-at 43rd Convocation
Over a thousand students graduated Saturday evening after completing their studies in several disciplines from the University of Guyana. The ceremony was held at the University’s Turkeyen Campus.

Newly-appointed Chancellor, Professor Compton Bourne BSc, MsocSc, PhD, O.E, in his address, said that the University will be embarking on the implementation of a massive strategic plan for 2009 to 2012 and in so doing has identified important goals.

These are the achievement of higher quality teaching and learning faculties, especially in the area of science and technology; improvement of institutional governance, administration and management, broadening of the University’s financial base; enhancement of its ability to recruit and retain highly trained staff; and the improvement of the teaching, learning and service environment.

Professor Bourne added that these strategic goals which have been formulated after extensive consultations will drastically enhance every aspect of the institution’s operation. He emphasized that this ambitious plan will require the support of all stakeholders, inclusive of the Government, business communities and the Guyanese population as a whole. He also said that much more is envisaged in the framework for the implementation for this plan.

Chancellor Compton Bourne addressing the graduates at University of Guyana’s 43rd convocation exercise.

The Chancellor congratulated the graduating class on the successful completion of their programme of university studies and urged them to take great pride in their achievement and to recognize the support they have been receiving from their families and peers over the years.

The Convocation also saw the Chancellor bestowing the title of Emeritus Professor on three of the University’s veterans, Dr. Winston McGowan, Dr. Mary Noel Menezes and Professor Doris Rogers. This title is conferred on retired members of the academic community who attained the rank of Professor.

President Bharrat Jagdeo presented the President’s Medal to Valedictorian, Loria-Mae Angela Heywood, while Bibi Areefa Alladin copped the Prime Minister’s Medal for best graduating student in the field of Medicine. A Prime Minister’s Medal was also awarded to Adrian Basseer, who also walked away with the Chancellor’s Medal. The Pro-Chancellor’s Medal was awarded to best law student, Delina Best.

The institution was established in April 1963 and began its operations in October of the same year with a batch of 146 students in temporary premises loaned from Queen’s College. (GINA)