ANOTHER significant milestone has gone in the history books for the Bermuda College. It was observance of its 25th commencement exercises last week in pouring rain which neither the graduates nor their family and friends are likely to soon forget.

Those who were lucky were accommodated under a big tent that seated a couple of hundred people.

It was remarkable to witness how those not so lucky, goodnaturedly stood outside, in the rain, some with and others without umbrellas tuned in to the proceedings.

The Bishop of Bermuda, Rt. Rev. Ewen Ratteray, invoked a special prayer for them; and College president Dr. J. Michael Orenduff held out promise for the future of even more commodious protection from the elements.

The graduating cass was enthusiastically applauded when presented by vice-president Dr. Larita J. Alford. Those receiving associate degrees and certificates were presented by Mrs. Eugenie Simmons, Director of the Centre for Processional and Career Education; Kevin Bean, chair of the Division of Applied Science and Technology; Mrs. Duranda Greene, chair of the Division of Business Administration; Barbara O'Shaughnessy, chair of the Division of Hospitality; and Mrs. Lynette Woods, chair of the Division of Liberal Arts.

A new feature of the commencement this year was the debut of the Bermuda College Choir, singing You'll Never Walk Alone.

The College also got two new honorary fellows, Brian R. Hall, OBE, and Roderic E. Pearman.

Hall has enjoyed a distinguished career in the insurance industry spanning 40 years. He gave the commencement address, frankly telling the graduates that though he began his career without benefit of a college education, it was hard work and studied application of the knowledge he gained along the way that spelled his success.

Hall began at American International in the late Fifties, and steadily developed as his expertise expanded into captive concepts and management. He was the founder of one of Bermuda's largest management companies, Inter Ocean Management Ltd. before Johnson & Higgins acquired it in 1979. He then became its president and a director.

Roderic Pearman was described as a gentleman and a compassionate individual who exhibits genuine concern for people in the community. A well-respected educator and community serviceman, he began his professional career as an assistant teacher in 1956.

ARMED with full teaching credentials after spending time studying overseas, he taught at Prospect Secondary School for Boys, St. George's and Sandys Secondary Schools before rising to the administrative levels and claiming the deputy and final principal positions at Warwick Secondary and St. George's Secondary Schools respectively.

From education, Mr. Pearman moved to insurance, carrying his teaching forte with him. He was group representative and training officer for Harnett & Richardson, providing personal skills training for staff and delivering technical training at Bermuda Fire & Marine Insurance Company.