More than 100 students celebrated their graduation from Bermuda College yesterday.

A total of 131 people were awarded degrees, diplomas or certificates in the commencement ceremonies on the college athletic field.

Duranda Greene, the college president, told the Class of 2019 that the college’s motto of magna mirabilia portendi meant “great and wonderful things are foretold”.

She added: “We are expecting great and wonderful things from each of you as you continue your journey.”

Dr Greene also told graduates that the college would be rebranded to coincide with this year’s 45th anniversary, including a change in its colours.

She said: “This is the last commencement where you will see the colour red.

Dr Greene added that more details on the rebranding would be released later in the summer.

The college revealed:

• 41 per cent of the class of 2019 graduated with honours;

• 41 students graduated from the Technical Education Department;

• 29 graduated with an associate degree in arts (business administration);

• Five nursing students graduated from the College’s new Division of Nursing and Allied Health.

Juan Wolffe, the senior magistrate and a college alumnus, gave the commencement speech, and Demetria Packwood, a graduate, delivered the student address.

Kayla Hollis, who graduated with an associate degree of arts in human sciences, said in a video released by the College: “I feel relieved. I’m happy that I’m finally able to walk across the stage.

“It’s been a very long journey and I’m just thankful that it ends well here.”

Ms Hollis told new students: “Keep going. Remember why you’re doing it. Keep focused on the end goal. Don’t compare yourself to other students because everyone’s timeline is different.

“Allow yourself to be human in this process, but just don’t give up.”

Ms Hollis plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.

She added: “This is all very new to me. Honestly, I did not see this day in the near future, but it’s here now and things are being presented to me.

“It’s the course that my life is going on right now so I’m going to explore that and see what happens.”

Monique Waite, who gained a certificate with merit in applied science technology, said: “In high school they don’t really teach you about the trade world.

“In college, they teach you about business. They put you out there to do what you want to do, and help you get there.”

She promised: “I’m going to come back here and get my associates, and hopefully get a job out there in the field.”