It's a time of happiness and joy as members of the academic staff of the Department of Chemistry, The University of the West Indies, Mona campus pose with a symbolic cheque representing a contribution to the department by J Wray & Nephew Master Blender Dr Joy Spence (fourth left). Sharing the moment are (left to right) Dr Donna Minott Kates, head of the department; Dr Marvadeen Singh Wilmot, lecturer and associate dean for student experience; Dr Robin Rattray; Dr Novelette Sadler McKnight; Professor Emeritus Robert Lancashire; and Dr Winklet Gallimore (Source: JamaicaObserver).
Mrs Joy Spence, CD (Hon DSc, Hon LLD), distinguished alumnus of the Department of Chemistry, graduated from The University of the West Indies (UWI, Mona) in 1971. Then Joy Bateman, she holds the distinction of being the second recipient of the premier Cedric Hassall Scholarship awarded annually to the top Chemistry student. As a practicing chemist, Mrs Spence served J Wray and Nephew in several key positions from 1981, transitioning to the role of Master Blender in 1997. She was the first female Master Blender in the spirits industry and has been recognised twice over with honorary doctorates from her former alma maters, the University of Loughborough (Hon DSc) and the University of the West Indies (Hon LLD) for her pioneering work and her advancement of women in the field.
In celebration of her service with distinction, J Wray and Nephew has made donations for “40 years of Joy” to several institutions which Dr Spence holds dear. Dr Spence returned to her roots to hand over a donation, equivalent to the value of one million five hundred thousand dollars, to the Department of Chemistry. The contribution will provide analytical balances for the undergraduate laboratories and will also be used for the refurbishing of the Kenneth E Magnus Unit Operations Laboratory. Professor Emeritus Kenneth Magnus was one of Dr Spence’s mentor who was instrumental in guiding her towards her career.
The Department of Chemistry and The University of the West Indies is extremely proud of its distinguished alumnus, a pioneer in her own right, who has flown the flag of her alma mater extremely high. We extend sincere appreciation to Dr Joy Spence and to J Wray & Nephew for this donation.
For further information, see Mona High, UWI profit from 'Joy 40' gifts - Jamaica Observer - https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/mona-high-uwi-profit-from-joy-40-gifts/