September 2019


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There was laughing, dancing and even moments of solemn reflection as young people from 10 countries came out for UWI Life, the St Augustine Campus’ landmark student orientation event. Both local and international students congregated on Wednesday, August 28 at The UWI Sports and Physical Education Centre (SPEC) for the event created to welcome them to the campus community.

The 2019 incoming class includes students from France, Canada, the US, Nigeria, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Antigua, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Bahamas. UWI Life is part of the Campus’ First Year Experience (FYE) programme and provides a forum for new students to meet campus management, faculty deans and support staff. FYE was created to provide a well-rounded student experience and to integrate them into the campus community. This year’s programme is themed “Dare to be” and is a compilation of orientation and transition events embracing every aspect of university life. FYE is one of the largest and most anticipated series of events at UWI St Augustine.

Campus Principal Professor Brian Copeland issued six dares to the incoming class, in keeping with the theme of the FYE programme. He dared them to choose the path that requires them to “go beyond”, to let their voices be heard, to connect with fellow students from the region and beyond, and to be committed to the vision of those who established The UWI in 1948. (A shortened version of Professor Copeland’s address can be viewed here.)

Professor Copeland also dared the new students to bring their ideas forward as The UWI ushers in the era of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, by setting up systems and processes that will support the development of ideas to the point of commercialisation.

Students were also given advice for enhancing their university experience during a “Meet the Grads” UWI alumni panel discussion featuring four young entrepreneurs; Riesa Sumair – Founder of Lion’s Den Seafood, Ajala Pilgrim – Marketing Director and Founder of the Annex Group, Afiya Francis – Founder of InSeason Tours and Kheston Walkins – neuroscientist and Co-Founder of Allegori Innovations Limited.\

The event was hosted by social activist, artist and UWI graduate Amilcar Sanatan and also featured energetic performances by artistes Preedy and Jimmy October.