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UWI’s Decades of Distinction Culminate with 75th Anniversary Human Formation at St. Augustine Campus

For Release Upon Receipt - December 19, 2023

St. Augustine


Aerial view of UWI faculty, staff and students as they create a human formation of the number 75, a powerful display of the collaborative spirit needed as the UWI celebrates its 75th Anniversary.  

St. Augustine, December 19, 2023 – An eventful year filled with accomplishments and a strengthened sense of community reached its pinnacle today, Friday 15th December 2023 when The University of the West Indies (The UWI), St. Augustine Campus, brought its 75th-anniversary celebrations to a close with a spectacular human formation. In a show of impeccable coordination, faculty, staff and students came together on the grounds of the Campus Principal and created a striking depiction of the number 75, as a human formation. A fitting tribute to decades of educational leadership and advancement, this visually powerful display reflected the collaborative spirit that has been pivotal in achieving decades of unparalleled distinction. 

Themed "The UWI at 75. Rooted. Ready. Rising.", the 75th-anniversary celebrations presented the opportunity to look back and spotlight initiatives across its diverse campuses. At the St. Augustine Campus, flagship events like The UWI Pop-Up Shop and Artisan Market showcased innovation and entrepreneurial passion within the campus community. Noteworthy initiatives such as the 'IGNITE' benefit concert by The UWI Development and Endowment Fund (UWIDEF) not only captivated audiences but also raised funds for deserving students. Concurrently, The UWI Blood Donor Foundation's commemorative blood drive had a profound impact. 

Celebrating creativity and talent, the staff Art Competition held under the 75th-anniversary theme showcased the campus’s artistic flair, with Mr. Johann Bennett of the Faculty of Humanities and Education earning the top prize. Additionally, a Panel Discussion titled "Reflections on the Legacy of Eric Williams: Business and Development," held under the patronage of Mr. Robert Bermudez, Chancellor of The UWI, provided insightful discourse. Notably, The UWI Seismic Research Centre (SRC) marked its 70th anniversary alongside The University's diamond jubilee. During this event, Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal at The UWI St. Augustine presented an award to the Prime Minister Dr. The Honourable Keith Rowley, recognizing him as the first Caribbean-born, UWI-trained scientist appointed as Head of the SRC. The grand finale event came in the form of the highly anticipated 75th Anniversary Research Festival and Principal’s Research Awards, signifying a year of introspection, celebration, and forward-thinking for our respected regional University. 

This past year of these, and other notable events have brought a sense of pride and created moments of reflection as indicated by Professor Antoine’s words who stated, "Today, our unity embodies the essence of 75 years of collective achievement and evolution. Uniting for this human formation encapsulates our journey—Rooted in our past, fortified and Ready for the challenges ahead, and Rising toward an even brighter future," remarked Professor Antoine. The UWI St. Augustine Campus extends its deepest thanks to all stakeholders, whose support and dedication made this milestone year an overwhelming success. 

For more information, please visit https://uwi.edu/75/

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 Global 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 Wellbeing; 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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