One hundred and twenty-nine students graduated during Bermuda College's 30th annual commencement ceremony yesterday.

This graduation was special for the College because it marked the first graduating class that included members of the College for Working Adults (CWA) programme, which began in 2006. The CWA programme is based on working adults who attend classes on evenings and weekends and are able to graduate at roughly the same time as full-time students.

Mrs. Georgina Graham, Chair of the Division of Business Administration and Hospitality said: "It's a wonderful testimony to their hard work and commitment that they've been able to achieve this in such a short space of time."

The Class of 2008 graduated with Associate Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates ranging from Plumbing Technology to Hospitality Management.

The ceremony began with Bermuda College President, Dr. Duranda Greene comparing the graduates to the traditional gifts of a 30th anniversary, diamonds and pearls.

The graduate speaker was Linda Pacheco, who graduated with distinction with an Associate degree in Art and Design.

Ms. Pacheco, a recipient of the Bermuda Arts Council Scholarship, had words of inspiration for her fellow graduates, quoting Marianne Williamson.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."

Other highlights from the ceremony were a musical tribute by Sheldon Fox, who graduated with an Associate Degree in Arts and Science and the Commencement Address by Bermuda College alum Dr. Shay-Coy Bridgewater. The ceremony also featured eleven graduates of the baccalaureate degree programme from Bermuda College's partnership with Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.