Graduating class urged not to abandon UWI Open Campus

Creating an engaged and supportive alumni network brings many benefits to both the institution and the alumni. That’s why, interim Principal of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus Dr. Francis Severin has encouraged the 2021 graduating class not to abandon the institution as they move on to their next endeavours.

Speaking Saturday evening during the Campus’ virtual graduation ceremony, Severin told the academics that their time at UWI has added value to their lives.

“In all you do please never turn your back on your alma mater, which has improved your life chances several times over. Always remember as the UWI’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic proves, that the fortunes of the Caribbean nations are inextricably linked to the fortunes of the great University of the West Indies, which is our fundamental hope of reversing the persistent poverty cycle, overcoming the obstacles of development and transforming and advancing the modern Caribbean from the stubborn and chronic plantation economy,” he said.

The graduating class consisted of some 877 graduands, including 463 undergrads and 169 post grads. International Auditor and Philanthropist, George Samuel Willie was bestowed an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree.

Expressing the university’s pride of the accomplishments of the cohort in spite of the challenges brought on by the pandemic, Severin encouraged the scholars to multiply the productivity demonstrated during their time at UWI in their workplaces, communities and countries.

He said: “Multiply the critical, creative thinking that are required for societies to be economically prosperous. Bring forth the effective communication along with excellent emotional intelligence skills that are necessary for harmony and peaceful human co-existence in our Caribbean and our world. Put to good use the IT skills you have learned and honed as students of the Open Campus, who have from the outset studied via online. Distinguish yourselves as globally ready, yet bearing the uniqueness of the Caribbean identity and the groundings with your brothers and sisters in the region and the Diaspora. Prove that by parsimony you have had to exercise especially in this Covid existence that you can translate such thrift into social, cultural and environmentally conscious ways and ensure that you multiply several fold strong, ethical values so that they are contagious like the COVID-19 pandemic itself.

Chancellor Robert Bermudez also delivered an inspirational message when he stirred the graduates to embrace change. He noted that despite the changes that have taken place and will continue to take place, whatever they do in the future must be impactful.

“It must be done to a high standard with commitment to advancing not only your personal interest but those of the wider community in which you exist … Over the past 20 months the UWI has adapted to drastically changed circumstance and I applaud the leadership of the institution for taking bold steps to shift to online and blended teaching and learning,” Bermudez said.

This year’s Valedictorian was Bachelor of Education student Laura Ramoutar. (KC)