With standing room only and for the first time with a female college president, graduates of Bermuda College took the stage to accept their diplomas.

The class of 2007 is the 29th commencement for the college, which saw 133 graduates accept Associate Degree, Diploma and Certificate status and ten graduates from the partnership with Mount Saint Vincent University. Dr. Duranda Greene, President of Bermuda College, told the graduates they were a “special group” because they were part of the Bermuda College history.

Yesterday, she said: “This is the first time a female president is presiding over a graduating class. You are an special group and I applaud and encourage you to continue.

“Don’t let anyone crush your dream. Only you can determine how far you can go.”

Also attending the ceremonies were Minister of Education Randy Horton, Finance Minister Paula Cox, Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield, Opposition leader Michael Dunkley and shadow finance minister Patricia Gordon-Pamplin.

Giving the commencement address was Peter T. Sousa, an alumni of the class of 1980 and currently the CEO of the Pension Commission.

Mr. Sousa had one piece of advice for the students: “Find out what you love to do and do it. It’s not always about chasing the money. You have to follow your convictions and dreams. Be who you really are.”

And finally, graduating with distinction, with a grade point average between 3.5 and 4.0, Travis Stevens was the Student Speaker and his message for the students was to thank everyone who had helped them there.