Lisa Gore Seifart Endowment Fund established at The UWI

One of Jamaica’s leading housing development companies, Gore Developments Ltd., has made a significant investment in the Endowment Fund at The University of the West Indies (The UWI). The contribution made during the UWI Global Giving campaign last month, continues a longstanding relationship that the company has had with the regional University aimed at enhancing access to education.

Through their family foundation, owners of the company, Phillip and Christine Gore have established the “Lisa Gore Siefart Endowment Fund” in honour of the memory of their daughter who passed away in July 2020. Gore Developments Ltd. has contributed an initial investment of US$100,000 which will exist in the Fund in perpetuity and they have committed additional annual payments for a period of five to ten years.

The endowment fund will carry on and expand the late clinical psychologist’s legacy and crucial work in bettering the lives of those dealing with mental health issues. As a Director of the Phillip and Christine Gore Family Foundation, Dr. Gore Siefart actively guided the policies and programmes of the Early Childhood projects created and implemented by the Foundation in basic schools across Jamaica.
In furtherance of these initiatives and causes, the Lisa Gore Seifart Endowment Fund will provide annual scholarships to those pursuing degrees in Psychology or related disciplines, either at the undergraduate or graduate level. Through the endowment fund, deserving students will be given the opportunity to become the next generation of early childhood teachers and counselors.

In expressing his gratitude for the generous gift, Vice-Chancellor of The UWI, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles noted that Phillip and Christine Gore’s commitment to education is well aligned with The UWI’s goal to prepare its graduates to effectively address the social challenges in the region and lauded the Gores as advocates of access.

Phillip and Christine Gore’s longstanding and substantial role in improving education, particularly in Jamaica has also been recognised over the years by the American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI). This most recent contribution by the Gores was made during The UWI’s Global Giving campaign in August, which focused specifically on fundraising for student scholarships.

Although the August campaign is over, the Global Giving website — www.uwi.edu/giving — will remain active for the rest of year. Gifts of all sizes are welcome through the website or corporate or personal endowments. Persons seeking more information may also contact the Institutional Advancement Division in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor at 876-977-0052 or email giving@alumni.uwi.edu.

Photo Caption: The Late Dr. Lisa Gore Seifart (left), Mr Phillip Gore and Mrs Christine Gore (right).