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The Countdown Is On! UWI St. Augustine Graduation Ceremonies 2023: Top 5 things to look out for…

For Release Upon Receipt - October 26, 2023

St. Augustine


ST. AUGUSTINE, Trinidad and Tobago. October 26, 2023 – The anticipation is high as we approach the start of the graduation ceremonies at the St. Augustine Campus of The University of the West Indies (The UWI). Scheduled to kick off on Thursday, October 26, 2023, and continuing twice a day until Saturday, October 28, these ceremonies promise to be a memorable celebration of academic achievement and resilience.  Here are the top 5 things to look out for at this year’s ceremonies: 

 Honourary Graduands

Outstanding Graduates

Graduation Comes Home

First Cohort of Graduates from St. Augustine Academy of Sport

Inspirational Valedictorians

 The details of these Five (5) Must-See Moments at this year's UWI St. Augustine Graduation Ceremonies are as follows: 

Honourary Graduands 

This year's graduation ceremonies will include the conferral of honorary degrees upon distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to society. The honorary graduands who will be conferred at this year's ceremonies are: 

Baroness Floella Karen Yunies Benjamin- Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.- Doctor of Laws (LLD)

Ms Heather Headley- Friday, October 27, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.- Doctor of Letters (DLitt) 

Mr Lawrence Scott- Saturday, October 28, 2023 at  10:00 a.m. Doctor of Letters (DLitt) 

Each of them will be celebrated during specific ceremonies, making it a must-see moment of the event. Read more about our honorary graduands here

Outstanding Graduates 

At this year’s homecoming, a grand total of 3,478 students have been awarded, including 2,411 undergraduate students and 1,067 postgraduate students who will be recognized for their dedication to higher education and their exceptional achievements. Over the span of three memorable days, 2,808 graduates will gracefully cross the stage, symbolizing their outstanding journey of academic success and resilience.

 Graduation Comes Home 

 We proudly welcome the return of graduation home to The UWI Sport and Physical Education Centre (UWI SPEC) here at the St. Augustine Campus which has been much-anticipated since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The indoor facility within this popular sporting arena has been thoughtfully and meticulously transformed, creating a setting that is nothing short of spectacular. The stage is now perfectly poised for our exceptional graduates to take their triumphant walk, crossing the threshold into a promising future.

 First Cohort of Graduates from St. Augustine Academy of Sport

The year 2023 marks a historic moment—the first cohort of graduates from the St. Augustine Academy of Sport (SAAS) within the Faculty of Sport. As we gather to celebrate the remarkable achievements of these graduates, we also acknowledge the pioneering achievement of the SAAS. This inaugural class of graduates from the St. Augustine Academy of Sport represents the embodiment of dedication, passion, and excellence in the field of sports education, setting the foundation for an enduring legacy in the world of sports and academia at the St. Augustine Campus. The SAAS is also home to The UWI SPEC International Half Marathon and has produced outstanding athletes like Jehue Gordon.

Inspirational Valedictorians 

 Six exceptional graduands have been chosen as valedictorians for this year's graduation ceremonies. They have been selected for their outstanding achievements, perseverance, and embodiment of “Pelican Pride” Their speeches will inspire and reflect the essence of their UWI journey, making it an unforgettable part of the graduation experience. They are as follows: Ms. Shaienne St. Hilaire, who represents the Faculties of Humanities & Education and Sport; Ms. Celeste Samuel, a shining example of the Faculties of Food & Agriculture and Science & Technology; Mr. Lane Amichan, who represents the Faculties of Engineering and Law; Mr. Kyle Bisnath, chosen to speak on behalf of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Mr. Ronaldo Thomas, also representing the Faculty of Social Sciences; and Ms. Marsha Lee-Carrington, an inspiring voice for the Faculty of Medical Sciences. 

From every corner of the world, family, friends and well-wishers would be viewing as the graduating class of 2023 crosses the stage. The UWI will present a livestream of each ceremony via UWItv and all can join in viewing the celebration on UWItv's website at https://uwitv.org/ or by tuning in on the Flow Evo television channels across the Caribbean. It's an opportunity for everyone to share in the joy and pride of our graduates. The schedule is packed with inspiring moments, recognition of excellence, and the celebration of our region's commitment to higher education. For more information and updates on the graduation ceremonies, please visit https://sta.uwi.edu/graduation/ 

About The University of the West Indies 

The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for the past 75 years. 

 From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with near 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Open Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe. 

 The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and wider world.

 The UWI has been consistently ranked among the top universities globally by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists since its debut in the rankings in 2018. In addition to its leading position in the Caribbean in the World University Rankings, it is also in the top 25 for Latin America and the Caribbean and the top 100 global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old).  

 The UWI is also featured among the leading universities on THE’s Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and well-being; Gender Equality and Climate Action. 2023 marks The UWI’s 75th anniversary. The Diamond Jubilee milestone themed “UWI at 75. Rooted. Ready. Rising.” features initiatives purposely designed and aligned to reflect on the past, confront the present, and articulate plans for the future of the regional University. 

 

Learn more at www.uwi.edu

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