Vice-Chancellor’s Message to the Graduates of 2023 My heartiest congratulations to the graduating class of 2023! Three years ago, in October and November 2020, the world was in “wait and see” mode. Some of you were already enrolled in programmes at The UWI. That year, some of you took a leap of faith and entered The UWI to begin programmes at undergraduate or graduate levels, not knowing what the COVID-19 pandemic had in store for the world. And what a fascinating journey it has been for all of us! The UWI, now your alma mater was able to pivot easily to emergency remote teaching in 2020. This was because the Open Campus, now the Global Campus had the capacity to conduct training in online teaching methods for sister campuses. This sharing of expertise reflects what we call our “One UWI” philosophy and underpins all that we do. Even though we delivered programmes in blended, and in some cases almost full face- to-face mode in the 2022 academic year, it is possible that some of you may have never been on one of the campuses. Whatever your experience has been, this graduating class, like those of 2020, 2021, and 2022, has a special place in the unfolding history of this institution. Your success is our success and your University is grateful to you for staying the course and demonstrating that in the face of challenges, by working together, we can achieve our goals. As you reflect on your journey to this day, I share with you a quote from Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Bishop Desmond Tutu – You stand out in the crowd only because you have these many, many carrying you on their shoulders . For many of you, this was a shared journey. Your batch mates, parents, spouses, and children have been there with you, every step of the way. So have your lecturers, the administrators and technical teams at the University. All of us have had to adapt to the changes in modus operandi . I ask that you find ways to say thank you to those who have supported you through this journey. Information and communication technologies have transformed our world in the past few decades. The COVID-19 pandemic forced our hand in 2020 and technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, cloud technology, and the internet of things are now infused in our daily lives. Traditional university life usually affords students opportunities to engage with counterparts from other countries and cultures. It is my fervent hope that even with online studies, you were still able to form friendships that withstood the test of group work and assignments. That networking and some of those friendships may last beyond your academic careers and into your professional lives. Continue to nurture those relationships. As you reflect on the journey you have completed and on what lies ahead, please consider how you can have a positive influence in all that you do in the future. In addition to your professional pursuits, mentor a student, contribute towards scholarships for bright but financially challenged students, advocate for your University in various fora, and stay in touch with us through the numerous social networking facilities that have been set up for this purpose.
My very best as you continue on your chosen paths. Blessings!
Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor
4 | The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus
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