The University of the Southern Caribbean held a Farewell Dinner for Ms. Norma greaves. Ms. Greaves served this noble institution for forty-one years.

After giving 41 years of yeoman service to her alma mater, USC bade farewell to Ms. Norma E Greaves, on Thursday, February 28, at an elaborate ceremony, planned in her honour, at the University’s Auditorium.

The full contingent of faculty and staff generously showered accolades on Ms. Greaves. Their gay smiles and light banter served to complement the tastefully decorated Auditorium which added a touch of elegance to the occasion.

During his presentation, titled: “The Lady—Her Life and Service,” Pastor Eric John Murray presented a summary of Ms. Greaves’ contribution to the growth and development of USC over the years. He noted that her career started on September 18, 1967 where she served as a Biology teacher at the institution.

An astute Librarian, Ms. Greaves served for several years as Directory of Library Services and ably laid the foundation for the present growth and expansion of the Library facility. She also served in the position of
Vice President for Public Relations, and was later was appointed as the Director of Alumni Relations and College Archivist—the position from
which she is presently retiring. Ms. Greaves, though firm and direct, will long be remembered as the ‘little’ lady with a big heart—her generosity has touched the lives of many a person in need or affected by some unfortunate circumstance.

She was also recognized for her dedicated ministry to the lonely and the aged who need special care. Among those present at the farewell ceremony, were the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of USC, Dr. Eugene Daniel, President of the South Caribbean Conference, Pastor Kern Tobias, and Ms. Greaves’ colleagues from the Association of Friends of Barbados in Trinidad & Tobago.

Entertainment for the evening included a selection by Mr. Kerron Hislop, saxophonist; Mr. Ashton Kelly, singing an‘ole-time calypso “Bring Back the Ole Time Days”, a composition on Ms. Greaves, and the rich tenor of soloist Wayne Harris singing “Forever Friends.”

The various departments who were touched by the life and contribution of Ms. Greaves, had the opportunity to present tributes and gifts to her. The moments were filled with mixed emotions as the various presentations were made. It was a touching moment as Tracy Hislop, presented a special musical tribute: “Friends are Friends Forever,” on behalf of the Department of Development and Planning—the department from which Norma is presently retiring. All members of the Development and Planning team took the opportunity to present beautiful long-stemmed roses to Norma during the song. After which the Vice President of the team, Mr. Stephen Pilgrim, gave his emotional farewell tribute.

Other presentation were made by the Local Alumni Association, the Department of Alumni Relations at USC, the USC Alumni Association--North America, the Library Staff at USC, the residents of the Married
Students Complex, the Friends of the Barbados Association, the University Church, the Department of Plant Maintenance at USC, and the Office of the President, USC.

Ms. Greaves is presently the longest serving worker to retire from USC. A devoted, loyal and committed worker, she has given all her working years to her alma mater. She states that she loves to hear of the successes of the students as they find work in various parts of the world. Although she leaves physically, her prayers will continue for the continued growth of this institution. Her counsel is for all to continue to keep God first and last in everything, to share God’s love and soon coming, and strive to attain Heaven at last.