First in Her Family To Graduate, Emeris Durban North Student Earns Degree With Distinction

The first in her family to graduate with a degree and with distinction, Lameec Crawford proudly walked across the stage to accept her IIE Bachelor of Arts qualification at Emeris Durban North’s recent graduation ceremony.

“This was a huge milestone for me which I will never forget,” said Crawford. “I just heard my 13-year-old self saying to me ‘We’ve made it’. I’m still processing it all, but it was a surreal moment”.

She was among the 870 Emeris Durban North students, including 125 from Emeris’ Online Centre, who graduated through The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE) Class of 2025.

“If you had told me in my first year that this is how my life would unfold, I wouldn’t have believed it,” said Crawford.

Besides graduating with distinction which places her among 288 Emeris Durban North students who achieved an average of 75% and above, Crawford is also member of the Golden Key International Honour Society – the world’s largest collegiate honour society which recognises top performing students based on academic achievement.

Her graduation was made even more special as she was cheered on by a packed auditorium, her two grandmothers, her uncle, her best friend and her peers.

Kim Kromoser (Head of Humanities at Emeris Durban North) lectured Crawford in her first and second year. “I was always impressed with Lameec’s work ethic and dedication to her studies. She maintained a distinction aggregate over all three years of her degree. Beyond her high standard of academics, she also actively participated in her student community, and she was head of the Humanities class representatives in 2025. This year, she has gone on to study her IIE Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology and I am lucky enough to be her supervisor. I have always admired her positive attitude, resilience and willing to always help others. Watching her graduate was a very proud moment”, said Kromoser.

Crawford initially planned to study law but changed direction during the programme orientation. “I realised it was not for me and was drawn to Psychology. I’ve always being someone who enjoys understanding the why and how things happen,” Crawford explained.

During her first year of study, Crawford lost her Mum unexpectedly but said the support from her family and friends helped her continue pursuing her goals.

“My Mum never had the opportunity to complete her studies, so graduating meant even more to me,” said Crawford. “There were many times where I wanted to give up, but I was determined to keep going. I’m proud of myself for continuing and I know my Mum would be too”.

Crawford said one of the highlights of her time at Emeris was getting involved with the student body, Emeris Voice. “I joined in my second year after speaking to Head of Student Experience Lucie Bowyer. That experience changed my campus journey because it made me feel like I truly belonged,” she said.

“I love being around people, being involved and contributing wherever I can”.

Her advice to students facing difficulties or setbacks is to remember their “why”.

“Why are you studying? I think many times we forget that being given the opportunity to study further is a privilege that not many people have. If you remember your why, it will motivate you to just keep going”.

Her next step is to complete her Honours degree, enter the working world and one day attain her Master’s degree.

Rajesh Chandarman (Campus Head at Emeris Durban North) congratulated the graduating Class of 2025 and commended the students for their resilience, dedication and hard work they demonstrated throughout their studies.