message to the country -- now we're going for gold.

A host of dignitaries paid tribute to the College which began with five students and three teachers in a NAAFI building in Prospect 25 years ago.

But now a half of all adult Bermudians have taken a course there. At yesterday's ceremony, College bosses vowed to keep moving forward.

President Dr. George Cook said: "We need new status and capacity. That doesn't mean we will stop being a community organisation. We will not become a university but we will be a university college offering both academic degrees and adult education.'' Addressing an audience of former and present pupils, Dr. Cook pointed out that the College did not have an easy birth.

He said: "It hasn't become the white elephant that the doubters had predicted. It has become an educational institute of substance and stature.'' He added: "Three quarters of the population have visited the College at least once and one in two of the adult population has taken a course there.'' He said there were currently more than 3,000 adults, which is around ten percent of the labour force, enrolled for a course there.

He added: "When you add the 700 full-time students you reach a figure of 4,000 people which is nearly eight percent of the population.

"Around 15,000 of the labour force has taken a course here. Our penetration into community life is profound indeed.'' After quoting the College motto that "great and wonderful things are foretold'', Dr. Cook said: "I say they have been achieved.'' Earlier the audience heard Premier Jennifer Smith pay tribute to the work done in getting the college started.

She said: "It's grown from disjointed facilities into this beautiful campus we see here today.'' She said it had gone from strength to strength with an effective curriculum and a reputation for excellence.

She added: "Bermuda College, you have indeed come a long way.'' Opposition Leader Pamela Gordon said: "Education is the key and Bermuda College is the vehicle. We hear lots of young males say there is no provision for them but the community must convince them that education is the key.'' Photos by David Skinner Leading lights: Thea Furbert (left) joins other alumni lighting 25 candles to mark the silver anniversary of Bermuda College. Earlier the audience enjoyed a routine by the National Dance Theatre of Bermuda (above right).