Eleven Portraits of Excellence alumni graduated from USC, honouring a 20-year legacy of leadership, service and faith.
At the University of the Southern Caribbean’s 93rd Commencement Ceremony, eleven members of the Portraits of Excellence (POE) family crossed the graduation stage. Their milestone comes as Portraits of Excellence celebrates its 20th anniversary of cultivating student leaders committed to scholarship, service, spiritual growth, and Caribbean representation. For two decades, the programme has challenged students to discover their potential, embrace servant leadership, and become ambassadors for the University’s mission long after the competition concludes.
For many, Portraits of Excellence is remembered for its gala night, awards, and public presentations. Yet for the delegates who have experienced the journey firsthand, its lasting impact is found elsewhere—in the friendships formed, the challenges overcome, the confidence gained, and the faith strengthened along the way.
Those themes emerged repeatedly as graduates reflected on their USC journeys and the role Portraits of Excellence played in shaping who they have become.
Excellence Begins with Belonging
“True excellence is not only measured by achievements but also by character, purpose, and service.”
For Psychology graduate Elsa Elvin, Portraits of Excellence offered an early glimpse into the university experience that would shape the next several years of her life.
Representing Antigua and Barbuda (North Caribbean) in the 2024 programme, Elvin entered USC seeking an education that combined academic excellence with spiritual growth.
“I wanted more than just a degree,” she reflects. “I wanted an environment where I could grow intellectually, develop meaningful relationships, and deepen my relationship with God.”
One of her strongest memories is the sense of community she experienced throughout the programme.
“What I remember most was the sense of community and belonging,” she says. “The experience showed me that excellence extends beyond academics; it includes character, service, and faith.”
Throughout her studies, Elvin learned to balance academic responsibilities with personal well-being while relying on God’s strength through challenging seasons. Graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, she describes earning her degree as the accomplishment of which she is most proud.
As she looks ahead to a career in psychology and future graduate studies, she says the programme continues to shape how she approaches both leadership and service. “Portraits of Excellence encouraged me to believe in my potential and inspired me to pursue goals that once seemed beyond my reach.”
Bonds That Exceed Competition
“Success is not in the crown or title; it is the daily dedication you make to grow and become the best version of yourself.”
For Alicia Lewis, Ms. USC 2025 and Accounting graduate from Antigua and Barbuda, the most enduring memory is not winning the crown but the relationships forged throughout the experience.
“Although we entered the program as competitors, we left with a lifelong bond,” she reflects. “What mattered was that, just as we supported each other through the journey together, we were finishing together.”
Lewis balanced a demanding schedule of academics, ministry, student leadership, employment in USC’s Finance Department, and community engagement while pursuing her degree. Her efforts earned her recognition as one of the top Accounting graduates in her class, graduating cum laude and receiving an award from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Yet among her proudest accomplishments is HEARTSS: Helping the Elderly Achieve Resilience Through Sustainable Support, a community initiative she developed through Portraits of Excellence that impacted elderly populations across five Caribbean countries.
Growing Through Challenge
“Being grounded in God gives you the ability to approach everything with confidence.”
Like Lewis, Biology graduate Felesha Jack discovered that some of the most meaningful lessons emerged through the challenges.
A member of the 2025 Portraits of Excellence cohort, Jack recalls the countless choreography rehearsals that allowed delegates to set aside the pressures of the programme and simply enjoy one another’s company.
“As a POE delegate, you have a certain image to uphold on campus, strict schedules to follow, and balancing everything else with that is not an easy feat,” she says.
Her USC experience was marked by significant personal and spiritual growth. During her final year, she encountered circumstances that tested her faith and resilience. Through prayer, community support, and an unwavering trust in God, she persevered.
Among her proudest accomplishments was the iProvide mural project, completed in collaboration with the St. Joseph Police Youth Group and USC Artistry Club. What began as a simple idea grew into a community initiative that connected students, mentors, and young people through creativity, service, and collaboration.
Opportunities, Purpose, and Preparation
“Always be prepared for every opportunity.”
For Music graduate Jesse Schultz, Portraits of Excellence opened doors to mentorship and professional development that continue to shape his future aspirations.
A delegate in the 2023 cohort, Schultz recalls opportunities to network with professionals from diverse fields and develop meaningful relationships with university leaders.
“Anything is possible,” he says, reflecting on one of the lessons he carried away from the experience. “Always be prepared for every opportunity.”
His own journey required considerable perseverance. When technical issues with his saxophone threatened to delay important recital requirements, Schultz organized a fundraising concert to purchase a professional instrument. By the end of 2024, he had acquired a new saxophone and successfully completed both his junior and senior recitals.
Today, he leaves USC with ambitions of becoming an international saxophonist, music educator, and creative entrepreneur while representing his faith, culture, and country on the global stage.
Faith as a Foundation
“POE reinforced the importance of faith, leadership, and service.”
For Nursing graduate Marques Bruce, Portraits of Excellence provided an opportunity to represent USC South Campus while developing skills that would extend far beyond the competition itself.
Recognized with the Congeniality Award during the 2025 programme, Bruce credits the experience with strengthening his leadership abilities, deepening his faith, and teaching him valuable lessons about perseverance.
Like many students, he found balancing academics, work responsibilities, and personal commitments among the most demanding aspects of university life. Yet those challenges helped cultivate the resilience and discipline that now guide his professional aspirations.
Following graduation, Bruce plans to obtain his nursing license and advance his career while advocating for greater recognition of nurse practitioners in Trinidad and Tobago.
A Legacy Beyond the Crown
The reflection shared, echo the experiences of the wider graduating Portraits of Excellence family. Collectively, their accomplishments reflect the programme’s commitment to developing students who excel academically while embracing leadership, service, cultural pride, and spiritual growth.
Their stories also bring to life the theme of USC’s 93rd Commencement Ceremony: Anchored in God, Advancing in Excellence.
Though their paths differ, their message is remarkably consistent. Excellence is not measured solely by awards, titles, or accomplishments. It is revealed through perseverance, service, character, and a willingness to answer God’s call wherever it may lead.
As these eleven Portraits of Excellence graduates step into careers in healthcare, education, business, technology, the arts, research, and public service, they carry forward lessons learned both inside and outside the classroom. Their achievements represent more than individual success; they reflect the mission of a programme designed to cultivate leaders who serve with purpose, humility, and excellence.
Portraits of Excellence Alumni – Class of 2026 Graduates
| Delegate | Country/Club | POE Year | Program Completed | Honors/Awards |
| Elsa Elvin | Antigua / South Leeward Club | 2024 | BS Psychology | Cum Laude |
| Aziel Hoyte | Barbados | 2024 | BS Computing | Best Community Project Award (Barbados Club) |
| Nkosi Cato | Tobago | 2024 | BS Accounting | |
| Alicia Lewis | Antigua / South Leeward Club | 2025 | BS Accounting | Cum Laude; Ms. USC 2025; First Place Overall Research Award; Best Community Project Award |
| Felesha Jack | Dominica | 2025 | BS Biology | First Runner-Up (Female); People’s Choice Award |
| Jesse Schultz | Guyana | 2023 | BA Music | |
| Shauntae Price | Barbados | 2024 | BS Family & Consumer Sciences | First Runner-Up (Female); Best Talent (Female); Best Community Project Award |
| Monique Lively | Trinidad & Tobago | 2023 | BA English | Best Cultural Wear (Female) |
| Marques Bruce | USC South Campus | 2025 | BS Nursing | Congeniality Award |
| Marica Hector | St. Vincent & the Grenadines / VINADA | 2024 | BS Biology | People’s Choice Award |
| Ruqayya Abdul-Haqq | Trinidad & Tobago | 2025 | BA History | Cum Laude; Best Cultural Wear Award (Female) |
