From Bahama Islands Info

NASSAU, Bahamas — Academic knowledge must be balanced with knowledge of God, the Spring 2014 Commencement Class of The College of The Bahamas was told as they worshipped together at the Baccalaureate Service at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church on Tuesday, May 27th.

Rector, Rev. Fr. Mark Lindsay-Fox challenged the graduands to see their enlightenment in a broader context – as a means of enriching and advancing The Bahamas.

“The pursuit of knowledge, while important in an earthly realm for the betterment of ourselves, must also have with it pursuit of the knowledge of God and how that knowledge can be used not only for self, but to help others,” he said during his homily. “We must obtain knowledge of God in our quest to better ourselves and our nation.”

The College’s latest commencement class comprises approximately 300 persons who completed diploma, certificate and degree programmes in Spring 2014. The majority of them are receiving baccalaureate degrees and were expected to participate in the Spring 2014 Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 29th at Bahamas Faith Ministries.

During the service, the Commencement Class, joined by members of the College community and family and friends, gave God thanks for the completion of the academic journeys and the gift of learning. They also prayed for the courage to use their talents in serving others.

Acting President of The College Dr. Earla Carey-Baines, in her address during the service, commended the graduands for their perseverance.

“With this evening’s service we give thanks for your dedication to learning, your determination to overcome the many obstacles, trials and tribulations, your commitment to and belief in yourself,” she said. “We also give thanks that you allowed those of us at The College of The Bahamas to play such a pivotal role in your development.”

Dr. Carey-Baines also advised the graduands to continue to evaluate their own development in other areas.

“We expect that you have acquired the wisdom to treat others with compassion and respect, to behave in ways that are honourable, just and fair. Always pause to reflect on the path you are taking, the relationships you are forming, the kind of person you are continuing to become,” she added.

The Baccalaureate Service at Holy Trinity was the institution’s second commencement activity this season. The first was a ceremony held to commission graduands of the School of Education who will enter the teaching profession.

The College’s Commencement activities are being held under the theme: “A Legacy of Leadership: Forty Years of Educating the Nation”.

Photo: Graduands processing out of the church following the service.

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