “There’s just something about putting on the graduation cap and gown, coming with your family to the greatest city in the world — New York City — and celebrating your graduation at one of the most famous venues in the world.
“When you walk in through the doors, you cannot help but be inspired and impressed by what we’re seeing. But today, we’re inspired and impressed by you. Just think back to the person you were when you first started at Monroe. You arrived with a dream and the determination to make life better for yourself, your family and your community. Today that dream comes true.”
For many Saint Lucian graduates, their academic journey began with the support of a government-funded scholarship programme in partnership with Monroe University. The initiative aims to make quality tertiary education more accessible, affordable, and attainable for Saint Lucians.
To accommodate the large number of graduates and their families, two separate ceremonies were held. The morning ceremony recognised graduates from the School of Business and Accounting, School of Criminal and Social Justice, School of Information Technology, and School of Nursing.
The afternoon event celebrated students from Monroe’s King Graduate School, as well as undergraduate graduates from the School of Allied Health Professions, School of Education, School of Hospitality Management, and the Culinary Institute of New York.
In total, Monroe University awarded 596 Master’s degrees, 1 081 Bachelor’s degrees and 1 051
Associate degrees this year, as well as awarded 57 professional and advanced certificates.
