USC Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Pageant 2025: A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
By Ms. Nadira Mohammed, Corporate Communications Assistant and Ms. Simone T. Augustus, Communications Specialist, Office of the President
On March 16, 2025, the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) hosted the highly anticipated Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Pageant, celebrating academic achievement, cultural heritage, and artistic brilliance. This premier event showcased outstanding students excelling in research, community service, and creative expression. The evening featured captivating cultural performances and thought-provoking presentations, reflecting USC’s commitment to holistic education. The night culminated in the crowning of Michael Garcia and Alicia Lewis as Mr. and Ms. USC 2025.
The theme of the 2025 pageant, “Entrepreneurial Innovations: An Imperative for Sustainability in the Caribbean,” was carefully chosen to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 8—Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Goal 9—Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. Over the course of eight months, eight dedicated delegates immersed themselves in research, mentorship, and community engagement, honing the skills necessary to be catalysts for economic sustainability in the Caribbean.
The evening held even deeper significance as it marked the final official engagement of Mrs. Sharon Clark-Rowley in her role as the spouse of Trinidad and Tobago’s seventh Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, who officially resigned from office on March 16, 2025. Mrs. Clark-Rowley spoke passionately about the importance of excellence in education and nation-building. She praised the program for embodying the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s philosophy of holistic education—developing the head, heart, and hand—and emphasized that excellence must become a national mindset if the Caribbean is to thrive. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the mission of the Portraits of Excellence initiative.
In a moving address, Mrs. Clark-Rowley emphasized the urgent need to cultivate a national culture of excellence to advance the Caribbean region. “The University of the Southern Caribbean is responding to the contemporary challenges of the Caribbean by instilling a culture of excellence through recognition and reward,” she affirmed. “By doing so, you are ultimately contributing to a better way of life for our Caribbean people.”
As she concluded her address, Mrs. Clark-Rowley offered a lasting charge to the delegates, “As you set your goals in life and embark upon your respective journeys along the road to excellence, never forget that the witnessing of Christ has to be your highest goal.”
Rigorous Training and Transformative Learning
The Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Awards & Gala Competition is done under the guidance of a cross departmental committee of faculty and staff, ably led by Pastor Onesi La Fleur and his Student Life and Support Team. One of the priorities of the Division of Student Services & Enrollment Management is to ensure that USC’s students are actively engaged in high impact co-curricular practices such as undergraduate research and service learning throughout their university experience. .Additionally, to assist the students with their preparation on this journey to excellence, each delegate was paired with a faculty, staff or alumni mentor.
The value and innovation of the Portraits of Excellence Scholarship program has been acknowledged by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) who presented USC in 2023 with the Innovative Academic Support Initiative Award.
In August 2024, an extraordinary journey began—one of growth, perseverance, and excellence. The Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Program, an initiative of the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC), embarked on yet another transformative cycle, reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and cultural appreciation.
Since its inception in 2006, the Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Program has been a cornerstone of USC’s mission to cultivate well-rounded scholars who exemplify intellect, service, and innovation. After a brief hiatus, the program was revived in 2023, reclaiming its place as a prestigious platform for recognizing USC’s finest students across its seven campuses. The program continues to thrive under the distinguished patronage of Mrs. Sharon Clark-Rowley, wife of the seventh Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, who has passionately championed its vision since its revival.
The program’s intensive schedule included workshops on speech dynamics, resume writing, health and hygiene, emotional intelligence, and professional development, facilitated by esteemed professionals. These sessions provided delegates with essential tools for success beyond the competition stage.
However, the journey was not just about competition—it was about character. Each delegate completed a community outreach project, dedicating a minimum of 20 hours to a cause that aligned with their values and the theme. These initiatives, which contribute 15% of their total scores, reflect the essence of USC’s mission—to transform ordinary people into extraordinary servants of God to humanity.
Additionally, research projects within their respective academic disciplines accounted for 40% of their total scores, ensuring that they contributed to scholarly discussions and real-world problem-solving. Faculty mentors provided invaluable guidance, helping delegates present innovative solutions to pressing societal challenges.In addition to academic rigor, the delegates completed community service projects, dedicating their time and effort to making a meaningful impact.
A Grand Celebration of Intellect, Culture, and Talent
Held on Sunday, March 16, 2025, the Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Pageant 2025 was a breathtaking showcase of intellect, culture, and talent. Hosted at USC, the event was the culmination of months of preparation, featuring research presentations, community service initiatives, and cultural showcases. Friends, family, and faculty members gathered in anticipation as delegates vied for the prestigious Mr. and Ms. USC titles. More than a competition, the night was a powerful display of Caribbean identity, resilience, and ingenuity.
Top Honors: The Crowning of Excellence
The most anticipated moment of the night arrived when Michael Garcia and Alicia Lewis were crowned Mr. and Ms. USC 2025 winning a tuition prize of $30 Thousand TT dollars respectively , marking their triumph after months of dedication and hard work.
Academic and Research Excellence:
- Best Oral Research Presentation: Michael Garcia (TT$1,000.00)
- First Place – Overall Research Award: Alicia Lewis (TT$10,000.00)
- Second Place – Overall Research Award: Michael Garcia (TT$7,000.00)
- Best Community Project Award: Alicia Lewis & Asahel Joseph (TT$5,000)
These achievements reinforced that the competition was about more than just aesthetics—it was about shaping thought leaders and change-makers.
Cultural Wear Showcase: A Tapestry of Caribbean Identity
The Cultural Wear segment transported the audience on a visual and emotional journey through the rich heritage of the Caribbean. Each delegate’s ensemble was a storytelling masterpiece, embodying history, struggle, and triumph.
- Ahjea Jackson (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) embodied the powerful force of nature with a design inspired by La Soufrière Volcano and the national flower, the Soufrière Tree Blossom. The fiery colors and intricate embroidery symbolized resilience and rebirth.
- Alicia Lewis (Antigua and Barbuda) unveiled Aurora Futurum, a futuristic representation of Antigua’s sustainability movement. Her LED-lit headpiece symbolized innovation, while her cape depicted the island’s beaches and sargassum seaweed, which is being explored as a biofuel.
- Felesha Jack (Dominica) modernized the traditional Wob Dwiyet, integrating bamboo beading and Kalinago craftsmanship to highlight the entrepreneurial strength of the Dominican people. Her ensemble paid homage to the national bird, the Sisserou Parrot, a symbol of determination.
- Hansel Thomas (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) portrayed Wings of the Vincentian Spirit, honoring the legendary Garifuna warriors and the national Amazona Guildingii parrot. His costume reflected the strength and unyielding spirit of his ancestors.
- Asahel Joseph (Antigua and Barbuda) stunned the audience with Freedom Flyer, an elaborate tribute to the national frigate bird, with wings spanning across his back to symbolize Antigua’s journey to independence and economic resilience.
- Michael Garcia (Trinidad and Tobago) merged two cultural icons—the Midnight Robber and the Steelpan—into The Pan Midnight Robber. His powerful presence and bold storytelling reminded the audience of the intersection between tradition and entrepreneurship.
- Marques Bruce (South Campus) took on the role of Papa Bois, the guardian of the forest, with a costume crafted from eco-friendly materials. His portrayal reinforced the urgent need for sustainability in the Caribbean.
- Ruqayya Abdul-Haqq (Trinidad and Tobago) transformed into Tourist Annie, showcasing the vibrancy of local industry, from cocoa farming to steelpan innovation.
Best Cultural Wear Awards:
- Female: Ruqayya Abdul-Haqq
- Male: Michael Garcia
Talent Showcase: An Explosion of Creativity and Passion
The talent segment was nothing short of extraordinary, leaving the audience in awe as contestants delivered performances infused with Caribbean rhythm, storytelling, and emotion.
- Ahjea Jackson electrified the stage with Success, a powerful Afro-soul and spoken-word fusion celebrating women entrepreneurs. Her performance concluded with a dramatic reveal of a painting honoring the event’s patroness.
- Alicia Lewis delivered an inspiring spoken-word piece transitioning into a soulful song about sustainability and entrepreneurship, challenging students to create solutions to food waste on campus.
- Felesha Jack brought energy and empowerment through her original song You Could Be Your Own Boss!, encouraging self-made success through resilience.
- Hansel Thomas took the audience on a journey of self-doubt and perseverance with a contemporary dance to Weight in Gold, symbolizing the struggles and victories of entrepreneurship.
- Asahel Joseph delivered a musical storytelling piece about overcoming financial hardship, using reggae beats and a compelling narrative to show his evolution from struggle to success.
- Michael Garcia performed a theatrical and comedic retelling of steelpan history, blending humor, music, and heritage to highlight its cultural significance.
- Marques Bruce presented a deeply spiritual and moving dance piece set to Jehovah, expressing faith and perseverance through elegant choreography.
- Ruqayya Abdul-Haqq delivered Vibert is King, a dramatic monologue blending spoken word and steelpan rhythms, portraying the transition from hardship to triumph.
Best Talent Awards:
- Female: Ahjea Jackson
- Male: Michael Garcia
Scholarships and Recognitions
The competition not only honored artistic and academic achievements but also rewarded students with scholarships to support their future aspirations.
- People’s Choice Award: Felesha Jack ( TT$1,000.00)
- Congeniality Award: Marques Bruce ( TT$1,000.00)
- 25% Tuition Awards: Ahjae Jackson, Ruqayya Abdul-Haqq, Marques Bruce, Asahel Joseph (TT$7,500.00)
- First Runner-up (Female): Felesha Jack (TT$15,000 tuition award)
- First Runner-up (Male): Hansel Thomas (TT$15,000 tuition award)
A Lasting Legacy of Excellence
Keeping in line with the theme of the event, the USC saw it fitting to also honor Ms. Del Phillips- Assistant Professor in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship for her pioneering role in developing the Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Awards & Gala competition. Ms. Teen Trinidad and Tobago – who is currently a student at the USC assisted Pastor Onesi La Fleur with this presentation.
The Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Pageant 2025 was more than just a competition—it was a movement. The event showcased the brilliance, resilience, and innovation of Caribbean youth, proving that they are not just future leaders but present-day change-makers. As the curtains fell and the champions exited the stage, they carried with them more than just titles; they bore the torch of excellence, ready to shape the Caribbean’s future with vision, artistry, and unwavering determination.
Judges and Sponsors
Pageant Night Judges:
- Mr. Kivonne Ramsawak (Chief Judge) – Film Director and Editor, Film Production Unit, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus
- Dr. Helen Cumberbatch – Vice President of Student Affairs at COSTAATT.
- Mr. Derron Sandy – Spoken Word Poet & Performer, Creative Education and Artistic Director.
- Dr. Raymond Weekes – Lecturer of Theatre Arts, Creative & Festival Arts at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus
- Mrs. Shawna Steede-Nicholas – Business Strategy Manager, Grace Kennedy (Trinidad and Tobago)
Pre-pageant Judges:
- Written Research Projects: Dr. Justin Zephyrine, Ms. Natalie Maharaj, Dr. Barbara Constance
- Oral Research Presentations: Dr. Fiona Rajkumar, Dr. Paul Richards, Dr. Kyra McGowan-Santana
- Community Projects: Dr. Glenda Hinkson, Mr. Michael Perez, Pastor Malverne Mentore
Special Thank You to our Sponsors
RBC Royal Bank, Eastern Divers Group of Companies, Point Lisas Nitrogen Limited, UNIPET, Western Scientific, Lesli & Durey Arthur, IADPA, College Health Foods, Eve Anderson and Associates, Bakers Flags & Emblems, Executive Office Supplies, Matvern Limited, M&M Insurance, FLOW, North American USC Alumni Association, Drs. Orville & Phyllis Woolford, Dr. Leon Wilson, Dr. Dale Alexander, Neville & Alma Elder, Zwade Studios, Better Listing Foods Ltd., M’Saydez Campbell, NATCO, Blue Waters, Forward Industries, TovaTickets, Heavenly Gardens.
Igniting Innovation: Entrepreneurship Day Sparks Creativity and Real-World Learning
By Nadira Mohammed, Corporate Communications Student Journalist
Launched in 2023 by visionary educator Stacey Simmons-Roberts as a successor to Business Week, Entrepreneurship Day has quickly become a cornerstone event. Organized at least once a year, it has grown in scale and ambition, fueled by the enthusiasm and ingenuity of its participants. Every semester, the School of Business & Entrepreneurship becomes a vibrant hub of innovation during the much-anticipated Entrepreneurship Day. This signature event showcases student creativity, business acumen, and entrepreneurial spirit, offering a thrilling journey into the heart of modern enterprise.
The event featured an array of booths offering a variety of products and experiences. Not all booths had formal names, so they are described based on their offerings:
- Lollies Booth: Selling a selection of lollipops.
- Brownie Delit: Showcasing an assortment of brownies, including Oreo-topped and cream cheese-filled options.
- Brownies and Cookies Booth: Another booth dedicated to delicious baked goods.
- Trini-Small Island Fusion Cuisine Booth: Highlighting a creative blend of Trinidadian and small island flavors. Flyers for this booth were shared in the dorm chat, though they couldn’t be located at the moment.
- Confectionery Booth: A lady selling delightful cakes and cinnamon bites.
- Fresh Seasoning and Plants Booth: Offering fresh seasoning blends and festive plants for Christmas.
- Crochet Creations Booth: Run by a young entrepreneur selling handmade crocheted items like keychains, faux flowers, and more.
- Decorated Stanley Cups & Cinnamon Rolls Booth: Featuring uniquely designed Stanley cups alongside cinnamon rolls.
- Pholourie and Endeavour Booth: Operated by a student from the South Campus, who gained popularity for her offerings and was encouraged to participate in the event.
- Charles Chocolates Booth: Selling the beloved chocolate brand.
- Desserts Booth in BB13: Located within the BB13 classroom, this booth offered gourmet cupcakes and cinnamon rolls.
Activities and Entertainment:
- BB13 Classroom Transformation: Hosted games organized by the BSA, including table tennis, pool, floor chess/checkers, and a puzzle challenge. The puzzle challenge, in collaboration with the Stanley Cup booth, offered a Stanley cup as a prize. A brand tub activity also gained immense popularity, with students eagerly trying to win over 20 prizes before eventually securing a coveted pair of headphones.
- Music and Parang: Provided by the BSA, setting a festive atmosphere.
- Presidential Support: USC President actively engaged with the event, generously supporting businesses by purchasing from nearly every booth and paying for attendees’ activities. He also participated in games, notably challenging ASB President Jamol Pompey to an intense table tennis match.
The event fostered vibrant interactions, showcased creative ventures, and brought together the USC community for a memorable celebration.
Entrepreneurship Day seamlessly merges classroom theory with real-world application, providing students with an invaluable opportunity to apply concepts learned in courses like Entrepreneurship, Advertising & Sales Promotions, and Service Marketing. Students develop business plans, craft marketing strategies, sell products, and offer services—skills that are directly tied to their final grades, making this event both a challenge and an opportunity for growth.
One shining example of this application is Christel Thompson, a third-year Marketing student. As a seasoned participant in Entrepreneurship Day, this being her third year, Christel demonstrated her expertise by selling crocheted items such as keychains and faux flowers. Her booth showcased her ability to merge creativity with marketing strategies, a testament to her coursework in Marketing and Advertising.
Students utilized pre-event marketing to attract attendees, employing tactics learned in class to promote their booths via social media, dorm flyers, and word-of-mouth. On the day of the event, they had to engage directly with customers, putting into practice principles such as persuasive communication, overcoming objections, and building rapport—skills honed in Advertising and Sales Promotions. For instance, booths selling brownies, pholourie, and gourmet cupcakes had to adapt their pitches to convert interested visitors into paying customers, mimicking the dynamics of a real-world marketplace.
The event was hosted by Stacey Simmons-Roberts, who emphasizes experiential learning as a cornerstone of her teaching philosophy. By replacing traditional final exams with events like Entrepreneurship Day, she ensures her students gain practical experience, which she believes is critical to shaping capable, well-rounded professionals. Faculty like Odell Jueanville also provided guidance during the event, offering feedback and strategies to improve the students’ entrepreneurial efforts for future success.
The event’s collaborative atmosphere extended beyond the students. Faculty, staff, and even the USC President participated, offering encouragement and financial support. The President’s active involvement, including paying for items at various booths and challenging the ASB President Jamol Pompey to a spirited game of table tennis, highlighted the university’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial growth in its students.
For many students, Entrepreneurship Day was an eye-opener, revealing the challenges of running a business. They learned firsthand how to attract customers, negotiate sales, and deal with competition. These experiences reflected the concepts taught in their courses and provided them with a practical understanding of entrepreneurship.
As the evening wound down, faculty and staff continued to engage with the event, offering insights and recognizing students’ efforts. Entrepreneurship Day proved to be more than just a grade-earning opportunity—it was a platform for innovation, personal growth, and community engagement.
As the evening wound down, faculty and staff continued to engage with the event, offering insights and recognizing students’ efforts. Entrepreneurship Day proved to be more than just a grade-earning opportunity—it was a platform for innovation, personal growth, and community engagement.
Looking ahead, the Business Student Association (BSA) is working to expand the event’s reach, inviting students from all disciplines to participate. This cross-university collaboration aims to create a melting pot of ideas, fostering innovation from diverse perspectives.
The upcoming edition, themed around Christmas, promises festive cheer with holiday-themed offerings and interactive activities designed to attract larger crowds. Beyond the festivities, there are plans to make Entrepreneurship Day a more frequent and integral part of campus life, reflecting the school’s commitment to preparing students for the professional world while celebrating their creativity.
- Published in Events, News, School of Business, Students, Uncategorized
The Dr. Shirley A. McGarrell’s Future Leaders’ Debate Competition
By Angelique Gurley, Corporate Communications Student Journalist, Kadan Esson, Corporate Communications Assistant
The School of Education and Humanities at The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) recently hosted the highly anticipated Dr. Shirley A. McGarrell’s. Future Leaders Debate Competition 2024, featuring a spirited intellectual exchange between two of USC’s leading schools: the School of Education and Humanities and the School of Science, Technology, and Allied Health.
This year’s debate tackled the timely resolution: “Be it resolved that the potential of artificial intelligence to augment human relationships should be embraced.” The competition highlighted the exceptional talent, research, and strategic argumentation of USC students as they explored the complex relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and human connections.
The Debate
Two teams of passionate debaters took to the stage to present compelling arguments for and against the resolution:
- The School of Science, Technology and Allied Health:
Represented by Marc Alleyne, Natalya Morris, and Jerleema Frampton (Miss USC), the team argued in favor of embracing AI as a tool to augment human relationships. They emphasized AI’s potential to protect vulnerable populations, such as children, through technologies like chatbots that can simulate human interactions and intercept harmful online behavior. Their stance framed AI as a responsible and supportive force that enhances, rather than replaces, human empathy.
- The School of Education and Humanities:
Represented by Aqeisha Ackool, Ketaryah Taitt, and Ruqayya Abdul Haqq (Portrait of Excellence 2025 delegate). The team cautioned against unregulated AI development, pointing to risks such as job displacement, ethical misuse, and diminished socialization. They highlighted real-world cases of AI manipulation and warned of the technology’s potential to harm vulnerable groups. Their arguments underscored the need for regulation and a measured approach to integrating AI into human relationships.
Key Highlights and Insights
The debate showcased a balanced exploration of AI’s potential and challenges. Marc Alleyne clarified the distinction between AI and robotics, explaining that AI enhances human experiences by automating specific tasks. Meanwhile, Aqeisha Ackool highlighted the dangers of technologies like deepfakes and their potential misuse in creating explicit or manipulative content.
Both teams demonstrated thoughtful engagement with the topic, offering nuanced perspectives on AI’s societal impact.
The Judging Panel
The competition was evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges:
- Senator Dr. Paul Richards: Provided insights on presentation, body language, and clarity.
- Ms. Chantal La Roche: Acting Clerk of the Senate, assessed arguments from a legal and procedural standpoint.
- Mrs. Petronetta Pierre-Robertson: chief adjudicator, Managing Editor of the Caribbean Curriculum Journal, brought her expertise in academic research and education to the evaluation process.
Awards and Results
After intense deliberation, the results were announced:
- Best Teamwork: School of Education and Humanities
- Best Research: Marc Alleyne
- Best Debater: Aqeisha Ackool
- Debate Winner: The School of Education and Humanities
A Resounding Success
The Future Leaders Debate Competition 2024 was a testament to the intellectual depth and passion of USC students. The event sparked critical dialogue on the ethical and social implications of AI, emphasizing the importance of balancing technological innovation with human values.
While the School of Education and Humanities emerged as the winners, both teams showcased exceptional research and argumentation, leaving the audience with much to reflect on as AI continues to shape our world.
This debate serves as a reminder of the role of academic institutions in fostering critical thinking and preparing future leaders to navigate the complexities of technology and society.
Dr. Naomi N. Modeste: An Exemplar of the USCian Ethic
By Hayden McKenna
At its most recent Graduation Ceremony, the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) honoured
Dr. Naomi Modeste with the Spirit of USC Award. This award is bestowed on a bonafide or honourary alumnus of USC (or its ancestral predecessors) who is “exemplary in their spiritual conduct, scholarly activities, service to humanity, and high moral and ethical standards.” (Spirit of USC Award Official Criteria). Dr. Modeste’s character, career and contributions surpass this descriptive billing, making her a most deserving awardee.
Now retired and residing in Georgia in the United States of America, Dr. Modeste’s interest in the field of public health remains undiminished. So too is her affection for the Caribbean and her interest in the key public health issues that confront the region and its people.
Naomi Modeste was born in Tobago and spent her early life in a close-knit Seventh-day Adventist family in the windward Village of Belle Garden. Home-schooled until she was eight years old, Naomi entered the Glamorgan Seventh-day Adventist Primary School, which would later be named after educator and later minister of the gospel, pastor John Roberts, who in 1927 was among the first cohort of students to enroll in the East Caribbean Training School which today is the University of the Southern Caribbean. Pastor Roberts was the first Tobagonian to be ordained to the Gospel Ministry by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Dr. Modeste recalls that her stay in primary school was quite truncated as she was skipped through the standards because her teachers thought she was bright. Within four years she was finished with primary school with no immediate prospects for secondary education. That would change with the arrival of Mr. Charles Mark, an Antiguan educator who brought a secondary school programme to the compound of the Glamorgan Seventh-day Adventist Primary School. He encouraged parents of the villages around to send their teenaged children to secondary School. Naomi Modeste was among them. The experiment was however short-lived and abandoned before young Naomi Modeste could finish secondary school.
It was at CUC that Naomi Modeste completed her secondary education and went on to successfully pursue an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies.
Dr. Modeste recalls having to initially adjust to dormitory life away from the home of her parents. She
also carries cherished memories of the CUC experience and its impact on shaping her life. There were the inspirational teachers and mentors on the campus. Among them she mentions B.G.O French the Fordes and the quiet but influential Mr. Lawrence who she remembers as a Geography teacher, a subject for which she had great affection. Dr. Modeste remembers the white-frocked female attendance to church services on Sabbaths and with the spice of good humour confesses that four years of that peculiar ritual perhaps provided her with enough white-dress-wearing for a lifetime.
Decades before Dr. Colwick Wilson attached the moniker “Miracle Valley” to the USC Main Campus, miracles have been a fixture of campus life. Dr. Modeste recalls the case of a young lady whose terrible episodic headaches would lead to the diagnosis of a brain tumor. She remembers her college mates and the entire campus community making the case a subject of organized round-the-clock prayer sometimes by the riverside. When the young lady’s doctor performed the final scans before her scheduled brain surgery, they found that the tumor had vanished. This subject of campus prayer is most probably still alive today some six decades later without ever having a relapse – Miracle Valley!
After graduating from CUC in 1968, Dr. Modeste returned home to Belle Garden, Tobago. She was determined to further her education although the money was saying otherwise. She applied to three Adventist schools in the United States and prayed that the first institution to revert with an acceptance letter would be the one she would choose. The first acceptance letter she saw came from Union College (UC) in Lincoln, Nebraska. She would later find out that an acceptance letter had arrived earlier from Atlantic Union College. Somehow it was misplaced and the first she saw came from Union College. So off to Union College she went, convinced of God’s leading. There she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Psychology. While at UC, a recruiter visited from Loma Linda University (LLU). The Master’s Degree in Public Health (MPH) was among the programmes the recruiter promoted.
This programme piqued Naomi’s interest. She applied for it, was accepted and was able to complete the MPH programme in one year.
Naomi then returned to Trinidad and Tobago. While exploring potential employment prospects – perhaps the most promising being in one of the Virgin Islands, she had a chance meeting at the Community Hospital with Pastor Slimen Saliba (now Dr. Slimen Saliba) who, elated that she had completed her studies and was back home, insisted that she should come and work at the South Caribbean Conference (SCC) Office, headquartered in Woodbrook, Port of Spain at that time. He talked the matter over with the Conference President Pastor Samuel L. Gadsby and she was invited to join the conference as its Health and Temperance Director in 1972. Responsibility for the local work of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) would later be added to the portfolio. She spent six productive years in the position. She pioneered community health fairs in Trinidad and Tobago.
Apart from organizing health fairs across the country, she also teamed-up with nurses to hold well-baby clinics and collaborated with health educators in the public sector on programmes such as stop smoking campaigns. Practical nutrition education was one of the major areas of focus she prioritized as Health and Temperance Director. It is largely her passion in this area that prompted her to write and publish what was perhaps the first vegetarian cookbook for the Caribbean with more than 100 recipes using locally available ingredients. She recalls as well teaching nutrition and health science classes pro bono at CUC and being encouraged by colleagues there, especially the Dr. and Mrs. Shim to produce this vegetarian cookbook using local foods. When the book (Modeste, Naomi N. 1981. Your Vegetarian Cookbook for Healthful Cooking With Over 100 Recipes Port of Spain: College Press) was finally published, its author had been elevated to the position to Health and Temperance and ADRA Director of the Caribbean Union Conference of Seventh day Adventists (CARU).
In 1978, Naomi Modeste was elected to serve as Health and Temperance and ADRA Director of the CARU a few short weeks after being re-elected in the same post at the SCC. The opportunity to extend her work to the other Adventist fields of the Caribbean – which she had already been doing when invited to – now presented itself substantively. She took up this opportunity and served from CARU from 1978 to 1987. She remembers leading and being involved in several health promotion projects and disaster relief efforts across the CARU territories.
It was during her tenure at CARU that Naomi Modeste found a way to further her education to the terminal level. To do this she developed a proposal that persuaded Elder Eric John Murray and the CARU Administration that she could carry on in office while studying at Loma Linda University in California, USA for the Doctor of Public Health degree. She would work remotely even before working remotely was a thing! Moreover, her proposal opened the way for non-ministerial workers (non-pastors) to receive education assistance from the church in the Caribbean and perhaps elsewhere. Her case therefore contributed to denominational policy formation in this area. After earning her doctorate, Dr. Modeste returned in-person to CARU.
In 1987, the untimely passing of Health Director of the Inter-American Division of Seventh-day Adventists (IAD) saw Dr. Modeste called to fill the vacancy created at the next rung of the world church structure. She had to relocate to Florida, USA to take up duties.
In 1990, Dr. Modeste accepted a call to the faculty of Loma Linda University. She officially joined the faculty in 1991. Her record of academic work and professional service would elevate her to a full professorship at LLU’s School of Public Health. She served at LLU for 25 years and held several positions of leadership and influence including Chair of the Department of Health Promotion and Education and Director of the Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Health Education. Dr. Modeste is well published. She is author of a textbook, several book chapters, more than 90 peer reviewed articles, a cookbook and a memoir among other published work. She has given innumerable presentations in several countries at various conferences, seminars, workshops, symposia and church meetings.
In 2016, Dr. Modeste retired and relocated to Georgia. Her passion for the field that she dedicated most of her adult life to has not abated. She continues to cast a concerned eye on contemporary public health issues, particularly those confronting Caribbean countries. She is concerned about the struggles we are having with the epidemic of chronic non-communicable diseases, our less than positive food, nutrition and lifestyle choices, the penetration of the North American fast-food culture and franchises into the Caribbean, our surrender to stressful lifestyles and how angry we seem to be becoming. The growing incidence of criminal activity in parts of the Caribbean persuades her – like our heads of government and many citizens – that crime has become a public health issue in our region. She argues that families the church, schools, academia and other institutions of socialization have important roles to play in all of this. There is particularly the need for indigenous research to drive progressive policy making and implementation around these issues. In her view, her alma mater USC is well placed to engage in some of this research.
On the matter of receiving the Spirit of USC Award last June, Dr. Modeste expressed her elation. “I felt very happy about it… I was happy and contented and I felt appreciated, I really did… I was thankful.”
Dr. Modeste’s life and work richly exemplifies USC’s Mission “to transform ordinary people into extraordinary servants of God to humanity” and the USCian ethic embedded in the appeal of our motto to go “beyond excellence”!
- Published in News
Leadership Advancements at the University of Southern Caribbean: Introducing the USC Leadership Academy (USCLA)
By Kadan Esson, Nadira Mohammed
On Friday, November 10, 2023, the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) launched its Leadership Academy (USCLA) with the tagline “Leadership Matters”. This initiative is set to reshape the future of leadership within our beloved USC and resonate far beyond.
USCLA’s inaugural session kicked off with welcoming remarks from USC’s Director of Human Resources, Mrs. Marsha Harris, and President, Dr. Colwick Wilson. Dr. Wilson closed with words of empowerment by commending all the student leaders who carry the mantle of perseverance and applauding their passionate drive.
The launch’s keynote speaker was quite a familiar face to the USC community, Dr. Leon Wilson, Professor and Chair, Morgan State University, formerly served USC as Provost in 2018. Dr. Wilson’s keynote topic of “So You Want To Be An Academic Leader! Why Bother!” captivated the audience as he shared insights from his impressive academic career on what not to do as an academic leader.
Dr. Wilson shared that, “The value of academic leaders lies in the recognition of unique contributions each one can make, celebrate, and avoid shutting it down but letting it flourish and grow.” He stated that one of the world’s biggest problems is that there are people who do not harbor the skills and have not been exposed to anything but themselves, yet want to be leaders in the academy and leap to the top while ignoring the values of experiences. He left us with a reminder that “Leadership is centered on the idea of building and maintaining relationships.”
Specially invited guest, Mr. Dexter Riley, CEO of Unipet and USC alum shared observations and anecdotes from his decades of leadership that provided motivation and inspiration to USCLA attendees.
Drawing from his personal life, Mr. Riley described himself as a family oriented man who continues to be guided by values instilled by his mother. Referencing the story of Noah and the Ark, Mr. Riley highlighted the value of trust, planning, preparation, and building for the future. Mr. Riley attributed trust as the bedrock that kept UNIPET together, he further expanded that, “…leadership is not about being in charge but taking care of those in your charge.”
About USCLA
USCLA is designed to foster the growth of ethical, visionary, and transformational leaders from all backgrounds who can make a positive impact at the University and by extension society. USCLA aims at targeting Administrators, Deans, Chairs, Directors, and Coordinators who are pivotal to USC’s success. It seeks to inspire, educate, and empower individuals to become ethical, visionary, and transformational leaders. USCLA combines theoretical foundations with experiential learning to ensure that participants not only acquire knowledge but also develop the skills and attitudes necessary for effective leadership; that align with the university’s mission, vision and overarching objectives.
USCLA’s Mission and Objectives
USCLA’s mission is to inspire, educate, and empower individuals to become leaders driving positive change. We envision leaders guided by integrity, empathy, and commitment, leading with purpose, inspiring innovation, and fostering sustainable progress.
The academy seeks to upskill leaders through comprehensive training, provide real-world experiences, and foster a culture of ethical leadership. Our goal is to cultivate leaders embodying the highest standards of excellence, representing principles like authenticity, continuous learning, collaboration, and more.
With a mix of local and foreign facilitators/practitioners boasting extensive leadership experience, USCLA promises an enriching learning journey. Our diverse training programs cover Leadership Essentials, Organizational Impact, Development, Relational Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and more. Tailored to address various leadership facets, these programs aim to enhance USC’s leadership potential.
USCLA is not just an academy; it’s a commitment to shaping leaders who will inspire, innovate, and drive progress. Leadership matters, and at USC, we’re investing in ours.
- Published in News, Office of the President