More than 130 students who embody academic excellence walked across the stage to receive their individual honours at the University of The Bahamas’ recent Academic Honours Convocation held this week with a focus on the golden future that awaits these trailblazers.
The ceremony, laced with academic symbolism and punctuated by the pride which soared in the family members, faculty, staff, students and alumni who attended, was another ode to excellence. The theme of the ceremony, held at UB’s Performing Arts Centre, was “Golden Futures: Honouring Academic Excellence”.
“I feel super, super great,” said Aiyana Knowles, School of Business major, who earned the highest cumulative GPA. “I didn’t even know that I was in the top 10 ranking; I just knew I had the ceremony to come to today. It’s very rewarding to see that my efforts paid off, because I’m an overthinker and I stress a lot. So, you know, seeing that my efforts do actually pay off is really rewarding and reassuring.”
Students who were awarded earned GPAs of 3.51 or greater for the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters, having successfully attempted at least 12 credits per semester. With the country having celebrated its 50th year of independence, and UB preparing to commemorate 50 years of continuous operation cultivating future nation-builders is even more crucial.
“This year, as our country celebrates 50 years of independence, the time is now to shift the developmental tides of our country to ensure a golden future,” said keynote speaker and College of The Bahamas (COB) alum, Dr. Trevor Johnson. “Students, I encourage each and every one of you today to contribute to the longevity and sustainability of our country. The Bahamas needs each and every one of us. Every teacher, every lawyer, every doctor, every engineer, every sustainability practitioner, your country needs you, because all of us have a role to play.
“Each of you has the potential to make your path a golden future. All of you, through your achievements today, are on the path of excellence. And your achievements are truly worthy of commendation.”
The honours convocation is an annual celebration where undergraduate students are recognised for their outstanding academic achievements. However, such ceremonies are also celebrations of the hard work, dedication, and professionalism of university staff and faculty who remain dedicated to nurturing students.
UB Acting President Janyne Hodder, reminded the student honourees of how proud their UB family is of their brilliance.
“All of you are equipped with knowledge, creativity, and a sense of purpose,” said President Hodder. “You’re poised to become leaders, innovators, and contributors to The Bahamas of tomorrow and to the broader world. We celebrate you within our walls today, but I know your impact will reach far beyond UB now and over time.
“We are honoured you chose to thrive and flourish in this exceptional community. We’re proud to have been a part of your journey. We’re excited to see what lies ahead for you.”
Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Maria Oriakhi agreed.
“Your achievements are nothing short of commendable,” said Dr. Oriakhi. “In the face of academic challenges, you have demonstrated resilience and determination, showcasing your ability to thrive in rigorous academic environments. At the University of The Bahamas, we take great pride in recognizing and honouring your hard work. Events like these provide a glimpse at the future leaders within our nation, and we are committed to nurturing the potential in each of you.”
A key part of Dr. Johnson’s address to the students was a charge for them to always remain humble, no matter how big they make it in life. The humility of UB’s student honourees was on vivid display as they expressed gratitude to the university for recognizing them for their hard work and all those sleepless nights they spent studying.
Honour roll student Zoe Turner, a media journalism major, expressed her pride.
“I’m just happy that I was able to be recognized in such a way, and I’m just happy that all of the students who worked really, really hard and got good grades are recognized for their work, because it’s not easy,” said Zoe. “A lot of your time, your effort goes into your grades and your academic achievement, and a lot of times you’re not even sure how good you’re going to do. So, I think it’s good that we are able to be celebrated in this way, and I think it’s encouraging to us, especially as the semester’s winding down, to keep maintaining our excellence and putting our best foot forward.”
Edwin Alvin Waldron Jr., who accepted his award while on crutches, said his success was not of his own strength.
“This shows me giving God the glory for every aspect of your life will always have its rewards,” he said. “And I’m so glad I’m able to excel academically. Doing the law programme at UB is not an easy feat, but God is bringing me through, and it’s just amazing to be honoured in this way.”
