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On Sunday, August 12,
2007 Northern Caribbean University hosted the largest graduating
class in its 100 year history at its annual Commencement Services.
The services were held at the NCU Gymnatorium, at the institution’s
main campus in Mandeville. Over 1,100 graduates marched in the
services.
Democratic member of the
United States House of Representative, the Honourable Sheila
Jackson-Lee was the Guest Speaker at the first Commencement Service,
while Mr. Michael Lee-Chin, Chairman of AIC Ltd. and National
Commercial Bank, addressed the graduates at the second service. Both
speakers were conferred with an honorary degree, the Doctor of Laws,
Honoris Causa.
Challenging, inspirational and memorable was the presentation given
by the congresswoman, as she offered words of insight to the
graduates. “Having completed this stage, you must accept the
responsibility of being the wind beneath the wings of those who are
in need.” The powerful black woman, who is hailed as one of the ten
most influential legislators in the US House of Representatives,
urged graduates to be inspired by their history, find their cause
and live a life of service.
In his presentation, Mr. Lee-Chin used his life experiences to
encourage and challenge the graduates. The shrewd businessman
posited that it is the behaviour and attitude of individuals that
determines their legacy; with this in mind, he urged the graduates
to have an attitude that will lead them to greatness.
Indeed, the services not only honoured the graduates, but also paid
tribute to excellence and lauded servant leaders who have supported
the University over the years. Interestingly, the 2007 Awardee of
the President’s Medallion was Mrs. Sybil Gooden, aunt of
Representative Jackson-Lee. Mrs. Gooden, wife of the late Wilfred G
Gooden, outstanding philanthropist and NCU alumnus, was awarded for
distinguished service to the NCU Community as well as to the wider
society.
Dr. Byron C Robinson, a retired oral surgeon and his wife, Mrs.
Dorothea E. Robinson, a retired nurse, were the recipients of
honorary degrees, Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa.
Over the years, these NCU alumni have remained committed to the NCU
philosophy and have supported their alma mater with several
note-worthy contributions. They were awarded the honorary degrees,
in recognition of their sterling contribution to the upliftment of
humanity.
The NCU Product Sample is an alumnus whose life and work exemplifies
the ethos and values of the institution. This year’s Product Sample
is Mr. Everard Ashley Daley, an entrepreneur who operates companies
in the fields of Real Estate and Insurance. Mr. Daley, who has been
an active member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for over forty
years and is actively involved in his community, was also recognised
at Commencement. His exemplary life of service earned him the honour
of being so acknowledged.
Special recognition was given to the Imagine Cup team members, all
of whom are members of the 2007 graduating class. The team, which
placed third in the world finals of Microsoft’s Imagine Cup Software
Design competition, had arrived earlier that morning to a grand
welcome from the University. The Congresswoman extended her
heartiest congratulations to the team and commended NCU on its
numerous accomplishments over the years.
Another major highlight of the institution’s most prestigious annual
event was the State of the University Address by University
President, Dr. Herbert Thompson. In his address, which was
punctuated by a video presentation of the major accomplishments of
the academic year, Dr. Thompson stated that “the University is
moving forward”. The video pointed out the academic and
infrastructural development taking place at the University and the
strides that are being made by both the students and faculty of NCU.
Dr. Thompson highlighted the institution’s record of community
involvement, and went on to thank the corporate sponsors, government
and community members for their continual support.
Each service ended with the lusty and heart-felt singing of the Alma
Mater, indicating loyalty to the noble institution. Then, the
graduates, and all who experienced this auspicious event, filled
with hope, encouraged and inspired, departed, to commence a new
phase in their lives.
-Article and Photo courtesy of NCU
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