SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - The University of St. Martin (USM) celebrated academic excellence on Thursday, August 13, during its Dean’s List Recognition Ceremony, honoring students who earned a place on the Dean’s List from Fall 2023 through Spring 2026.
Held at the USM campus under the theme “Celebrating Academic Excellence,” the evening brought together Dean’s List honorees, alumni, families, staff, members of the USM Board of Directors and the USM Endowment Foundation to recognize the hard work, discipline and commitment of USM students.
To earn a place on USM’s Dean’s List, students must be enrolled as full-time students, taking 12 or more credits during the semester, and achieve a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This recognition celebrates students who have demonstrated strong academic performance, discipline and commitment to their studies.
The ceremony went beyond presenting certificates. Students were encouraged to see academic excellence as a foundation for future opportunities, leadership, service and continued involvement in the USM community.
The evening was powerfully carried by Master of Ceremonies and USM alumna Ria Adams, whose own journey reflected the achievements being celebrated. During her two years at USM, Adams earned a place on the Dean’s List twice and was actively involved in student life, including serving as President and Team Lead of the Student Government Association (SGA). Her academic performance at USM later supported her admission to Keiser University in Miami, where she continued her studies in Psychology.
Throughout the evening, Adams connected her own journey with the students being recognized and encouraged them not to see their Dean’s List achievement as simply a certificate or a moment in time, but as something they can carry with them into future University applications, scholarships, employment and leadership opportunities.
“Wherever you go, take your foundation with you. And when you are in a position to do so, remember to reach back,” Adams told the honorees. That message of returning and giving back was also reflected through USM alumna Jolene R. Augustine, who earned a place on the Dean’s List four times during her studies at USM. Augustine was formally recognized during the evening and shared reflections and remarks with the honorees, speaking from her own experience and encouraging the students as they continue their academic journeys.
The Dean’s List certificates and USM pins were presented by the Dean of Business and Hospitality Mr. Jan van Beek, the Dean of General Liberal Arts and Education Mrs. Juliana Shipley-Hodge, and USM Registrar Ms. Glenda Brazier.
Several students and recent graduates earned the distinction across multiple semesters, demonstrating not only academic excellence but also the consistency and discipline required to maintain a high academic standard.
The Fall 2023 Dean’s Listers were Jolene Augustine, Ashley Bhagwandas, Neveah Browne, Ariella Bussue, Psuenedia Fearon, Neharda Flanders, Shaundell Glasgow, Moeanna Jones, Aurelia Morris, Darwin Peña Ventura, Diandra Pikeur-Anderson, Nishion Powell, Sigorney Robinson, Shadira Thomas and Sashelle Wilson.
The Spring 2024 Dean’s Listers were Wildania Alexis Valdez, Diangeli Arrindell, Jolene Augustine, Elayne James, Merguli Johnson, Shashina Lindo, Aurelia Morris, Donald Narine, Darwin Peña Ventura, Nishion Powell, Teresa Roberts and Sashelle Wilson.
The Fall 2024 Dean’s Listers were Diangeli Arrindell, Jolene Augustine, Shanna Pantophlet, Wenkise Pinthiere, Selena Valrose and Sashelle Wilson.
The Spring 2025 Dean’s Listers were Jolene Augustine and Darla Jacquet. Allenson Lafluer earned the distinction for Fall 2025, while Darla Jacquet was recognized for Spring 2026.
Each honoree in attendance received a certificate and USM pin and had the opportunity to have their picture taken to commemorate the achievement. The ceremony was followed by group pictures, a toast, cake cutting and a light reception with the honorees and their families. USM also used the evening to encourage its high-achieving students to become more involved in campus life and help build a stronger student community. Head of Marketing Mitsha Shobhan Giterson invited eligible students to become involved in USM’s two Student Elite Clubs: Student Government Association and Student Ambassadors.
The Student Ambassadors serve as the voice of USM, representing the University at events, activities and within the wider community, while the SGA serves as the voice of the students within USM. Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA to participate in the Elite Clubs. USM is working to reactivate student elections, fundraising initiatives, student-led activities, community service and other opportunities that allow students to develop their leadership skills beyond the classroom.
Giterson encouraged students not to limit their university experience to attending classes and going home, but to use their time at USM to build relationships, develop leadership skills, serve and contribute to campus life. She further commended USM alumni who continue to give back to the University and the wider St. Maarten community through their professions, businesses, talents and respective endeavors. “Our alumni are one of the greatest examples we can give our students of what happens beyond USM,” Giterson said. “It is always encouraging to see them return, whether it is to mentor, volunteer, share their talents, support an event or simply be present for our students. They continue to show that you can move on from USM, build your own journey and still remember to reach back.”
A special thank you was extended to Ty Farqueson, an alumnus of the 2025–2026 Caribbean Academic Foundation Year (CAFY) program, who returned to campus and served as photographer for the evening, capturing the achievements of the students and their families. USM also expressed its appreciation to alumna Kishma Gabriela of Kake Galore for her contribution to making the evening special, as well as the USM staff members who worked behind the scenes to bring the evening together. The University further thanked the USM Board of Directors and the USM Endowment Foundation for attending the ceremony and showing their continued support for USM students and alumni. Their presence added to an evening that was well attended by students, families, alumni and members of the wider USM community.
For USM, the evening was an important reminder that student achievement deserves to be seen, acknowledged and celebrated. The University congratulates all of its Dean’s List honorees from Fall 2023 through Spring 2026 and encourages them to continue striving for excellence, taking advantage of opportunities to lead and, as demonstrated by the alumni who returned for the evening, remembering the importance of giving back to the community that helped form part of their foundation.
