Bahamian Graduates Were One of the Largest Groups of International Graduates in the Class of 2025
BRONX, NY, June 17, 2025 – Twenty-two students from St. Kitts and Nevis were awarded their degrees from Monroe University, a New York-based leader in educating first-generation and international students, during Monroe’s 92nd Annual Commencement held June 12th at Radio City Music Hall in midtown New York City.
The 22 Kittitians and Nevisians were one of the largest groups of international graduates this year. In total, 65 countries were represented among the 2,785 graduates in Monroe’s Class of 2025.
Monroe University was honored and delighted to host two dignitaries from St. Kitts and Nevis at the graduation celebration. Kressel Daniel, Deputy Consul General, and Keith Harris, Diaspora Affairs Officer, were in attendance to support their country’s graduating residents.
This year's Commencement was particularly special as it marked the first one held at the iconic venue since Monroe’s elevation to university status last summer. President Marc Jerome reflected on the institution’s historic achievement during his uplifting, celebratory remarks.
“You are a historic class. We started the academic year together as Monroe College, and you have the honor of being the first graduating class from Monroe University,” said Monroe University President Marc Jerome.
He continued: “Graduation is always one of my favorite days of the year. There’s just something about putting on the graduation cap and gown, coming with your family to the greatest city in the world -- New York City -- and celebrating your graduation at one of the most famous venues in the world, Radio City Music Hall. When you walk in through the doors, you cannot help but be inspired and impressed by what we’re seeing. But today, we’re inspired and impressed by you. Just think back to the person you were when you first started at Monroe. You arrived with a dream and the determination to make life better for yourself, your family and your community. Today that dream comes true.”
For many graduates from St. Kitts and Nevis, that dream was first made possible through a generous scholarship program jointly funded by the Government and Monroe University. The program is designed to make a quality tertiary education more accessible, affordable, and attainable for local students and their families.
The 2025 Monroe University graduates from St. Kitts and Nevis are:
- Aldencia L. Carey
- Calvin Tehjal Crooke Jr.
- Christie Alexis Taylor
- Esther Evangeline Benjamin
- Harrigan R. Williams
- Kenechia D. De Guire
- Lavern R. Williams-Campbell
- Lucinda Lecia Monzac
- Mariah B. Rock
- Mc Allister C. Thomas, Jr.
- Melissa N. Carey-Isaac
- Neysa Tyson
- Raven T. Bradshaw
- Shawnisa Ashley Duggins
- Siddiqua Natasha Smith
- Simon Zoey Jackson
- Taisha Kylah Hodge
- Tamaju K. Kitwana
- Téjaunique Markaylia Seanté Davis
- T'Ranjai Benjamin
- Zahur Kesheem Peters
- Zonielle S. Maynard
Two separate ceremonies were held to accommodate the families and friends of the students earning Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degrees or professional and advanced certificates.
Graduates participating in the morning ceremony completed programs of study in Monroe’s School of Business and Accounting, School of Criminal and Social Justice, School of Information Technology, and School of Nursing. The Grand Marshal was Cicely Spann, a valued member of staff for 30 years who currently works within the Office of Loan Management. Bronx County (NY) District Attorney Darcel Clark gave the keynote address.
The afternoon ceremony conferred degrees on graduate students from Monroe’s King Graduate School, as well as undergraduate students from the School of Allied Health Professions, School of Education, and School of Hospitality Management and the Culinary Institute of New York. Maria Vega, a member of the Student Financial Services team who has also served Monroe students for 30 years, led the processional as Grand Marshal. New York City Public Schools Chancellor and former Monroe University Vice President Melissa Aviles-Ramos delivered the keynote address.
The University conferred 596 Master’s degrees; 1,081 Bachelor’s degrees; and 1,051 Associate degrees this year, as well as awarded 57 professional and advanced certificates.
The University’s three-semester academic calendar enables Monroe students to earn 45 or more college credits per year (compared to the 30 credits college students typically earn per year at other institutions). That means that many of the graduates this year earned their Bachelor’s degree in three years or their Associate degree in less than two years.
ABOUT MONROE UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1933, New York-based Monroe University is a recognized leader in urban and international education. The University is proud of its innovative programs to increase college access, affordability, and completion outcomes, especially among first-generation students, and for the national recognition it receives for its strong impact on graduates’ social mobility.
Programs are offered through Schools of Allied Health Professions, Business and Accounting, Criminal and Social Justice, Education, Hospitality Management and the Culinary Institute of New York, Information Technology, and Nursing, as well as through its King Graduate School. Liberal arts and continuing education programs are also available. For more information and admissions criteria, please visit http://www.monroeu.edu.
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