University of The Bahamas Confers Degrees, Diplomas on More than 600 Graduates
Nassau, THE BAHAMAS – In a ceremony that celebrated not only the achievement of successfully completing an academic journey, but producing skilled graduates to advance progress throughout The Bahamas and the world, University of The Bahamas (UB) conferred degrees upon more than 600 graduates at the Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony held on Tuesday. It was one of the largest graduating cohorts in UB’s recent history.
The ceremony was held at the Grand Hyatt Convention Centre at Baha Mar.
Thousands of jubilant family members and supporters heralded the graduates from Summer and Fall 2024 and Spring 2025, marking the culmination of rigorous academic journeys and the beginning of new chapters in excellence, innovation, and service.
“The journey to this day was not easy,” Chair of UB’s Board of Trustees, Mrs. Allyson Maynard-Gibson, K.C. told the commencement class. “You were tested in ways that generations before you could scarcely imagine. From the disruptions of COVID to economic uncertainty, you faced it all with courage, with adaptability and with strength.
“You did not just survive, you thrived. Your triumph is deeply personal, but it is also a national testimony to what resilience looks like and what the future of The Bahamas holds.”
The Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony also included the conferral of honorary doctorate degrees upon the Rt. Hon. His Excellency Lowell J. Mortimer, CB, OD, OBE, and Sir Franklyn R. Wilson, KCMG, CMG, both of whom are accomplished businessmen, and philanthropists. In the nuggets of wisdom that they shared, both men urged the graduates to become lifelong learners as they continue pursuing excellence.
“My advice to you is to always be like a sponge,” said Mr. Mortimer. “Continue to learn from each other as well as the environment in which you may find yourselves. Your studies exposed you to many disciplines, but always remember that education is never useless.”
Sir Franklyn noted that such occasions are channels for a never-ending journey towards self-enrichment.
“Hopefully, as we each continue our respective journey, we will share determination to advance that journey by forging a future through excellence, innovation, and leadership,” said Sir Franklyn.
Acting President Janyne Hodder, who presided over the ceremony in one of her final official acts before she completes her tenure, praised the graduating class for embodying the spirit of excellence that UB strives to cultivate.
“You (graduands) are the reason we are inspired every day to do more and be more,” said President Janyne. “We could not be more proud to do this work for you and because of you.”
UB’s Board Chair Mrs. Gibson and Vice Chair Gadville McDonald also presented President Hodder with a plaque for her leadership that has been marked by new standards in continuous improvement and steering the University toward national and international accreditation standards to ensure that UB continues to deliver excellence for generations to come.
The exuberance of the day was punctuated by cheers, horns, and an air of triumph and pride that filled the convention centre. Among the standout graduates was 57-year-old schoolteacher Cleotha Collie, who claimed the University’s highest academic honour – the Governor General’s Award – while earning a Bachelor of Education in Primary Education.
“It feels great. It has taken me over a decade, but I’ve done it, so all thanks to God,” she said.
Alesha Pinder, recipient of the second highest academic honour, the President’s Award, also received the top academic honour for the School of Communication and Creative Arts. Pinder, who earned dual degrees – a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Bachelor of Education in Music K-12 – delivered the address on behalf of the graduates.
“It feels amazing to be done,” she said. “The tassel was worth the hassle.”
Other graduates, like Jason Weir, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology Minor in Chemistry, relished the end of his UB journey.
“It feels relieving,” said Jason. “It’s finally over. It’s been a long journey. Plenty of times, I felt like giving up, but in the end, I still had a lot of “stick-ability” because of my friends and family that supported me. I can truly say UB has tested my resilience, my patience, and I feel like it has helped develop me as a person.”
-
- Happy and proud graduates.
-
- Alesha Pinder receives the President’s Award.
-
- Cleotha Collie receives the Governor General Award.
-
- Acting President Janyne Hodder receives the plaque from members of the Board of Trustees.
-
- Rt. Hon. His Excellency Lowell J. Mortimer, CB, OD, OBE delivers the commencement address.
-
- Rt. Hon. His Excellency Lowell J. Mortimer, CB, OD, OBE is conferred with an honorary degree.
-
- Sir Franklyn R. Wilson, KCMG, CMG delivers the commencement address.
-
- Sir Franklyn R. Wilson, KCMG, CMG is conferred with an honorary doctorate degree.
-
- All smiles at the commencement ceremony.
-
- More than 600 graduates comprise the 2025 Commencement Class.
-
- Nassau, THE BAHAMAS – In a ceremony that celebrated not only the achievement of successfully completing an academic journey, but producing skilled graduates to advance progress throughout The Bahamas and the world, University of The Bahamas (UB) conferred degrees upon more than 600 graduates at the Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony held on Tuesday. It was one of the largest graduating cohorts in UB’s recent history. The ceremony was held at the Grand Hyatt Convention Centre at Baha Mar. Thousands of jubilant family members and supporters heralded the graduates from Summer and Fall 2024 and Spring 2025, marking the culmination of rigorous academic journeys and the beginning of new chapters in excellence, innovation, and service. “The journey to this day was not easy,” Chair of UB’s Board of Trustees, Mrs. Allyson Maynard-Gibson, K.C. told the commencement class. “You were tested in ways that generations before you could scarcely imagine. From the disruptions of COVID to economic uncertainty, you faced it all with courage, with adaptability and with strength. “You did not just survive, you thrived. Your triumph is deeply personal, but it is also a national testimony to what resilience looks like and what the future of The Bahamas holds.” The Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony also included the conferral of honorary doctorate degrees upon the Rt. Hon. His Excellency Lowell J. Mortimer, CB, OD, OBE, and Sir Franklyn R. Wilson, KCMG, CMG, both of whom are accomplished businessmen, and philanthropists. In the nuggets of wisdom that they shared, both men urged the graduates to become lifelong learners as they continue pursuing excellence. “My advice to you is to always be like a sponge,” said Mr. Mortimer. “Continue to learn from each other as well as the environment in which you may find yourselves. Your studies exposed you to many disciplines, but always remember that education is never useless.” Sir Franklyn noted that such occasions are channels for a never-ending journey towards self-enrichment. “Hopefully, as we each continue our respective journey, we will share determination to advance that journey by forging a future through excellence, innovation, and leadership,” said Sir Franklyn. Acting President Janyne Hodder, who presided over the ceremony in one of her final official acts before she completes her tenure, praised the graduating class for embodying the spirit of excellence that UB strives to cultivate. “You (graduands) are the reason we are inspired every day to do more and be more,” said President Janyne. “We could not be more proud to do this work for you and because of you.” UB’s Board Chair Mrs. Gibson and Vice Chair Gadville McDonald also presented President Hodder with a plaque for her leadership that has been marked by new standards in continuous improvement and steering the University toward national and international accreditation standards to ensure that UB continues to deliver excellence for generations to come. The exuberance of the day was punctuated by cheers, horns, and an air of triumph and pride that filled the convention centre. Among the standout graduates was 57-year-old schoolteacher Cleotha Collie, who claimed the University’s highest academic honour – the Governor General’s Award – while earning a Bachelor of Education in Primary Education. “It feels great. It has taken me over a decade, but I’ve done it, so all thanks to God,” she said. Alesha Pinder, recipient of the second highest academic honour, the President’s Award, also received the top academic honour for the School of Communication and Creative Arts. Pinder, who earned dual degrees – a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Bachelor of Education in Music K-12 – delivered the address on behalf of the graduates. “It feels amazing to be done,” she said. “The tassel was worth the hassle.” Other graduates, like Jason Weir, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology Minor in Chemistry, relished the end of his UB journey. “It feels relieving,” said Jason. “It’s finally over. It’s been a long journey. Plenty of times, I felt like giving up, but in the end, I still had a lot of “stick-ability” because of my friends and family that supported me. I can truly say UB has tested my resilience, my patience, and I feel like it has helped develop me as a person.”