On September 12, 2024, Xavier University celebrated a significant milestone with the graduation of the inaugural class of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students. The ceremony, held on the university’s Aruba campus, marked the completion of a journey that began in 2020 for these students, all of whom are residents of Aruba.
This groundbreaking event is especially notable as Xavier University Nursing School is the only nursing institution on the island to offer a BSN program. The program is officially recognized by Aruba’s Ministry of Education and is listed in the accredited school’s list in AruBIG, ensuring that graduates are eligible to work and practice as nurses across Aruba.
Several distinguished speakers addressed the graduates, offering words of wisdom and inspiration. Aruba’s Minister of Sports and Education. His Excellency Mr. Endy Croes delivered a keynote address. H.E. Minister Endy Croes thanked Xavier University for supporting the local Aruban Community and providing them with high-quality nursing education and training. He assured the University that the Aruba government will extend its support for similar initiatives promoting the health and education of the University and his immense pleasure with the role the University is playing in the health and education sector.
President of Xavier University Mr. Ravi Bhooplapur encouraged the graduating class to follow their passion and engage in patient care with compassion and dignity. After conferring the degrees, President Mr. Bhooplapur also announced that Xavier will be offering free education and training for the Geriatric Assistant program to the locals this year to support the Government in its initiative to promote care of the elderly population in Aruba.
Dr. Israel Posner- Former Health Minister of Aruba and a trustee with the Xavier Board also offered his words of wisdom and encouragement to the graduating class. Dean Bonnie McGowan provided heartfelt reflections. The importance of Florence Nightingale’s enduring influence on the nursing profession was emphasized and offered words of encouragement as the graduates embarked on their careers in healthcare.
In the presence of family, friends, and faculty, the new graduates proudly received their nursing pins, a symbol of their achievement and commitment to the nursing profession. The ceremony was filled with moments of celebration, recognition, and congratulations, highlighting the bright future ahead for these pioneering healthcare professionals. Class Valedictorian Marie Nicole Henriquez was honored with a certificate of recognition, followed by her words to the graduating class.
As they move forward, the graduates of Xavier University’s Bachelor of Science Nursing program stand ready to serve their community, equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a meaningful impact on healthcare in Aruba.
Left to Right: Board of Trustee Dr Israel Posner, Xavier University Aruba President Ravi Bhooplapur, and His Excellency Mr Endy Croes, Aruba Minister of Sports and Education
President of Xavier University Aruba, Ravi Bhooplapur delivering his address to graduating students
Keynote Speaker, His Excellency Mr Endy Croes, Aruba Minister of Sports and Education
Graduate Florence Kock with President Ravi Bhooplapur
Left to Right: Graduate Kevin Tromp, Graduate Keyshawn File, Graduate Florence Kock, Dean of Nursing Bonnie McGowan, His Excellency Minister Endy Croes, President Ravi Bhooplapur, Nursing Professor Howard Maxwell, Chief Academic Officer Dr Arun Dubey, Graduate Crystal Arends, Graduate Marie Henriquez, and Graduate Austin Arends
Left to Right: Graduate Austin Arends, Graduate Florence Kock, Graduate Marie Henriquez, Graduate Kevin Tromp, Graduate Keyshawn File, and Graduate Crystal Arends