News Releases

UWI Hosts Head of State for 60th Anniversary

For Release Upon Receipt - November 20, 2007

Mona


The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus will welcome hundreds of alumni and supporters from all parts of the world, when the University hosts its 60th Anniversary Convocation Week at Mona in July 12-19, 2008. The Convocation Week was the highlight of a full calendar of 60th Anniversary celebratory events announced by UWI Vice Chancellor (VC), Professor E. Nigel Harris yesterday morning.

“2008 will be a special year, one in which we shall bring together many people who have shared and given so much to our beloved university, to the region it serves, and to the rest of the world,” said VC Harris.

“At 60, there is much about which we can be proud, and in looking to the future we are setting the stage to ensure the resilience of our university and the region we serve for many decades to come.  This celebration will involve all our stakeholders—Caribbean government leaders and communities, alumni, current students and the Diaspora,” said Prof. Harris.

The Convocation Week will include an official reception hosted by UWI Chancellor, Sir George Alleyne, a formal banquet to be attended by several regional heads of state, a Thanksgiving church service, a jazz concert, and a special luncheon for graduates who are married to graduates. Alumni of the UWI Faculty of Medical Sciences will also hold their Biennial Conference and a banquet to recognise their distinguished medical graduates and staff.

The yearlong celebrations will commence on January 12, 2008 with an opening ceremony at the Cave Hill campus. At Mona, there will be a Tree Planting Ceremony and a “Miss Lou Conference”.  At St. Augustine, there will be a special gathering of engineering and agricultural graduates. There will also be a number of events across the Caribbean.

Prof. Harris pointed out that, since its establishment in 1948, the University has continued to provide graduates who have made significant contributions to all sectors of the English-speaking Caribbean and the world beyond. The University has also contributed to the development of new knowledge in the social sciences, economics, the humanities, arts, medicine, the sciences, and other fields of endeavour. The UWI has also partnered with community colleges and universities to broaden access and quality of tertiary education in the Caribbean countries that contribute to the University.

“The University is currently embarking on a new Strategic Plan to achieve a set of very clear goals that will include provision of a high-quality education that will ensure our graduates can compete with any in the 21st century world, provide knowledge development and research largely relevant to the Caribbean that have a global impact and enhance the University’s position as the centre of intellectual growth and development—the port of first call for Caribbean governments, businesses and other organisations seeking strategic and policy advice,” Prof. Harris said.

 

 

 

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