26/07/2026
This past Saturday, July 25, 2026, our esteemed institutional partners from the University of Missouri - St. Louis (UMSL) hosted their annual Bahamas Summer Sendoff 2026 - an inspiring event filled with anticipation and community spirit!
This special gathering brought together soon-to-be students accepted for the upcoming semester and their parents, providing a warm platform to connect, share, and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
The event kicked off with welcoming remarks from Dr. Reggie Hill, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Enrollment at UMSL, setting an encouraging tone for the day. He was followed by Dr. Tonia Ferguson, Administrator at the Scholarship and Educational Loan Division, Ministry of Education, who motivated students to excel academically and urged them to return home equipped with their unique skills to contribute meaningfully to the Bahamas’ development.
Highlighting the university’s vibrant Bahamian community, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Steven Berberich, shared that over eighty Bahamian students are currently studying at UMSL — making the Bahamas the largest international student population on campus.
From UMSL, Project Manager for Strategic Partnerships, Ms. Jill Brockhorst, and Associate Director for International Recruitment, Mr. Mattheus Assis, provided valuable insights and answered questions, helping to ease any concerns about studying abroad.
Parents, including Mr. and Mrs. Dean — whose confidence in UMSL was evident — shared their experiences, praising the university’s responsiveness and faculty support in guiding their child through the application process and academic journey.
A vibrant segment featured Bahamian students at UMSL, Andrew Dean and Danitra Sargeant, who encouraged the incoming students to engage actively, seek support, and make the most of their university experience.
To foster community even before the semester begins, attendees participated in lively breakout sessions, team-building games, and interactive activities designed to promote bonding and camaraderie. Parents engaged in a Q&A session, gaining insights and sharing their hopes for their children’s futures.
As the event wrapped up, everyone exchanged contact information, laying the foundation for lasting connections and a supportive network for the journey ahead.
We are excited for our students' upcoming adventure at UMSL and proud of the strong partnership that makes moments like these possible!