SUNDAY 6TH DECEMBER, 2015 – UWI TODAY
23
ENERGY
UWI GRADUATION CEREMONIES 2015
FAMILY MATTERS
At the ceremony on Friday October 23
there was one
particular moment when the SPEC Auditorium exploded.
While the ceremonies were all filled with cheers and
standing ovations this one was so monumental that it will
actually go down in the Campus’ history books.
Samantha and Khellon Roach walked up the ramp
to the Graduation platform together. Samantha stepped
forward and was received by the Chancellor who tipped
his cap to her. After returning the gesture Samantha looked
back at Khellon and he joined her on stage in front of the
Chancellor. It was only then that the energetic applause
erupted as it was announced that Samantha and Khellon
would be the first husband and wife in the Campus’ history
to be awarded their PhDs not only in the same academic
year but also at the same graduation ceremony.
After getting to know the couple it is easy to understand
why their relationship can fittingly be described as a UWI
kind of love. Their relationship actually got its start on the
St. Augustine Campus almost eight years ago when they
met during a study group that was being held at the Student
Activity Centre (SAC).
Samantha was completing the final year for her BSc in
Economics and Khellon ‘invited’ himself to her study group,
and as the old saying goes, the rest is history.
Interestingly, it seems that the development and growth
of their personal lives and their relationship was never too
far from the University. They both received Masters and
Postgraduate certifications from the St. Augustine Campus.
They are also both employed in the tertiary education field,
with Khellon based at The UWI and Samantha lecturing at
COSTAAT.
Even when they weren’t studying atThe UWI they were
still in sync with each other, having completed an Executive
Certificate programme at the same time and both receiving
leadership awards together.
A match made on campus
B Y S H E R E E N A L I
To an outsider their kindred journey may sound like
a fairy tale that was simply meant to be but the couple
emphasizes that none of it would be possible without
priorities. When asked to explain further neither hesitated
to say “God, Family, Education /Career, in that order.”
Alongside their priorities the couple believes in
Ecclesiastes 3: there is a time for everything, and a season
for every activity under the heavens. While enrolled in
their PhD programmes the couple not only wed but also
welcomed their first child, never letting one detract from
the other. The validation of their wise words can be seen
in their many accomplishments, both professional and
personal, over the course of their relationship.
Khellon and Samantha hope that their union would be
an example to all and were moved when they saw the waves
they had made on social media. With the photos of their
time on the Graduation stage shared and re-posted across
Twitter and Facebook, the messages of praise came flooding
in and they were delighted to see that their achievements
were inspiring.
Though not certain as to what may be next for the
Roach family they simply hope that whatever they do will
contribute to the betterment of the Caribbean society that
they call home. Their advice to anyone seeking to achieve
success in any aspect of their lives would be to always have
the right attitude. Samantha sums up the couple’s advice:
“The difference between an obstacle and an opportunity is
your attitude toward it.”
Samantha and Khellon would be the first husband and wife in
the Campus’ history to be awarded their PhDs not only in the
same academic year but also at the same graduation ceremony.
The Chancellor greets the Roaches.
Waiting to be called.
Samantha summons Khellon.
