The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus will host its annual Homecoming & Commemoration Celebrations over the period February 16-19, 2012.   Mona’s Homecoming & Commemoration Celebrations provide an opportunity to celebrate the founding of the University, to acknowledge its unique position as the only higher education institution with a presence throughout the English speaking Caribbean, while assisting to engender a greater sense of belonging and develop a feeling of camaraderie among staff, students and alumni. 
 
This year is a special one for the University as well as for our nation. Jamaica celebrates its 50th year of independence while The UWI commemorates the 50th anniversary of its own transition from a College of the University of London, established in 1948, to a full-fledged degree granting institution in its own right in 1962.
 
The annual celebrations in February mark the continuation of a tradition which began some 60 years ago. On February 16, 1950 the then University College of the West Indies, (UCWI) installed its very first Chancellor. Since that time, the date February 16 has been used to commemorate that initial step which marked the beginning of the journey into a full-fledged university. 
 
From the outset, the Celebrations have been dedicated to an individual who has achieved local, regional or international recognition in his or her field and/or made a significant contribution to the institution. The honouree for this year’s celebrations is Professor Orlando Patterson, a member of the 1962 UCWI graduating class and John Cowles Professor of Sociology, Harvard University. He is being honoured for his outstanding scholarship and international contribution to the dialogue on issues of culture, race and society.  Professor Patterson will be recognised at a luncheon to be held on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 12.30 p.m. at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge and Conference Centre and has also accepted Mona's invitation to deliver the main address. 
 
 
The 2012 Homecoming Celebrations begin on Thursday, February 16, with the University Parade of alumni, staff and students from the Students’ Union, around the Ring Road to the flagpole area in front of the Assembly Hall for the Flag Raising Ceremony, which begins at 4:00 p.m.  Students who wish to participate in the University Parade should advise their Students Services Manager at the Halls of Residence or the Commuting Students Office so that the necessary arrangements may be made for seating.  Members of staff should contact the respective staff unions. 
 
Friday, February 17 is Caribbean Day. Highlighting the day’s events will be booths and displays depicting life in the Caribbean countries which contribute to the University.  Visitors will also have the opportunity to taste food from the different countries and experience different aspects of Caribbean culture during the lunch hour concert. 
 
The Homecoming luncheon will be held at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge & Conference Centre. The activities end on Sunday, February 19 with the annual Commemoration Service at the University Chapel. The sermon will be delivered by the Rev. Dr Paul Gardner, UWI graduate and President of the Moravian Church of Jamaica.
 
For further information on the Celebrations, interested persons are asked to contact the Marketing & Communications Office, UWI, Mona at telephone 977-5941, 977-7346 or Cell: 473-7355.