May 21, 2012 – Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago…. Del Phillips/USC/IAD
George W. Brown, former president of the church in Inter-America, was granted an honorary doctor of divinity degree last week from the University of Southern Caribbean (USC) in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. The honorary doctorate was granted as the Seventh-day Adventist institution held its 79th commencement exercises.
A two-time recipient of an honorary doctorate, first from Andrews University in the 1980s, Elder Brown was praised for his unflinching commitment to service, his exemplary and visionary leadership and for his passion for the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, university leaders said.
A graduate of USC, Elder Brown also delivered the keynote address to the more than 700 graduates — the largest graduating class in the history of the institution.
“Success is a journey through life, with stops, pauses and new beginnings,” said Elder Brown. “This is called a commencement because you are beginning a new phase in your life.”
“Do not settle for anything other than the best. Success does not depend on genius or a magical formula, but the result of hard work, perseverance and tenacity,” went on Brown.
Elder Brown encouraged graduates to take God with them, to be transformational. “Know yourselves, know why you are here, know where you are going, take God with you wherever you go,” he said.
Born in the Dominican Republic, Elder Brown was a former dean of men and president of Caribbean Union College, an educator, youth leader and administrator with more than 40 years of denominational service. He was elected president of the Inter-American Division in 1980 and served in that capacity for 13 years during which time the Division experienced rapid growth in membership and initiatives.
Elder Brown holds a Masters in Systematic Theology from Andrews University and a bachelor’s degree from Northern Caribbean University.
Elder Brown continues to fulfill preaching and writing assignments from the home he shares with wife Carla in Florida, United States.
