By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer
In the warm embrace of nostalgia, we journey back to the vibrant halls of Caribbean Union College (CUC), now known as the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC), to shine a spotlight on one of its esteemed alumni, Pastor S. Reginald Michael, PhD. With a career spanning decades, Pastor Michael’s journey is not just a tale of academic achievement, but a testament to the power of faith, community, and lifelong learning.
CUC: A Family Like No Other
Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Antigua, young Reginald Michael embarked on his educational voyage at CUC, immersing himself in the study of Theology. Back in the 1960s, CUC stood as a beacon of excellence in education for many across the Caribbean region.
“Most of our workers, of course, chose to go to CUC,” Pastor Michael recalls. Influenced by the institution’s accessibility, affordability and the strong community ties it fostered, “Good old CUC was basically a top choice at the time,” he fondly recalls. It wasn’t just about academics; it was about being part of a family, a close-knit community that shaped values and nurtured dreams.
Pictured: Ps. S. Reginald Michael, PhD
Ask Pastor Michael about his time at CUC, and you’ll be met with a smile and a wave of nostalgia. Reflecting on those formative years and the institution’s smaller student body, Pastor Michael fondly recalls CUC as more than just an institution of learning; it was a close-knit family where every day was a cherished memory. He reminisces, “To be honest with you, I can’t think of a bad day in CUC.”
As Pastor Michael delved into his studies, he found himself not just a student, but a part of a larger calling — to serve the Church and its community. Grounded in this shared mission, the CUC community focused not on personal accolades but on contributing to the work of the Church. “It was the CUC family,” Pastor Michael reminisces, “We were very proud of those who went ahead of us and came back to help those of us who were now getting ready”. In those days, education was a rare treasure, and the professors, many holding bachelor’s degrees, were local heroes returning to serve, teach and impart wisdom to the next generation.
Over the years, Pastor Michael has been a steadfast supporter of USC. Through financial contributions and active engagement in campus development projects, he has played a pivotal role in enhancing the USC experience for future generations. Through intentional encouragement to prospective students, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the USC community.
From CUC to the World: A Life of Service
Upon graduating in 1969, Pastor Michael embarked on a remarkable journey of service and leadership. From the British Virgin Islands to the United States Virgin Islands, his dedication to spreading the message of faith and compassion knew no bounds. Notably, his efforts led to the establishment of the Central Seventh-day Adventist Church in St. Croix, USVI.
In the early 1970’s the Central Seventh-day Adventist Church boasted the largest physical church building and largest membership in the Caribbean Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The Central Seventh-day Adventist Church was young both in time of establishment, and the age range of the congregation. “We built the church and we were dedicating babies almost every month,” Pastor Michael shares, beaming with pride, “We all grew together. I was at the time, about 26. I had my own babies during this time too. It was a group of young people who were developing into maturity at the same time.”
Throughout his impactful career, Pastor Michael’s path was one of service and education. He continued his pastoral ministry in New York, USA, overseeing congregations at Flatbush, Hanson Place, First White Plains, and Brooklyn Faith, and also served as Director of Stewardship for the Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Beyond his pastoral duties, Pastor Michael’s journey took him across teaching at renowned institutions like the St. Croix SDA School and the University of Eastern Africa in Kenya.
Words of Wisdom: A Beacon for Current Students
Today, as Pastor Michael reflects on his journey, he imparts words of wisdom to current students, urging them to uphold the timeless values of faith and integrity. “I hope we’ll all be committed to the fundamentals of biblical teachings,” he advises. “Accept change, but do not compromise on the principles that guide us.”
Pastor Michael offers sage advice to current students. “Embrace change but hold fast to biblical principles,” he urges. His life serves as a testament to the enduring value of a faith-driven education. He continues, “The values by which I live, I learned at CUC”, inspiring students to stay committed to their beliefs and aspirations.
Pastor Michael’s love for his alma mater shines brightly. “There’s no place like CUC,” he affirms. “I’ve said to folks all the time, I went to school in CUC. Learning took place in CUC. CUC was family.” One sentiment remains clear – the profound impact of the CUC family. From forming lifelong friendships to instilling core values, the CUC experience continues to resonate with him and countless alumni.
As we celebrate the legacy of Pastor S. Reginald Michael, PhD, let us be inspired by his unwavering dedication to faith, education, and service, embodying the spirit of CUC that continues to resonate through the halls of USC.
