Simpson Miller

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has urged graduates of her Miami, Florida-based alma mater to strive for excellence and to set no limits in pursuit of their goals.

The Prime Minister, who was the guest speaker at the Union Institute and University's commencement exercise held last Sunday at the Westin Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood, Florida, told the 70 graduates that they were now equipped with the primary tools of knowledge and self-development, which would em-power and enable them to shape a brighter future.

Guided by purpose

"We were all equipped to be winners each with our different talents, skills and experiences, and we do not have to be stopped by challenges," she stated.

The Prime Minister said that, in pursuit of excellence, they must be guided by purpose and passion and leave a "legacy that would make the world a loving and better place".

Noting some of the factors contributing to the degradation of the society, Mrs. Simpson Miller told her audience that elevating the qualities of caring and compassion, and pooling positive energies would create more wholesome communities.

Expanded her horizons

The Prime Minister paid tribute to the institution for preparing her to expand her horizons and strengthen her capacity as a leader, and provide other adult students with the opportunity to enrich their knowledge base while pursing their careers goals.

She further shared with the graduates of the university, which caters to adult learners, the joy of embarking upon higher education as a mature person, noting that the experience had created appreciation for the application of knowledge through life's experiences.

Prior to the graduation ceremony, the Prime Minister was guest at a luncheon in her honour at the same venue.

Honorary degree

The Prime Minister holds a bachelor's degree in public administration from the university, in addition to an hono-rary degree in recognition of her "enduring efforts to improve the quality of life for all Jamaican citizens, regardless of race, class, colour of creed".