In keeping with long-standing tradition, hundreds of students clad in black and white gathered in the Sport and Physical Education Centre (SPEC) at UWI St Augustine, officially beginning their academic journey. On Friday, September 18, the annual Matriculation and Welcome Ceremony was held to formally embrace new students of The UWI.
Dr Dawn-Marie De Four-Gill, Campus Registrar, welcomed the assembled students into the folds of the campus community, expounding on the event’s theme, “Pelicans Get Ready to Soar”.
“It is a call to action, an affirmation and a reminder,” she said. “Most of you may already know that the brown pelican is our university's official symbol. But what you may not know, or may not realise, is that the pelican doesn't just float above the sea. It dives with precision, resurfaces with resilience, and flies with purpose. It soars, and it soars not just by itself but with others. So, this afternoon, as you prepare to sign the matriculation register, remember it's a powerful symbol of your readiness to challenge yourself, to grow, and to contribute to our legacy.”
During her address, Campus Principal Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine reminded the new students of The UWI’s current status among the top 3 per cent of universities in the world. She painted a picture of the society when the university first came into being.
“Remember that in 1948 when we started, the World War had just ended and there was pain, uncertainty and scarce resources. Sound familiar? However, we found hope to build and to find solutions.”
Professor Belle Antoine called on the students to apply the knowledge and experience they gain from The UWI to contribute to social justice.
“We live in uncertain, turbulent and dangerous times,” she reflected. “So, what are you going to do about it? Are you going to add to the problems of the world or help to solve them?
“You have the brilliance,” she pointed out. “You have the talent, and you will receive from us the capacity not just to contribute to your family and your society, but to the entire planet. In fact, you must do so. We can no longer sit on our laurels and throw our hands up in the air in despair.”
Professor Antoine reminded them of the legacy of past UWI graduates in areas like artificial intelligence, food security, marine affairs, pandemics and economic analysis. “We will give you the tools. We expect you to use them better than we did ourselves. We expect you to be better prepared—more skilled, more determined and more courageous than we are ourselves.”
In his video message to the matriculants, Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles elaborated on the call for the students to be the impetus for change. He encouraged them to identify community issues and get involved.
“Some of you will say poverty,” he suggested. “Some of you will say illiteracy. Some of you will say climate change, public health, reparatory justice, food security... . You will realise that your university is actively participating in the teaching and learning around these issues as well as researching and generating public advocacy around these issues. This is how universities are made vibrant and relevant.”
He invited them to embrace their preferred causes and use their university education to help solve problems.
“It is only by participating that you can contribute to the solutions for these challenges facing our people,” he stated.
In her greetings, Mrs Arlene Hamblin-Paul, President of The UWI Alumni Association, reminded the students that they would experience moments of self-doubt, but she advised them not to be discouraged.
“You may ask, can I really do this?” she predicted. “When those moments come (and they will), remember you're not here by accident. You belong. You are here because there's something within you that deserves to be developed, challenged, and shared with the world. Do not allow one difficult course, one disappointing grade, or one difficult semester to define your university experience. Learn from your setbacks and keep believing in yourself because one day you will walk across this campus for the last time as a student stepping into that stage of alumni.”
As is customary, the attendees read out the academic vow, and the top matriculant formally signed the registrar. This year Joshua Sampath, a graduate of Presentation College, San Fernando, performed this honour. Sampath was recognised for his work as a mentor in his school’s Big Brother programme and his participation in several math Olympiads.
The speakers also recognised the supportive friends and family present.
“Carry these persons with you in spirit because this moment isn't only about you,” said Dr De Four-Gill. “It is about everyone who poured love and support into your journey.”
