7/28/2019 SIMS/SDC June 13, 2013 Graduation Ceremony in Suriname

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On an overcast evening the Suriname Institute of Management Studies/Sojourner 

Douglas College held their 2nd Graduation Ceremony on Thursday June 14th, 2013 at

the Royal Torarica in Paramaribo Suriname.

The program was moderated by Dr. Sophia Rolle from the Bahamas Campus of the

Sojourner Douglas College. The mood was set when Xanegay Sabajo performed amoving rendition of the National Anthem of Suriname in Dutch and Sranan Tongo. 

Pastor Michael Stuart provided the audience with a scripture message and a prayer.

He exhorted the students that just as Abraham obeyed God and went to find the

Promised Land, the seven graduates of  SIMS/SDC must now chart their own course

and create their oasis.

The diligent students of SIMS/SDC graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in

Hospitality and Tourism Management with an emphasis on Ecotourism SIMS/SDC . Dr.

Charles Simmons, President of SDC praised the students for their hard work and the

fruits of their labor calumniated in this special evening. Dr. Simmons was wholeheartedin his praise about the program and felt that SIMS SDC would make a significant

contribution to Suriname's tourism. He stated that the graduates had all the

responsibilities and privileges associated with a degree from SIMS/SDC.

Dr. Gregory Rusland, Chairman of the Board of SIMS/SDC suggested that the students

have a bright future with Ecotourism in on a steady increase since 2003. It is projected

that 2013 might see approximately 200,000 visitors coming to Suriname. The students

are well poised to capitalize on this business trend. Many jobs will be created in the

tourism industry.

Dennis Rusland, Director of SIMS/SDC congratulated the students on their momentous

accomplishment. He said, “There are a few big moments in your life and this is

definitely one of them.” In addition to the BSc program in Hospitality and Tourism

Management, SIMS also offered a one course certificate program in Environmental and

Social Impact Assessment. Further seven members of the SIMS student body were

trained as Marine Mammal Observers with a generous grant from Kosmos Energy. 

The Teacher’s response was made by Haimdat Sawh Instructor of Economics and

Leadership Management at SIMS/SDC. He offered some salient advice to the students

of pursuing their passions, of valuing every minute, be afraid, but take risks anyway, to

work on their listening skills, to read, to keep up with their writing, to get mentors and

finally to not worry but be happy!

Ms. Eunike Misiekaba spoke eloquently on behalf of her graduating class immediately

followed by a well-received PowerPoint Presentation of the student body at many Eco

tourist places in the hinterland and around Paramaribo.

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 After Dr. Rusland and Dr. Simmons awarded the BSc Diplomas in Hospitality and

Tourism Management the seven graduates gathered on stage and Rachidi Sanches

masterfully led them in a perfect pitch acapella of Stevie Wonder, That's What Friends

 Are For . The audience joined in the song as Rachidi soared with the lyrics and while it

may have been cloudy and raining outside, inside the auditorium there was a feeling of 

warmth and love.

Dr. Rolle closed the graduation ceremony with a toast to the graduates and then tassels

moved sides and hats flew into the air as jubilant graduates we hugged and greeted by

teachers, family and friends. Everyone was feted with local Surinamese juices, sate

and lumpias.