More than 500 freshman students were welcomed into the Bermuda College community at the 1998 Convocation yesterday.

They were joined by faculty and staff of the College and dozens of local politicians and parents in the ceremony in the courtyard for the beginning of the 25th year of full academic instruction by the College.

President George Cook told students they should be proud of the College's more than 1,000 students and its high retention and graduation rates.

He said this year's commencement ceremony in June -- the first at the Stonington Campus -- and the convocation symbolised "our coming of age''.

He added: "You have determined to take the responsibility to carve out your future and not stand by and let the future pass you by. As it surely will, if you do not participate.'' Dr. Cook also said that graduates can return to the College free of charge if they complete a 60 credit programme and are unable to secure employment in their area within six months of graduation.

He added: "They can return and enrol in six additional credits. Such a guarantee, we believe, speaks for itself.'' Chairman of the College's board, Brian Hall congratulated incoming students on pursuing further education at an institution that sends students to universities in North America and the UK.

He cited US government statistics show that by 2010, 80 percent of jobs worldwide will require post-secondary qualifications.

Mr. Hall also said the College had hired two new counsellors and eight new lecturers and will develop plans to build two new buildings for classrooms.

The College will also implement its strategic plan and complete its master plan for development.

He added the College will survey the community for on-campus housing and four-year degree programmes.

Student government president Kenneth Caesar welcomed the new students and told them it was important that they get involved in student activities on campus.

Mr. Caesar added the student centre was about to be renovated and a multi-purpose copy centre would be opened.

"We will also reintroduce the newspaper, yearbook and radio show,'' he said.