Saint Lucia Campus Celebrates the Class of 2025 in Joyful Commencement Ceremony

It was a day filled with pride, joy, and celebration as we honored the Saint Lucia Class of 2025 during our annual Commencement Ceremony on October 19, held at the beautiful Royalton Saint Lucia Resort & Spa Auditorium in Gros Islet.

The event brought together graduates, their families, faculty, staff, and distinguished guests to celebrate the remarkable achievements of 219 new Monroe alumni from the Saint Lucia campus. The atmosphere was electric with excitement and pride as graduates crossed the stage to receive their hard-earned degrees.

This year’s ceremony carried a special significance as it was dedicated to the memory of Augustus “Gus” Small, beloved Dean of Administration, who passed away last month. President Marc Jerome paid heartfelt tribute to Mr. Small’s enduring impact and dedication, describing him as “an educator, a leader, and a dear friend whose legacy will continue to inspire generations.” In a touching moment, Mr. Small’s family joined the celebration, and his wife was presented with a beautiful floral arrangement in appreciation and remembrance.

Terry Deligny, faculty with the School of Business and Accounting, served as Grand Marshal for the opening processional. Nathalie Jolie-Fanis, faculty with the General Education department, served as emcee. Saint Lucia’s national anthem, “Sons and Daughters of Saint Lucia”, was sung by Linda Berthier, faculty with the School of Business and Accounting. Hanna Forde, Master of Public Health graduate, sang The Star-Spangled Banner.

Warm words of welcome came from President Marc Jerome and Senior Vice President Dr. Alex Ephrem, followed by an inspiring congratulatory address from The Honorable Shawn Edward, Saint Lucia’s Minister for Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology & Vocational Training.

The highlight of the morning was the keynote address delivered by The Honorable Justice Mario Michel, whose message of purpose, perseverance, and service resonated beautifully with the audience. His eloquence and insight left a lasting impression on all in attendance.

As the ceremony continued, Dr. Ernest Ottley, incoming Dean of Academics, recognized students earning special academic honors. Dr. Karenann Carty, Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, proudly presented the graduating class to President Jerome for the official conferring of degrees -- a moment met with cheers, applause, and more than a few happy tears.

Among the many dignitaries in attendance were members of government, academia, and the clergy. The full list of special guests is articulated in our press release. 

Reflecting Monroe’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, the ceremony also celebrated students from across the Caribbean, representing Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Sint Maarten, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Each nation’s flag was proudly carried in the opening processional, symbolizing unity and shared accomplishment.

Since its founding in 2007, Monroe University’s Saint Lucia campus has awarded degrees to nearly 1,900 graduates.

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 University had 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. 

As the Class of 2025 celebrated their achievement, the message was clear -- this was not just an ending, but a bright new beginning. 

Congratulations to the newest Monroe graduates!