MONA TO HOST HOMECOMING CELEBRATIONS FEBRUARY 14-20 cont'd

February's celebrations mark the continuation of a tradition which began some 60 years ago. On February 16, 1950 the then University College of the West Indies, installed its very first Chancellor. Since that time, the date February 16 has been used to commemorate that initial step which marked the beginning of the journey into a full-fledged university. In the beginning, the date was marked by a Commemoration Service held on the Sunday closest to February 16. Since 2001, the celebrations have been expanded considerably to include other activities such as a Flag raising ceremony and University Parade, Caribbean Day, concert and dinner.

From the outset, the Celebrations have been dedicated to an individual who has made a significant contribution or brought great distinction to the institution. For 2010, the honoree will be Dr. Patricia Martin Deleon, Trustees Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Delaware and 2009 recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. Professor Deleon holds the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry & Zoology (1967) and the MSc in Medical Genetics (1969) from The UWI, Mona as well as the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada. She also pursued post-doctoral studies at McGill University in Canada.

The Mona Homecoming Celebrations will begin on Sunday, February 14, with the annual Commemoration Service at the University Chapel. The sermon will be delivered by the Rev. Dr Yvette Bloomfield, Deputy General Secretary, United Church, and a first class honours graduate of Mona. Staff, students and alumni are encouraged to participate in the Community Outreach Project which will take place on Tuesday, February 16.

The Flag Raising Ceremony and University Parade of alumni, staff and students take place on Thursday, February 18 at the Assembly Hall. The Pelican Award, presented by the UWI Alumni (Jamaica) Branch will also be presented at this ceremony.

Highpoint of the week will be the Dinner/Dance to honour Professor Patricia Martin Deleon, which takes place on Saturday, February 20, 2010.

UWI, Mona Alumni are asked to contact the Marketing & Communications Office UWI, Mona via email at proffice@uwimona.edu.jm or Tel. 977-5941/7346 for further information on the Mona Homecoming celebrations.

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The UWI Alumni Pledge
As a graduate of the University
of the West Indies, I commit
myself to uphold the ideals
and goals of my alma mater.
My conduct and voice shall
reflect the commitment to
excellence of “The Light Rising
From The West”, as I fulfill my
social and professional
responsibilities and serve
my community and region.

I will strive to ensure
The UWI’s place as
a Caribbean icon: the catalyst
for Caribbean development
and leadership. It is a legacy
that I will proudly help
build for future generations.
The UWI – First in our
hearts and first in our region.

Main Office:
DITTO, Main Library, Ring Road
University of the West Indies
Mona Campus, Kingston 7, Jamaica, W. I.
Tel/Fax: (876) 927-1583,
E-mail: uwialumni@kasnet.com