WILLEMSTAD – The University of Curaçao Dr. Moises da Costa Gomez (UoC) held its graduation ceremony last night, awarding diplomas to 218 graduates in a celebration that highlighted both academic achievement and international diversity. 

The event was attended by Governor Lucille George-Wout and Minister of Education Sithree van Heydoorn, underscoring the importance of the occasion for the island’s educational landscape. 

Graduates hailed from 15 different countries, including Curaçao, the Netherlands, Aruba, Bonaire, Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, Venezuela, Colombia, Suriname, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Jamaica, China, and India. Fifteen national flags displayed on stage represented the multicultural makeup of the graduating class. 

Of the graduates, 182 received bachelor's degrees and 36 earned master's degrees. Women made up the majority, with 151 female graduates. The youngest graduate was 20 years old, and the oldest an inspiring 69 years old. 

Lifelong Learning Emphasized 

The ceremony was led for the first time by Rector Magnificus Dr. Stella van Rijn, who used the moment to encourage graduates to embrace lifelong learning. 

“Never stand still. Keep growing and always seek new knowledge,” she said in her address. 

Van Rijn also announced that the University of Curaçao is preparing to introduce short-term training programs and certificate courses, complementing its full-time academic programs. She emphasized that the university is committed to contributing to a sustainable future for Curaçao. 

The graduation ceremony served not only as a milestone for the students but also as a reflection of UoC’s evolving role in shaping leaders and professionals across the Caribbean and beyond. 

Photo credit: Nasheljon Helena