Thirteen proud Dominicans walked across the stage on May 10, 2025, as graduates of Western Illinois University (WIU), joining over 50 Caribbean students who earned degrees at various levels during the university’s Commencement Exercises. Among the Dominican graduates were one doctoral candidate, four master’s degree recipients, and eight bachelor’s degree holders—a testament to the island’s growing academic footprint abroad.
Bachelor’s Degree Recipients:
Francine Julius-Bioco – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, magna cum laude. A graduate of Convent High School and Dominica State College. She said ‘None of this would be possible without God and the support of my parents and husband. I look forward to becoming a Registered Dietitian and improving health outcomes back home, especially in critical care units.”
Roanne Rose Jno-Baptiste – Bachelor of Science in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, magna cum laude. Graduate of Dominica State College. Roanne said that “This milestone is one of the most significant achievement in my life thus far.It’s more than just a degree—it’s a symbol of resilience, sacrifice, and hope. There were so many times I questioned if I could do it, but I kept going—for my dreams and for everyone who believed in me. Graduating means so much more than just finishing school—it’s the result of every late night, every setback I pushed through, and every dream I refused to let go of. I’m beyond grateful and incredibly proud of how far I’ve come.”
Jade Lindsay – Bachelor of Arts in Communication, magna cum laude. Graduate of Dominica State College.
Dinelle Dailey – Bachelor of Science in Biology, cum laude. Graduate of Convent High School and Dominica State College.
Jaden Harrigan – Bachelor of Science in Geology. Graduate of St. Mary’s Academy and Dominica State College. Jade said that this is a great achievement that he is really proud of—but it’s just a first step in becoming a Geoscientist.
Natoya Raymond – Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature. Graduate of Convent High School and Dominica State College.
Ebony Lindsay – Bachelor of General Studies in Liberal Arts. Graduate of Convent High School and Dominica State College.
Sherece Fregiste, Grand Bay – Bachelor of Arts in Finance. Graduate of Pierre Charles Secondary and Dominica State College. According to Sherece, “It still feels surreal. I’ve been through a lot to get here, but I stayed focused, prayed, and pushed through. I’m proud, grateful, and excited for what’s next.”
Master’s Degree Recipients:
Anwah Tim Pascal – Master of Science in Computer Science. He previously earned a BSc in Information Engineering from USTB.
Annique Vidal – Master of Science in Psychology. She holds a BSc in Psychology and Biology from MSU Texas.
Jane Romain – Master of Education in Education Studies. She previously earned a BSc from UWI.
Monique Hector-Roberts – Master of Education in Educational Studies. She holds a BA from Universidad de Oriente, Santiago de Cuba
WIU President Kristi Mindrup shared, “Caribbean students made history at WIU this cycle. Students from Dominica and the wider Caribbean have demonstrated excellence in and out of the classroom, making a significant impact on our university community.”
WIU will be among several universities participating in a higher education consortium visit to Dominica on June 11, 2025.
Emonews congratulates all Dominican graduates on their outstanding achievements and wishes them continued success on their journeys ahead.
