The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) celebrated a historic milestone during its 93rd Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 17, 2026, as over five hundred graduates crossed the stage under the theme, “Anchored in God, Advancing in Excellence. The ceremony brought in USC alumni, dignitaries, family members and supporters alongside USC administrators, and faculty and staff in a vibrant celebration of academic success, perseverance and spiritual growth. Centered on the graduating class text from James 1:2 – 4, the occasion emphasized resilience, faith and the pursuit of excellence through adversity.
USC President Dr. Colwick Wilson addressed the graduating class as the university continues its “Journey to 100” in anticipation of USC’s centennial celebrations in 2027. He highlighted the diversity and strength of the Class of 2026, which represented 17 countries across the Caribbean and internationally. The graduating class comprised more than 500 students, with women accounting for 84 percent of graduates and men representing 16 percent. Trinidad and Tobago produced the largest number of graduates with 388 students, followed by Guyana with 63 graduates. Students also represented countries including Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Suriname, Nigeria, and the United States.
The School of Science, Technology and Allied Health produced the largest graduating cohort with 232 students, representing 46 percent of the graduating class. The School of Graduate Studies followed with 91 graduates, while the School of Social Sciences produced 78 graduates and the School of Business and Entrepreneurship graduated 63 students. The School of Education and Humanities produced 33 graduates, and the School of Theology and Religion graduated six students.
Among the most celebrated achievements of the ceremony was the continued growth of USC’s nursing programme. Dr. Wilson announced that USC’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing programme has officially received accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), earning the maximum initial accreditation period of five years. Nursing graduates represented 176 members of the graduating class, accounting for 35 percent of all graduates.
“This graduating class embodies the mission of USC to transform ordinary people into extraordinary servants of God and humanity,” President Wilson stated.
The ceremony also recognized several unique milestones among graduates. Fifty-two graduates were children of USC alumni, highlighting the university’s multigenerational legacy. The graduating class also included family members who completed their studies together, including mothers and daughters, siblings, cousins, an aunt and niece, and twin sisters. Five graduates were over the age of 60, while the youngest graduate, former Miss USC 2025 Alicia Lewis, graduated at just 20 years old.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Christon Arthur, President of La Sierra University and alumnus of Caribbean Union College, now USC. Delivering one of the ceremony’s most powerful moments, Dr. Arthur challenged graduates to see their education not simply as a personal accomplishment, but as a responsibility to serve others.
“You have earned a degree, but the degree belongs to your village,” he declared. “Your education obligates you to serve your family, your community, your country and your church.”
Reflecting on his own journey as the son of a single mother who did not attend high school or university, Dr. Arthur encouraged graduates to trust God’s purpose for their lives and remain open to opportunities beyond their own plans. “I had a plan for my life,” he shared. “But I soon realized that my plan was too small. The plans that God has for you are grander and bigger.”
Throughout his address, Dr. Arthur repeatedly emphasized the importance of availability to God’s calling. Drawing from the biblical stories of Abraham, Moses and Isaiah, he explained the meaning of the Hebrew word “Hineni,” meaning “I am available.” He stated that your calling is not about having everything figured out but about being willing to say yes before fully understanding. He challenged graduates to live lives grounded in conviction, faith and service, reminding them that USC’s mission extends beyond academics and into transforming lives and communities around them.
“Don’t live your life trying to get ready,” he urged. “Live your life being available to what God is calling you to do.”
Dr. Arthur also encouraged graduates to continue striving regardless of setbacks or delays, reminding them that perseverance matters more than speed once they just keep running the race.
Following the keynote address, the ceremony also featured the presentation of prestigious awards and honorary degrees. The Spirit of USC Award was presented to Mrs. Shirley Lake-King and Mrs. Lorna Wilson-DeLancy in recognition of their exceptional leadership, professional excellence and longstanding commitment to USC and their respective communities.
Mrs. Lake-King, a seasoned financial executive with more than 40 years of public sector leadership experience, was recognized for her contributions to higher education administration and fiscal stewardship, including her service as Vice President for Administration and Finance at the University of the Virgin Islands. Mrs. Wilson-DeLancy was honored for over 45 years of service in healthcare administration and cancer awareness initiatives in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, as well as her dedicated leadership within USC alumni associations across North America.
Honorary doctoral degrees were conferred upon Mrs. Claire Chunlan Aleong- Hosten, Dr. Sieunarine Coosal and Mr. Fitzroy Harewood for their contributions to education, mentorship, innovation, philanthropy and national development.
Special acknowledgment was also given to the silver and gold class respectively celebrating their 25th and 50th graduation anniversaries, reaffirming USC’s longstanding legacy of faith-based education and service throughout the Caribbean and beyond. Following this, an emotional highlight of the ceremony came as tributes were paid to Dr. Len M. Archer and Dr. Kern Tobias, both of whom are concluding major leadership roles at the institution after years of dedicated service.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the official conferral of degrees upon the graduating class as students proudly crossed the stage to receive degrees across USC’s various academic schools. The conferral marked the culmination of years of dedication, sacrifice and perseverance for graduates and their families.
The Valedictorian Address was delivered by Ms. Shafiya Castello, who reflected on the shared journey of the graduating class and the faith that sustained them through moments of uncertainty and challenge. Speaking with gratitude and conviction, Castello encouraged her fellow graduates to remain anchored in God while pursuing excellence and purpose in every stage of life. She reminded graduates that success is not measured solely by achievements or titles, but by the impact they make through service, integrity and compassion. Castello also acknowledged the sacrifices made by parents, guardians, faculty members and support systems who stood beside students throughout their academic journey.
Encouraging the Class of 2026 to move forward with courage and humility, she challenged graduates to embrace opportunities for growth while remaining committed to faith and service. Her address was felt deeply by graduates and attendees alike, drawing applause as she reflected on USC’s role in shaping not only educated professionals, but individuals prepared to positively influence their communities and the world at large.
As the 93rd Commencement Ceremony came to a close, graduates celebrated alongside loved ones and stood as a powerful reminder of USC’s enduring commitment to faith, scholarship, leadership and excellence as the institution approaches its centennial milestone.
