Rain fails to dampen UWI Cave Hill celebration of academic excellence

As the graduating cohort of 2025 walked across the stage at The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill campus, on Saturday to receive their scrolls, one theme echoed through every speech – a call to connect and build bridges, not only between islands, but also between purpose, action, and impact.

Two ceremonies were held, as is customary, one in the morning and the other in the evening, under the theme ‘Pelicans in an AI-driven Future – Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow’.

The only noticeable hiccup to the otherwise solemn yet celebratory occasion came when heavy showers disrupted proceedings, as rain poured into the tented area. The conferral of the remaining awards was subsequently relocated to the Roy Marshall Complex.

Both sessions were unified by a shared message, and no story captured the theme of bridge-building more vividly than that of evening ceremony honorary graduate Lyndon Gardiner, a pioneering Caribbean aviation entrepreneur who was awarded the Honorary Doctorate of Laws.

In his keynote address, Gardiner reminded the graduates that necessity often builds the first bridge, but vision builds a lasting one.

“I didn’t have the frameworks or theory, but you do. You have studied democratic governance, economic integration and sustainable development and more. You have the training to build not just systems but societies.”

Gardiner highlighted that while his story was one of grit, it came full circle, and he urged the graduates to “use theories to design growth, strengthen communities and protect democratic trust.”

Shawnalee Gordon (Photo credit: UWI, Cave Hill, MARCOMMS)

In an address that provided both nostalgia and a vision for the future, valedictorian Shawnalee Gordon, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance with first class honours, further set the tone with a message that was both personal and powerful.

She spoke on the identity struggles faced by many regional students, who feel like outsiders and are burdened by imposter syndrome. Ultimately, her words were a reminder that academic success is often paved with quiet sacrifice.

“I want to reflect on that, that The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, is indeed a gift. A gift that has shaped us, challenged us and connected us. And like with all great gifts, it comes with a responsibility to keep it and use it well.”

Expanding on her message of perseverance, Gordon reminded her peers that their place at the university was no accident.

“You have earned your place here, not by chance but by courage and consistency. And with that courage comes purpose, to take what we have learned and use it to shape the world around us,” she said.

The valedictorian called on members of the graduating class to use the gift of education, noting, “Together we are equipped to ensure that our collective work contributes meaningfully to the social, economic and environmental well-being of our region.” (DT)