January 7, 2023 was declared “UWI Day” and was commemorated with a series of proclamations by Heads of State across the region. The date held special significance, as on that date in 1947 the governing body of the University College of the West Indies — a branch of the University of London intended to serve British colonies — assembled for its first meeting in the House of the British Council in Jamaica. It was at this first meeting that a decision was taken for lands at Mona, Jamaica to be used for establishing the first campus of The University of the West Indies. One year later, on October 4, 1948, the Campus welcomed its first class of 33 medical students.

Several events and activities were planned to commemorate this 75th jubilee milestone. Among the memorable celebrations were:

An Interfaith Convocation Service at the University Chapel at the Mona Campus on January 8. It was attended by staff, students, retirees, alumni, partners, and friends of The University.

UWI Day in New York on April 20. The mayor of New York, Eric Adams, proclaimed this date “The UWI Day” at the 26th Annual AFUWI Awards.

Diamond Jubilee Week, July 17 – 22. A special Diamond Jubilee Week of celebration, from a

higher education forum Beyond 75: Vision, Strategy and Leadership for Higher Education to the Vice- Chancellor’s 75th Anniversary reception to An Evening with the University Singers, celebrating the life of the institution.

UWI 75th T20 Cricket on Saturday, September 30. The UWI returned to its Caribbean roots with a friendly cross-campus T20 cricket tournament. Teams comprised staff, students, faculty, alumni, and all-star celebrities such as Daren Ganga and Anisa Mohammed.

Anniversary of The UWI’s First Class on October 4. Commemorating the first class for 33 medical students — a chemistry lecture by Professor Dr. Cedric Hassall.

Planting of 75 Trees at Mona on October 6. Team members deployed across the 653-acre campus planted 75 saplings to symbolically mark each year of the Institution’s existence.

UWI We Rise Talent Showcase Finals on November 18. This virtual cross- campus event designed to provide staff, students, alumni and retirees of The University of the West Indies with a platform to showcase their talent in the areas of dance, voice, music and performance arts.