By Mrs. Narsha James, Mrs. Renis Gabriel & Ms. Simone Augustus
From August 21-24, 2024, the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) recently hosted its annual Colloquium under the inspiring theme “CPR (Commitment, Perspective, Responsibility): A Regeneration of Heart.” This event, aimed at reviving the sense of purpose in Christian education among faculty and staff, was skillfully coordinated by Mrs. Narasha James, with the support of a dedicated committee of colleagues including Mrs. Alana Alexander-Walker, Mr. Johnathan Barran, Mr. Drason Browne, Dr. Lena Caesar, Mrs. Beverley Ellis, Ms. Natalia Francois, Mrs. Renis Gabriel, Mrs. Avril John, Mrs. Jillene John-Harris, Mrs. Beverley Khan-Alexis, Dr. Robert Liverpool, Mrs. Marsha Ramsamoojh-Harris, Mrs. Eartha Rawlings, Ms. Kimarah Reefe, Mr. Josh Rudder, Mrs. Vernris Simon-Frederick, and Ms. Nordian Swaby-Robinson.
The two-day event, concluding with a Sabbath session, provided a holistic experience combining professional development, spiritual enrichment, and community building. The focus was clear: to recharge the hearts and minds of USC’s dedicated workforce, ensuring that the institution remains a beacon of excellence in Christian education.
Day 1: Commitment to Christian Education
The opening day was anchored by a devotional led by Pastor Joseph Mahadeo, who emphasized the necessity of the Holy Spirit’s guidance in revitalizing hearts and minds. His message set the tone for the event, reinforcing the idea that true regeneration comes from spiritual renewal.
Following this, Dr. Larry Griffith, MD, delivered a keynote address titled “Inspiring a Regeneration of Heart in the Work of Christian Education through Commitment, Perspective, and Responsibility.” Dr. Griffith’s speech resonated deeply with the audience, as he explored how these three pillars can inspire educators to make a lasting impact on their students.
Another highlight was Dr. Roland Sealy’s session on “The Generational Effect of Higher Education.” This engaging presentation underscored the importance of employing diverse teaching strategies to address the varied learning styles across different generations. It was a compelling reminder of the evolving nature of education and the need to adapt to ensure meaningful learning experiences for all students.
Day 2: Building Stronger Workplaces
On the second day, Mr. Christopher Francique presented on “Embracing & Resolving Workplace Conflict: Students and Colleagues.” His practical guidelines for improving workplace morale and engagement were well-received, as they offered actionable steps to foster better collaboration and communication across all departments.
The day concluded on a high note with the Chow Challenge, a lively competition that brought faculty and staff together in a spirited display of teamwork and camaraderie. This event exemplified the importance of workplace engagement, rounding off a day focused on strengthening the internal bonds within the university.
Sabbath Session: Spiritual Reflection and Renewal
The spiritual pinnacle of Colloquium 2024 came during the Sabbath session, beautifully coordinated by Mrs. Avril Henry-John and her team. Through drama and music, the session powerfully illustrated how USC’s heart has been nurtured and sustained by the unwavering commitment of its workers over the years.
Dr. Stephen Carryl’s sermon was a stirring call to action, as he drew parallels between the biblical parable of the fig tree and the current state of USC. He urged the congregation to reflect on God’s mercy and to strive for fruitfulness in their roles at the university, emphasizing the importance of making the most of the opportunities given to them.
Theme Song: A Heartfelt Anthem
The Colloquium’s theme song, composed by Mrs. Renis Gabriel, was a unifying anthem that encapsulated the event’s objectives. Its lyrics, urging the USC community to “Keep USC Pumping,” served as a rallying cry to regenerate and revive the heart of the institution. The song echoed the collective determination to nurture every part of USC, ensuring that it remains vibrant and alive through the power of faith and teamwork.
KEEP USC PUMPING
USC is a heart. Let’s nurture every part.
Should we hit a low,
Trusting God, we’ll help the blood flow.
Chorus
Keep USC pumping. Regenerate and revive,
Keep USC pumping. Resuscitate, keep alive.
Bring your laptop, bring your broom,
Whiteboard marker and your pot spoon.
Hand in hand together we’ll do our part
To regenerate the heart.
Keep USC pumping. Regenerate and revive,
Keep USC pumping. With Jesus, we stay alive.
In conclusion, Colloquium 2024 was more than just a series of sessions and speeches; it was a rejuvenating experience that reinforced the core values of the University of the Southern Caribbean. Through the lenses of commitment, perspective, and responsibility, the event succeeded in regenerating the hearts of USC’s faculty and staff, setting the stage for another year of dedicated service in Christian education.
Click here to view the official Colloquium 2024 photo album!
