UniSey’s 2023 cohort graduates |17 February 2024

The awards winners in a souvenir photo with President Ramkalawan and UniSey vice chancellor Joëlle Perreau (Joena Meme)

A group of 142 students from the University of Seychelles and The Guy Morel Institute graduated yesterday after successfully completing their studies at degree, postgraduate, undergraduate, diploma and certificate levels in various accredited programmes offered by these two institutions.

The courses included a dozen programmes in arts and social development as well as business and sustainable development.

The graduation ceremony was held at the University of Seychelles (UniSey) auditorium, Anse Royale yesterday morning in the presence of President Wavel Ramkalawan, who is also the chancellor of the university, First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, Education Minister Dr Justin Valentin, vice chancellor of UniSey Joëlle Perreau, and other dignitaries.

The event started with congratulatory words from vice chancellor Perreau to the graduands and the former students were then presented with their certificates and degrees by the UniSey vice chancellor herself, the registrar and dean of the faculty of business and sustainable development.

The graduates also received different awards including the Best Performer award, First Class award, Dean’s award and Chancellor’s Recognition award as well as the Colleen Morel award.

Introduced in 2014, the Best Performer awards went to: Vanessa Lucas (Diploma in Journalism), Kaveya Sekar (BSc Computing and Information Systems), Emelyn Desir (BSc Honours Food Safety and Environmental Health), Larrisha Serret (BSc Honours Environmental Science), Mikaella Valmont (BSc Honours in Business Administration with specialisation in Financial Services), Britney Roucou (BSc in Business Administration with specialisation in International Business), Sharon Meriton-Jean (Bachelor of Arts in English), Lilia Nibourette (Best Performer for Licence de Français), Bergitta Labonté (Best Performer for Master in Educational Leadership), Debra Stravens (Best Performer for Commonwealth Executive Master for Business Administration), and Frederika Confait-Poussou (Best Performer for the Commonwealth Executive Master of Public Administration)

All the best performers also received the chancellor’s special recognition.

The Dean’s award introduced in 2017 to recognise academic prowess, perseverance, participation in extra-curricular activities and demonstration of at least four of the UniSey core values, went to Vanessa Lucas and Shamira Sally.

There were also First Class awards which went to: Rona Arissol (BSc Honours in Food Safety and Environmental Health – University of Mauritius programmes), Emelyn Desir (BSc Honours in Food Safety and Environmental Health – University of Mauritius programmes), Kevin Pompey (BSc Honours in Food Safety and Environmental Health – University of Mauritius programmes), Lilia Nibourette (Licence de Français – l’Université de la Réunion programme), Larrisha Serret (BSc Honours in Environmental Science – UniSey programmes), Sarah Gedeon (Bachelor of Science Honours in Business Administration), Shamira Sally (Bachelor of Science Honours in Business Administration), Mario Toussaint (Bachelor of Science Honours in Business Administration with specialisation in Financial Services), Mikaella Valmont (Bachelor of Science Honours in Business Administration with specialisation in Financial Services), Neela Ernesta (Bachelor of Science Honours in Business Administration with specialisation in Financial Services), Stephie Belle (Bachelor of Science Honours in Business Administration with specialisation in International Business), Aurellie Dogley (Bachelor of Science Honours in Business Administration with specialisation in International Business), Dianne Bonnelame (Bachelor of Science Honours in Business Administration with specialisation in Marketing), Shamelly Maria (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration), Laura Lucas (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration specialisation in Human Resource Management), and Britney Roucou (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration specialisation in International Business).

All First class graduates who are Seychellois will receive a scholarship for the pursuit of a Master’s level programme, sponsored by the government of Seychelles.

In 2022, the University of Seychelles introduced a Certificate of Appreciation for all members of the UniSey Students’ Council, who are graduating. The students’ council aims to promote and nurture a good relationship between students and staff.

Amongst the 2023 cohort, there were 15 graduates who have served on the students’ council, and they have been recognised for their devotion, commitment and engagement to the university. They are Steve Monnaie, Olivia Marday, Kylie Pothin, Liza Samson, Maryssa Samedi, Nishant Velmurugan, Liza Arnephy, Larrisha Serret, Rudyta Dagunduro, Priya Didon, Kelly King, Belmira Elizabeth, Kelly Benstrong, Sheldon Brioche and Lee Sabadin.

This year an Environmental Science graduate, Alisha Belle was awarded the S4S Colleen Morel Environmental Science Achievement award.

Speaking to Seychelles NATION, Shamira Sally, who was awarded the Dean’s award and First Class award, said she was proud of herself for reaching thus far.

“This is a huge achievement for me as it was not an easy journey, with a lot of challenges and sleepless nights, along with having my baby. So this award represents a lot for me,” said Ms Sally.

Another graduate who received the Best Performer award, Dean’s award and Chancellor’s recognition award was Vanessa Lucas. “I did not expect it and I am beyond proud of myself,” said Ms Lucas, who did not want to reveal her future plan as she lets the achievements sink in.

The ceremony also included the launch of UniSey’s 15th anniversary logo followed by votes of thanks by Steve Monnaie.

Kassey Govinden