UWI graduation on Saturday

Over 1,300 students will be graduating from The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus during its inaugural virtual graduation ceremony this weekend.

The twice-postponed ceremony which is normally hosted in October, is being held virtually in adherence with COVID-19 protocols that prohibit large physical gatherings. It will be broadcast on the campus’ social media channels and UWI TV on Saturday, March 27, from 4 p.m.

Unlike recent years when the campus held two ceremonies annually to accommodate all students wishing to cross the stage, this year’s single event will feature graduands from the Faculties of Humanities & Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science & Technology, Sport and Social Sciences. UWI Chancellor, Robert Bermudez, will deliver an address as customary, however Chairman of the Cave Hill Campus Council Sir Paul Altman will preside over the ceremony.

The UWI Cave Hill Class of 2020 comprises over 980 undergraduates of whom more than 130 will receive first class honours while six medical students will be awarded distinctions. Postgraduate awardees will include a recipient of high commendation at the PhD level and more than 80 distinctions at the master’s level.

The ceremony will also feature the conferral of honorary degrees on three outstanding global citizens. Journalist Sonita Alleyne will receive a Doctor of Letters (DLitt) for her contribution to entrepreneurship and journalism, while Doctor of Science degrees will be conferred on cancer biologist, Professor Juliet M. Daniel and President of the University of Miami, Dr Julio Frenk for their work in cancer research and medicine respectively.

Among others addressing the ceremony will be Vice Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles, Campus Principal, Professor Eudine Barriteau, Honorary Graduand Professor Juliet M. Daniel, and valedictorian, Thacher Loutin, outgoing President of the Guild.  (PR)