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UWI TODAY
– SUNDAY 4TH OCTOBER, 2015
Our Journey to Seggau
A student’s story of 22 days that changed her
B Y N E T T Y - A N N G O R D O N
It is often said that a journey
of a thousand miles begins
with a single step. Organizing this 22-day transcontinental
European trip was no easy task. The University of Graz
International Summer School 2015 held in Seggau, Austria
was the main destination in a series of international
symposia attended by the Trinidad and Tobago team. It
took an experienced navigator and a coordinated team for
Seggau to become a reality.
The University of Graz International Summer School
celebrated its 10th anniversary in July 2015. The summer
school attracts interdisciplinary students from universities
across the globe. This year’s programme ran from June 28 to
July 11, attracting 82 students from 31 countries. Our team
of nine was the second largest; the USA had 12 participants.
The UWI European Academic tour led by Dr.
Christian Cwik, sought to forge academic partnerships
between European universities and The UWI. At the close
of the International Symposium in Germany in July, UWI
Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal, Professor
Clement Sankat visited the University of Cologne to initiate
negotiations on an agreement between the two universities.
Similarly, a MOU with the University of Graz is in progress
and in June 2015, the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities
and Education, Dr. Heather Cateau signed a MOUwith the
Faculty of Historical and Cultural Studies at the University
of Vienna in Austria.
This year marks a milestone for institutions and events
as we joined the University of Graz on its anniversary;
celebrated with the University of Vienna on its 650th
anniversary and paid tribute to the fallen heroes on the
occasion of the 70th anniversary of World War II with the
University of Cologne in Germany.
Looking back at World War II which lasted from 1939
to 1945, we focused on the impositions and consequential
activities for the Caribbean islands as the parallel search
for meaning continues. This historical discourse may be
described at face value as callous and unwarranted but
there is still room for the reassessment of what it meant,
and what it cost the Caribbean – for the legacy of this war
is not completely understood.
History is not the past nor dwells in the past. The
historical links between Europe and the Caribbean cannot
be fully explored from one location or cultural context. To
appreciate where the veins of our history lie, there must be
a collaboration of resources and the exchange of knowledge.
The International Symposium inCologne kicked off the
first leg of the academic tour. Austrian-born, Dr. Christian
Cwik, introduced the topic “German and Austrian Refugees
in French and Dutch Colonies during the period 1933 to
1955.”
We appreciated the riveting presentation by Dr. Michael
Toussaint in his noted Trini homily style. His discourse on
“Nationalismand the NationalistMovement in Trinidad and
Tobago,” initiated a renewed passion for Caribbean history
for persons who were into other disciplines.
The two-day symposium in Cologne culminated with
presentations from UWI students. Allyce Woodhouse
ON TOUR
Outside the Main Entrance of the University of Vienna, from left: Marianne Knieling MA (PhD Student, visited UWI in March 2015); Rosa
Hannreich MA (PhD Student, visited UWI in 2007, 2011); Dr. Michael Ferguson Toussaint (Lecturer at the Department of History, STA);
Roman Schloegl (Undergraduate History Student, visited UWI in March 2015); Renate Korotwiczka (PhD Student, visited UWI in March
2015), and Dr. Christian Cwik (Lecturer at the Department of History, STA).
PHOTOS COURTESY NETTY-ANN GORDON.
presented on “The growth and expansion of the Trinidad and
Tobago Cadet Force,” My presentation was on “Persecution
under martial law in the British Caribbean during World
War II,” and Renee Nelson concluded with “The Gibraltar
Camp at Mona, Jamaica: the biggest internment camp in the
Caribbean.” Genette-Amlak Pascall, President of the History
Society, moderated day two of the symposium.
After Cologne, the teamvisited the University of Vienna
to deliver more lectures in European and CaribbeanHistory.
In attendance were students who had previously visited
UWI and participated in history courses and regional
expeditions. The Vienna series concluded on the eve of
our return to Trinidad on July 11 with a presentation by
Dr. Toussaint on “Black Power in Europe, 1920-1950.” He
traced the evolution of the movement and highlighted the
consequences of their actions and contribution to university
life as we know it today.
Nestled in the lush Styria country region, Seggau
Castle is the home of the Graz International Summer
School, which is primarily sponsored by the Karl-Franzens-
Universitat Graz, University of Graz with support from the
Center for Inter-American Studies and other corporate
and government sponsors. The academic programme was
an intensive two weeks module with morning lectures and
afternoon seminars. It included a science slam competition,
poster presentations and sightseeing tours. Students had
the opportunity to present their countries in a five-minute
time slot, and were also invited to participate in karaoke/
talent night. The Trinidad and Tobago team made a good
impression when Tyronne Ali captured the Best Country
Presentation Ever, delivering a stimulating comical display
with “Island Kokomo” which became the ‘Capital’ of Seggau
and whose theme song became its ‘national anthem.’ Renee’s
Jamaica presentation resulted in cheers of “Big-up Bob
Marley.”
Drs. Cwik and Toussaint presented on “Shifting
Perspective – Europe and the Americas,” challenging the
colloquial ideology of everyone present.
Some of us left Trinidad as young ladies and returned
as empowered women. Some of us thought we could hide in
our introverted shells but ended up befriendingmany. Some
who were afraid to lead, led the way. We made some poor
decisions; underestimated the required readings; and even
grew weary of the intensity of the academic programme.
Nevertheless, we stuck it out; we stood together; we made
friends; we had a good time, and yes, we came back home
edified, rejuvenated, and broke. But the joys of shopping,
the vibrations of the music on graduation night and the sites
of romantic Vienna, have etched a monumental experience
which our certificates of achievement cannot fully express.
To all the sponsors, organizers, administrators, we thank
you.
Netty-Ann Gordon was one of the students participating in the tour.
Seggau Castle, home of the Graz International Summer School.
