Dr. Duranda Greene officially became the first female president of the Bermuda College yesterday.

She is also the first alumnus of the college to be appointed President of the institution.

Though Dr. Greene was announced in 2006 there was an official Installation Ceremony at the First Church of God in Pembroke yesterday.

Politicians, educators and spiritual leaders joined the staff and students of the Bermuda College to pay homage to the new leader of Bermuda's only tertiary education facility.

Minister of Education Randolph Horton said: "I believe you have demonstrated an understanding of the requirements of the office.

"You do not stand alone when you force the changes that need to be made.

"You have risen to the occasion and I believe we have seen but the beginning of it."

He urged Dr. Greene to continue to ensure that Bermuda College was socially and academically relevant on the Island.

Dr. Greene spoke of her time as a student and lecturer at the College, she has worked there fore more than 20 years and risen up the ranks.

"Thank you to everyone for your kind words," she said after several dignitaries rose to sing her praises. "It is not often that you get to hear great things about yourself when you are on this side of Jordan.

"I have to thank my husband Terry for standing by me through three degrees. They often say that behind every successful man is a special woman, well this woman has a special man standing next to her.

"It takes a special man to leave the job he loves so there was no conflict of interest when his wife entered the administrative level."

She added that Bermuda College continues to play an important part in society, being the first place students can go to start their higher education — particularly now that the Government has pledged all students in accredited programmes will not have to pay tuition.

Current students Current students Jonathan Martin and Kyrsten Smith spoke of the glowing example Dr. Greene was for students, showing them that students who complete Bermuda College can reach the top levels of the educational fields, as well as other fields.