Dominicans earn Midwestern State University degrees

Two Dominican students earned degrees at Midwestern State University last Saturday, a release from the university said.

They were part of a group of 10 Caribbean students who also walked the stage.

Rolanda Ferdinand earned a bachelor of business administration degree with cum laude honors.

Clivonne Jno-Baptiste earned a bachelor of business administration degree in accounting.

Keynote speaker, Dr. Shakir James, a Dominican and alumnus of the programme, encouraged the students to continue their studies and seek greater credentials. Dr. James graduated from the program in 2005 and is now a professor at the University of the District of Columbia.

Programme director, Dr. Randy Glean, delivered a moving tribute to the late Marcella Powell, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education until her untimely passing earlier this month. He praised her commitment to students, and her nation, and her great working relationship with university personnel.

Over 200 Dominican students have earned degrees from Midwestern since 1995 and eighty-five students are currently enrolled, making it the largest contingent from any foreign country at the university. Fifteen new students from Dominica will arrive at the university to begin studies in January. The Government of Dominica provides support to the largest contingent of students from the region in a working partnership with the university.

Mr. David Vital of Lead Institute, also an MSU alumnus, serves as the local facilitator.