(Guyana Graphic January 14, 1968)
The University of Guyana last night conferred degrees on its first batch of 31 graduates in the Faculties of Arts, Natural Sciences and Sciences and in so doing marked an important stage in its history and its development.
The event represented a major triumph for the University over those who regarded its establishment five years ago as an “act of faith” or contemptuously enquired if the University would produce
bachelor’s degrees in such trivia as the making of ice cream.
The graduates came from a small circle of students of mature age (their average age was 25) culled almost entirely from the Demerara area.
The conferring of degrees last night on the first batch of successful Guyanese students of the University of Guyana was an event that inspires national pride..
The Queen’s College auditorium was packed to capacity for the historic occasion at which the nation’s newest knight Professor Sir Harry Anamunthodo delivered his impressive graduation address after the graduates were presented to the Chancellor Professor Sir Arthur Lewis.
Among those who graduated were: Richard Prashad, Allan Roopan, Edwin Yhap, David Peters, Morris Paul, Alva Mars, Sahadeo Patram, Rupert McGregor, Chintaman Mayroo, Dudley Kissoore, Arnold Lochan, Cecil Jawahir, Richmond Reece , Ronald Gunraj, Winston Smith , Alfred Ramrattan, William Rambihar, Inez Clarke, Zameer Majid, Bebe Beekie, Robert Sarjoo, Elise Jonas, Adam Hoosein and Annette Ramrattan.
The thirty one are all that remain of the 164 students who originally registered at the University in 1962.
