Celebrating Our Dean’s Listers and Academic Excellence
August 16, 2026
We proudly celebrated our Dean’s List honorees from Fall 2023 through Spring 2026, recognizing their academic excellence, dedication and hard work while highlighting student leadership and the USM alumni who continue to return, serve and give back.
The University of St. Martin proudly celebrated our Dean’s List honorees on Thursday, August 13, recognizing students who achieved academic excellence from Fall 2023 through Spring 2026.
Held on campus under the theme “Celebrating Academic Excellence,” the evening brought together our honorees, alumni, families, staff, members of the USM Board of Directors and the USM Endowment Foundation to recognize the hard work, discipline and commitment of our students.
To earn a place on USM’s Dean’s List, students must be enrolled as full-time students, taking 12 or more credits during the semester, and achieve a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This recognition celebrates students who have demonstrated strong academic performance, discipline and commitment to their studies.
More than simply presenting certificates, the evening was an opportunity to celebrate what our students have accomplished and encourage them to continue building on that foundation through leadership, service and involvement in the USM community.
The evening was powerfully carried by Master of Ceremonies and USM alumna Ria Adams, whose own USM journey closely reflected the achievements being celebrated.
During her two years at USM, Ria earned a place on the Dean’s List twice and was actively involved in student life, including serving as President and Team Lead of the Student Government Association (SGA). Her academic performance at USM later supported her admission to Keiser University in Miami, where she continued her studies in Psychology.
Throughout the evening, Ria connected her journey with our honorees and reminded them that making the Dean’s List is more than receiving a certificate. It is an achievement they can carry into future University applications, scholarships, employment and leadership opportunities.
“Wherever you go, take your foundation with you. And when you are in a position to do so, remember to reach back,” she told the honorees.
USM alumna Jolene Augustine, who earned a place on the Dean’s List four times during her studies at USM and also served on the SGA, was also formally recognized and shared reflections and remarks with our honorees.
Dean’s List certificates and USM pins were presented by the Dean of Business and Hospitality Mr. Jan van Beek, the Dean of General Liberal Arts and Education Mrs. Juliana Shipley- Hodge, and Registrar Ms. Glenda Brazier.
Several students and alumni earned Dean’s List honors across multiple semesters, demonstrating not only academic excellence but also the consistency and discipline needed to maintain a high academic standard.
The Fall 2023 Dean’s Listers were Jolene Augustine, Ashley Bhagwandas, Neveah Browne, Ariella Bussue, Psuenedia Fearon, Neharda Flanders, Shaundell Glasgow, Moeanna Jones, Aurelia Morris, Darwin Peña Ventura, Diandra Pikeur-Anderson, Nishion Powell, Sigorney Robinson, Shadira Thomas and Sashelle Wilson.
The Spring 2024 Dean’s Listers were Wildania Alexis Valdez, Diangeli Arrindell, Jolene Augustine, Elayne James, Merguli Johnson, Shashina Lindo, Aurelia Morris, Donald Narine, Darwin Peña Ventura, Nishion Powell, Teresa Roberts and Sashelle Wilson.
The Fall 2024 Dean’s Listers were Diangeli Arrindell, Jolene Augustine, Shanna Pantophlet, Wenkise Pinthiere, Selena Valrose and Sashelle Wilson.
The Spring 2025 Dean’s Listers were Jolene Augustine and Darla Jacquet. Allenson Lafluer earned the distinction for Fall 2025, while Darla Jacquet was recognized for Spring 2026.
The honorees who were in attendance each received a certificate and USM pin, followed by their picture taken to commemorate their achievement. The evening concluded with group pictures, a toast, cake cutting and light reception with our students and their families.
We also used the occasion to encourage our students to become more involved in campus life through USM’s two Student Elite Clubs: the Student Government Association and Student Ambassadors.
Our Student Ambassadors serve as the voice of USM, representing the University at events, activities and within the wider community, while the SGA serves as the voice of our students within USM.
Head of Marketing Ms. Shobhan Giterson encouraged eligible students to become involved and reminded them that their University experience should extend beyond attending classes.
Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA to participate in the Elite Clubs. As we work to reactivate these clubs, students will have opportunities to participate in elections, fundraising initiatives, student-led activities, community service and other leadership opportunities.
Giterson commended USM alumni who continue to give back not only to the University, but also to the wider St. Maarten community through their professions, businesses, talents and respective endeavors.
“Our alumni are one of the greatest examples we can give our students of what happens beyond USM,” Giterson shared. “It is always encouraging to see them return, whether it is to mentor, volunteer, share their talents, support an event or simply be present for our students. They continue to show that you can move on from USM, build your own journey and still remember to reach back.”
A special thank you goes to Ty Farqueson, an alumnus of the 2025–2026 Caribbean Academic Foundation Year (CAFY) program, who returned to campus as our photographer for the evening and captured these special moments for our students and their families.
We also extend our appreciation to USM alumna Kishma Gabriela of Kake Galore for her contribution to making the evening special.
USM sincerely thanks the USM Board of Directors and USM Endowment Foundation for joining us and continuing to show their support for our students and alumni. Their presence, along with our families, staff and alumni, helped make the evening a meaningful celebration of our students.
To all of our Dean’s List honorees from Fall 2023 through Spring 2026: congratulations!
We are proud of what you have accomplished and look forward to seeing where your journey takes you next. Continue striving for excellence, take advantage of opportunities to lead and, wherever that journey takes you, remember the importance of reaching back and giving back.
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Held on campus under the theme “Celebrating Academic Excellence,” the evening brought together our honorees, alumni, families, staff, members of the USM Board of Directors and the USM Endowment Foundation to recognize the hard work, discipline and commitment of our students.
To earn a place on USM’s Dean’s List, students must be enrolled as full-time students, taking 12 or more credits during the semester, and achieve a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This recognition celebrates students who have demonstrated strong academic performance, discipline and commitment to their studies.
More than simply presenting certificates, the evening was an opportunity to celebrate what our students have accomplished and encourage them to continue building on that foundation through leadership, service and involvement in the USM community.
The evening was powerfully carried by Master of Ceremonies and USM alumna Ria Adams, whose own USM journey closely reflected the achievements being celebrated.
During her two years at USM, Ria earned a place on the Dean’s List twice and was actively involved in student life, including serving as President and Team Lead of the Student Government Association (SGA). Her academic performance at USM later supported her admission to Keiser University in Miami, where she continued her studies in Psychology.
Throughout the evening, Ria connected her journey with our honorees and reminded them that making the Dean’s List is more than receiving a certificate. It is an achievement they can carry into future University applications, scholarships, employment and leadership opportunities.
“Wherever you go, take your foundation with you. And when you are in a position to do so, remember to reach back,” she told the honorees.
USM alumna Jolene Augustine, who earned a place on the Dean’s List four times during her studies at USM and also served on the SGA, was also formally recognized and shared reflections and remarks with our honorees.
Dean’s List certificates and USM pins were presented by the Dean of Business and Hospitality Mr. Jan van Beek, the Dean of General Liberal Arts and Education Mrs. Juliana Shipley- Hodge, and Registrar Ms. Glenda Brazier.
Several students and alumni earned Dean’s List honors across multiple semesters, demonstrating not only academic excellence but also the consistency and discipline needed to maintain a high academic standard.
The Fall 2023 Dean’s Listers were Jolene Augustine, Ashley Bhagwandas, Neveah Browne, Ariella Bussue, Psuenedia Fearon, Neharda Flanders, Shaundell Glasgow, Moeanna Jones, Aurelia Morris, Darwin Peña Ventura, Diandra Pikeur-Anderson, Nishion Powell, Sigorney Robinson, Shadira Thomas and Sashelle Wilson.
The Spring 2024 Dean’s Listers were Wildania Alexis Valdez, Diangeli Arrindell, Jolene Augustine, Elayne James, Merguli Johnson, Shashina Lindo, Aurelia Morris, Donald Narine, Darwin Peña Ventura, Nishion Powell, Teresa Roberts and Sashelle Wilson.
The Fall 2024 Dean’s Listers were Diangeli Arrindell, Jolene Augustine, Shanna Pantophlet, Wenkise Pinthiere, Selena Valrose and Sashelle Wilson.
The Spring 2025 Dean’s Listers were Jolene Augustine and Darla Jacquet. Allenson Lafluer earned the distinction for Fall 2025, while Darla Jacquet was recognized for Spring 2026.
The honorees who were in attendance each received a certificate and USM pin, followed by their picture taken to commemorate their achievement. The evening concluded with group pictures, a toast, cake cutting and light reception with our students and their families.
We also used the occasion to encourage our students to become more involved in campus life through USM’s two Student Elite Clubs: the Student Government Association and Student Ambassadors.
Our Student Ambassadors serve as the voice of USM, representing the University at events, activities and within the wider community, while the SGA serves as the voice of our students within USM.
Head of Marketing Ms. Shobhan Giterson encouraged eligible students to become involved and reminded them that their University experience should extend beyond attending classes.
Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA to participate in the Elite Clubs. As we work to reactivate these clubs, students will have opportunities to participate in elections, fundraising initiatives, student-led activities, community service and other leadership opportunities.
Giterson commended USM alumni who continue to give back not only to the University, but also to the wider St. Maarten community through their professions, businesses, talents and respective endeavors.
“Our alumni are one of the greatest examples we can give our students of what happens beyond USM,” Giterson shared. “It is always encouraging to see them return, whether it is to mentor, volunteer, share their talents, support an event or simply be present for our students. They continue to show that you can move on from USM, build your own journey and still remember to reach back.”
A special thank you goes to Ty Farqueson, an alumnus of the 2025–2026 Caribbean Academic Foundation Year (CAFY) program, who returned to campus as our photographer for the evening and captured these special moments for our students and their families.
We also extend our appreciation to USM alumna Kishma Gabriela of Kake Galore for her contribution to making the evening special.
USM sincerely thanks the USM Board of Directors and USM Endowment Foundation for joining us and continuing to show their support for our students and alumni. Their presence, along with our families, staff and alumni, helped make the evening a meaningful celebration of our students.
To all of our Dean’s List honorees from Fall 2023 through Spring 2026: congratulations!
We are proud of what you have accomplished and look forward to seeing where your journey takes you next. Continue striving for excellence, take advantage of opportunities to lead and, wherever that journey takes you, remember the importance of reaching back and giving back.
Latest News →
