USM Celebrates St. Martin Day in a Sea of Indigo Pride
November 12, 2025
The University of St. Martin proudly joined the vibrant St. Martin Day Cultural Parade for the second consecutive year, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and their families in a dazzling display of cultural pride and unity.
This year’s theme centered on “Indigo”, a tribute to one of the island’s most significant historical plants, once cultivated alongside sugar cane during the plantation era. The indigo plant, known for producing its deep blue dye, carries a rich history tied to Caribbean identity, artistry, and resilience. Its legacy served as the perfect inspiration for USM’s costume design and overall presentation in the parade.
The USM troupe, organized and coordinated by Mrs. Juliana Shipley-Hodge, Division Head of Education and General Liberal Arts, showcased a breathtaking blend of creativity, elegance, and cultural reverence. Mrs. Shipley-Hodge conceptualized the costume design, colors, and styling, drawing from the symbolic essence of the indigo dye, representing wisdom, strength, and spiritual depth.
In preparation for the big day, participants engaged in head wrapping workshops and dance rehearsals, embodying the spirit of community and cultural exchange that St. Martin Day represents. Their coordinated performance was set to the rhythm of local artist Tatiana Gibb’s song “SXM Just the Way You Are.” In a surprise moment that electrified the crowd, Gibbs performed live on the Pondfill, while the USM dancers gracefully brought her music to life through movement and rhythm.
“It was an amazing experience that blended art, culture, and community,” one participant shared. “To dance under our flag, in the color of our island’s story, and to hear Tatiana sing live it was a moment of true island pride.”
The USM family extends heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Shipley-Hodge for her leadership, creativity, and dedication to bringing the university’s cultural vision to life. Through her guidance, the team not only represented USM but also celebrated the shared heritage of St. Martin, one that continues to inspire future generations of students and educators.
The University of St. Martin remains committed to preserving and celebrating the island’s rich history and traditions while fostering education, creativity, and unity within the community.
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The USM troupe, organized and coordinated by Mrs. Juliana Shipley-Hodge, Division Head of Education and General Liberal Arts, showcased a breathtaking blend of creativity, elegance, and cultural reverence. Mrs. Shipley-Hodge conceptualized the costume design, colors, and styling, drawing from the symbolic essence of the indigo dye, representing wisdom, strength, and spiritual depth.
In preparation for the big day, participants engaged in head wrapping workshops and dance rehearsals, embodying the spirit of community and cultural exchange that St. Martin Day represents. Their coordinated performance was set to the rhythm of local artist Tatiana Gibb’s song “SXM Just the Way You Are.” In a surprise moment that electrified the crowd, Gibbs performed live on the Pondfill, while the USM dancers gracefully brought her music to life through movement and rhythm.
“It was an amazing experience that blended art, culture, and community,” one participant shared. “To dance under our flag, in the color of our island’s story, and to hear Tatiana sing live it was a moment of true island pride.”
The USM family extends heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Shipley-Hodge for her leadership, creativity, and dedication to bringing the university’s cultural vision to life. Through her guidance, the team not only represented USM but also celebrated the shared heritage of St. Martin, one that continues to inspire future generations of students and educators.
The University of St. Martin remains committed to preserving and celebrating the island’s rich history and traditions while fostering education, creativity, and unity within the community.
Latest News →
