Latest update February 14th, 2025 8:22 AM
Faculty of Social Sciences shines at UG 47th Convocation
Although more than 1,000 students graduated from the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus Saturday evening, marking its 47th Convocation ceremony, which was characterised by much pomp and fanfare, it could easily be surmised that it was the Faculty of Social Sciences that stood out the most.
Although this has not always been the case, it certainly was achievable given the fact that the Faculty has the largest intake at the tertiary institution.
Valedictorian Eileen Selina Marray adorned with the President’s Medal
Most notable was the fact that the Faculty produced the Valedictorian in the person of Eileen Selina Marray, who secured a 2.9 Grade Point Average, having undertaken a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management.
Marray was presented with the President’s Medal by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds (who was at the time acting in the capacity of President) for being the best graduating Bachelor’s Degree student.
And although the Prime Minister’s Award was presented to Linbert Anslem Lewis for being the best graduating student in the School of Medicine (Faculty of Health Sciences), another Student of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Jewel Olivia Cheong, was also bestowed with that honour for being the best graduating student with a Degree in Public Management.
Securing another award for the Faculty of Social Sciences was Felina Sarah Maikoo, who was bestowed the title of second best graduating Bachelor’s Degree student. She was awarded the Chancellor’s Medal.
Another prestigious award, the Dr. Harold Drayton Alumni Award of the University’s Guild of Graduates, Ontario, was presented to Duane Edwards of the Social Sciences Faculty.
The latter award is usually presented to a graduating student who has achieved the highest Grade Point Average in one of three Faculties – Natural Sciences, Social Sciences or the School of Education and Humanities – and has demonstrated leadership through practical involvement in community and/or social services irrespective of sex, race, religion, creed or political persuasion.
But as the best overall graduating student and the recipient of the President’s award, Marray was required to present the valedictorian address, which she said was an honour especially in light of the fact that the University is currently celebrating 50 years of existence.
In congratulating her fellow graduates, she noted that while they have achieved the goal of completing their various programmes, their futures may be laced with some degree of uncertainty. However, she assured that uncertainty could in fact be viewed as another term for opportunity.
“We must concentrate on enhancing our future and setting examples for those who will follow…we must be tomorrow’s leaders and role models,” Marray asserted even as she shared Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
“We should all strive to leave a trail that others will be proud to follow,” Marray challenged, even as she observed that “we all come from different walks of life, we have different stories to recount our journey here and after today we will all embark on unique paths.”
She however emphasised that the importance of education can never be understated since it is through this avenue that individuals can be effectively empowered. According to her, education has the potential of encouraging persons to ask questions such as “Why am I here? Isn’t there more? Through our education we realise that we are not powerless; that our choices will bring us to certain goals.”
A section of the graduating students Saturday evening
But achieving ambitious educational goals, according to Marray, can only be achieved through dedication, passion and effort. Moreover she encouraged her colleagues to “don’t ever become easily discouraged, believe in yourself and never let your fears hold you back.”
This, she emphasised, could allow for persons to take the road less travelled and uncover unexpected opportunities and memorable experiences.
Moreover, she outlined to her peers that it could be advantageous to “maintain the curiosity of a child and embrace opportunities…”
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