BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – SEVEN employees at the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) have received Bachelor's and Master's Degrees having successfully participated in the DeVry Employee Tuition Advantage Program.
A graduation ceremony held last Saturday (July 7) at the school's compound saw Johanna Chapman-Christmas, Yvonne Cotton, Leroy Carter, Colleen Manners-Govia, Iona Halliday-Simmonds, Desiree McKoy, and Avanelle Fahie-Pemberton mount the podium to receive their respective degrees
Five employees received recognition for attaining master’s degrees in the fields of Accounting and Financial Management, Information Systems Management, and Project Management; while the other two attained bachelor’s degrees in the fields of Hospitality Management, Network and Communications Management and Business Administration.
Degrees attained are as follows:
Bachelor’s Degrees – DeVry University
• Yvonne Cotton - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with specialization in Hospitality Management (Cum Laude)
• Colleen Manners-Govia - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with specialization in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship (Magna Cum Laude)
Master’s Degrees – DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management
• Leroy Carter - Master of Business Administration in Information Systems Management(with Distinction)
• Johanna Chapman-Christmas - Master of Accounting & Financial Management (with Distinction)
• Avonelle Fahie-Pemberton - Master of Business Administration (with Distinction)
• Iona Halliday-Simmonds - Master of Public Administration with specialization in Healthcare Management (with Distinction)
• Desiree McKoy - Master of Project Management (with Distinction)
Halliday-Simmonds, RUSVM's Interim Director of the Diagnostics Service Laboratory, one of the graduates, expressed sentiments of pride and gratitude as she addressed her fellow graduates.
“This moment is defined by the fact that we have invested much time and hard work. Today is our day to celebrate our accomplishments.”
Reflecting on their time of study she said, “We know that it was not easy, but despite the difficulties we experienced along the way, we were faithful and I know how proud we are today of what we have achieved.”
She thanked RUSVM and all of those family members present for their unwavering support, while challenging the graduates to generate positive change within their families, the organization, and the community at large.
“Be an example to those around you and encourage coworkers to follow your lead,” she dared.
Minister of Education and Information Hon. Nigel Carty in his keynote address stated, “This is truly an occasion to celebrate”, while congratulating the graduates on behalf of the government and his Ministry.
“I applaud RUSVM for this bold initiative. On behalf of the government of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Ministry of Education, I proudly salute RUSVM not only for promoting quality education that will strengthen the academic fabric of our society, but also for addressing the intellectual, and social development of its employees.
"This display of social responsibility must be recognized and emulated by other organizations across our nation.”
The DeVry Employee Tuition Advantage Program is a program that allows employees of the RUSVM to complete a tuition-free degree and /or certificate from any of the institutions that form part of the DeVry Inc. family. This benefit extends to dependent spouses and/or children of RUSVM employees.
SKNVibes joins with RUSVM in extending heartfelt congratulations to all of the graduates and their families.
