Marcella Dill, Associate Vice President for Webster University is on the Island to take part in the local graduation.

Ms Dill is among a team of five who visit campuses across the US, Europe, and Bermuda.

Webster University began in St. Louis, Missouri in 1915, as a Catholic private women's institution. It has since grown into an international institution with 75 schools throughout the US, Europe, and Bermuda, Webster's relationship with Bermuda grew alongside the former US Naval bases.

After the bases closed, Webster opened a location in Hamilton.

Ms Dill explained the decision to remain on Bermuda depended on the local level of interest in an advanced degree.

With the growth of international business here, Webster saw a need to offer quality education.

"Webster provides the opportunity for those students who want to make the commitment,'' Ms Dill stressed.

Helen Pearman Ziral, director of Webster's Bermuda location, stressed "Webster is the only graduate school on the Island''.

She also says Webster boasts accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities, a US body.

Notable Bermudian alumni include Health Minister Nelson Bascome, and other Government MPs, including Wayne Perinchief and Elvin James.

Many other Government officials as well as local and overseas personalities have earned degrees through Webster. They include CedarBridge Academy deputy principal Kalmar Richards and actress Marsha Mason.

Webster has also formed alliances with major US companies, including Boeing, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, Disney -- which houses a Webster campus -- and General American Life.

They have also established links with academic institutions such as the University of Irvine in California and Regent University in London.

Ms Dill added that Webster is a "dynamic institution which is always looking at what the employer needs''.

The Bermuda Campus focuses on business and technology. Those graduating this year will be receiving a Masters in Arts in the fields of international business, management, human resources, with several students graduating with a combination of degrees.

Proud grads: Webster University honoured graduates at a commencement ceremony on May 29. From top left, is Webster University's Marcella Dill; commencement speaker Randolph Horton MP., Director Helen Pearman Ziral. (Second row) Michael Trott; Linda Manners; Randolph Smith; (First row) Pamela Bardill; Jacqueline Browne; Marisa Sharpe; Denise Davis; Chantel Simons-Wilson; Caron Assan; Jewel Landy. Ten other students received their degrees in absentia.