Galen University graduates 195 Eagles

By William Ysaguirre (Freelance Writer)

BELIZE CITY, Mon. July 13, 2026

   Galen University conferred 195 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, when it celebrated its 23rd convocation exercises at the Belize Civic Center in Belize City on Sunday morning, July 12.

   “A university that embeds sustainability into its campus and operations, a university that contributes meaningfully to national policy discussions and helps Belize think through some of its most complex development challenges, ensure a university that does not simply respond to change but helps to shape it,” declared Beverly Wade, chair of the Galen Board of Trustees. “This journey from stability to expansion to transformation reflects our commitment to excellence, resilience and leadership. That is the future we are working towards, and graduates, you are now a part of that future.”

   “Graduates, you are a part of the generation that must help to build Belize’s great future. Whether you enter government, business, education, health care, law, technology, I want you to ask yourself one simple question. Can I use what I’ve learned to make a difference? Your degree has created an opportunity, and your contribution will be turned by what you choose to do with that opportunity. Do not wait for a title to lead. Do not wait for someone to give you permission to contribute. And please, do not become so comfortable identifying problems that you forget to become a part of the solution. Lead from wherever you are. Serve where you can. Speak with integrity. Be prepared to do the difficult work, and always remember, leadership is not defined by the position you hold but rather by the impact you have,” she encouraged. “I wish you courage for the challenge ahead, wisdom in the decisions you make, and humility in your success,” Wade concluded.

   “You must always be prepared to meet challenges that stand in the way of doing your work to the best of your ability and in the way it must be done. Even at this age, whenever data is not there to inform critical decisions that have to be made, I am willing to do what is needed to get that data,” CARICOM Secretary General Carla Barnett PhD encouraged in her keynote address. “Have patience, but be prepared to do the work. This is life; it gives us challenges, but it also gives us sweetness. It gives us difficult mountains to climb, but it also gives us beautiful views.

   “The lesson is not to avoid challenges; the lesson is to use challenges to create a stronger you. Know who you are. Know your values, know your strength, what you stand for, what you will not compromise, what gives you courage, and what keeps you grounded. Learn the difference between constructive criticism, and the voices that will seek to make you doubt yourself. I want to encourage you today not simply to be successful, but to be great. By great, I do not mean fame, possessions or wealth alone. These things may come, but true greatness is deeper than recognition. Be great in your character, your discipline, kindness, honesty, and in the way you treat people who can do nothing for you. Be great in how you respond when life disappoints you. Be great in how you carry the name of your family, your community, your university, your country and region. True greatness comes from striving for excellence.

   “The Caribbean needs this kind of greatness. Belize needs this greatness, people who will build strong families, communities, institutions, businesses, systems and nations. The challenges we are facing in Belize and the wider Caribbean and Central American region, are growing even as the global systems for cooperation, development and peace building have become increasingly uncertain and unstable, making it even more difficult to address the challenges that we face. …

   “You do not have to wait until you have a big office or public recognition. Leadership begins in the choices you make every day: how you show up, how you speak, how you listen, solve problems, work with others, treat those who are vulnerable, and respond to inequality and injustice; and importantly, how you use your education, not only to advance yourself, but to help others to move forward.” Barnett urged.

   The University gave special recognition to the most outstanding undergraduate, Yazli Ginni Gisel Santoya, who gave the welcome address. She received her Bachelor’s degree summa cum laude in Secondary Education. The most outstanding postgraduate, Jonelle Francine O’Brien achieved her Master’s in Educational Leadership, and gave the closing remarks.

   Teachers formed the largest group of Eagles, with 36 receiving their Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, 6 in Secondary Education, and 5 achieved their Master’s in Educational Leadership. Thirteen received diplomas in Pedagogy, and 5 received their certificate in Educational Leadership. The Business faculty awarded 30 Eagles their Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, 8 received the Bachelor of Science in Accounting, while 13 achieved their Master’s in Business Administration. Three received their Bsc in Entrepreneurship, 4 were awarded their BSc in Hospitality and Tourism Management, 4 in International Business, 9 in Marketing, and 4 received their certificate in Accounting.

   Nine achieved their Master’s in Social Work, and 9 more achieved their Bachelor of Science in Computer Science; 20 were awarded their Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, 6 achieved their BSc in Environmental Science, and 19 received their Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology.