Education changes the way people see themselves

Bermuda College will welcome alumnus and global reinsurance executive Gino Z. Smith as guest speaker at this year’s Commencement ceremony.

Mr Smith, who began his higher education at Bermuda College through an articulation pathway with St. John’s University, said the College played a meaningful role in shaping his academic and professional journey.

“As the island’s only tertiary institution, Bermuda College is vital to our community because it connects ambition with access,” he said.

“Education changes the way people see themselves, and when that happens, it can change the trajectory of a profession, a family, and a community.”

He added: “Bermuda College gave me a foundation, and it gave me confidence. It instilled in me that talent from Bermuda can compete anywhere in the world, provided it is matched with discipline, opportunity, and support.”

Born in Bermuda, Mr Smith has built an international career spanning more than 25 years, six countries, and three continents.

He graduated as Valedictorian from St. John’s University and went on to hold senior underwriting roles at AXA XL Re, including Chief Underwriting Officer for Latin America and International reinsurance operations.

He later joined AXIS Re in Switzerland as Head of Property Reinsurance for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

Mr Smith said his time at Bermuda College helped him understand the value of preparation and provided an important step in a journey that eventually took him from Bermuda to New York, Latin America, Europe, and beyond.

“My time at Bermuda College was an important step in a journey that eventually opened the door to living, working, and traveling extensively all over the world. That start in Bermuda mattered. It provided me with the preparation that made everything that followed possible.”

He said education was not only about gaining qualifications, but about widening a student’s sense of what is possible.

“Education gives people the tools to think differently, to contribute more fully, and to serve with purpose. For Bermuda, that matters because every graduate has the potential to strengthen the community in their own way.”

Mr Smith said he hoped graduates would leave the ceremony with pride in what they have achieved and confidence in what lies ahead.

“To the graduating class, I would say: carry Bermuda with you, but do not let geography limit your imagination. Your education is not the end of the journey. It is the foundation for a lifetime of continuous learning, curiosity, and contribution.”

The President of Bermuda College, Dr. David Sam, said Mr. Smith was an excellent role model for the students, and he asked Bermuda to help celebrate the graduating students.

He added: "We are ready to celebrate these students who have persisted through many challenges to cross the finish line. They are ready to contribute in various ways to the socio-economic development of the Island."

Mr Smith currently serves on the boards of several organisations, including the Bermuda College Foundation and the Bermuda Monetary Authority.

He is also an alumnus of The Berkeley Institute, Bermuda College, St. John’s University, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and Harvard Business School.

He resides in Switzerland with his family and remains committed to giving back through mentorship and service to his community.

The ceremony will take place on May 14. For more details, visit the Commencement Page.