| IT WAS another historic day in the
102 year history of Northern
Caribbean University, as over 1,000
candidates who officially graduated on
August 9, 2009 from the five colleges
and one school within the university
fraternity, donned their regalia and
took final strides as students at the
university's 2009 commencement
exercises.
During this year's commencement
exercises, the university bestowed its
highest honour, the prestigious Doctor
of Laws Degree, honoris causa, on
Chairman, Jamaica Broilers Group (Ltd),
Robert E. Levy (First Commencement
Speaker) and United States based
entrepreneur and alumnus, Dr Milton
Morris (Second Commencement
Speaker).
SPECIAL THREE-DAY AFFAIR Graduation at NCU continues to be a special three-day affair (Friday through Sunday), with the final day, Sunday, being the day that hosts both the First Commencement which begins at 9 a.m. and the Second Commencement which begins at 2 p.m. In his commencement address, Levy used his life's experiences to encourage and challenge the graduates. The Jamaica Broilers chairman posited that his life is a testimony to the transforming power of God, citing miracle after miracle and success after success that he has been afforded. 'I hope that as you go out in your different lives you will remember that there is a superior creator ... use what you have learnt to make a contribution not only to your community but also to this great nation,' said Levy. TheFirst Commencement speaker was undoubtedly in keeping with the theme of the graduating class, 'Strategically placed ... divinely enabled.' In speaking with the Jamaica Broilers Chairman, he stated that, 'NCU's contribution to society and to me in particular is an absolute delight ... if we (NCU and I) can assist people in living a quality life, then I think I will be doing justice to the honour that NCU has bestowed on me.' The recipient of the annually awarded President's Medallion and principal of the May Pen High School, Winston Preddie, was also the speaker at the Consecration Service for the graduates on the Friday of the graduation weekend. He also shares the sentiments of Levy. Preddie has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the growth and development of the university; his steadfast loyalty to the University; his display of conviction and confidence in the University's mission and aspirations and for being a true role model in the society. In his address, he reminded the graduates that they were entering the world of work at a most challenging time where the financial challenges are great and the availability of jobs is continuing on a downward trend. However, his address was pleasantly punctuated with hope. He advocated that the graduates were strategically placed and divinely enabled and as such, they would survive. A true servant leader, Winston Preddie has been serving the May Pen High School for the last 35 years and is credited for transforming the lives of many Jamaican youth. In the First Commencement, graduates were awarded associates, bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees. In the College of Education and Leadership, graduate students were conferred with the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education and the Master of Arts (MA) in Education, while in the College of Humanities, Behavioural and Social Sciences, graduates were conferred with the Master of Science in Counselling/Psychology. The College of Natural and Applied Sciences, conferred the advanced degrees of Master of Science in Environmental Science and the Master of Science in Biology. During the Second Commencement, as is customary with the university's commencement services, the Chairman, NCU Board of Governors, Pastor Derek Bignall and the University President, Dr Herbert Thompson, brought greetings and the State of the University Address, respectively. Graduates in the Second Commencement were awarded associates, bachelors, masters, and doctor of ministry degrees. In the College of Allied Health and Nursing, graduates were conferred with the Master of Public Health, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and associate and bachelor's degrees in Nutrition/Dietetics, while in the College of Business and Hospitality Management graduate students were conferred with the Master of Business Administration. PROUD MOMENT In the School of Religion and Theology, graduates were conferred with the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) and the Master of Ministry. It was a proud moment for alumnus and Second Commencement Speaker, Dr Milton D. Morris, President, MDM Office Systems Inc, Maryland, USA as he was conferred with his honorary doctoral degree by the university president. His words rested well with the graduates. 'You should know this, you will have many other achievements in your life but this one is special, special because you have made the right choice in coming here,' said the Second Commencement Speaker. Morris spoke with great familiarity to the graduates as he delivered his commencement address, 'go out as pragmatic visionaries, people who will get things done! You can change Jamaica.' Northern Caribbean University's 2009 Product Sample, Dr Claudette Giscombe is one such visionary. Now an accomplished biological science and science education instructor, Dr Giscombe is an alumna that has achieved academic and professional excellence, has made an outstanding contribution to the development of society and has lived up to the principles of service and achievement through hard work and dedication to duty. Dr Giscombe, with many years of experience at both the secondary and tertiary levels, has an enviable record of achievement and has demonstrated commitment to effective teaching and learning. A culturally diverse and effective administrator, she has held numerous leadership positions both in Jamaica and the United States. |
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