It’s been almost a year now since Trinidad and Tobago was forced to reckon with the pandemic. Like a long Alaskan night, the society has dealt with enforced distance, its institutions shuttered. Yet the work had to continue. It continued for UWI St Augustine, despite the severe disruption to classes and exams. The campus community -- especially the students -- soldiered on.
“They have risen above,” said UWI Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, “tested not only by their professors but by the pandemic.”
The VC was speaking to the students themselves, as well as their loved ones, and everyone else involved in their education at what he called “their moment of triumph”, Graduation 2020.
Held on January 11 and 12, 2021, it was a very different graduation to previous years. The ceremonies are normally massive affairs, held in late October, on the campus itself. The COVID-19 restrictions forced the event organisers to move to a virtual format and reschedule the ceremonies to this year.
For many students and their loved ones, this was far from ideal. Yet the campus team worked within the limitations that were imposed upon them and produced an outstanding event. In the same way that faculty and staff adapted in the first months of the pandemic to online teaching, examinations and student support, the event managers created an entertaining and stirring graduation experience.
Shot at various locations on campus, with prerecorded messages from across the Caribbean, the ceremonies included the academic procession; addresses from UWI’s leaders, honorary graduates and valedictorians; and musical performances. Every graduate had their name called to receive their diplomas. Graduation 2020 was a fully produced show.
The feeling of togetherness that a large gathering brings was not there. There was no cheering crowd or mass of hugs, kisses and well-wishes. Above all though, there was recognition and celebration of the accomplishments of the students, and the sense of pride in their achievements and the university that molded them. Despite the long night of the pandemic, this was their moment.
