The UWI, Mona Campus is once again organising celebrations to commemorate the founding of the Institution. The celebrations will be more extensive this year, as the UWI Alumni Association (Jamaica Branch) has agreed to link its Alumni Week to the commemoration events. The celebrations will therefore take place over the period Friday, February 13 to Saturday, February 21. As usual, the celebrations will be dedicated to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the Institution. For 2004, the honoree will be the Vice Chancellor, Professor the Hon. Rex Nettleford. Professor Nettleford is being recognised for his contribution to cultural development, his overall contribution to the growth and development of the UWI and his pioneering work as an educator. Professor Nettleford is also being honoured for his outstanding intellectual leadership at the international level which led to his being one of only four Rhodes scholars from among thousands worldwide to be awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Civil Laws by Oxford University. The awards were in celebration of the centenary of the establishment of the Rhodes scholarship. Commemoration Celebrations will begin on Friday, February 13 at 9:00 a.m. with a Flag Raising Ceremony & University Parade at the Assembly Hall. Other activities include a Caribbean Day - a display of the culture of the Caribbean mounted by Island Associations on the Mona Campus which follows the Opening Ceremony. The event takes place on the lawns outside the Senate Building from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The annual Commemoration Church Service will take place on Sunday, February 15 at the University Chapel at 9:00 a.m. The service will be conducted by the Reverend Philip Robinson, while the Reverend Dr. Dave Hazle, a UWI graduate will deliver the sermon. Members of the UWI community and the public are invited to attend. The celebrations end with a dinner in honour of the Vice Chancellor to take place on Friday, February 20 at the Mona Visitor’s Lodge and Conference Centre. The guest speaker will be the Chancellor, Sir George Alleyne. Tickets and further information may be obtained from the Public Relations Office at 977-5941 or 935-8692/8348.