The University of Belize (UB) continues to build national capacity and human capital for socioeconomic development of Belize.

Students who have successfully completed their course of study at the University of Belize will receive their diplomas at the Associate, Bachelor, Certificate and Diploma levels on Saturday January 26, at the University's Sixteenth Commencement Exercises, Central Campus, Belmopan.

Of the total number of 480 graduates (330 are females and 150 males) representing 68.75 and 31.25 per cent respectively of the student population at the University.

The President of the University of Belize, Dr. Cary Fraser, has extended congratulations to all grandaunts for their dedication, commitment and achievement and said that the University continues to play a significant role in nation building by educating and empowering students to become decision makers who can create opportunities for Belize's future generations.

Guest Speaker, the Director of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Center (CCCCC), Dr. Kenrick R. Leslie will deliver the Feature Address.

Once again the Faculty with the highest number of graduates is the Faculty of Education and Arts (FEA) with a total of 246, followed by the Faculty of Management & Social Sciences (FMSS) totalling 138, the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) 77, and the Faculty of Nursing, Allied Health & Social Work (FNAHSW) with a total of 19.

During the ceremony, several students will receive University of Belize's official white, gold and purple honour chords. The tri-cable white honour chords are designed to recognise those graduating with Cum Laude; gold honour chords designate graduates with Magna Cum Laude (great honour); and purple honour chords are for graduates with Summa Cum Laude-the highest honour. The total number of honour graduates is 62.

Also at the event, 22 students from the Banana Belt communities will receive the Certificate in Primary Education courtesy of a project primarily funded by the European Union. The EU has been a key partner in contributing to the goals of the educational sector in Belize.

The Star