The UWI hosts Chancellor’s Week Celebrating 70 years of service, leadership, in the Caribbean

For one week in July, thousands of alumni, students, staff and guests from across the Caribbean and the wider globe are expected to converge at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Mona Campus for a week of activities hosted by Chancellor Robert Bermudez. Chancellor’s Week, from July 23-29, 2018, is set to be one of the highlights of a year-long anniversary celebration of the University’s legacy of “70 years of service, 70 years of leadership”.

This “homecoming” offers a diverse and exciting programme of free and paid events which include academic gatherings, an awards function, parties and other entertainment, catering to the interests of the various age cohorts of The UWI family and the general public.

Underscoring that the week specially reaches out to The UWI’s vast alumni network inviting them to reconnect, share their success stories and re-engage with the University, Chancellor Bermudez noted, “The UWI’s success has been each one of the graduates who has left our campuses to form the fabric of the West Indian society, in every field of endeavour. Chancellor’s Week is intended to bring back thousands of graduates to jointly celebrate their success and our success”, with friends, family and UWI well-wishers and partners.

Sponsors of the week of activities include Jamaica Pegasus Group, Carreras, RJR Gleaner Communications Group, Sagicor Group, Ramsons, Tastee, Wisynco, Courtleigh Group, CariMed, Caledonia Outdoor Advertising, Jamaica Broilers, Phase 3, Patoo and UWItv.

The Events

Monday, July 23, 2018, 6:00 pm
Welcome Gala Reception hosted by Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, MP, at Jamaica House.

Tuesday, July 24, 2018 6:30 pm
Nostalgic Conversations – an interactive public forum hosted at The UWI Regional Headquarters, will feature distinguished alumni reflecting on the history, contributions and achievements of The UWI, and their shared experiences.

Wednesday, July 25, 2018 6:30 pm
The 70th Anniversary Pelican Awards – seven alumni selected by their peers and representing each decade from 1948 to present, will be honoured for their illustrious contributions to their communities and areas of endeavour.

Thursday, July 26, 2018 6:00 pm
Pelican Projections – The four campuses’ Guilds of Students will stage Pelican Projections: A University for the Future – UWI then, UWI now, UWI to come, a thought-provoking and animated forum at The UWI Mona’s Faculty of Law Lecture Theatre targeting students and the public, and led by young leaders from The UWI, Government and further afield.

Friday, July 27, 2018 12:00 noon
The One UWI Festival and T-20 Cricket Match – Free and open to the public, this event will feature pavilions showcasing the cuisine and culture of all The UWI campuses, competitions, entertainment and an exciting cricket match between a Students team and a special Chancellor’s XI team, at The UWI Mona Bowl.

Saturday, July 28, 2018, 5:00 am
UWI Pelican All White Breakfast Party – an all-inclusive party in collaboration with premier party promoters Sunnation, will feature celebrity guest performers at the Oriental Gardens, The UWI, Mona.

Saturday, July 28, 2018, 8:00 pm
UWI B4 Summer Ends Party – a cooler fete in collaboration with B4 party services at The UWI Mona Campus for party fans, and especially current and incoming students.

Sunday, July 29, 2018, 5:00 pm
Chancellor’s Jazz Farewell – a jazz/reggae concert featuring Barbados’ dynamic saxophonist and recording artiste, Arturo Tappin and Jamaica’s Myrna Hague, Desi Jones and friends, and other accomplished performers at The UWI Mona Campus’ Oriental Gardens.

Proceeds from Chancellor’s Week will go toward The UWI Regional Endowment Fund (UWIREF) to support undergraduate and graduate students, research and other developmental projects. For more details on the schedule of events, ticket and package purchases please visit the website www.uwi.edu/chancellorsweek, find @UWIAlumnionline on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, email 70@alumni.uwi.edu or call 1-876-970-0967.