USM Celebrates Class of 2026 at 32nd Commencement
June 15, 2026
Family, friends, faculty, alumni, and dignitaries gathered as the University of St. Martin celebrated the achievements of its Class of 2026, recognizing degree graduates, GED and ESL completers, and outstanding students and faculty during its 32nd Commencement Exercise.
The University of St. Martin proudly celebrated the achievements of its graduates during its Thirty-Second Commencement Exercise, honoring degree recipients, GED graduates, ESL certificate recipients, faculty, and outstanding student leaders during a memorable evening of academic recognition and celebration.
Held under the theme “Empowered by Knowledge, Driven by Purpose,” the ceremony brought together family members, friends, faculty, staff, alumni, government officials, and distinguished guests to recognize the accomplishments of students who successfully completed their educational journeys.
The evening opened with welcoming remarks from President of the University of St. Maarten Foundation, Mrs. Valerie Giterson-Pantophlet, who congratulated the graduates on reaching this important milestone and encouraged them to use their education to make meaningful contributions to society.
A highlight of the ceremony was the keynote address delivered by Ms. Michael Lake, Chief Financial Officer of Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. (PJIAE) and a proud USM alumna. Lake shared her personal journey from USM student to executive leadership, inspiring graduates to pursue excellence, remain resilient, and embrace lifelong learning.
The graduating class was also represented by Ms. Antonia Joseph Philips, who delivered the Class Address on behalf of the Class of 2026, reflecting on the challenges, growth, friendships, and achievements that defined the students’ academic journeys.
A total of 13 graduates received degrees from the University of St. Martin and the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI@USM) partnership programs.
USM conferred Associate Degrees in General Liberal Arts, Business, and Hospitality & Tourism Management. Graduates included:
Associate of Arts in General Liberal Arts
Zahir J. Helstone
Oprash Tillay Laurent
Marie Abigaelle Lors
Elizabeth Victoria Sirriram
Rebecca Willvina Telusma
Associate of Arts in Business
Darla Jacquet
Teresa Roberts
Associate of Arts in Hospitality & Tourism Management
Khatija Solomon
Through the UVI@USM partnership, students also earned Bachelor's Degrees in:
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Antonia Joseph Philips (Summa Cum Laude)
Sigorney Sahia Robinson (Summa Cum Laude)
Shadira Stella Thomas (Magna Cum Laude)
Bachelor of Arts in English
Rosemary Roxsana Pantophlet (Cum Laude)
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
Brittney Frederick (Magna Cum Laude)
The ceremony also celebrated academic excellence through the presentation of several prestigious awards.
The Board of Directors’ Award was presented to Khatija Solomon for her exceptional service and contribution to the University community.
The President’s Award was awarded to Antonia Joseph Philips in recognition of her outstanding performance both inside and outside the classroom.
The Academic Achievement Award was presented to Darla Jacquet, who achieved the highest academic standing among the University of St. Martin graduates.
The graduating class selected Ms. Claudia Connor as the recipient of the Outstanding Faculty Award, recognizing her unwavering commitment to student success, mentorship, and excellence in teaching.
Special recognition was also given to students who distinguished themselves academically through Best-in-Class Awards. The School of Education Undergraduate Best-in-Class Award was presented to Sigorney Sahia Robinson, while the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences Best-in-Class Award was awarded to Brittney Frederick.
In keeping with its commitment to lifelong learning and educational accessibility, USM also recognized students enrolled in its non-degree programs.
Seven students received their General Educational Development (GED) Diplomas, while four students successfully completed the English as a Second Language (ESL) Level 4 Program, demonstrating the university’s ongoing commitment to supporting diverse educational pathways and opportunities for personal and professional advancement.
The ceremony also included the presentation of Student Government Association Appreciation Awards to students who demonstrated leadership and service throughout their time at USM.
As part of the evening’s celebrations, graduates were formally welcomed into the USM Alumni Association and the University of the Virgin Islands Alumni Network, joining a growing community of graduates making meaningful contributions throughout St. Maarten, the Caribbean region, and beyond.
The University of St. Martin extends its heartfelt congratulations to all graduates, GED diploma recipients, ESL certificate recipients, award winners, and their families. Their achievements serve as a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and the transformative impact of education.
As the Class of 2026 turned their tassels and embarked on the next chapter of their journeys, they left with a reminder that they are now part of a proud legacy of graduates empowered by knowledge and driven by purpose.
Congratulations, Class of 2026.
Latest News →
Held under the theme “Empowered by Knowledge, Driven by Purpose,” the ceremony brought together family members, friends, faculty, staff, alumni, government officials, and distinguished guests to recognize the accomplishments of students who successfully completed their educational journeys.
The evening opened with welcoming remarks from President of the University of St. Maarten Foundation, Mrs. Valerie Giterson-Pantophlet, who congratulated the graduates on reaching this important milestone and encouraged them to use their education to make meaningful contributions to society.
A highlight of the ceremony was the keynote address delivered by Ms. Michael Lake, Chief Financial Officer of Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. (PJIAE) and a proud USM alumna. Lake shared her personal journey from USM student to executive leadership, inspiring graduates to pursue excellence, remain resilient, and embrace lifelong learning.
The graduating class was also represented by Ms. Antonia Joseph Philips, who delivered the Class Address on behalf of the Class of 2026, reflecting on the challenges, growth, friendships, and achievements that defined the students’ academic journeys.
A total of 13 graduates received degrees from the University of St. Martin and the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI@USM) partnership programs.
USM conferred Associate Degrees in General Liberal Arts, Business, and Hospitality & Tourism Management. Graduates included:
Associate of Arts in General Liberal Arts
Zahir J. Helstone
Oprash Tillay Laurent
Marie Abigaelle Lors
Elizabeth Victoria Sirriram
Rebecca Willvina Telusma
Associate of Arts in Business
Darla Jacquet
Teresa Roberts
Associate of Arts in Hospitality & Tourism Management
Khatija Solomon
Through the UVI@USM partnership, students also earned Bachelor's Degrees in:
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Antonia Joseph Philips (Summa Cum Laude)
Sigorney Sahia Robinson (Summa Cum Laude)
Shadira Stella Thomas (Magna Cum Laude)
Bachelor of Arts in English
Rosemary Roxsana Pantophlet (Cum Laude)
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
Brittney Frederick (Magna Cum Laude)
The ceremony also celebrated academic excellence through the presentation of several prestigious awards.
The Board of Directors’ Award was presented to Khatija Solomon for her exceptional service and contribution to the University community.
The President’s Award was awarded to Antonia Joseph Philips in recognition of her outstanding performance both inside and outside the classroom.
The Academic Achievement Award was presented to Darla Jacquet, who achieved the highest academic standing among the University of St. Martin graduates.
The graduating class selected Ms. Claudia Connor as the recipient of the Outstanding Faculty Award, recognizing her unwavering commitment to student success, mentorship, and excellence in teaching.
Special recognition was also given to students who distinguished themselves academically through Best-in-Class Awards. The School of Education Undergraduate Best-in-Class Award was presented to Sigorney Sahia Robinson, while the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences Best-in-Class Award was awarded to Brittney Frederick.
In keeping with its commitment to lifelong learning and educational accessibility, USM also recognized students enrolled in its non-degree programs.
Seven students received their General Educational Development (GED) Diplomas, while four students successfully completed the English as a Second Language (ESL) Level 4 Program, demonstrating the university’s ongoing commitment to supporting diverse educational pathways and opportunities for personal and professional advancement.
The ceremony also included the presentation of Student Government Association Appreciation Awards to students who demonstrated leadership and service throughout their time at USM.
As part of the evening’s celebrations, graduates were formally welcomed into the USM Alumni Association and the University of the Virgin Islands Alumni Network, joining a growing community of graduates making meaningful contributions throughout St. Maarten, the Caribbean region, and beyond.
The University of St. Martin extends its heartfelt congratulations to all graduates, GED diploma recipients, ESL certificate recipients, award winners, and their families. Their achievements serve as a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and the transformative impact of education.
As the Class of 2026 turned their tassels and embarked on the next chapter of their journeys, they left with a reminder that they are now part of a proud legacy of graduates empowered by knowledge and driven by purpose.
Congratulations, Class of 2026.
Latest News →
