What happens after graduation from Univers? There are lots of possibilities, thanks to the generosity of sponsors and Haitian perseverance.
Of the 57 graduates of 2009 and 2010, we are delighted to announce that 82% have been able to continue their education.
Univers students are currently studying in five countries – Haiti, the U.S., the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Senegal. Chenel Elistin (2010) took a competitive exam and was selected to receive a full scholarship to study medicine in Cuba. Fatima Estimable (2010) and three others are admitted to the oldest university in the western hemisphere, the University of Santo Domingo. Donel Saint-Juste (2010) was in Port-au-Prince, looking for a school when he heard of a unique possibility from Senegal, which offered a full scholarship (including travel, tuition, room and board) to study at the University of Dakar. He filled out the application and took the entrance exam. A short time later, he learned of his acceptance and boarded a plane for the continent of Africa!
The University of Quisqueya is one of the most respected private universities in Haiti. Univers was pleased to become the site for its first satellite campus. As a result, a good number of our graduates were able to begin their higher education while living at home.
The students who have entered U.S. colleges and universities have performed remarkably well – many of them earning 4.0 GPAs and all of them above 3.75. We are proud of them all. University of Akron, Kent State University, Big Sandy Community College, Harrisburg Area Community College, and Georgetown College have welcomed IU students since 2009. Beginning in the fall term of 2011, these institutions will be added to the list of U.S. colleges receiving Univers grads -- Millersville University, University of Virginia at Wise, Alice Lloyd College, University of Kentucky, and Jacksonville State University.
Of particular note is the election of Emmanuel Joseph (2009) as president of the student body of Big Sandy Community College (KY) for his second and final year there. As a result, he was privileged to give an address at the graduation ceremonies in May 2011.
With the current 2011 graduating class numbering 34, we have the challenge of helping that many more students find opportunities to continue their education, whether in Haiti, the D.R., the U.S., or in other countries around the world. The results of the final high school official exams will be released in August 2011, after which the process to apply for schools in Haiti and the D.R. will begin.
Photo: Hantz-Jerry PIERRE and Emmanuel JOSEPH at the campus of Big Sandy Community College, Prestonsburg, KY
