When Leandra K. Moonsammy, BSc Mathematics major, walked across the stage at the University of The Bahamas (UB) Awards Ceremony to receive the prestigious Governor General’s Award for the highest academic performance, scholarship, and exceptional leadership, she returned to collect four more distinguished honours. Leandra exemplified the excellence that characterizes UB’s 2022 Commencement Class.

“It honestly feels wonderful to be recognized for my achievements,” said Leandra who earned UB’s top three scholar awards.

Not only was she the valedictorian, Leandra received the President’s Award which she shared with a Biology with Chemistry major; the Alumni Association Leadership Award which she shared with Mackenson Charles, student trustee on the Board of Trustees; the Mathematics, Physics, and Technology Award for Academic Excellence; and the Carol Ritchie Memorial Award for the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics.

“It’s not only about the awards, but about achieving excellence and doing your best in everything that you put your mind to. So, I’m truly grateful to be able to finish this race,” she says.

At the awards ceremony held recently at the Atlantis Paradise Island Convention Centre, UB awarded more than 70 members of the 2022 Commencement Class for excellence in academic achievement and leadership, a time-honoured tradition.

Timothy H. Newbold was also named President’s Award recipient, like his colleague Leandra. He was also awarded the Chemistry, Environmental and Life Sciences Award; the Chemistry, Environmental, and Life Sciences Award for Academic Excellence; and the Portia M. Smith Memorial Award for Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry.

He hailed his achievements as a collective win.

“It feels great,” notes Timothy. “One of the things that I always tell people is, when one person wins, everybody wins. So, these awards aren’t really my awards—they’re everybody’s award, because I helped a lot of people. We did well, so this is a celebration for everyone. So, I feel great that all of us won.”

Other awardees, cheered on by excited family members, friends, members of the UB community and other supporters, shared his elation.

For the School of Business, Tiasha W. Lewis (BBA Management major) took home the Business Award, while Crayanna S. Rolle took home both the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Award for Academic Excellence and the Dr. Albert Ferguson Award for Management.

In the Tourism, Hospitality, Culinary Arts and Leisure Management academic discipline, Udaijah S.C. Taylor (BSc Hospitality Management major) was awarded the Tourism, Hospitality, Culinary Arts and Leisure Management Award; the Tourism, Hospitality, Culinary Arts and Leisure Management Award for Academic Excellence; as well as the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management Award.

For the School of Education, Shavincia J. Saunders (BEd K-12 Music major) received the Education Award for Academic Excellence, while Ce’lena A. Hunter (BEd Secondary Certification, English Language/Literature major) received the Bachelor of Education Secondary Certification: English Language/Literature Award.

UB President Dr. Rodney D. Smith said the awards bestowed were more than just academic awards, they symbolized the hard work and dedication of students in finishing their studies during extremely challenging circumstances.

“Certainly, each awardee can attest to the fact that they are survivors, they are thriving, and they have succeeded despite all the challenges and changes, pivoting, and disruptions experienced while finishing their degrees during the pandemic,” said Dr. Smith. “Your dedication to your studies, the loyal service you gave to your alma mater and the community, and of course your overall academic excellence and strength of character, have earned you a place to be honoured amongst your peers and in the presence of your parents, family, and friends.”

At the awards ceremony, two members of faculty were also honoured for their excellence. Associate Professor in the School of Social Sciences Dr. Peter Maynard earned the Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award and Assistant Professor in the School of Chemistry, Environmental and Life Sciences Dr. Tanya Simms received the Stanley Wilson Award for Excellence in Research.