Empowered to Lead, Inspired to Transform: USM Class of 2025
June 16, 2025
The University of St. Martin proudly held its 31st Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, June 14, at the Aleeze Convention Center. The ceremony honored the achievements of students graduating from USM’s degree, the GED, and the ESL programs.
Pond Island, St. Maarten, The University of St. Martin proudly hosted its thirty-first Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, June 14, at the Aleeze Convention Center, celebrating a diverse cohort of 2025 degree, GED, and ESL graduates under the inspiring theme: “Empowered to Lead, Inspired to Transform.”
The evening opened with the beautiful sounds of the St. Maarten Song, beautifully rendered by graduate Mirougia Richardson, followed by a heartfelt invocation from fellow graduate Shantall Zorilla . Inspiring messages then came from USM Board President Valerie Giterson-Pantophlet, President Dr. Antonio Carmona Báez, Dean of Academics Dr. Gale T.C. Rigobert, and the Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, Ms. Melissa Gumbs. Representing the University of the Virgin Islands, President Dr. Safiya George empowered the graduates with her “AHA” message encouraging Action, Hope, and Attitude.
Keynote speaker Ms. Emilia Connor-Thomas left a lasting impression, calling on graduates to embrace leadership and become agents of positive change. In a symbolic and deeply touching gesture, she presented each degree graduate with a carnation and invited them to gift the flower to someone who had made a meaningful impact on their academic journey. The act of gratitude brought tears to the eyes of several graduates as they reflected on how far they had come and the individuals who stood by them through it all.
In a touching poetic performance, graduates Shantall Zorilla, Mirougia Richardson, Romilia Smith, and Charisse Gumbs reflected on their shared academic journey. Class speaker Charisse Gumbs delivered a powerful message of perseverance and growth that resonated deeply with her peers.
Among the evening’s honors, Hamsley Barthelemy received the President’s Award for his outstanding performance, while Sharisma Arrindell, graduating Magna Cum Laude with the highest GPA, earned the Academic Achievement Award. Donatien Reid-Joseph, also Magna Cum Laude, was named Best Student in the UVI@USM program. The Faculty Choice Award was presented to Romilia Fontinela Smith, who graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Nicholas Gumbs received the Board of Directors Award, and the Outstanding Faculty Award was presented to Ms. Juliana Shipley Hodge for her exceptional service.
A special moment during the ceremony honored Joseph Lake Jr., who was recognized as the first person to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) while studying at USM. This historic milestone reflects the deepening academic collaboration between UVI and USM.
USM’s GED graduates were awarded their diplomas by Coordinator Ms. Lisa Davis-Burnett and Dr. Rigobert, while ESL students proudly received their Level 4 English certificates from Coordinator Ms. Corinne Lejuez-van Putten and Dr. Carmona. The ceremony concluded with a tribute by Jolene Augustine, alumni induction by Ria Khudan and Dr. George, a vote of thanks by Sharisma Arrindell, and a benediction by Romilia Smith.
USM extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2025. Your journey has just begun, and the world awaits your leadership, your voice, and your vision.
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The evening opened with the beautiful sounds of the St. Maarten Song, beautifully rendered by graduate Mirougia Richardson, followed by a heartfelt invocation from fellow graduate Shantall Zorilla . Inspiring messages then came from USM Board President Valerie Giterson-Pantophlet, President Dr. Antonio Carmona Báez, Dean of Academics Dr. Gale T.C. Rigobert, and the Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, Ms. Melissa Gumbs. Representing the University of the Virgin Islands, President Dr. Safiya George empowered the graduates with her “AHA” message encouraging Action, Hope, and Attitude.
Keynote speaker Ms. Emilia Connor-Thomas left a lasting impression, calling on graduates to embrace leadership and become agents of positive change. In a symbolic and deeply touching gesture, she presented each degree graduate with a carnation and invited them to gift the flower to someone who had made a meaningful impact on their academic journey. The act of gratitude brought tears to the eyes of several graduates as they reflected on how far they had come and the individuals who stood by them through it all.
In a touching poetic performance, graduates Shantall Zorilla, Mirougia Richardson, Romilia Smith, and Charisse Gumbs reflected on their shared academic journey. Class speaker Charisse Gumbs delivered a powerful message of perseverance and growth that resonated deeply with her peers.
Among the evening’s honors, Hamsley Barthelemy received the President’s Award for his outstanding performance, while Sharisma Arrindell, graduating Magna Cum Laude with the highest GPA, earned the Academic Achievement Award. Donatien Reid-Joseph, also Magna Cum Laude, was named Best Student in the UVI@USM program. The Faculty Choice Award was presented to Romilia Fontinela Smith, who graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Nicholas Gumbs received the Board of Directors Award, and the Outstanding Faculty Award was presented to Ms. Juliana Shipley Hodge for her exceptional service.
A special moment during the ceremony honored Joseph Lake Jr., who was recognized as the first person to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) while studying at USM. This historic milestone reflects the deepening academic collaboration between UVI and USM.
USM’s GED graduates were awarded their diplomas by Coordinator Ms. Lisa Davis-Burnett and Dr. Rigobert, while ESL students proudly received their Level 4 English certificates from Coordinator Ms. Corinne Lejuez-van Putten and Dr. Carmona. The ceremony concluded with a tribute by Jolene Augustine, alumni induction by Ria Khudan and Dr. George, a vote of thanks by Sharisma Arrindell, and a benediction by Romilia Smith.
USM extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2025. Your journey has just begun, and the world awaits your leadership, your voice, and your vision.
Latest News →
