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Alumni participate in 'Nostalgic Conversations' at The UWI Chancellor’s Week 2018

Published:Sunday | July 29, 2018 | 12:00 AM
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Professor Emeritus Roy Augier (left) with The University of the West Indies Vice-Chancellor, Prof Sir Hilary Beckles, at Nostalgic Conversations.
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Dr Jean Small reads an excerpt from ‘An Accidental Life’ at ‘Nostalgic Conversations’. At left is Prof Emeritus Rupert Lewis.
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'Nostalgic Conversations' on Tuesday, July 24 at The UWI Regional Headquarters featured distinguished alumni reflecting on the history, contributions and achievements of The UWI and their their shared experiences.

Panellists included Dr Beverley Steele, Dr Lilieth Johnson, Noel Dexter, professors emeriti Edward Baugh, Lawrence Carrington and Bridget Brereton, and Dr Jeffrey Dellimore, who exchanged memories of "the way we were" in the early decades, speaking about their experiences, escapades, hall life, and interactions with faculty, non-faculty and support staff.

Presenters touched on occurrences like the Harold Drayton expulsion, the Walter Rodney protests at Mona, the Black Power movement at

St Augustine, the beginnings of Cave Hill, industrial action and political protests such as the burning of the students' red gowns.

A major feature of 'Nostalgic Conversations' was the launch of the book, An Accidental Life, by Dr Harold Drayton, former student of the University College of the West Indies (forerunner to The UWI), and presentations by Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, vice-chancellor, The UWI; and former UWI faculty Dr Jean Small and Professor Emeritus Rupert Lewis.

Other events during the week included a Welcome Gala Reception at Jamaica House on July 23; the Pelican Awards on July 25; Pelican Projections Panel Discussion on July 26; the One UWI Festival and T20 Cricket Match on July 27; Pelican All-White Breakfast Party and B4 Summer Ends Cooler Fete, both on July 28; and the Chancellor's Jazz Farewell on July 29.

Proceeds from Chancellor's Week will benefit The UWI Regional Endowment Fund to support undergraduate and graduate students, research and other developmental projects, based on merit and financial need.

Sponsors of Chancellor's Week of activities include Jamaica Pegasus Group, Carreras, RJRGleaner Communications Group, Sagicor Group, Ramson's, Tastee, Wisynco, Courtleigh Group, Cari-Med, Caledonia Outdoor Advertising, Phase 3, GraceKennedy Foods, CB Group and Patoo.