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October 2009
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From the Principal : Our fine cadre of leadersAs the St Augustine Campus approaches its fiftieth year, it has figuratively entered its middle age, a period traditionally associated with wisdom, vigour and self awareness. For those of us who have been here for a large portion of those 50 years, it has been a chance to see the university grow and cultivate its own traditions, to watch it come into its own identity as a solid Caribbean institution, and to feel the confidence of its maturity as it negotiates its way as an academic leader and a leader of academics. I believe that the most important function of any institute of learning is to nurture the minds in its midst, not as a one-way function between teachers and students but in a broader sense, with all minds being open to learning from each other and contributing to the creation of new knowledge, discourse and innovative solutions, in response to the needs of the environment. In this light, the university serves as a facilitator of teaching, learning and relevant research and provides opportunities for contributing to national and regional development. This is what sets our university apart. Graduation exercises are a symbolic celebration of all that goes into the process of nurturing the student—from fresher to grad—and all the expectations that follow. As academics and educators, we imbibe the true significance of the ceremonies each time they occur and they rejuvenate our spirits as we usher our graduates into the world and begin anew the process of mentoring and stimulating the intellectual development of incoming students. We feel a deep sense of pride when we see our graduates stepping confidently into society with knowledge, sensitivity and dexterity so that they can easily accept the roles of leaders in whatever spheres they enter. Indeed, a close look at the leadership cohort throughout the region will reveal a remarkable number of UWI graduates among them. In a few days, the St Augustine Campus will host its 2009 Presentation of Graduates to honour the more than 3,000 students who are graduating. We are proud of them and know that when you receive them in your midst, you will be too. For the St Augustine Campus, graduation ceremonies are more than a solemn, formal procession of graduates—they are a poignant reminder of our shared goals and responsibilities and underscore the dignity of our purpose as educators.
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