St. George’s University celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2026 during its Grenada Commencement Ceremony on May 30, honoring graduates from the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) and the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) as they crossed the stage before proud family members, friends, faculty, and dignitaries.
The ceremony also included 11 new Grenadian physicians from the School of Medicine and two Grenadian veterinarians from the School of Veterinary Medicine, who joined the festivities alongside their peers. The newly minted physicians received scholarships from SGU to support the next phase of their medical training, underscoring the University’s continued commitment to developing healthcare professionals for Grenada and the wider region.
Among those in attendance was Grenada’s Prime Minister, the Honorable Dickon Mitchell, who joined University leadership and guests in celebrating the graduates’ accomplishments, as the University marked its 50th anniversary—highlighting the perseverance, dedication, and ambition that brought graduates to this milestone and the opportunities that lie ahead.
View the full Grenada Commencement Ceremony
Building bridges between Grenada and the world
Delivering the commencement address was Nicholas Brathwaite, a Grenadian-born technology executive, investor, founding managing partner of Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm Celesta Capital, and recently appointed chancellor of McMaster University. Throughout his distinguished career, Chancellor Brathwaite has held leadership roles at global technology companies including Intel, Flextronics, and Aptina Imaging, helping shape innovations that have transformed industries worldwide.
In a speech that connected his own journey from Grenada to Silicon Valley with the graduates’ futures, he described SGU as a powerful force for opportunity.
“When I look at this university, I see more than buildings and lecture halls. I see a bridge, not just between a student and a degree, but between ambition and opportunity, between talent and global impact, between a small island and the world.”
He paid tribute to SGU Chancellor Charles Modica for his vision in establishing the University and highlighted the transformative role SGU has played in shaping Grenada’s economy, expanding its global reach, and creating opportunities for generations of students.
Chancellor Brathwaite also challenged graduates to focus on developing the skills that matter most in a rapidly changing world.
“The world does not reward your credentials. It rewards your capacity—your capacity to solve problems, your capacity to learn faster than the environment changes, and your capacity to lead when the answers are not obvious.”
Drawing on lessons from his own journey from Grenada to the executive suites of Fortune 100 companies and the world of venture capital, he reminded graduates that their beginnings do not determine their future.
“Do not let the size of your origin define the scale of your ambition. Our region may be small in size, but our potential is limitless. Today, you inherit the bridge that was built for you. The question is: what will you build with it?”
Celebrating leadership in public health
The ceremony also marked a special milestone for University leadership. Both SGU President and Dean of the School of Medicine Dr. Marios Loukas and Provost Dr. Mark Clunes received Master of Public Health degrees during the ceremony.
In addition, they were inducted into the Gamma Kappa Chapter of the Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health—the oldest public health honor society in the world—in recognition of their contributions to advancing public health education and global health initiatives.
View Grenada Commencement Ceremony Instagram Reel
“May our deeds speak louder than our words”
Valedictorian Janique Phillip, who graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA and was recognized as the Most Outstanding Sociology Student of 2026, reflected on the collective effort behind every graduate’s success, thanking the families, friends, faculty, and mentors who supported them along the way.
She reminded her classmates that while their journeys were different, they shared a common story of perseverance.
“Every single person seated here today has a story—a story of sacrifice, uncertainty, perseverance, and resilience. Yet despite every challenge, we are here. Today stands as proof that we were strong enough, capable enough, and resilient enough to make it.”
Drawing inspiration from her secondary school motto, Facta non Verba (deeds, not words), Phillip urged graduates to use their education to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
“Graduation is not the end of our story. It is the beginning of our responsibility. May our deeds speak louder than our words.”
Finding strength through the storms
Class speaker Dr. Kathy-Ann John-Sylvester brought more than two decades of experience in education, leadership, and service to the stage, including her role as associate registrar at SGU, where she supports academic operations across multiple schools. Her career, spanning administration, corporate communications, and community service, reflects a longstanding commitment to student success and institutional excellence, culminating in her earning a Doctor of Philosophy in management on commencement day.
Speaking on behalf of graduate students, she delivered a deeply personal reflection on resilience, sharing her experience balancing professional responsibilities, family life, and academic ambition. She also spoke candidly about navigating personal loss during her doctoral journey, an experience that tested her resolve but ultimately reinforced her strength.
“In pushing through, I discovered that my strength was greater than my storm, she said. “Obstacles will never be the conclusion of your story. Each challenge you overcome will build your character and pave the way for your dreams.”
She concluded with a message of confidence and possibility inspired by Dr. Seuss, encouraging graduates to trust themselves and embrace the opportunities ahead.
“‘Today is your day. You’re off to great places. You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.’ Congratulations. I am excited for us. Oh, the places we will go.”
