Monroe University, celebrated a major milestone on October 20, 2024, with its inaugural graduation since transitioning from Monroe College to university status. This historic event, held at the Royalton Resort in Saint Lucia, saw 135 graduates from Dominica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and across the OECS don their caps and gowns, marking the fruition of their academic journeys. These degrees are not only symbols of individual success but also of the transformative value Monroe brings to the Caribbean.
Founded in New York in 1933, Monroe College expanded to Saint Lucia in 2007 with the aim of providing Caribbean students access to high-quality, internationally recognized degrees close to home. The recent upgrade to Monroe University affirms its commitment to academic excellence and responds to the growing demand for university-level education in the region.
For many of the graduates, the journey was defined by resilience and determination. Balancing academic goals with daily responsibilities, McKeon Laudat from Dominica overcame the challenges of online study while working full-time. “I had to balance my life and school life,” he shared. “It was a big challenge for me, but I still went through it, and that’s why I’m here today.”
Reynold Baptiste from Saint Vincent, who had dreamed of obtaining his degree for nearly two decades, said, “It means the world. I’ve always wanted to attain my degree, and it took me 19 years to actually see this dream become a reality.” His story is one of dedication that will undoubtedly resonate with potential students across the region.
Saint Lucia’s Governor General Emerita, Dame Calliopa Pearlette Louisy, delivered the keynote address, speaking to the power of education to shape not only individual destinies but also national futures. “Higher education,” she noted, “is the principal instrument to sustainably enhance the quality of a country’s human resource.”
This year’s graduation underscored Monroe’s unique advantages for Caribbean students: accessibility, affordability, and the convenience of online learning. With the option to study remotely, students can pursue degrees while managing personal and professional responsibilities—a practical path that has proven life-changing for many. Baptiste emphasized the convenience of online learning, saying, “It’s right next door, and the flexibility to study online while working made it super easy.”
Monroe University’s Senior Vice President, Dr. Alex Ephrem, shared that the institution’s new university status was a recognition of the quality of education Monroe already provided. “The quality of support and service is second to none, and the education we offer is university-caliber. We’re proud to be able to give Caribbean students the advantages of proximity and flexibility,” he said.
Saint Lucia’s Minister of Education, Shawn Edwards, echoed this sentiment, extending an invitation to students throughout the OECS to consider Monroe University. “Monroe has demonstrated that it provides a world-class education. Students don’t have to go as far as Europe or North America to access this level of quality. Monroe University offers that education right here in the Caribbean at an affordable cost.”
With 19 Master’s, 98 Bachelor’s, and 18 Associate’s degrees awarded this year, Monroe University has once again proven its commitment to equipping Caribbean graduates for global career opportunities. As Baptiste proudly shared, his Monroe degree earned him an immediate job promotion, enabling him to compete in diverse international markets.
For prospective students from the OECS, Monroe University represents a beacon of opportunity, blending academic excellence with accessibility and close-to-home convenience. This graduation ceremony celebrates not only the achievements of today’s graduates but also the promise of what’s possible for future generations across the Caribbean.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u4MRqUTe97iageEyuXiePSyiBLKplbAO/view?usp=gmail
