Principal’s Message to the Graduating Class of 2023
Heartiest congratulations to the Class of 2023. As the first set of students to enter The University of the West Indies (UWI) during the pandemic years, it is no mean feat that you have made it through those dark days of COVID-19 with all its vicissitudes. Today is your time to celebrate. Indeed, gratitude is a must, for blessings surely fall on your life, so, be eternally grateful. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting the way we live, work, study and play, you had decided in 2020 to join the ranks of the most prestigious
university in the Caribbean, The UWI, to pursue your goals for higher education. This was a bold move, for times were very uncertain, but you made a life-changing decision to pursue higher education, the most important investment one will ever make in themselves. Today, you are poised to reap the rewards. We at The UWI Mona are happy to welcome you into the ranks of the prestigious Pelican Alumni Club. It is not a membership that you should take lightly as you are joining thousands of distinguished graduates who are now members of that august body which is associated with one of the finest universities in this part of the world. Despite the challenging financial situation, The UWI has managed to deliver strongly in the areas of teaching and learning, research and innovation and continues to be ranked among the best universities internationally by Times Higher Education, the most prestigious global ranking agency for higher educational institutions. This is a tremendous achievement for our young university. You, as our graduates should be celebrated for your role in ensuring that we continue to maintain the high-quality standards of Brand UWI . Your advocacy and critique have helped us to sharpen our business and management practices and our academic processes in order to serve you better. For that, we are grateful. Your journey to the top was not effortless. Your hard work, dedication to scholarship and the numerous sacrifices you made to complete your university education is admirable. Today marks the beginning of the next phase of that journey towards positive transformation in your country and the wider world. Rest assured that The UWI has equipped you with the tools for you to become change agents to positively impact the lives of others. Therefore, please use these tools to uplift the less fortunate and provide the society with solutions that will drive equitable growth and development for all and not just a privileged few. As you celebrate your achievements today, please become that activist citizen to foster a social justice agenda for a more humane and caring society. Let your UWI education be that liberating force which promotes tolerance for difference; socially, spiritually, culturally and economically as you join the ranks of those who strive to create a better world. I am confident that with the tenets of the ideal UWI graduate entrenched in your teaching and learning activities while you tenanted with us, the future will be brighter with you at the helm of decision- making and activism within our world.
Please go out and make The UWI and your Mona Campus proud by
5 | The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus
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