970 St. George’s University Students and Graduates Secure US Residencies in 2023 Match

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Match Day 2023 - 970n US residencies and counting

St. George’s University School of Medicine announced today that 970 of its students and graduates secured residencies around the United States in this year’s match cycle.

“Match Day is a pivotal moment in a doctor’s career,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, Dean of the St. George’s University School of Medicine. “On behalf of the entire St. George’s University community, I congratulate this remarkable class of medical students.”

This year, students and graduates matched into residences in 21 specialties across 42 states and the District of Columbia. More students and graduates will find out where they will be doing residency training in the days and weeks to come.

 

Explore 2023 Residency Placement List

 

St. George’s graduates will begin residency programs in several highly competitive specialties, ranging from surgery and neurology to emergency medicine and pediatrics. Many will be returning to their home states to begin their careers in medicine.

This new group of doctors will play a crucial role in addressing America’s growing physician shortage. St. George’s is the largest provider of doctors to the U.S. healthcare system and the number-one provider of primary care doctors into the United States annually. Three-quarters of St. George’s graduates enter primary care specialties, and a significant number of SGU alumni work in medically underserved areas.

“St. George’s University graduates have been meeting the medical needs of communities across the United States for decades,” Dr. Loukas said. “We look forward to seeing all the great things that this newest class of St. George’s graduates will accomplish.”

 

 

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St. George’s University Announces Renewed Admissions Partnership with Springfield College

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St. George’s University has renewed its partnership with Springfield College that will grant eligible Springfield students streamlined entry into the St. George’s School of Medicine or School of Veterinary Medicine.

“Since 2014, St. George’s has offered talented Springfield College students the opportunity to pursue a first-rate education and subsequent career in medicine,” said Dr. Richard Liebowitz, vice chancellor of St. George’s University. “We’re thrilled to continue that partnership educating the next generation of doctors and veterinarians so they can return to their communities and help address the critical need for medical and veterinary services nationwide.”

Ashley McNeill, PhD, director of the Springfield College pre-health professions advising, said the College is excited to continue to build partnerships like the one with St. George’s.

“Not only will this provide opportunities for our students to pursue excellent medical and veterinary training, but St. George’s University also offers unique opportunities for our students to continue to live our Humanics mission: educating the whole person in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others” McNeill said. “St. George’s University’s focus on global health and care for underserved populations complements our students’ dedication to creating a better world for all.”

The partnership has established two “4+4” programs in which Springfield College students who complete four years of pre-medical or pre-veterinary coursework and meet all requirements for admission are fast-tracked for admission into four-year programs at the St. George’s School of Medicine or School of Veterinary Medicine. Candidates for the programs must maintain a strong undergraduate GPA and score competitively on relevant entrance exams.

 

“We’re thrilled to continue a partnership educating the next generation of doctors and veterinarians so they can return to their communities and help address the critical need for medical and veterinary services nationwide.”

Students who wish to take advantage of the combined degree programs must express interest upon applying to Springfield College. Those accepted into the MD program receive a $10,000 scholarship upon matriculating and are eligible for additional scholarships and grants from St. George’s.

Students accepted into the St. George’s School of Medicine may complete their first two years of study in Grenada, or spend their first year at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom and their second year in Grenada. They undertake their final two years of clinical rotations at hospitals affiliated with St. George’s in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Veterinary students complete three years of study in Grenada and their final clinical year at schools affiliated with St. George’s in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

SOM Spring White Coat Ceremony: The Legacy Continues for SGU President and Son

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With a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years in medicine, Dr. G. Richard Olds, president emeritus at St. George’s University was thrilled to have his son, Trevor Olds follow in his footsteps. In addition to being this year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Olds also had the honor of coating Trevor at the Spring 2023 School of Medicine White Coat Ceremony.

View photos from the SOM Spring 2023 White Coat Ceremony


“I’m extremely proud of Trevor and happy to share in this milestone moment as he takes his first official steps into the medical profession,” said Dr. Olds. “I have three wonderful sons, but none of whom seemed to want a career in medicine. In fact, Trevor started his career as a professional actor, but I’m delighted he decided to transition into the MD program here at SGU and that I had the special privilege of coating him.”

The future Dr. Olds joined his fellow students in the Class of 2027 as they walked across the stage on January 28 at Patrick F. Adams Hall to receive their white coats. At the end of the ceremony, which marks their entry into the field of medicine, they recited the Oath of Professionalism, where they pledge to uphold the highest of ethical standards while treating their patients.

In his keynote address, Dr. Olds shared three moving stories providing lessons on what it means to be a good physician. His second story centered on Trevor giving his family a medical scare but ended with them being comforted by a physician wearing a white coat.

“All of the men in the Olds family are quite sentimental,” shared Trevor Olds. “So, I was glad that I had a bit of time between my father’s keynote address and when I had to go up to be coated—because I needed to compose myself a little bit. It was such a sweet and special moment, and his speech was very touching and meaningful.”

– Ray-Donna Peters

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Photo Diary: Class of 2027 Begins Journey as Future Physicians at Spring White Coat Ceremony

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It was an emotional day for the newest class of medical students at St. George’s University. Nervousness mixed with excitement filled the air as students took to the stage at the School of Medicine White Coat Ceremony, held on January 28 at Patrick F. Adams Hall.

View SOM White Coat Ceremony Instagram Reel


During the ceremony, which signifies students officially beginning their journey to becoming physicians, a white coat is placed on their shoulders—often by family members or mentors who have become doctors before them. Later, they would each recite the Oath of Professionalism, in which they pledged to honor the sacred trust and privilege society places on medical professionals.

What was it like to be coated? Check out the photos from the White Coat Ceremony.


  • It was all smiles, as students eagerly awaited their name being called for their turn to walk across the stage and put on that white coat.

  • But first, a few warm words from SGU Chancellor Dr. Charles R. Modica. The chancellor shared his appreciation for how far the University had come and his excitement as SGU approaches its 50th anniversary.

  • Dr. Modica was followed by this year’s keynote speaker, Dr. G. Richard Olds, president emeritus of SGU and a tropical disease specialist. In his address he shared three touching stories providing lessons on what it means to be a good physician.

  • Dr. Olds also had the pleasure of coating his son, Trevor Olds in this heartfelt moment—an experience the Olds family will treasure.

  • Trevor Olds and his father, Dr. G. Richard Olds

  • Also sharing a moment on stage was SOM Term 1 student, Carlie Hanlon who had the privilege of being coated by her grandfather, Dr. Robert Hanlon—a retired physician who practiced internal medicine and cardiology. The New Jersey native praised his granddaughter, confident that she will make a wonderful physician.

  • Carlie Hanlon and her grandfather, Dr. Robert Hanlon

  • Holding back tears was Dr. Patrick Borgen, as he coated his daughter Dana Borgen and her fiancé Ezekiel Sanchez. The high school sweethearts chose to attend SGU together after meeting several SGU alumni residents at Maimonides Medical Center where Dr. Borgen serves as chair of the Department of Surgery.

  • Already part of the SGU family, Frances Emmanuel, a Grenadian staff member in the School of Veterinary Medicine’s Small Animal Medicine and Surgery (SAMS) Department, couldn’t be any prouder of her daughter Shanique Emmanuel, BSc ’22, who is on track to becoming the first doctor in their family.

  • Also, now a part of the SGU family is SOM Term 1 student Rashiqa Abdel-Jabbar. She left her Louisiana home to join her cousin, SOM Term 2 student Haneen Awawda in fulfilling her dream of becoming a doctor here at SGU.

  • Twins Mark and Michael Yassa are as different as night and day, except in their pursuit of becoming physicians. Although older by one minute, it was Mark who followed his brother Mike, a Term 2 SOM student from Toronto to SGU.

  • After receiving their white coats, the ceremony ended with students and other physicians in the audience reciting the Oath of Professionalism—pledging to uphold the highest of ethical standards while treating their patients.

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– Ray-Donna Peters

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St. George’s University School of Medicine Re-Approved By New York State Department of Education for Clinical Clerkships for Full Seven-Year Term

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St. George’s University’s School of Medicine has received renewed approval from the New York State Department of Education (NYSED) for long-term clinical clerkships at affiliated hospitals and health systems in the state. Previously approved in 2015, the new approval again covers a full period of seven years, through the year 2029.

NYSED’s approval process entails an extensive review of documentation of SGU’s resources, programs, processes and outcomes, including a series of meetings with school academic and administrative leadership in spring 2022. The School of Medicine was evaluated in five areas: institutional setting and clinical affiliate relations; faculty affairs, including teaching qualifications; medical education, including objectives, assessments and outcomes; student affairs, including financial aid and debt management; and educational resources. The School of Medicine also demonstrated that it is financially stable, and that students have access to sufficient space, reference materials, and information technology platforms.

Approval from New York State ensures that SGU medical students will continue to be able to pursue placements at affiliated teaching hospitals in New York for clinical training, an essential part of their preparation as physicians. SGU works with over 70 teaching hospitals and health systems in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom to offer clinical and ambulatory training and support, including 17 affiliated hospitals in New York.

 

“The experience, skills, and professional relationships students build during these clinical experiences in New York teaching hospitals are invaluable to their futures as practicing physicians. We are honored by this recognition of our commitment to training future generations of doctors licensed to practice in the United States.”

 

Recently, SGU’s accreditor, the Grenada Medical and Dental Council (GMDC) received recognition by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) through 2032. Starting in 2024, only graduates of schools accredited by an organization with WFME recognition will be eligible to take USMLE exams or be placed in residency positions in the United States. With this recognition by WFME, SGU students have a clear and secure route to qualification to take the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE) and to post-graduate residency training programs in the United States.  The re-approval by NYSED ensures continued access to New York State clinical sites for training following passage of the USMLE Step 1 exam. New York, together with California, Florida, Georgia and New Jersey, are the states which require recognition for clinical training. SGU has been recognized by all five states.

“We are delighted that our students will continue to benefit from clinical rotations at our partner hospitals throughout the state of New York,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of St. George’s University School of Medicine. “The experience, skills, and professional relationships students build during these clinical experiences in New York teaching hospitals are invaluable to their futures as practicing physicians. We are honored by this recognition of our commitment to training future generations of doctors licensed to practice in the United States.”

SGU is accredited by the Grenada Medical and Dental Council (GMDC), which is recognized by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME) and the National Commission on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA). Clinical approval from NYSED enables the pathway from the classroom experience at SGU’s campus in Grenada to students being qualified to do clinical rotations at New York teaching hospitals.  SGU is the largest provider of new doctors into the U.S. healthcare system.

Northumbria University is named United Kingdom’s University of the Year 2022

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As St. George’s University and Northumbria University, in Newcastle, UK, celebrate the 15-year anniversary of their partnership, the latter has received a significant distinction—they were named the UK’s University of the Year 2022 in the prestigious Times Higher Education Awards.

“We are thrilled to congratulate Northumbria University on this accomplishment,” said Dr. James Coey, SGU’s dean of basic sciences in the UK. “We at SGU have seen the University’s excellence firsthand, as have our students. The value of our partnership cannot be understated, and this recognition is proof of that.”

The Times Higher Education awards recognize exceptional performance and “bold, imaginative, and innovative initiatives” that advanced a higher education institution’s reputation during the 2020/21 academic year. According to their announcement, Northumbria credits its recent research advancements with its success. In the 2021 report results published by Research Excellence Framework (REF), which measures the quality and strength of research across UK universities, the University moved up 27 places to 23 from 50.

A 15-YEAR HISTORY OF COLLABORATION

The partnership between SGU and Northumbria began in January 2007 and has since welcomed more than 2,000 medical students to spend up to three years of their preclinical or medical degree program in the UK.  The partnership provides students with the opportunity to begin either a four-, five-, or six-year MD pathway at SGU. The pathways are aligned and equivalent to those delivered in Grenada but allow students to study in and experience a different healthcare and education environment.

The inception of the partnership came about from SGU’s second Vice Chancellor, Dr. Keith B. Taylor (1989-1998). Dr. Taylor’s vision for international expansion was spurred by the reality of a shrinking world of medical education, which led not only to the growth of St. George’s University but also the creation of the Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation (WINDREF) in 1994.

“So much good has come out of our partnership with Northumbria University,” added Dr. Coey. “We look forward to continuing to strengthen that partnership together and provide a world-leading medical education for our students.”

To learn more about SGU’s partnership with NU, visit our website.

—Sarah Stoss

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St. George’s University Announces Admissions Partnership with Christian Brothers University

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St. George’s University announced a new partnership today that will provide eligible students from Christian Brothers University with streamlined admissions to St. George’s School of Medicine or School of Veterinary Medicine.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Christian Brothers University to educate the next generation of doctors and veterinarians,” said Dr. G. Richard Olds, president emeritus of St. George’s University. “Both of these professions are facing shortages that pose a concerning threat to public health. Initiatives like this one will help us close those gaps, and we’re honored to work toward that goal alongside CBU.”

The partnership creates a “4+4” program, in which students spend four years at each institution. Those who wish to qualify must express interest while applying to CBU or while matriculating. Interested students must pursue a Bachelor of Science degree at CBU, complete all prerequisite coursework, maintain a strong GPA, and score competitively on relevant entrance exams. Interested veterinary students must also report at least 500 hours of animal experience alongside a veterinarian or animal-care professional.

St. George’s University will waive application fees for interested students and fast-track CBU applications during the admissions process. Students accepted into the medical program will receive a $10,000 scholarship. They will also be eligible for additional SGU scholarships and grants.

Those who enter the School of Medicine will be eligible to complete their first two years of study in Grenada, or they can complete their first year at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom and second year in Grenada. The following two years of clinical rotations will take place at St. George’s-affiliated hospitals in the United States or United Kingdom. Veterinary students will be eligible to complete three years of study in Grenada and their final clinical year within SGU’s network of 30-plus affiliates located in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

“This partnership with St. George’s University provides a unique opportunity for high-achieving undergraduate students at Christian Brothers University who are interested in pursuing careers in medicine or veterinary medicine,” said Dr. James McGuffee, Dean of the CBU School of Sciences. “We are pleased to partner with St. George’s University as we nurture future graduates who will in turn use their advanced degrees to serve as medical doctors or doctors of veterinary medicine.”

 

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Reflecting on 2022: 5 stories that highlighted the School of Medicine community

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From commencement celebrations to students securing highly competitive residency positions to groundbreaking medical procedures pioneered by graduates, the St. George’s University School of Medicine community made its mark in 2022.

In a year full of significant news, these stories came out on top:

Commencement 2022

After two years of virtual celebrations, the School of Medicine celebrated its 41st commencement in June at the Arthur Ashe Stadium at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, NY.

Despite the challenges of the COVID pandemic, SGU’s newest physicians joined a network of more than 20,000 alumni practicing in the United States and around the world.

View on Instagram: Relive the excitement of the SOM commencement ceremonies 

School of Medicine reaffirms accreditation

This fall, the accrediting body of SGU’s School of Medicine, the Grenada Medical and Dental Council (GMDC), was recognized by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME) for the full 10 years through September 2032.

This recognition allows SGU students to continue to meet the standards set by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), setting them up for success when applying for certification to participate in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP).

What does it mean for students? Read:  Medical School Accreditation: Everything You Need to Know

Match Day 2022

For hundreds of SGU School of Medicine students, the wait was most certainly worth it as they found out where they will take the next step in their careers during residency training.

This year, SGU students matched into first-year residency positions across a variety of specialties throughout the US. Over the summer, they began residency programs in a range of highly competitive specialties, including neurology, emergency medicine, surgery, and more, and shared what it felt like to receive the positive news that they matched and how they felt about starting residency.

Read: Soon-To-Be Physicians Share Their Excitement On Match Day 2022 

Groundbreaking advancements in cardiology

Through the use of robotics, interventional cardiologist and Grenadian national Adam Bierzynski, MD ’11, is moving the field of interventional cardiology forward within outpatient settings. He was among the team who performed the first-ever outpatient robotic percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at an ambulatory surgery center. Dr. Bierzynski shared with SGU why the procedure was groundbreaking, the potential life-saving capabilities of robotics within the cardiology field, and how his medical training set him up for success.

Read: Cardiologist From Grenada Pioneers Robotic Procedure In Outpatient Setting

Return to campus

For many students, the August term was either their first time on SGU’s iconic True Blue campus or their first time being back in Grenada since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the meantime—the University was busy with several expansion and redevelopment projects in preparation for the return of the growing campus community. Check out what’s new—and in the works—on campus.

Read: Back To School: What’s New On The True Blue Campus

 

— Laurie Chartorynsky 

 

 

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Vascular Surgeon Facilitates Significant Donation to Grenada General Hospital, Helps Establish Dialysis Program

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Dr. Christian Rodriguez, a chief vascular surgeon, felt the calling to give back to the island where he got his start in medicine after a recent trip to Grenada.

During his vacation—his first visit to the island in 26 years—Dr. Rodriguez learned of Grenada General Hospital’s need for a vascular surgeon and for someone to help implement a new dialysis and nephrology program.

So he decided to do something about it.

First, Dr. Rodriguez, who practices at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Maine, arranged for a substantial donation of two sets of surgical instruments and supplies from medical provider Scanlan International, valued at nearly $37,000 USD. The donation of the surgical instruments will allow the hospital to offer ongoing in-house sustainability of vascular access procedures and treatments to patients.

He also worked with the hospital’s house officers—and resident doctors—Drs. Neisha Ross, Johnathan Ramirez, and Diana Shears to create a week-long clinic (which took place October 10 to 14, 2022) where he would train hospital doctors on vascular access procedures, while also seeing patients in need of care. Vascular access is the surgical procedure by which a fistula connection is made by a surgeon allowing the removal and return of blood during dialysis.

“When I learned that Grenada General needed more support in the area of vascular surgery, I did not hesitate to offer my time, expertise as well as organizing a donation to the hospital,” Dr. Rodriguez said. “While on island, I even got to meet with my old anatomy professor, Dr. C.V. Rao (current dean of university alumni affairs). We spent some time catching up and it brought back many memories of my time in Grenada.”

 

“We are extremely grateful to Christian for not only answering the call but going above and beyond to gain an understanding of what may be needed and securing this incredible donation that will definitely change lives.”

 

Dr. Rodriguez is the first vascular specialist to provide crucial medical care to Grenadian residents as a part of the St. George’s University Physician Humanitarian Network (SGU PHuN).

“We are extremely grateful to Christian for not only answering the call but going above and beyond to gain an understanding of what may be needed and securing this incredible donation that will definitely change lives,” said SGU Vice Provost Brendon LaGrenade, MBA, EdD.

A Gratifying Experience

Vascular surgeon Christian Rodriguez returned to the island where he got his start in medicine to help patients in need.

Seeing Grenadian patients was very gratifying, according to Dr. Rodriguez. He completed four vascular access procedures and was able to treat more than 30 patients with vein, circulation, wound and other issues.

“I spent a week seeing patients and performing surgeries in the operating theater. It was a rewarding experience,” said Dr. Rodriguez. “It felt wonderful to offer patients a service that they would not otherwise have. The patients were incredibly grateful. I feel a very strong bond with Grenada and its people.”

The training he provided to resident clinic doctors included demonstrations on how patients are assessed for surgery.

“The clinic involved examining and evaluating patients as well as evaluating which kind of arteriovenous access was most appropriate for each patient,” he said. “This depends on their arterial circulation and the size and quality of their veins. Additionally, we took advantage of the clinic space/time to see patients with other vascular surgery conditions.”

Dr. Rodriguez said it was a pleasure to work at Grenada General and it all harkens back to his time at SGU.

“It was an amazing experience and I truly feel the education I received there was top notch,” said Dr. Rodriguez, adding that any SGU alum who gets the opportunity to return to Grenada to share their gifts of physician care will find it to be an experience that equally benefits doctors, patients, and the community at large.

“If you have a chance to contribute to the well-being and health of the Grenadian people, do it. It’s an incredibly great and rewarding experience,” said Dr. Rodriguez. “I’m already making plans for a repeat visit next year.”

 

–Ronke Idowu Reeves

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SAS Alumna Becomes Grenada’s Youngest Elected Minister

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Kerryne James, BSc ’21, grew up in a working-class family in the town of Gouyave in the parish of St. John. Although life was not always easy, she learned from a young age the importance of hard work and the value of education as a tool that can be used to empower yourself and change your circumstances. Now as the Honorable, Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy, and the youngest female to hold the position, she’s harnessed those early teachings and applies them to everything she does in service of her country.

Decidedly different from her peers, Minister James became involved in politics from the tender age of 15. In 2016, during her second year at T. A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) she was hand selected by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to become one of the youth members representing Grenada at the National Sustainable Development Plan 2030. She describes the experience as having opened her eyes to the reality that young people who came from rural parts of the island were being overlooked and underrepresented in that realm of conversation.

Having always loved modeling and fashion, 2016 was also the year she would place second in Grenada’s National Carnival Queen Show. It was while touring on the pageant trail, she saw firsthand so many of the residents from her beloved hometown living in such desolate conditions and felt the overwhelming need to help. She would go on to use the pageant as a platform to showcase that the people of Gouyave were also multi-talented and could represent Grenada well—outside of sports and music. This was also the moment she felt something awaken in her and she decided to officially enter the political arena.

Originally, the Minister thought she would pursue a career in law, even majoring in law, geography, and sociology while at TAMCC. However, she would later apply to St. George’s University (SGU) to study psychology to make sure she knew exactly who she was and what she wanted to achieve for herself—not for her parents or anyone else.

From becoming a senator, while studying at SGU, to being elected the youngest female minister in the region, Minister James shared with SGU News her journey from student to politician.

St. George’s University: As the newly elected Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy, describe what stands out or excites you most about your job? 

The Honorable Minister Kerryne James: Getting the opportunity to create policies, programs, and projects that would help elevate and change the status quo of my country, as well as having a positive impact on our young people and especially women, is what excites me about this job. I have a portfolio that requires me to be off-island frequently and attending international negotiating tables, round tables, and conferences where there aren’t many there who look like me.

I’m in a position where I can show others who we are and what we have to contribute to the larger conversation. We all have unique challenges when it comes to the environment, but it is only when we speak up can the more developed countries realize the impact they’re having on these smaller states. Being that storyteller for them is something that is very powerful.

 

“SGU has prepared me for both educational and professional advancement. It has shown me that although life can be difficult to balance at times—consistency is important.”

 

SGU: What are you most looking forward to accomplishing in your new role? 

Minister James: My goal is to fulfill my campaign promises to my constituents, especially the farmers and fisherfolks who are very close to my heart. I’m looking forward to developing our infrastructure in the parish of St. John—helping it to become more climate resilient and climate smart. I also want to help educate and train our young people and create an environment where our women can feel that there is a space for them and support for them to lead the way.

SGU: We’ve noticed you wearing styles from local fashion designers, why is it important to you to support Grenadian entrepreneurs?

Minister James: As a former beauty queen contestant, fashion has always been near and dear to me. I believe that you have to dress how you want to be addressed and that you’re firstly judged by how you look and what you wear before you even speak. Therefore, every opportunity that I get to be different and to stand out, I’ll take it. I have my own sense of style and I always strive to be authentically me. I wear local because it reminds me of where I come from, and it gives me an opportunity to market my country’s talented entrepreneurs. I can show that I am a living example and that, if you apply yourself, you will get noticed and you can make a career path where there wasn’t one before.

SGU: How well do you feel that SGU prepared you for the next step in your journey?

Minister James: SGU taught me how to be serious, how to take initiative, and it taught me time management skills. I had really supportive friends and faculty at SGU, and the resources were numerous. The Psychological Services Center was there to help with your wellness and the Department of Educational Services was there to help you stay on track with your classes.

 

Throwback: Minister James as a student at SGU

 

SGU: Describe how you became a senator? And why you accepted the position?

Minister James: University life was initially tough because there was no more handholding like in high school. I had to adapt to this new fast-paced environment. During my third month at SGU, I got a call from the Governor General’s office stating that my name was selected as one of three to become a senator. My jaw dropped and I thought I was being pranked. However, I accepted even though I thought to myself this wasn’t why I originally got involved in politics. I simply wanted to do my part and be a youth advocate within the party. But, after speaking to a few people in my close circle, I decided to give it a shot. I was called to serve, and I would put my best foot forward. I would figure out how to balance school life and state life as a senator.

SGU: Were you involved in any extra-curricular activities or student clubs while at SGU?

Minister James: I was an executive member of the Humanities and Social Sciences Association (HS3A) and I had quite a wonderful experience and felt like I really made a difference in that student organization. Due to COVID-19, all the big events we had planned that term did not materialize, but one of our biggest accomplishments was creating a well-produced video in recognition of World Mental Health Day, which garnered local media attention to help educate our population on how we should treat people with mental illness.

Another major achievement while I was in HS3A was our visit to the Father Mallaghan’s Home for Boys. We felt like those boys could relate to us and they could speak to us. We were able to help them with assignments and give them words of encouragement that, despite their current circumstances, they could change their future. We were able to touch the lives of these young men and to this day they remember us.

SGU: What advice would you give to prospective students who are considering applying to SGU?

Minister James: Attending a university will be challenging, but your primary interest should be to do your best. Obtaining that degree from SGU will be so worth it. And when you get to SGU, stay grounded and commit to what you set out to do. All the resources are there for you to succeed. You just have to show up and take advantage of this opportunity. SGU prepared me for both educational and professional advancement. It has shown me that although life can be difficult to balance at times—consistency is important. And if you fail to prepare yourself for opportunity, it can slip by you very easily.

SGU: What is one of the greatest accomplishments you’ve achieved in your career so far?

Minister James:I would have to say becoming the youngest sitting senator in the House of Parliament in all the Commonwealth nations. I was also the lone female who won a seat in Grenada’s recent elections from the winning party, the National Democratic Congress. I’ve achieved all of this under the age of 25. Politics remains a male-dominated arena, so to be so young and a woman and to achieve so much already, is my greatest accomplishment so far.

– Ray-Donna Peters

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