The 720-strong graduating class of 2023 at Northern Caribbean University (NCU) made history on Sunday, August 13, when the Mandeville-based institution held its 100th commencement or graduation exercise since the initial one in 1923 (with none held in 1929).
This year’s graduation experience was also special because it was the first time that full face-to-face ceremonies were held since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the event to be held virtually or in a hybrid format. Well-wishers of the graduands gushed with excitement and merriment in the packed gymnatorium and the overflow tents on the university grounds in Mandeville during the morning and afternoon ceremonies.
NCU President, Professor Lincoln Edwards welcomed the gathering on behalf of this “historic class that has survived the ravages of COVID 19, and whose achievements we are here to recognize and celebrate.”
He highlighted among the graduands Richard Wallace, the first from the United States Navy to complete a degree (Business Administration -Accounting) at NCU. The US Department of Defense has approved NCU as an institution in which US military personnel can enroll and benefit from the Department’s financial support.
President Ewards also noted that in the female dominated profession of Nursing, the most outstanding student among the nursing graduands was a male, Chevaughn Thomas, who attained honours. He suggested that males were responding to the call to do better, as evidenced by their dominance in enrollment in computer science programmes at NCU.
Meanwhile, American technology entrepreneur and philanthropist Freddie Figures, gifted the NCU graduating class with 500 wireless earbuds valued at JMD20 million. Figgers, the CEO of Figgers Communications, announced the donation during his address to graduands at the first commencement ceremony last Sunday. He advised them to focus on the future and not “dwell on what you can’t control and what has happened in the past.” He encouraged graduands to command thoughts and not allow anyone to “speak poison to your mind.” The theme for the 2023 Graduation exercise was “Embrace the Mission: Envision the Future.”
Northern Caribbean University President, Professor Lincoln Edwards presents Cabinet Secretary, Hon Audrey Sewell with the Honorary Doctor of Public Service degree during the institution’s Centennial Graduation ceremony held August 13, 2023, in Mandeville. Dr Sewell delivered the keynote address at the second of two commencement ceremonies.
Figgers, who was raised by adoptive parents from childhood, emphasized the importance of the human touch: “In your respective fields, you will have the chance to touch lives, to heal, to educate, to lead, and to innovate,” he told the graduands. “Never lose sight of the human aspect. Pay it forward. Let your success be a vehicle for change, not just for yourself, but for others as well. If you can’t help a person, don’t hurt them.”
During the afternoon commencement ceremony, the University Administration conferred the honorary Doctor of Public Service degree on Hon Audrey Sewell, the recently appointed Cabinet Secretary. In delivering the keynote address, she advised graduands, in the face of evolving change at an unprecedented pace, to navigate these changes with grace and purpose.
Ashleigh Cummins (centre), president of the Northern Caribbean University (NCU) 2023 graduating class executive and valedictorian Imani Adonis (right) display two of 500 earpads gifted by American technology entrepreneur, Freddie Figgers to the NCU graduates. Figgers made the announcement while delivering the keynote address at the morning session of the institution’s 100th Graduation exercise on August 13, 2023.
“Embrace the mission of service, for in serving others, you find the true essence of success. Envision a future where your aspirations are not limited by the constraints of the present but empowered by your determination to make a positive impact,” said Sewell.
Jamaican hotelier and businessman Dennis Morgan was also conferred with the honorary Doctor of Commerce degree, while Caymanian health professional Shirlene Henriques received the honorary Doctor of Science degree for her service in the field of nursing. Both Morgan and Henriques are alumni of West Indies College (WIC), the predecessor of NCU.
The University also awarded the President’s Medallion to alumna and current employee, Georgette Baker, while alumna Dr Melva Spence was named the Product Sample for 2023.
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