DR KIRANI JAMES – 2024 HONORARY GRADUATE1

Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal. Tuesday, November 19, 2024 —The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Global Campus celebrated the achievements of its Class of 2024 in a virtual Presentation of Graduates Ceremony held on Saturday, November 9, 2024. Broadcast live via UWItv platforms, the event honoured the academic accomplishments of 1,068 graduates for the 2023/2024 Academic Year. The ceremony also featured the conferral of an honorary degree on Grenadian sprinter Kirani James in recognition of his excellence in athletics. Held under the theme “Celebrating Caribbean Legacy: A Kaleidoscope of Resilience,” the ceremony underscored UWI’s enduring commitment to excellence and its vital role in shaping the Caribbean’s future.

At the ceremony, the Principal Officers of The UWI were decked out in the newly designed academic regalia, which were unveiled at the 2024 graduation ceremonies. Tailored for the Caribbean climate, the new gowns reflect both the Region’s rich cultural heritage and The UWI’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. More importantly, the redesigned regalia symbolizes the University’s evolution as an independent institution, free from colonial ties. These new gowns represent a fusion of tradition and innovation, encapsulating the spirit of the Caribbean and marking a significant milestone in The UWI’s history.

Among the Class of 2024, a total of 196 postgraduate and 872 undergraduate students graduated with degrees, diplomas, and certificates across several disciplines. The ceremony also celebrated several significant milestones, including the graduation of the first cohort from the Sports programmes.  Additionally, the Campus marked the graduation of its inaugural cohort from the Doctor of Education in Teaching and Learning with Emerging Technologies programme and recognized Dr. Lorraine Nero, an employee of The UWI St. Augustine Campus, who became the first and only recipient of the award of High Commendation in this programme.

KELIAN STEDMAN – 2024 VALEDICTORIAN

Newly appointed Chancellor, Dr the Most Honourable Dodridge Miller, in his address to the graduating class, stated, “As you embark on this new and exciting chapter, you will encounter numerous opportunities and undoubtedly some challenges… Embrace the opportunities and use the skills and knowledge gained to navigate the complexities of this world. Dream big and think with an open mind”.   

Chancellor Miller encouraged the graduating class to embrace the moment, take pride in their achievements, and let perseverance and success light the way for future generations. “Your journey of growth doesn’t end today; it simply unfolds into a new chapter. Carry forward the spirit of resilience and innovation and know that we eagerly look forward to witnessing and supporting your future successes. Stay curious, continue to seek knowledge and personal growth, and use your talents and abilities to make a meaningful difference. Go forth and make us proud,” the Chancellor urged.

The Campus Public Orator, Mrs Lesley Crane-Mitchell delivered a captivating citation about the Honorary Graduand, Mr Kirani James. In sharing Kirani James’ accomplishments, she noted that he was already a World 400 metre champion by the age of 18.  “Young Kirani ‘The Jaguar’ James burst onto the Olympic stage in 2012 to take Gold and become Grenada’s first ever Olympic medalist in the history of the Games. This unprecedented feat would be repeated four years later at the 2016 Olympic Games held in Rio where he earned Silver and again in Tokyo in 2020 where he captured the Bronze, securing his dominance as one of the fastest 400 metre runners ever to grace the track”, the Orator stated.

Mrs Crane-Mitchell shared that Kirani is “a champion of the highest order both on and off the track. Hailed from humble beginnings in the community of Gun Battle, located in the small fishing village of Gouyave, on the west coast of the Caribbean Island nation of Grenada was where his love for sports was nurtured”. The Public Orator stated that “Kirani’s growing confidence in his abilities would take root with his first experience of a regional meet while still a student at the Grenada Boys Secondary School. At the 2007 CARIFTA Games, he would blow away the competition to win his first gold medal in the 400 metre under 17 category with a time of 47.86 seconds.  Competing with and winning against older, more seasoned athletes from ‘big’ countries like Trinidad and Jamaica was when everything ‘clicked’ for 14 year old Kirani”.

Kirani achieved remarkable success early in his career, setting numerous records and earning prestigious titles. Mrs Crane-Mitchell noted that in 2008, he defended his CARIFTA 400 metre title, won silver at the World Junior Championships with a personal best of 45.70 seconds, and claimed gold at the Commonwealth Youth Games with a record time of 46.66 seconds. In 2009, he made an impressive under-20 debut at the CARIFTA Games, breaking Usain Bolt’s 400 metre record with a new personal best of 45.45 seconds, earning him the Austin Sealy Trophy for the most outstanding athlete of the games. He continued his dominance by becoming the first youth athlete to win 200 metre and 400 metre gold at the IAAF World Youth Championships and adding another 400 metre gold at the Pan American Junior Championships.

“Despite four Olympic final appearances, and the distinction of being one of the most decorated 400 metre athletes in history, Kirani continues to strive to inspire others through his journey and passion for the sport, remaining committed to continuous improvement and fostering a positive and supportive community for fellow athletes. He remains rooted in the belief that dedication, consistency, and teamwork are the keys to success both on and off the track…”, Mrs Crane-Mitchell stated.

Kirani James in his message to the graduating class stated that he was incredibly grateful, privileged and humbled to receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from The University of the West Indies. He noted that since his talent and accomplishments gained recognition, he has been dedicated to representing his country in a way that honours those who paved the way before him and inspires the next generation. “The feeling of pride and elation I get from being able to provide a positive spirit to my country is incredible. It’s a high that nothing else compares to”, Kirani stated.

Kirani told the Graduands that he cannot ignore the support he gets from the rest of the Caribbean. “One of my best experiences when I compete internationally is seeing and interacting with all my friends and athletes from the various Caribbean islands. The love and support we show to each other truly highlight our togetherness. Despite competing at the highest level, we still embrace and celebrate the common history and ancestry that binds us. I am enormously grateful for it”, he said.

He indicated that there were no secrets to his achievements; it took a lot of hard work, self-motivation, discipline, consistency, and sacrifice. However, he emphasized that community played a crucial role. He explained that community was not just about locality but about the people in his life or those he allowed into his space—family, friends, teachers, coaches, and mentors. He added that they believed in him, invested their time, effort, and resources into him, and saw his potential even before he did. “I am forever grateful and full of admiration for the work that they continue to do even away from me. They are a part of my success story”, Kirani declared.

He told the graduating class that their presence as graduands was a powerful reflection of their resilience. He urged that as they moved forward in their careers to surround themselves with a supportive and encouraging community. “Always hold close the heritage we share and the strength that defines us as Caribbean people. We stand here as the dream of our ancestors, to be a vibrant, multicultural and flourishing people. It’s our job to continue striving towards that purpose despite the obstacles in our way, continue to focus on making a difference and everything else will fall into place the way God intended it to be. Don’t measure your success by accolades or material wealth but by the positive impact you will have on others. We are all part of something bigger than ourselves – dream it, believe it, live it”, Kirani stated.

Dominican Educator, Mrs Kelian Stedman who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education Leadership and Management (Special) with First Class Honours, emerged as the Valedictorian for the Class of 2024. In her address to her fellow graduates, she indicated that their UWI experience had reinforced the idea that transformative leadership fosters the development of diverse communities capable of addressing contemporary issues. She explained that they should consistently encouraged others to value various viewpoints and create environments where everyone could thrive. She urged the Pelicans to take inspiration from the insightful words of calypso icon the Mighty Sparrow, who reminded them that “the strong must support the weak if the weak must grow strong”. “As we boldly step into the path of new responsibilities, may we inspire and empower those around us to reach their fullest potential,” said Kelian.

She explained that UWI had instilled in them the values of lifelong learning and encouraged her fellow graduates to respond to the Pelican’s call by embodying these principles and committing themselves to preserving UWI’s legacy throughout the Caribbean. She stated, “It is now our obligation to drive change in our communities, innovate within our industries, and create pathways for others to follow”.

Kelian told the graduates that as their noble institution transitioned from the Open Campus to a more inclusive Global Campus, the moment called upon their generation of graduates to assume elevated positions of leadership. She emphasized that this shift marked a significant expansion of their influence, enabling them to penetrate borders and exceed expectations on the global stage. She urged her fellow graduates to demonstrate that they were the light rising from the West. “As we ascend, let not our voices be silenced! Rather, let us channel the courage of the Pelican, remaining true to our authentic selves…, welcome the unconventional, make bold choices that go beyond the mainstream, and pursue a path less travelled”, Kelian asserted. 

The UWI Global Campus extends heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2024 and wishes them every success as they continue to shine as a light rising from the West.