A Dream Realized: St. John’s College Celebrates Its First White Rose Convocation

What began as a dream at St. John’s College in Belize has now blossomed into a proud reality. The Landivar Campus recently came alive with joy and gratitude as the College celebrated its first White Rose Convocation, honoring the inaugural cohort of students from the St. John’s College Nursing Program.

More than a ceremony, this convocation marked the fulfillment of a vision made possible through the transformative partnership between St. John’s College and the Connell School of Nursing at Boston College. Together, both Jesuit institutions have worked to nurture, guide, and empower a new generation of nurses grounded in compassion, competence, and commitment to service.

On August 12th, 2025, SJC’s nursing students successfully passed their Practical Nurse Exam, officially beginning their professional journeys as nurse practitioners within Belize’s healthcare system. Their success reflects not only their own dedication and perseverance but also the collective efforts of faculty, mentors, families, and institutional partners who have supported their growth every step of the way.

As these students continue their path toward becoming Registered Nurses, the St. John’s College community proudly celebrates their accomplishments—recognizing in them the embodiment of the Jesuit mission to form “men and women for and with others.”

The St. John’s College Nursing Program stands today as a testament to the vision and leadership of its founders: Dr. Mirtha Alice Peralta, Dr. Solangel Alvarado, and Mrs. Lydia McCoy. Their commitment, foresight, and passion laid the foundation for a program that integrates academic excellence with Ignatian values of care, reflection, and service to others.

The College also extends its deepest gratitude to the program’s long-standing partners and supporters: Dr. Mary Simonelli, Dr. Donna Cullinan, and Dr. Maureen Connolly from Boston College’s Connell School of Nursing; members of the Belize Nursing Association; preceptors; parents; and the wider SJC family. Their mentorship, collaboration, and faith in this shared mission have been instrumental in shaping both the program and its students.

Through continued partnership and shared Ignatian ideals, the SJC Nursing Program continues to flourish—forming healthcare professionals who are not only skilled but also deeply compassionate and mission-driven.

As St. John’s College celebrates this milestone, it reaffirms its dedication to providing transformative education that prepares its graduates to serve Belize and the wider world with excellence, empathy, and faith in action.