THE Bakke Graduate University has added Guyana to an already long list of countries where it operates within the Caribbean and the wider world.

On Friday evening, that university launched its Guyana arm in a formal and semi-religious ceremony conducted under the university’s motto, “Developing leaders who can change global cities”, at the Kings Plaza Hotel on Main Street, Georgetown, launching the university’s degree programmes in Guyana.
Senior pastor of the First Assembly of God Church, Reverend Raphael Massiah, charged the university with bringing real and truthful change to this country through academia. In his prayers to open the formal session, Pastor Massiah asked the Almighty for an uncommon blessing to be bestowed on the university and its work here in Guyana. He also charged the university to live up to its motto.
In her welcome address to the gathering, vice-president of the Florida, Caribbean and South American arm of the university, Dr Dale Dan, said the university was conceptualised in 1966, although there was then not a slight clue that what was started would have evolved to what it has become today.
She said her parents had started a commercial college in Campbellville; went in search of some of the poorest girls, and began outfitting them with uniforms; and later started teaching them. Those girls eventually were allowed to ride the academic tides and later secured themselves jobs.
Dr Dan said that when she received a student visa in 1984, she was told that she was the last one to be receiving such a visa, since her predecessors were not returning home after receiving same. She said that when she informed her mother she had secured a student visa, her mother put her to sit, and what she thought would have been a discouraging lecture from her mother actually turned out to be her mother congratulating her and beckoning her to return to give back to Guyana and the Caribbean after she would have completed her studies.
Dr Dan said that during that conversation she was also encouraged to ensure that, upon her return, she would bring quality academic education to the Caribbean and Guyana. She said that after her election as vice- president in 2010, she has been better placed to influence change in the education system and in academics.
She explained that while change is important, it is actually nothing if it is not transformational.
The Bakke Graduate University is presently in 13 countries across the Caribbean; and Guyana, as of Friday, September 14, has joined that list.
The launching was also addressed by Dr. Gwen Dewey, who acts as the chief academic dean and past president of the Bakke Graduate University.
She said that the university has made its name around the world and in every conceivable sector.
She said the Bakke University had produced company presidents, accountants, chief executive officers, and other senior personnel in various sectors and companies, which are recognised internationally.
Dr. Dewey pointed out that the BGU also invites professors and other senior personnel from other universities to study with them, so they can take back to their respective universities the experiences learnt. She described the teaching services and personnel of the BGU as quality personnel delivering the highest  standards.
The Bakke University is headquartered in Washington, but the university has a global presence.
There were several other speakers, who spoke on various aspects of the university and its functions, aims and objectives. The plan of action and focus for the Guyana branch of the institution were also outlined.