Sun | Oct 19, 2025

PM happy for honorary degree

Published:Monday | August 13, 2012 | 12:00 AM
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Donna Powell-Wilson and husband, Phillip, took time out for a kiss after they were presented with their Doctor of Philosophy in Education degrees at the second commencement service at the NCU yesterday. Looking on are (from left) Dr Trevor Gardner, president of the NCU, and Patrice Grant-Anderson, assistant registrar, NCU.
Dr Trevor Gardner, president of Northern Caribbean University, confers the honorary Doctor of Public Service degree on Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller. Simpson Miller was awarded by the university during its 2012 graduation ceremony in Mandeville, Manchester, yesterday. - Photos by Dave Lindo
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Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer

MANDEVILLE, Manchester:

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller yesterday received an honorary degree from the Northern Caribbean University (NCU) during its 2012 graduation ceremony in Mandeville, Manchester.

In the first of two commencement services held at the university's main campus, Simpson Miller was conferred with a Doctor of Public Service honorary degree.

The prime minister said she was very happy and honoured to be the recipient of such an award.

"The Bible says that a city set upon a hill cannot be hidden, and NCU, formerly West Indies College, has been lit in a bright, shiny educationally beacon which has more than 100 years of contribution in education," the prime minister said.

Simpson Miller implored the 2012 graduates to be leaders of the nation. "You are the next generation of Jamaican leaders. Armed with your degrees and enthusiasm, you have the opportunity to make a positive impact on Jamaica and the world," she said.

Ambassador Audrey Marks, formerly Jamaica's ambassador to the United States, was also conferred with an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree by the university.

Digicel gets award

Digicel was awarded the President's Medallion by the university for its contribution to Jamaica through sponsorships of various sports, along with its involvement in community-based initiatives.

The President's Medallion was accepted by Conor Looney, Digicel's head of marketing.

A total of 908 persons graduated, with three students obtaining a 3.93 grade point average. The top achievers were Odett Baker-Campbell, from the Education and Leadership Department; Lurine Linton-Henry, from the Human Behavioural and Social Science Department; and Geneva Edwards-Salmon, from Business and Hospitality.

As disclosed by newly installed president of the NCU, Dr Trevor Gardner, the School of Nursing had a 99 per cent pass rate. He said plans were in place to upgrade the equipment in that department in order to lift standards even higher.

rural@gleanerjm.com