Chancellor’s Message to the Graduates of 2023 My heartiest congratulations to each member of the graduating class of 2023! Your graduation marks the end of one journey and the start of another. As you reflect on the journey to this day, you will also be considering the future.
For the past three years our lives have been influenced by a combination of health, geopolitical and economic factors. The COVID-19 pandemic caused us to revisit how we organise our daily living, the Russian invasion of Ukraine resulted in supply chain
disruptions that made us realise how inter-connected we are in the global space, and although the global recession that was being hinted at last year has not materialised, we are dealing with increasing inflation that also impacts our daily lives. Your programmes of study have prepared you intellectually, and I hope that all you have experienced at The UWI during these years – co-curricular activities and other student engagement and enrichment programmes – have helped to inculcate the skills and competencies that you will need to be resilient and to effectively engage in the world beyond The UWI. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023 suggests that technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence, will be a key driver in the world of work in whatever sphere of endeavour in which you will be involved in the future. In addition to technological literacy, several skills and competencies are important as you go forth. These include analytical and creative thinking which are among the characteristics of the ideal UWI graduate. Others are resilience, flexibility, agility, motivation, self-awareness, curiosity, lifelong learning, dependability, and attention to detail. Attitudes to work are also important for survival, in particular empathy and active listening. Underpinning your education and experiences is a spirit of regionality that is the foundation of our University. I urge you to keep it firm in your hearts and minds as you go forward. This year, The UWI celebrates 75 years of service to the region and you – our graduates – are our most significant contribution to development at the national, regional, and global levels. Today, we celebrate your achievements and the promise of even greater things to come. We look forward to your continued involvement with this noble institution which has nurtured so many and has placed you on a path to success. Mentor a student, contribute to scholarships and bursaries, return as adjunct or full-time lecturers, advocate for The UWI in your professional networks! We wish you the very best as you continue on your chosen paths and hope that you will remain engaged with your alma mater.
Robert Bermudez, Chancellor
3 | The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus
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