Bermuda College may be on the brink of being transformed into "university college'', giving a broad range of courses at all levels.

And 1999 is the Silver Anniversary of the College and the next 17 months will see several events to mark its development into a respected part of the community.

Speaking to fellow Rotarians at their weekly luncheon yesterday, president George Cook said the College had reached silver but was "going for the gold''.

"Going for the gold: The next 25 years'' is the theme for the coming celebrations which will culminate with the Class of 2000's graduation next May.

Dr. Cook said: "The College will operate on a higher level and offer a wider range of programmes and services than previously.'' He added: "In order to respond more efficiently to the educational and training needs now expressed in various sectors of the economy, the College must truly function as the national centre of further and higher education.'' The College has proposed creating a Research Centre for Mathematics and Computing in Finance and Insurance in recognition of the role the mathematical sciences has in an expanding economy.

Dr. Cook became president in 1992.

He said overwhelming public confidence in the College was a result of hard work by administrators, board members and staff over the years.