The Diamond Jubilee Class of 2008 marched with a sense of satisfaction for a job well done, accompanied by the scintillating rhythms of Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance,” played by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Band.  The graduates represented the 75th graduating class of the 81 year old institution. 

The class comprised 206 graduates: 186 undergraduates and 20 graduate students. They completed diverse courses of study in Business, Secondary and Primary Education, Family and Consumer Sciences, English, Social Studies, Biology, Computer Sciences, Behavioural Sciences, Psychology, Theology and Religion, and Educational Psychology.

During his promulgation address, President of USC, Dr. Trevor G. Gardner explained the ‘State of the University’ and its progress since the last Commencement exercise in May 2007. 

Masters Class

Among the achievements he submitted were the green-light to begin the construction of new Residence Halls for students in June 2008, an increase in academic offerings -- from 19 to 38 undergraduate programs, and from 3 to 14 Masters Programs – and proposals to include doctoral programs before the end of the new academic year.  He also mentioned the two additional academic Schools: The School of Social Sciences and the School of Allied Health, together with the two additional satellite sites which were established in St. Lucia and Antigua, giving a total number of 5 satellite sites, which include Barbados, Guyana and Tobago. Tobago has the largest enrollment. 

Special mention was made of the Research Agenda. 

Dr. Trevor Gardner presents his Promulgation

According to Dr. Gardner on USC’s Research Agenda, “The University is poised to execute a major research project in partnership with the University of Trinidad and Tobago.  This research seeks to validate ‘The Value of Local Plants for Medicinal Purposes.’”   Additionally, the Research Council of USC is undertaking a major longitudinal study on Youth Trend – Youth Trend Research Empowering National Development (Y-TREND).  This research will investigate the perceptions of youth at the stage of leaving high school, on issues such as economic confidence, health, social conduct, religious beliefs.

Another research is targeting students at the elementary level. It addresses the predictability of student success based on their ability to delay gratification.  Additionally, work is beginning on assessing the male image in the regular curriculum, and its impact on violence and antisocial behaviours in society, as well as issues related to Giftedness and Exceptional students.

New USC Flag and New USC Regalia (click here for more details)

During the ceremony, the new Regalia and Flag of the University were unveiled in dramatic style.  The Class of 2009 will be the first to graduate in these new robes.

The feature address was presented by The Honourable Orville London, Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.  He congratulated USC on being a true partner in the development of Trinidad and Tobago, and for the impact that its graduates have made in transforming the landscape of the country, the Region, and especially Tobago.  He promised financial support for the institution towards its continued expansion.

He engaged the graduates in a discourse about life after graduation and their need to live a purposeful life.  He challenged the graduates to:

1. Commit themselves to long term achievements, since most victories in life are achieved by small incremental wins sustained over time; recognize that long term achievement by definition will take a long time; hence, the need for a continuous learning process.
   
2. Adopt a positive problem solving approach to life.
   
3. Take full responsibility for their quality of life.  
   
4. Embrace the message of Deuteronomy 51:7: “Be Strong and of good courage.”  “There will be challenges and frustrations and troubles,” he said, “but be comforted by the words of Martin Luther King who said, ‘The ultimate measure of a man, is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy.’  That courage will inspire others, according to Billy Graham, ‘When a brave man or woman stands, the spines of others are stiffened.’”
   
5. Practice Action-Oriented Christianity; get on your knees and pray; then get up and work the prayer.
   
6. Learn to Say No and Act No.  Though some choices may seem attractive, have the confidence to recognize what is best for you and say NO to those that are not. 
   
7. Strive for growth and change, since changing the world necessitates changing ones-self. 
   
8. Develop constructive discontent; do not accept the status quo
   
9. Be servant leaders.  You have been part of an institution that has exposed you to positive values and academic expertise; do not go out with a level of arrogance. A good leader is a servant of the people.

It is finished!

He noted that no government can change the mores and ills of society. The changes can only be made by the people; and institutions like USC can assist in this regard.  “Graduates, embrace the challenge; you are well prepared; you have a responsibility to go out and change society; go with pride, confidence, and go with God -- products of a great institution.”

The lone student that achieved a 4.0 Grade Point Average was Ms. Anya Bullock from St. Vincent. She completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with the highest academic honours: Summa Cum Laude.  She intends to continue studies toward a degree in medicine.  Ms. Bullock and her family were included as honoured guests at the President’s Luncheon, which followed immediately after the Commencement Ceremony.

The President’s Party (l-r) Dr. Shirley McGarrell, Dr. Eugene Daniel, The Honourable Orville London, Dr. Trevor Gardner

Also in attendance were Dr. Eugene Daniel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, University of the Southern Caribbean; The Hon. Anthony Roberts, Member of Parliament for St. Anns East; Mr. Stanford Callender, Minister for Tobago Affairs, Office of the Prime Minister; His Excellency Roy Austin, Ambassador for the Embassy of the United States and his wife; Justice Rolston Nelson, Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice and his wife; Mr. Adesesan Olatunde, Minister Plenipotentiary, High Commission of Nigeria; and other representatives from the government, tertiary institutions, the diplomatic corps and other private institutions.

The Administration, along with the entire University fraternity extends sincere congratulations and best wishes to the Class of 2008.