LEARN ALL ABOUT US!
The University of West Indies Alumni Association Florida Chapter (UWIAAFL), was formed in 1995 by a group of alumni brought together by their desire to stay connected to their alma mater, to contribute to the development of the University of the West Indies, and to help build communities through volunteer efforts and philanthropy.
We invite UWI graduates in Florida, from all four of the UWI campuses (Cave Hill, Mona, Open and St. Augustine) to join and get involved!
ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS FOR 2019
The 2nd Annual Soca and Reggae Fete will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2019 in Plantation Florida from 7 pm. - 1 a.m. - entry only $40 with meal included.
The Annual General Meeting was held on June 8, 2019 from 1 - 3 p.m. and featured a special presentation by the Victoria Mutual Building Society with useful financial information for members. .
Wine Tasting Social: The first meeting for 2019 was held at Total Wine & More in Plantation. After a short business meeting, the podium was turned over to a “wine aficionado” from Total Wines and More who spoke wines around the world, and he also gave the members an opportunity to sample different types of wine. A high point of this meeting was the announcement of a new scholarship - “The Donat and Cecille Grant Scholarship” which which is expected to be awarded in the Fall of 2019 to a student attending The UWI (preferably a former student from Excelsior High School). It has a monetary value of US$1,000. This brings the number of scholarships to UWI students to 3, with a total value of $3,000 annually.
2018 ACTIVITIES
The UWIAA Florida Chapter joined in celebrating the UWI's 70th Anniversary Year.
The Chapter ended the year with a good showing at the “All Alumni Walkathon”. There were many proud Pelican walkers including Jamaica’s Counsel General Mair, Digicel Representative and Sponsor Pat Montague, Victoria Mutual Florida Division Manager Suzette Rochester-Lloyd, Dr. Rosalee Hamilton from LASCO Foundation, and Grand Marshall and Victoria Mutual CEO, Courtney Campbell. This annual walkathon is organized by our own pelicans, Dr. Sandra Schrouder and Dr. Rupert Rhodd. The association collected over $1,600 in pledges. Thanks to those of you who contributed and special thanks to Ben and Grace Watson who did an outstanding job of securing substantial donations from the Palm Beach group.
September 15, Pelican AwardsLuncheon: The chapter hosted its first Pelican Awards Luncheon that honored 4 outstanding pelicans Dr. Dwight Benjamin (Medicine), Ms. Jean D’Costa (Education), Dr. Sandra Schrouder (Community Development), and Mr. Justin Vincent (Business Leadership). We are truly indebted to Ms. Celia Davidson-Francis, the Director of Alumni Relations for the University of the West Indies for her support throughout the years but more-so last year. Ms. Davidson-Francis attended and spoke at both the anniversary church service and the Pelican Awards Luncheon
June - 1970's Dance: A great time was had by all - it was a sold out affair!
Alumni marked the 70th Anniversary at the following services - January- April 2018:
- February 4, 2017:11:00 am Pioneer Community Church 12800 Taft Street, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028 Lead Pastor: Pastor Gary Wallace
- March 18, 10:00 am Holy Family Episcopal Church 18501 NW 7th Avenue Miami Gardens, FL 33169 Rector: Rev. Horace Ward & Associate Priest: Rev. Easton Lee
- April (Date TBA) Royal Palm Covenant Church Address: Royal Palm Beach Pastor: Pastor Rose
Thanks to Father Horace Ward and the Holy Family Episcopal Church congregation for allowing us to fellowship with them as we celebrated UWI’s 70th anniversary in February 2018.
OUR BEGINNINGS:
Under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Marcia Magnus, the chapter was founded in 1995 with the idea of bringing together the graduates in Florida. Mr. Ronald White is credited with transitioning the organization from the Guild of Graduates, to the UWI Alumni Association (UWIAA) Florida Chapter.
Past presidents of the chapter include
Marcia Magnus PhD
Ronald White
Anthony Williams
Margaret Barrett
Rupert Rhodd
* The current president is Dr. Carmen Nicholas
The UWIAAFL maintains a close relationship with the Director of Alumni Relations, Institutional Advancement Division, UWI Regional Headquarters, with other UWI alumni chapters and participates annually in the Central Executive Committee (CEC) Meeting of the UWIAA Presidents.
We are an alumni association that is dedicated to:
- The advancement of the University of the West Indies (UWI) as a center for excellence
- The building of communities in Florida and the Caribbean.
The UWIAA Florida Chapter is seeking to achieve these goals through the following means:
- Creating and maintaining a good relationship between UWIAAFL and the University of the West Indies
- Supporting and contributing to the UWI Development Fund and other special projects of the UWI as shall be agreed on by the membership
- Promoting the professional development of members of UWIAAFL
- Promoting and supporting networking opportunities of its members
- Actively participating in social and economic development initiatives in Florida and the Caribbean
We encourage all graduates of the University of the West Indies in Florida to join a vibrant and community-oriented group of professionals that are helping to improve the lives of Caribbean people and Floridians. Remember that UWIAAFL wants to:
- Unite all South Florida alumni with their university friends, colleagues, and professors.
- Work on promoting your career and business by allowing you to network with other alumni.
- Involve yourself with your alma mater by staying up-to-date with news and events.
Show your Pelican Pride and join the UIWAA FL today!
