TelAve -- American University of Antigua College of Medicine (AUACOM) will hold its 2025 Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 22 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, New Jersey. This milestone event will mark the first time that AUA graduates are addressed by the highest-ranking keynote speaker in the university's history: His Excellency Sir Rodney Errey Lawrence Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda.

Additional dignitaries in attendance will include Dr. Peter Bell, President of AUA, and Dr. David Graham, AUA Provost. Featured speakers also include Vernon Solomon, Chief Operating Officer of AUA's Antigua Campus and Senior Vice President of AUA, Class of 2025 Valedictorian Mitchell Webb, and AUA alumna Dr. Yamuna Carey.

H.E. Sir Rodney Williams to Deliver Keynote Address

Physician. Educator. Aviator. Elected official.

As a medical doctor who has practiced in Antigua, the selection of His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams to address this year's graduating class was both meaningful and historic. Appointed as Governor-General on August 14, 2014 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, he previously served in the Parliament of Antigua & Barbuda. This will be the first time AUA welcomes a sitting Governor-General to deliver a commencement address.

On accepting the invitation to deliver the keynote address, His Excellency Sir Rodney shared, "As a Caribbean physician and fellow advocate for global health, it is a distinct honour to address this year's remarkable cohort; future doctors who, by virtue of their AUA experience, are answering the call to heal, to serve, and to uplift humanity."

As President of AUA, Dr. Bell is ready to celebrate this significant moment with AUA's graduating class. "Faculty, staff, family, and friends from across the globe will gather to honor the hard work, perseverance, and accomplishments of our newest alumni," said Dr. Bell. "This year we are especially honored to have the Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Rodney Williams presenting the keynote address."

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Beyond AUA

Dr. Yamuna Carey, AUACOM Class of 2014, will return to address the Class of 2025 as this year's alumni speaker. Dr. Carey is currently an Acute Care and Trauma Surgeon and Surgical Intensivist at Baystate Health/UMASS Chan Medical School in Massachusetts. A graduate of both Manipal University and AUA, she described the invitation to speak as an "unbelievable honor."

While preparing her remarks for May, Dr. Carey shared a piece of advice she hopes the graduates will carry forward: "Never underestimate the power of the relationships around you. Your co-students, co-residents, and even your juniors might be someone you work with or for one day."

Dr. Carey added, "If you're in medicine for the money or notoriety, there are easier paths. But if you're passionate about patient care and making a difference, this career is absolutely phenomenal."

Answering the Call

Mitchell Webb, a Canadian native, has earned the distinguished honor of Valedictorian of the Class of 2025. Drawn to AUACOM for its strong residency match rates and acceptance of students after three years of undergraduate study, Webb entered the university eager to begin his journey toward becoming a physician.

He recently matched into Internal Medicine at Rochester General Hospital in New York—just across the border from his hometown in Ontario. Reflecting on his journey, he shared: "Every moment and every experience I had in medical school ultimately shaped me into the person I am today. I'm incredibly grateful for the life lessons I'll carry with me into residency and beyond."

Webb was notified of his selection as Valedictorian by Craig Hauser, Senior Vice President for Academic Administration. "Mitchell's nearly perfect overall GPA, combined with first-attempt passes on USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK—the latter with an impressive score in the 96^th percentile—made him an outstanding choice," said Hauser.

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"When I first started medical school, my goal was simply to earn a residency position. Never did I imagine I'd be named Valedictorian," Webb said. "I couldn't have done this alone. I'm grateful for the support of the faculty and proud to represent AUA at graduation."

The AUA Advantage

Dr. Carey cited AUA's blend of international and U.S. clinical experiences as a defining factor in her decision to attend. "It broadened my perspective and deepened my clinical knowledge while preparing me to practice medicine in the U.S.," she said.

Webb echoed this sentiment, saying, "AUA gave me the opportunity to achieve my childhood dream. Studying in the Caribbean doesn't make me any less of a doctor."

His advice to incoming students: "There will be times in your first semester when doubt creeps in. Stay focused on your purpose. Remember why you came here and lean on your support system—they'll carry you through."

Dr. Carey closed with encouragement for current students: "It's worth it. Keep pushing through."

And from Webb, one final note for his fellow graduates: "Be the doctors we promised ourselves we'd be. Never stop advocating for your patients—they're counting on us more than we know."

About American University of Antigua (www.auamed.org)

Founded in 2004, American University of Antigua College of Medicine (AUACOM), part of the renowned Manipal Education and Medical Group, is a fully accredited international school that offers a rigorous, innovative medical education designed to prepare students for successful careers in medicine.

With a globally recognized curriculum, clinical training opportunities in the U.S. and other healthcare systems, and a strong emphasis on personalized support, AUACOM equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to become compassionate and competent physicians.

Located in Antigua, AUACOM provides a diverse and dynamic environment that fosters growth and prepares aspiring doctors to make a meaningful impact on global healthcare. Graduates are fully eligible for residencies and medical licensing exams in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, opening doors to opportunities worldwide.