Fifty-five students from Antigua and Barbuda were awarded their degrees from Monroe University, a New York-based leader in educating first-generation and international students, last Thursday during Monroe’s 92nd Annual Commencement at Radio City Music Hall in midtown New York City.
There were 55 residents from Antigua and Barbuda among the 2,785 graduates in Monroe’s Class of 2025, the fourth largest group of international graduates this year.
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.
“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,” said Monroe University President Marc Jerome. “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 Antigua and Barbuda, that dream was first made possible through a generous scholarship program jointly funded by the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Committee 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 Antigua and Barbuda are:
- Addison Jamie Rumeal Simon
- Alisa Ingrid Cort Smith
- Alisha Jno Jules
- Amanda Z. Tappin
- Brianna Vanessa Monroe
- Chata Karina Pipe
- Clair Jaydeesha Claudia Jacobs
- D’Anjae Julyssa Delicia Joseph
- De Laun Devon Martin
- Denise A. Matthias-Thomas
- Denley R. Jarvis
- Dwayne Dashawn Fleming
- Fiona A. Wehner
- Iyesha S. Calame
- Jade G. Henry
- Jayzee Brittney Loucil Smith
- Jeconiah Ahijah Roberts
- Joycelyn E. Peters
- Kareem E. Charles
- Karel Alyssa Knight
- Kendel K. Shillingford
- Kentisha B. Tonge
- Kerena L. Bethel
- Kettia Sydney Patricia Ambrose
- Kia T. Harrigan
- Krystal-Ann Jahnine Patrice Gonsalves
- Kwatawnya Kelsey Junessa Roberts
- Lake-ann Laticia Lake
- Lisa S. Browne
- Luann N. Rodney
- Lyle Jackson
- Makeda Rashida Zuwena Brookes
- Melissa Florisca George
- Melody St. Claire – Felicia Quinland
- Michael Tajair Southwell
- Milton J. Jeremy
- Nalian L. Gonsalves, Jr.
- Nekisha C. Pryce
- Nyelia Francis
- Omya I. Fleming
- Paula Simon
- Rita Folashade Adesewa Falowo-Osbourne
- Sally Ibrahim
- Shaquancia Ketara Leadeatte
- Shara R. Toussaint
- Shawnje’ Shazaria Imani Williams
- Shemar Breonne Bejai
- Sheneke M. Francis
- Tashie-Ann S. Mack
- Tenisha C. Sebastian
- Tonya Williams
- Trevin Rece Keane McDonald
- Y’Mahzie J. Lewis
- Youlanda S. Gordon-Richards
- Zharii I. Luke
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.
Graduates in the Class of 2025 represented 65 countries. Aside from students from the U.S. and its territories, the largest contingents of students were from, in order: India, Saint Lucia, China, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica, The Bahamas, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Bangladesh.
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.
