USC Announces New Leadership Appointments
USC Announces New Leadership Appointments
The University of the Southern Caribbean is pleased to announce the appointment of its new team of experienced leaders, following the decision made by the Board of Trustees on February 23, 2023:
- Len Archer (PhD), Provost
- Lena Caesar (EdD, PhD) Associate Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies
- Barbara Reynolds (EdD), Vice President of Administration, Advancement, and Planning
- Samuel Sankar, Director of Strategic Partnerships and University Relations
USC is also delighted to announce additional key leadership appointments:
- Susan Chand (PhD), Dean, School of Social Sciences
- Sharon Ramkissoon De Freitas ( MSc. ), Director of Business Development
- Nordian C. Swaby Robinson (MBA), Director, Institutional Research
We are excited to welcome these new leaders and their families to our team and look forward to the contributions they will make to USC. These leaders bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our institution, and we are thrilled to have them join our team.
Len Archer (PhD), Provost, previously served and Interim Provost at USC. He holds the title of Professor Emeritus since his retirement in 2020 from AdventHealth University where he served as the Vice-President for Academic Administration and Academic Dean for Undergraduate programs at AdventHealth University for 10 years.
Dr. Archer is a native of Trinidad and Tobago and received his undergraduate degree in Botany and Applied Botany at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad.
He completed a M.S. (Biology) at Andrews University and a PhD in Microbiology at Indiana State University. He joined the faculty at Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences, now AdventHealth University in 1993. He created the department of Health and Biomedical Sciences and served as the department chair from 2000 to 2011. He has published in the area of Microbiology and presented at national meetings in student retention and student advisement at the American Association of College Registrars and Academic Officers (AACRAO) where he was a member of AACRAO national committees.
Dr. Archer has been a nominee for several teaching awards and a recipient of the Zapara Excellence in Teaching Award. In 2020, Dr. Archer was the recipient of the AdventHealth University Distinguished Service Award. He remains active as a consultant in academic administration, faculty development, and accreditation.
Dr. Archer has been married to Nichole Archer (nee, Bovell) for 45 years – a 1978 graduate of Caribbean Union College (now USC).
Lena G. Caesar, (PhD, EdD) Associate Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies, holds academic doctorates in Special Education and in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences/Speech-Language Pathology. Her experience in educational settings spans a range of levels and continents. Currently in her 12th year of teaching and administration at Loyola University in Maryland, Caesar’s teaching and administrative experience includes six years of service as a fully-certified secondary school teacher in St. Lucia and Guyana, almost five years as Program Director of the Institute of Modern Languages, at Montemorelos University in Mexico, and 15 years as Faculty & Chair of the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at Andrews University in the USA.
In addition to the scores of research articles which she has published, Caesar is also the recipient of multiple research grants, including a 2017 ASHA Foundation award that funded research on language acquisition in a Caribbean territory. Caesar is also nationally and internationally recognized for her partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). In recognition of her research exploits while at Loyola University Maryland, Caesar has been twice nominated for the Distinguished Scholar of the Year award.
Dr. Lena Caesar is a native of St. Lucia, and is happily married to Dr. Lael Caesar, a former professor of Hebrew Bible at Andrews University who recently retired from the General Conference after 11 years of service as Associate Editor of the Adventist Review & Adventist World magazines.
She looks forward to giving back to her Alma Mater a portion of the wonderful legacy that she was privileged to receive as a student on this very campus several decades ago.
Barbara Reynolds (EdD), Vice President of Administration, Advancement, and Planning, is a native of the Guyana and has served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics and Planning and International Engagement at the University of Guyana. Prior to this, Dr. Reynolds was Head of Education for Save the Children UK, having spent the previous two decades with UNICEF in education, child protection, women’s development/gender, and representation in emergency and non-emergency contexts. She currently serves as the Vice-Chairperson of the United Nations Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent and as the Co-Chair of the CARICOM Digital Skills Task Force. She is an active human rights professional, and an experienced Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR), human rights and gender mainstreaming facilitator. She holds a BA Education (Caribbean Union College), MA in Curriculum and Teaching (Howard University), the Post-Graduate Diploma in Distance Education (University of London), EdD in International Education Development/Curriculum and Instruction (Columbia University), and the MSt in International Human Rights Law (University of Oxford). Dr Reynolds’ second working language is Portuguese.
Samuel Sankar, Director of Strategic Partnerships and University Relations is a native of Trinidad and Tobago and has over thirty-five (35) years of experience in marketing, selling and sales management, coupled with leadership training. In addition, he has experience in areas such as health care, leadership training, manufacturing textiles, printing, health foods manufacturing, agriculture, project management and industrial relations. He sits on a global round table representing Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean with over twenty-five (25) years as an executive and graduate of the IFEA. He is the founder of IFEA Caribbean, international award winner for the City Award for Trinidad and Tobago in 2012. He has served the Seventh-day Adventist Church managing protocol and diplomacy by enabling and supporting the hosting of events and celebrations since 1995. He has worked with foreign missions, embassies and Diplomatic corps. He has managed welcome receptions for representatives of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Inter-American Division, Caribbean Union Conference and South Caribbean Conference.
Susan Julia Chand, Dean, School of Social Sciences and professor of Anthropology has been working at USC since 2005.
Dr. Chand has a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Botany (Major) and Mathematics (Minor) from Spicer Adventist University (formerly Spicer Memorial College, 1987), Master of Arts in Anthropology (1988) and a Doctoral degree (PhD, 1997) in Medical Anthropology, both from Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune (India).
Dr. Chand is a Medical Anthropologist with over 22 years of teaching and research experience in the tertiary institutions in India, namely, Spicer Adventist University and Roorkee Adventist College, and University of the Southern Caribbean in Trinidad and Tobago. She supervises students’ theses at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels and serves as external examiner for national and international universities. She is passionate about conducting ethnographic studies and have studied the indigenous/ ethnic groups in India, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Belize. Based on her studies, she has presented papers in several national and international conferences in India, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Mexico, Belize, Ecuador, and Netherlands. Her research articles are also published in peer reviewed academic journals and as book chapters.
Dr. Chand is married to Mr. David Chand, Assistant Professor in the Department of Teacher Education, School of Education and Humanities at the University of the Southern Caribbean.
Ms. Nordian C. Swaby Robinson, Director of Institutional Research is an avid supporter of Adventist Education. She has served the Seventh-day Adventist Tertiary Institution for over 20 years. Nordian has held various positions at Northern Caribbean University and University of the Southern Caribbean in Assessment, Research Officer, Quality Assurance, Online Coordinator and Lecturer.
Ms. Swaby Robinson holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing (USC, Trinidad), a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies, and an Associate Degree in Business Administration (NCU, Jamaica). She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education (EdD).
Her accomplishment includes being a part of the team contributing to USC achieving its full accreditation status for both the Accreditation Council of Trinidad & Tobago (ACTT) and Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools (AAA) and the creation of the first student satisfaction survey for USC. Nordian led out, coordinated and published the USC Factbook 2022.
Ms. Swaby Robinson has a pleasant disposition and personality. She also enjoys interacting with and motivating individuals to meet their full potential. She strives for continuous improvement while propelling the University Beyond Excellence.
Sharon Ramkissoon De Freitas, Director of Business Development, is an Attorney at Law and a Business woman with over 26 years’ experience. She is an alumna of UWI, Staffordshire-UK and USC.
Mrs. De Freitas is the holder of a Master of Science in International Relations from the University of the West Indies and a Bachelor of Law from the University of London, England. Also has a Diploma of Law from the University of London and Diploma in Business from the Institute of Commercial Management, London. She is a member of the Panel of Duty Counsel and Legal Aid Scheme.
Mrs. De Freitas was employed as an Administrative Assistant from 1995-2005 at the South Caribbean Conference and then Secondary School Teacher for a seven year period. She also served as a Lecturer (part time) at the University of London.
Mrs De Freitas is married to Pastor Brian De Freitas, Minister of the Chase Village District of SDA churches in Trinidad and Tobago.
Mrs Ramkissoon De Freitas enjoys gardening, construction, recycling, and being of service giving voice to the voiceless.
- Published in News, Office of the President
Blitz 2023 Contacts to Impact!
Authored By: Mrs. Rachel Sealy, University Chaplain
USC student Blitz is one of the anticipated event on the school’s calendar. It is the time where students with a heart for service and mission get involved in conducting the Sabbath’s Day service and other evangelistic meetings at local churches throughout Trinidad. It is also used as an opportunity for promoting the academic programs of the University.
This year, under the theme, CONTACT TO IMPACT, over sixty students filled with USCIAN pride carried the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Debe, La Romaine & the South Orapouche SDA Church in the south of Trinidad. This is phase I of Blitz 2023.
This initiative, under the Office of Spiritual Development and in collaboration with the AY Society of the Caring University Church, harnessed and organized the six ministries under the Iconnect Ministry for impact. This is the first time that Blitz is being executed through the iConnect Ministry brand, which was developed four years ago by the Office of Spiritual Development as a vehicle for spiritual growth and engagement of students and faculty.
Branded with their individual iConnect T-Shirts, iPray, iPraise, iProvide, iPrevail, iProclaim, and iPreach, students led out in the various aspects of the church’s programming from the Sabbath School service, the Divine or mid-day Service and the AY Service. The members and visitors were blessed by the presence of the students. One church member even requested to join the iPraise ministry! His Luv Choir was also featured.
President Dr. Colwick Wilson also joined in the day’s activities bringing greetings and promoting the University. As the busses departed at the end of the day, they carried students back to campus who were filled with joy and thanksgiving to their God for the wonderful opportunity to make contact with the South Churches and to make an impact for His Kingdom.
- Published in News
USC 95th Anniversary Celebration 6K Run
By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer
As Sunday dawned on March 5, 2023, 79 runners from across Trinidad & Tobago gathered at the starting line for the USC 95th Anniversary Celebration 6K Run. With excitement and energy buzzing in the air, runners prepared themselves mentally and physically for the task ahead.
From Good News SDA Chapel in St. Augustine, the run’s route was set along the trails and parks of the city, with the runners winding their way into the picturesque landscape of the Maracas Valley. The group’s determination was rewarded with clear skies and a light breeze, providing the perfect conditions as they made their way to the finish line at the USC Main Campus.
Along the route, runners were hydrated by water stations manned by USC Students, Faculty, Staff and Administrators. Runners were escorted by mobile units of the Trinidad & Tobago Police Service, while an ambulance from the Community Hospital of Seventh-day Adventists brought up the rear.
Seemingly unfazed by the distance, runners seamlessly transitioned into an aerobic burnout. Compound movements and dynamic stretches ensured that sore muscles were in low attendance on Monday Morning.
Results
Results of the USC 95th Anniversary Celebration 6K Run are as follows:
- First Place Male Overall – Mr. Edmond Ramirez
- First Place Female Overall – Mrs. Camille La Fleur
- First Place Faculty/Staff Male – Mr. Rendell Francis
- First Place Faculty/Staff Female – Mrs. Ann-Marie Charles
- First Place Student Male – Mr. Tayne Alexander
- First Place Student Female – Ms. Heqpera Khafra
Trophies were presented by Dr. Colwick Wilson, President of USC, and Mr. LeRoy Pierre, Coordinator of the the Sport and Physical Education Department (SPED).
USC Celebrates 17 Years of Accredited University Status
By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer
The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) commemorates 17 years of accredited university status with its Charter Week scheduled for March 5-11, 2023.
On March 16, 2006, under the leadership of then president, Dr. Trevor Gardener, Caribbean Union College (CUC) received the conferral of university status. With this conferral and a change in name, the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) became the third accredited university in Trinidad and Tobago.
Charter Week 2023 celebrates this anniversary and reflects on the countless accomplishments, innovations, and breakthroughs that we have achieved over these 17 years. The week’s theme, “The Sum of Excellence: #USCSTRONG”, encapsulates USC’s rich tertiary experience. Our institutional philosophy rests firmly on pillars of excellence in teaching and academia, research, administrative service and support, and holistic Christian Education – all to build an institution that is indeed #USCSTRONG.
This prestigious achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing world-class education and fostering an environment of innovation and intellectual curiosity that will inspire future generations of leaders, thinkers, and creators. As we commemorate this special occasion, we renew our commitment to pursuing academic excellence and providing our students with the skills and knowledge they need to become “…extraordinary servants of God to humanity”.
To learn more about USC’s Charter Week 2023 and planned activities, visit usc.edu.tt/charterweek.
- Published in News
USC Recognizes Service and Sacrifice of Healthcare Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic
By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a defining moment in the history of healthcare and has brought the dedication and bravery of healthcare professionals to the forefront. They have put their own lives at risk to care for the sick and have been instrumental in fighting the spread of the virus. Despite the challenging conditions they faced, they remained steadfast in their commitment to helping others and never lost their compassionate spirit.
The Health Ministry Department of the Caring University Church, led by Dr. Sandra Reid, recognizes the tireless efforts of our healthcare professionals and the critical role they play in our society. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the incredible sacrifices they make to help others and has shown us the importance of valuing and supporting those who care for us in our time of need. Their dedication and bravery are an inspiration to us all and serve as a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
On Thursday, February 9, 2023 Dr. Colwick Wilson and Pastor Terry John presented plaques to healthcare professionals of the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) and Medical Associates (St. Joseph) as tangible tokens of recognition of and gratitude for their dedication to service. These presentations were made on behalf of the University of the Southern Caribbean in partnership with the Caring University Church.
They have been on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19, working tirelessly to find ways to mitigate its effects and prevent further spread. Their work has been critical in ensuring that those who have been affected by the virus receive the care they need, and their contributions will have a lasting impact on our society.
We say, “Thank you!”, to all healthcare professionals for their sacrifice and unwavering commitment to serving others and for being a beacon of hope during these trying times.
- Published in News
USC at the NHRC 2022!
Author: Dr. Dave V. Cassie, Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
For yet another year, the University of the Southern Caribbean has thrown its full support behind the hosting of the National Health Research Conference 2022. Health, well-being and research is a vital part of the philosophy of Adventist education and are part of the main pillars of USC’s development and advancement. This year the conference was held face to face for the first time on November 25 at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain, Trinidad under the theme: “Pandemics, NCDs and the Future: When Emerging Infections and NCDs Meet” The conference, now in its third year was previously held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
At the recently concluded event USC President, Dr. Colwick Wilson brought reflective and engaging opening remarks along with his counterparts from the University of Trinidad and Tobago, University of the West Indies as well as Dr. Faith B. Yisrael, Secretary of Health, Wellness and Social Protection of the Tobago House of Assembly. Also in attendance via Zoom was Professor Jonathan Patz of the University of Wisconsin-Madison who brought an enlightening feature presentation entitled: “The Climate Crisis: Implications for both Infectious and Non-Communicable Diseases” which highlighted the connection between climate change and the emergence of disease. This was then followed by the feature address which was given by the The Honourable Terrence Deyalsingh Minister of Health, Trinidad and Tobago.
Students of USC were also part of this exciting and informative event. Research from student representatives of the School of Social Sciences was shared via poster presentations. Ms. Allison Abraham-Riley shared her research on Peer Pressure and Alcohol Use among Tertiary level students in Trinidad and Ms. Kere Wylie shared her research on An Assessment of the Impact of HIV Knowledge on Sexual Behavior among Young Adults In Tobago. Ms. Arielle Jobe and her counterparts Naomi Palmer and Stephanie Murphy shared their group research project on Sleep Patterns and Academic Performance among University Students: A Phenomenological Study.
Planning for this successful event began more than six months ago and was spear-headed by Professor Donald T. Simeon of UWI, Chair of the Inter-Institutional Planning Committee, a committee made up of representatives from partner institutions including Ministry of Health, THA, CCHSRD, UWI, USC, UTT and RHAs. USC was represented on that committee by Dr. Edward Clarke, Dr. Susan Chand and Dr. Dave Cassie.
During the day there were sixteen oral presentations which highlighted health research being conducted by students, faculty and staff among the partner institutions and were categorized under the following topics: Infectious diseases, Chronic non-communicable diseases, Clinical/Laboratory studies and Mental Health and Family Planning. Additionally, there were over seventy research poster presentations that were displayed via electronic poster boards. The day culminated with an Awards Ceremony to celebrate the Lifetime Research Achievement Awardee, Professor Terrence Seemungal of UWI as well as to distribute prizes for outstanding oral and poster presentations. As we look forward to NHRC 2023, we are confident of USC’s continued support and involvement in this event and its forward thrust in the areas of health, well-being and research.
Dr. Shirley A. McGarrell’s Future Leaders’ Debate Competition Re-Launch
Debate History
On Monday 14th November, USC relaunched its annual intracampus debate competition. This tournament usually hosted by the School of Education and Humanities, in partnership with the Division of Student Services and Enrolment Management, had as its patron this year, its President, Dr. Colwick Wilson. He re-launched the debate in anticipation of its continuation and developmemt.
The competition first debuted in November, 2013. At that time, it was titled the USC Future Leaders’ Debate Competition. Subsequently, in 2015, it was named in honour of Dr. Shirley McGarrell, a stellar figure and former leader on the campus. The competition was held, during the years 2013 and 2017, but was unintentionally curtailed as the university became involved in other important debate fora and then was further delayed when the pandemic struck. The recent passing of Dr. McGarrell, as well as USC’s 95th Anniversary celebration, propelled its re-launch.
Debate Highlights
This semester two teams, from two Schools, qualified for the finals: the School of Theology and Religion and the School of Social Sciences. The resolution debated:
Be it resolved that the continued existence of the Commonwealth of Nations is merely a remnant of colonial nostalgia.
This resolution focused on the relevance of the Commonwealth of Nations, which the Queen headed, and is now to be led by King Charles III. The debate teams, with their natural abilities, and a mix of little or no experience, were trained, and presented admirably as they dueled for and against the moot. The School of Social Sciences’ team argued in the affirmative. The School of Theology and Religion’s team opposed the moot.
The timekeeper for the debate was Mr. Hayden McKenna, University Writer and Editor. The Dr. Shirley A. McGarrell’sFuture Leaders’ Debate Committee members are Mr. McKenna, Dr. Terencia Joseph, Mr. Roland Sealy and Ms. Shelley Lyons.
An external panel of adjudicators deliberated and provided appropriate feedback to the debate participants. They were: Chief Adjudicator, Mrs. Petronetta Pierre-Robertson; Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Randall Hector, and special judge and radio personality, Mr. Dale Enoch. Each judge represented an area of expertise to be judged: research skills, argumentation skills and presentation skills.
Dr. Colwick Wilson, President, and Dr. Len Archer, Interim Provost, were present and participated in the prize-giving.
A special guest, alumna, and the current Presiding Officer of the Tobago House of Assembly, Ms. Abby Taylor, was also in attendance and brought greetings from the THA.
Debate Results
The School of Theology and Religion emerged as the winning team.
The School of Social Sciences did very well, falling short by just six points. The most memorable lines came from the SoSS, with Daniel Anthony ending his speech by asking: “Why isn’t the wealth common, in the Commonwealth?” and Brenda Gordon-Rasool taking a cunning jab at team theology in their dapper ties and suits, teasing that they showed up “very colonized in their dressing”. These jabs thrilled the audience.
The members of the teams, who represented in their School colours were:
| School of Theology and Religion (Red) | School of Social Sciences (Blue) |
| Devon Ramlal – 1st Speaker | Ceanna Cyrille – 1st Speaker |
| Termin Ferdinand – 2nd Speaker | Daniel Anthony – 2nd Speaker |
| Dillon Bazil – 3rd Speaker | Brenda Gordon-Rasool – 3rd Speaker |
| Shanka Serrant – Rebuttal Support | Abigail Collins – Rebuttal Support |
| Ashanti Prescott – Reserve |
The other special prizes earned included:
Best Debater, won by Devon Ramlall of the STAR
Best Researcher, won by Ceanna Cyrille of the SoSS
Best Teamwork, the team of Social Sciences
Attractive prizes are to be delivered to the winning teams, inclusive of their special prizes, to the sum of $20,000. The winning team is also to dine with the President, in the near future, as a part of their reward.
Deans and faculty members came out to support. The audience was very responsive, and members of the USC campus community who attended or viewed the debate on YouTube were pleased with the performance of the teams and are eager about the event going forward.
A cocktail reception was held post-debate, at the university’s Board Room with all judges and debaters, organizers, and the President, in attendance.
The competition can be viewed by clicking on the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olfd6mwiem4&t=328s
- Published in News
Praise Break is Back!
Authored By: Golden Eagle
After a two year hiatus due to Covid-19, Praise Break returned with a cast of popular local Gospel Ministers and Guyana’s International Minister, Samuel Medas. The 2022 edition of this Praise and Worship Eexperience in its 5th edition proved to be its best to date.
Patrons were able to praise and worship in the seated air conditioned comfort within the new Auditorium at the University of the Southern (USC). A safe and family friendly environment was evident with ample secured parking available throughout the University’s compound.
Praise Break was conceptualized to give USC students a “break” from studying and the stress of academia before going into end of semester exams with student artistes sharing the stage with more accomplished ministers. The patrons of the show now extend beyond the University’s students and also include international artistes as stated above.
The show kicked off at 6.30pm with local talents, J-Rich, Renee Lawrence, Ron Christopher, Bjorn Pierre, Carla Watkins, St. Hilarie Brothers and Pastor Clive Dottin closing the first half with a plea to March against crime and other issues plaguing society.
The second half of the show kicked off with all artists backed by live bands with performances by Marc Isaacs joined by the host Jahzy the Voice, Jaron Nurse, Positive and Samuel Medas with a surprise appearance from Blessed Messenger. The night was truly a blessing to all present and left many stating it was “the best Praise break ever”.
Team United Hands Visits USC
By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer
Team United Hands/FreeD.O.M Clinic team has been getting us into the game! From October 14-21, 2022, the University of the Southern Caribbean hosted Dr. Don Bovell, Mrs. Ann Burnett and Ms. Grace Daley as they prepared for an upcoming mission trip to Trinidad and Tobago in 2023.
The team’s schedule kept a pace that was only outdone by their energy. During this time, in addition to making key connections through several courtesy visits, the team has been touring primary and secondary schools to affirm the gospel message with their unique blend of fun, faith and fitness.
Learn more about United Hands/FreeD.O.M Clinic at: united-hands.org and freedomclinicusa.org
- Published in News
Portraits of Excellence: USC Celebrates Transformative Student Experience
By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer
The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) proudly revived its celebrated tradition, “Portraits of Excellence,” after a decade-long hiatus. This event, which is deeply rooted in the university’s mission of transforming ordinary individuals into extraordinary servants of God to humanity, brings together students from diverse territories to showcase their skills and talents while fostering personal and professional growth.
Launched in 2006, Portraits of Excellence has been an integral part of the USC student life experience. It’s a seven-month journey that embodies the holistic mission of the university, combining intellectual, social, physical, and spiritual aspects of learning.
The theme for Portraits of Excellence 2023 was “Rethinking Education: Reframing Realities, Reshaping Opportunities,” emphasizing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education. The event encourages participants to explore a comprehensive approach to education, fostering a well-rounded development of skills and knowledge.
Eight delegates represented their respective countries, including Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and Trinidad & Tobago, as they competed in several categories, including Research Presentation, Community Outreach Project, Talent, and Cultural Wear.
Portraits of Excellence 2023 featured a series of smaller events assessed and recorded throughout the seven-month journey, leading to the grand finale Gala Event. During the Gala, scores from the delegates’ pre-Gala presentations, as well as the presentations during the Gala, were tabulated to determine the recipients of Scholarship Awards.
The winners of Portraits of Excellence 2023 were:
- Mr. USC: Jad Isidore
- Ms. USC: Abigail Collins
- First Runners Up: Mr. Kahlan Roach and Ms. Anya Nero
- Best Talent Female: Abigail Collins
- Best Talent Male: Kahlan Roach
- Best Cultural Wear Male: Jounathan Peters
- Best Cultural Wear Female: Monique Lively
- People’s Choice, Congeniality and Research Project: Kahlan Roach
- Best Community Project: Anya Nero
The event was held under the patronage of Mrs. Sharon Clark-Rowley, attorney and wife of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. the Honorable Keith Rowley, adding prestige and significance to this year’s Portraits of Excellence.
Portraits of Excellence 2023 Sponsors: A Crucial Pillar of Support
USC extends its heartfelt gratitude to the generous sponsors who made Portraits of Excellence 2023 a resounding success. These sponsors played a crucial role in supporting the event’s mission of fostering excellence, personal growth, and holistic development among the USC student community. Their contributions allowed the university to provide a platform for students to showcase their skills and talents while promoting a comprehensive approach to education.
The listed sponsors not only provided financial support but also demonstrated their commitment to promoting excellence in education and personal development. Their contributions allowed USC to reintroduce Portraits of Excellence and ensure that the event lived up to its legacy.
Portraits of Excellence 2023 Sponsors:
- Eastern Group of Companies
- Orville & Phyllis Woolford
- Forward Industries Ltd
- Point Lisas Nitrogen Limited
- ACS Group
- Bakers Flags and Emblems
- Ansa Mobility
- Matvern Limited
- IADPA
- Veldon A Limited
- Glenroy and Associates
- USC Alumni Association – Trinidad Chapter
- M&M Insurance Limited
- Nestle Caribbean
- Executive Office Supplies
- ZM Group of Companies
- Eve Anderson Recruitment
- Laparkan
With the successful revival of Portraits of Excellence 2023, preparations are already underway for Portraits of Excellence 2024. This tradition, deeply embedded in the fabric of the University of the Southern Caribbean, continues to be a platform for students to shine and showcase their excellence while promoting holistic growth and personal development.
- Published in News