Bermuda College Foundation (“the Foundation”) is pleased to announce the $100,000 donation from CariGenetics Limited (“CariGenetics”) to fund the renovation of two decommissioned Bermuda College (“the College”) classrooms into one research laboratory and one clinical genetics laboratory that will be used on a full-time basis by CariGenetics to further their impactful work.
Carigenetics Donates $100,000 to Bermuda College Foundation
“This is a unique donation opportunity,” states Foundation Executive Director, Kerry Judd. “Carigenetics launched out of Bermuda College two years ago. While the renovated space will be in full-time use by CariGenetics, their presence on campus creates learning and research opportunities, such as DNA extraction and genome analysis, that Bermuda College students and faculty may not otherwise have had direct access to or involvement with. It also raises the profile of Bermuda College, both locally and internationally, based on the innovative projects being conducted on campus and at times with Bermuda College students. We look forward to seeing the impact and outcomes of these opportunities, along with our ongoing partnership with Dr. Weldon and CariGenetics.”
Says Dr. Carika Weldon, Founder and CEO of CariGenetics Group, “As we celebrate the two-year anniversary of the launch of CariGenetics, I am filled with immense gratitude. Bermuda College was one of the first to believe in my vision, offering the crucial support that enabled CariGenetics to undertake world-renowned research. Starting this company with very little financial resources, but with clear goals and determination, we have come a long way.”
She continues, “CariGenetics' collaboration with Bermuda College has facilitated groundbreaking research, with historic projects such as the Cahow Reference Genome and Population Study, Bermuda Coral Reference Genome Project, and Caribbean Breast Cancer Study, that have been recognised worldwide. Each project was fully conducted in Bermuda on the College campus, a first for the wider Caribbean.”
“Being in a position to now give back to Bermuda College via this donation, felt right. It's our thank you to the College for believing in our vision at CariGenetics. It is also our commitment to help maintain the facilities of this great national treasure. I am incredibly proud that this institution is now the home of the Island's first clinical genetics laboratory, CariGenetics Precision Diagnostics—a testament to the shared commitment to science and innovation. I want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported us over the past two years. We look forward to continuing this important work together and building a brighter future for healthcare in Bermuda and beyond.”
Dr. Ali Arouzi, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs at Bermuda College states, “This is an incredible accomplishment. Bermuda College is immensely proud of having been connected with Dr. Weldon and her extraordinary vision and dedication in reaching this milestone in her career. Her success is Bermuda’s success, and at this juncture of the CariGenetics research journey, Bermuda College celebrates the growth of its partnership with her. We look forward to the continued success for this lab and those students who will be associated with CariGenetics projects and initiatives in the future. Thank you for the shared belief and commitment of giving back. We celebrate all that CariGenetics has accomplished, and we welcome you to your new home on campus. Magna mirabilia portendi! Great and wonderful things are foretold!”
