Sanovnik Destang, Celebrated Hotelier and Entrepreneur, Inspired Graduates with Powerful Keynote Address
CASTRIES, Saint Lucia, Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Monroe College, the New York-based institution offering Bachelor's and Master's degree programs from its campus in Saint Lucia, held its Annual Commencement on Sunday for local graduates.
Commencement took place at the Royalton St. Lucia Resort & Spa Auditorium in Gros-Islet. Monroe College President Marc Jerome and other senior administrators joined local campus faculty and staff, as well as special dignitaries, at the graduation ceremony, which recognized and celebrated the academic achievements of 82 students in the Saint Lucia campus Class of 2023.
Saint Lucia campus staff member Erwinton Maximin served as Grand Marshal for the opening processional. The invocation was given by Father Stephen Quinlan of the Roman Catholic Church.
Among those offering welcoming remarks to the graduates and their guests were College President Marc Jerome and Augustus Small, Dean of Administration for the Saint Lucia campus.
"It was a wonderful honor and privilege to be with our terrific Saint Lucia graduates and their families as we celebrated this incredible milestone in their lives," said Marc Jerome, president of Monroe College. "Our Class of 2023 is truly inspiring. Many started their academic journey during the pandemic -- and they did not let it stop them. They stayed focused and resilient and accomplished their dream."
The Honorable Shawn Edward, Minister for Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology & Vocational Training, delivered a congratulatory message on behalf of the Government of Saint Lucia.
Sanovnik Destang, Executive Director of Bay Gardens Resorts in Saint Lucia and Caribbean Journal's 2022 celebrated "Caribbean Hotelier of the Year," then gave an inspiring keynote address.
Dr. Sonia Alexander, Dean of Academics in Saint Lucia, announced students earning academic awards. Dr. Jacinth Coultman, Vice President for Academic Technology & General Education, proudly presented the graduates to President Jerome for the formal conferring of degrees.
In addition to students from Saint Lucia, the graduating class included students from Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Niger, Nigeria, Sint Maarten, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The names of the graduates are shared on the College's website.
The College community was joined at Commencement by a number of special guests and dignitaries, including His Excellency, Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles, the Acting Governor General; Her Excellency Dame Calliopa Pearlette Louisy, former Governor General Emerita; Honorable Shawn Audrey Edward, Minister for Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology & Vocational Training; Ms. Michelle Charles, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education; Mr. Kandelle Chodra, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education; Honorable Dr. Virginia Albert-Poyotte, Minister for Public Service, Home Affairs, Labour and Gender Affairs; Honorable Allan Chastanet, Former Prime Minister; Honorable Leslie Mondesir, Attorney General; Cabinet Secretary Mr. Agostos Degazon; His Excellency, Mr. Peter Chia-Yen Chen, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan); and Mrs. Madgerie Jameson-Charles, Principal of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College.
More than 1,500 students have earned their degree through Monroe College's Saint Lucia campus since its establishment in 2007. The campus, located on Vide Boutielle Highway in Castries, offers students a broad array of degree programs through its Schools of Allied Health Professions, Business and Accounting, Criminal and Social Justice, Hospitality Management, and Information Technology. The College has also operated the International Hospitality Training Institute in partnership with the Saint Lucian government to prepare local residents for entry-level hospitality positions with cruise ships, hotels, resorts, and restaurants.
ABOUT MONROE COLLEGE
Founded in 1933, Monroe College is a recognized leader in urban and international education. The College is proud of its innovative programs to increase college access, affordability, and completion outcomes, especially among first-generation students. The strength of its warm, supportive culture is reflected in the personal connections fostered among students, faculty, and staff.
Monroe educates close to 8,000 students each year, offering Certificate, Associate, Bachelor's, and Master's degree programs from campuses in the Bronx, New Rochelle, and Saint Lucia. Students may also take courses online. For more information and admissions criteria, please visit http://www.monroecollege.edu.
Media Contact
Jacqueline Ruegger, Monroe College, 914-740-6455, [email protected], www.monroecollege.edu
SOURCE Monroe College
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