MANHATTAN, NY – Jamaican, Saleem Josephs, has created history at the prestigious Columbia University in New York City, becoming the first student from that institution to graduate with three degrees at one sitting.
At the commencement exercise for the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in Manhattan on Thursday, May 18, Mr. Josephs, the eldest of three brothers enrolled at the school, was presented with his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, the first of an unprecedented three titles.
Consul General, Dr. Basil K. Bryan (left), congratulates Saleem Josephs at graduation ceremony at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
Mr. Josephs, a past student of Campion College in Kingston, also received graduate degrees in Business Administration (MBA) and Public Health (MPA) from the prestigious university, rated one of the best in the country.
Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Dr. Basil K. Bryan, who attended the ceremony, praised Mr. Josephs for his “extraordinary achievement”.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, I am honoured at the opportunity to extend congratulations to you on your extraordinary accomplishment, which I am sure will serve as an inspiration to your brothers and generations to come.
You have made our country proud,” he said.
His two other brothers, Phillip and Elias, are also attending Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. The Josephs are from the parish of Clarendon.
In addition to his three degrees, Mr. Josephs topped the 84 members of the graduating class of 2006 in the areas of community health and prosthodontics, and was cited by the National Dental Honour Society for outstanding scholarship.
