By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer
The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) proudly celebrated its 91st Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, June 30, 2024, a momentous occasion filled with joy, inspiration, and boundless hope for the future. The Maracas Valley campus was abuzz with excitement as over 400 graduates, draped in their regal academic regalia, gathered to receive their hard-earned degrees, marking the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance.
The ceremony, held under the theme “Determined Minds, Boundless Futures,” echoed the journey of these graduates who have navigated the challenges of academic life with unwavering determination. As families, friends, and faculty members filled the seats, the air was thick with pride and anticipation.
A Ceremony Steeped in Tradition and Significance
The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including the Honorable Dr. Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, who delivered a stirring commencement address that resonated deeply with the audience.
In his address, Dr. Rowley highlighted the critical importance of education in national development, emphasizing that the graduates before him were not just individuals but key instruments in the nation’s future. “Your success redounds not only to you,” he said, “but the benefit extends to your family, your friends, and I dare say, to every citizen of this nation.”
The Prime Minister’s speech was both a celebration of the graduates’ achievements and a call to action. He reminded them of their potential to drive positive change and to contribute to the development of Trinidad and Tobago. “Education is the key,” he affirmed, “You are our greatest asset.”
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
USC’s 91st Commencement was also a moment to reflect on the university’s long-standing tradition of excellence and its contribution to the Caribbean region. With almost a century of history, USC has evolved from the Eastern Caribbean Training School into a beacon of higher education, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among its diverse student body.
Dr. Colwick Wilson, President of USC, echoed this sentiment by celebrating the resilience of the Class of 2024, particularly their ability to adapt and thrive in the face of the global pandemic. “You have proven to yourself and to the world that you have what it takes to succeed,” Dr. Wilson remarked, his voice filled with pride and admiration.
The ceremony was a vibrant display of USC’s commitment to holistic education, blending academic excellence with spiritual and moral growth. The event featured performances by the University Chorus, Orchestra, and Concert Band, adding a layer of cultural richness to the proceedings.
A Commencement to Remember
For the graduates, the ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter. With their degrees in hand, they are poised to enter the world as leaders, innovators, and change-makers. The atmosphere was one of celebration, but also of reflection, as many paused to consider the journey that had brought them to this pivotal moment.
Before the ceremony drew to a close, the Prime Minister left the graduates with a powerful charge: to carry forward the values instilled in them at USC and to use their education to uplift their communities and their nation. “You have fought the good fight. You have finished this race,” Dr. Rowley concluded, invoking a sense of both accomplishment and responsibility.
As these new alumni step out into the world, they do so with the full support of their university and the knowledge that they are part of a legacy of excellence and service. With determined minds and boundless futures ahead, the Class of 2024 is ready to make its mark on the world.
In the words of Dr. Rowley, “May your paths be blessed. Congratulations once again and may God continue to bless Trinidad and Tobago and protect our Caribbean home.”
Relive the Celebration! Watch USC’s 91st Graduation on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrBqbQh00r6_cSekDGls7_Dhdxpe3dB7L&si=7viIwUiRhwTNzwwW
