CAFY Completes Semester With Strong CIS101 Defenses
December 11, 2025
USM’s CAFY students completed their first semester with dissertation-style business presentations, showcasing skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. A panel of industry professionals challenged and inspired the students, with several earning mentorship and collaboration opportunities.
USM proudly announces the successful completion of the first semester for its CAFY students, highlighted by a series of dissertation-style final presentations for the CIS 101 course, Computer Software Applications.
Under the guidance of instructor Ms. Shobhan Giterson, MSc, students transformed their semester-long learning into fully developed business concepts, showcasing their mastery of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. Each student was assigned a unique business type and tasked with developing a complete business plan, logo, flyer, inventory system, database, and final presentation.
To evaluate and challenge the students, USM welcomed a distinguished panel of professionals, including:
MP Dimar Labega, Adelena Chandler, Head of Human Resources, Port St. Maarten, Saskia Jones, Cabinet of VROMI, Noreen Labega, Ministry of VROMI, Miklos Giterson, Ministry of VROMI, Nkosazana Illis, Social Worker & Counselor, Richelis van der Mark, Policy Officer, SER, Lenworth Wilson, Founder of GIFTED Foundation & USM Alumnus, Maria Alexis, Head of Business Office, USM, Marvio Cooks, Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports & AI Technology Specialist, Andrea Gibson Paul, NIPA.
The panel engaged students with real-world questions, encouraging them to defend their concepts and articulate their decision-making, replicating the structure of a professional or academic defense.
Several presentations stood out, prompting panelists to extend mentorship and future collaboration opportunities. One student’s innovative museum concept drew interest from Marvio Cooks, who expressed potential alignment with ongoing cultural policy development, including the future Museum of St. Maarten. Another student’s sports club initiative received support from MP Labega, who offered guidance to help bring the idea to life.
Instructor Ms. Giterson expressed pride in the cohort’s growth:
“Throughout this course, students demonstrated remarkable development not only in their digital and software skills, but in their presentation, communication, and critical thinking abilities. Their creativity and professionalism were evident, and it was inspiring to watch them take ownership of their work.”
The final presentations included participation from students in both St. Maarten and St. Eustatius, with Statia students presenting remotely via Zoom.
USM extends its sincere appreciation to the panelists for contributing their time and expertise, enriching the academic experience for the CAFY students.
As the students continue their academic journey, USM celebrates their achievements and encourages them to remain innovative, disciplined, and committed to excellence in the digital age.
