By Ms. Simone T. Augustus, Communications Specialist, Office of the President
In a quiet valley with nearly a century of stories embedded in its hills, the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) marked the beginning of its centennial celebrations. On Saturday, March 22, 2025, with a clear sense of purpose and the rhythm of alumni voices lifting the air USC commemorated the start of a two-year lead-up to its 100th anniversary in 2027. The theme: Journey to 100: Excellence in Motion — a phrase that captured the day’s energy and the university’s ambitions.
The festivities began with a sacred moment, a Sabbath service at the Caring University Church, grounding the celebrations in one of USC’s foundational values: spiritual nurture. The featured sermon during the divine hour was delivered by Pastor Elie Henry, President of the Inter-American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. His message set the spiritual tone for a day of reflection, vision and gratitude. Gratitude that began first and foremost with thanks to God for His miraculous provision over nearly 100 years.
At USC, we pride ourselves on an educational philosophy rooted in several pillars, one of the most vital being spiritual growth. As we look toward 2027, we also look back to our founding in 1927 as the East Caribbean Training School (ECTS), a humble beginning with a profound mission – to train the youth of the Caribbean as pastors and teachers in service to both God and humanity. This vision earned USC the lasting title the School of the Prophets, a name that still resonates today.
Special thanks were also extended to Ps. Elie Henry and his wife for their presence and support, and to Dr. Lincoln Edwards, President of North Caribbean University (NCU), who joined the USC community for both the morning and evening events. Dr. Edwards opened the evening program with an inspiring vespers, further emphasizing the spiritual ethos that continues to guide USC.
The evening unfolded with music, memories, and an extraordinary milestone. Themed, “Journey to 100: Excellence in Motion,” this event was no ceremonial ribbon-cutting. Before a live audience and international online viewers, USC quietly achieved something few institutions do in a single night: it raised over USD$800,000 in pledges and donations, exceeding its USD$500,000 fundraising goal as the institution steps into its 98th year.
Now, nearly 100 years later, as USC’s mission continues to evolve, the centennial launch celebrated a future of promise and reflected on more than nine decades of excellence — a recognition of the sacrifice, leadership, and faith that built the university’s foundation.
During the evening launch event, Pastor Henry was also invited to deliver the official declaration of the centennial celebrations. Speaking to both in-person and online attendees, Pastor Henry emphasized the Adventist mission to prepare individuals not just for professional success, but for eternal purpose: “If you want to succeed in life, look to God and discover what He has in store for you.”
In his remarks, he shared heartfelt reflections on God’s hand in guiding His institutions, expressing that it was “a great honor” to witness firsthand how USC continues to embody the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He emphasized USC’s unique role within the Inter-American Division, which comprises over 24,000 churches and 13 Adventist universities spanning the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and parts of South America and North America.
Recognizing USC’s unique regional and global role, he declared, “USC has reached a commendable and extraordinary place… Not only because of its rich history… but also because of the meaningful work it is doing for the community here in Trinidad and Tobago—and the world.”
Casting vision for the future, he envisioned USC as a global center for missionary and volunteer training, particularly to the 10/40 Window, noting that countries like Trinidad, Guyana, and Suriname host significant Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist populations. “We can give them that training,” he said, envisioning USC as a beacon of hope and mission for generations to come.
He encouraged USC President Dr. Colwick Wilson and his leadership team to remain attentive to God’s leading: “Let us look at the new things He wants to do for you here…you can do [much] for the best of this institution — going in a good motion to excellence.” At exactly 6:43 PM, Pastor Henry officially declared the launch of USC’s centennial celebrations, inviting the community to move forward with vision, gratitude, and hope.
The money raised is earmarked for a sweeping range of initiatives under USC’s five strategic pillars:
- Spiritual Ethos: Funding the completion of the church building, which will house the Walter Douglas Mission Center.
- Academic Success: Upgrades to classrooms, laboratories, and technology; development of new graduate programs; and student scholarships.
- Faculty and Staff Development: Endowed faculty positions, seed funding for research, and professional development opportunities.
- Operational Efficiency: Investments in digital infrastructure and data warehousing systems to improve university-wide functionality and responsiveness.
- Financial Sustainability: Expansion of USC’s endowment fund and improvement of physical infrastructure — including long-needed renovations, completion of unfinished buildings, upgrades to existing structures, campus roadworks, and new buildings such as a Health & Wellness Center.
Throughout the evening, the spirit of USC’s global community was felt in congratulatory messages from alumni around the world, regional and international church leaders, and the Prime Ministers of Antigua and Barbuda, the Hon. Gaston Browne, and Saint Lucia, the Hon. Philip J. Pierre — two countries where USC operates key satellite campuses.
Performances by USC alumni and friends added a personal, celebratory tone to the evening, grounding the forward-looking agenda in the memories and talents of those shaped by the institution over the decades.
Throughout its 98-year journey, USC’s Maracas Valley campus, affectionately known as Miracle Valley, has served as a hub of personal and spiritual transformation. The launch event honored not just where USC is going, but how far it has come — through the vision of founders, the dedication of administrators, faculty and staff, the faith of alumni and current students, and the powerful work of divine providence.
As USC moves toward its 100th year, this launch sets a tone of confidence and clear direction. For an institution rooted in faith, education, and regional impact, the journey to 2027 is well underway — and it’s already ahead of pace.
100 years in the making — the journey continues! To relive the event or explore how to contribute to USC’s centennial vision, visit https://usc.edu.tt/usc100launch/.
