Oranjestad, June 13, 2009:
The University of Aruba together with its class of 2009 Graduates celebrated a wonderful and amazing evening in which the entire night was focused on the success and achievements of the students and their future now as new professionals.

This ceremony was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. During the course of this evening some very important educational figures gave a speech to commemorate these new professionals in their success and new career. Mr. Patrick Brown Chairman of the Board of Directors of the University of Aruba, Dr. Ryan R. Peterson Dean of Hospitality & Tourism Management Studies, John Wordlaw Instructor and Thais Mierop Instructor and master of ceremony of this unforgettable evening.

Faces glowed with gratitude, joy and satisfaction while graduates were being handed in their hands the symbol of such hard work, their Diplomas. The names of the graduates of the Class of 2009 are; Illiana Lijeanra Janice Croes, Stephanie Melissa Croes, Diana Lourdes Croeze, Alexander Cruz, Diana Alejandra Herrera Monroy, Minerva Florentina Kock, Emilie Antoine Kock, Ayerim Laraine Lacle, Melendy Shoukje Neuman, Juan Carlos Solis Escobar, Carlos Mario Terranova Ortiz, Marc Johan Tiemes, Margarita Milagros Yarasca Olaechea. Many words of congratulations go out to them all and that their new life and carreer plans work their way up to fulfilling their dreams.

Diana Alejandra Herrera Monroy one of the graduates of the class of 2009 became the Valedictorian with a GPA of 3.84. She had the honor of giving a speech in name of for her fellow classmates. Diana Alejandra came to Aruba some years ago from Colombia not knowing Aruba's culture, language nor its educational system. Even though she faced all these challenges, today with her perseverance she has achieved, overcame all of these obstacles and has become a knowledgeable new professional. Her advice to her fellow classmates consisted of three main exercises to remember, think and reflect. With these three words she explained that the satisfaction the experience, the support and love of family and friends, the reflection of what they will be facing in the future has not ended here it is a journey which has just nearly begun.

A very special guest was also present this evening. The presence of Michelle Winklaar, Digicel's GM was also a highlight to this wonderful evening. Michelle had the opportunity of sharing some words to Aruba's new professionals. She expressed that no matter what, knowledge is very important. The filtering of new information should never stop, it should forever go on, as knowledge is the key to success in any individual's life. According to Michelle Winklaar: "Never lose the hunger for knowledge. Learning does not stop the day you graduate, we are all continually learning and by questioning things, we continue to learn". Digicel was part of this ceremony and on behalf of Michelle and Digicel a very strong word of congratulations goes out to these new professionals.

Once again congratulations Class of 2009 Hospitality & Tourism Management Studies of The University of Aruba. May all your dreams come true and lots of luck in your future endeavors.