By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer

The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) is proud to host its 91st Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at 9:00 am. This momentous event will be held at the USC Auditorium on the Main Campus in Maracas Valley, St. Joseph, and will also be streamed live on YouTube (youtube.com/@UoSC).

As part of the festivities, the 2024 Spirit of USC Award will be presented to outstanding individuals who embody the spirit and values of USC. Among this year’s distinguished awardees is Dr. Naomi Modeste, a retired Professor Emeritus from Loma Linda University, whose remarkable career and contributions to public health and education have left an indelible mark on communities worldwide.

A Lifelong Commitment to Health and Education

Upon returning to Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Modeste broke barriers as the first female Health and Temperance Director for the South Caribbean Conference, later advancing to Health and ADRA Director for the Caribbean Union Conference. Her leadership saw her conducting health seminars, organizing community health fairs, and collaborating with government health leaders, significantly impacting public health across the Caribbean.

A Distinguished Academic Career

Dr. Modeste’s pursuit of excellence led her back to Loma Linda University, where she earned a doctorate in Public Health while simultaneously working. Her impressive academic achievements and leadership skills led to her appointment as Director of the Department of Health for the Inter-American Division in Miami, Florida. In this role, she extended her influence across the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

In 1990, Dr. Modeste joined the faculty of Loma Linda University’s School of Public Health. Over her 25-year tenure, she chaired the Department of Health Promotion and Education, directed the Masters and Doctoral Programs in Health Education, and mentored numerous graduate students. Notably, she restructured these programs to include online degrees, which remain popular today.

A Legacy of Publications and Awards

Dr. Modeste is a prolific author, with over 90 publications in refereed journals, a vegetarian cookbook tailored for the Caribbean, and her recent memoir, “Memoirs of an Island Belle.” Her dedication to education and public health has earned her numerous accolades, including the Loma Linda University Distinguished Service Award and recognition in “Who’s Who in Trinidad and Tobago” and “Who’s Who among America’s Teachers.”

Continued Service and Passion for Mission

Despite retiring, Dr. Modeste’s passion for mission work and education endures. She volunteers with various organizations, including HANDS International and APC Community Services, and has participated in mission trips to Belize, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, and beyond. Residing in Georgia, she continues to mentor youth, chairs the Conyers Adventist Academy School Board, and teaches an online graduate health behavior class.

Join Us in Celebration

USC invites everyone to join the 91st Commencement Ceremony to celebrate the Class of 2024 and honor Dr. Naomi Modeste’s extraordinary contributions. Her story is a testament to the power of education, service, and unwavering dedication. Tune in live on YouTube and be inspired by the legacy of an exceptional servant leader who truly embodies USC’s motto, “Beyond Excellence.”

By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer

The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) is thrilled to announce its 91st Commencement Ceremony, set to take place on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at 9:00 am. This grand event will celebrate the achievements of over 400 graduates from USC’s seven campuses, united under the inspiring theme “Determined Minds, Boundless Futures.” The ceremony will be held at the USC Auditorium on the Main Campus in Maracas Valley, St. Joseph, and will also be streamed live on YouTube (youtube.com/@UoSC).

Honoring the Class of 2024

The Class of 2024, guided by their chosen aim, “Guided by Faith, Destined by His Calling,” will be joined by esteemed alumni from the classes of 1974 and 1999, who will be celebrated as USC’s gold and silver classes, respectively. This year’s graduates and returning alumni symbolize USC’s enduring legacy of excellence in education, which will mark its centennial in 2027.

For nearly a century, USC has remained committed to its educational philosophy of holistic development—encompassing the head, heart, and hand. This approach rests on the pillars of intellectual curiosity, moral integrity, cultural diversity, and spiritual nurture. Over these years, more than 32,000 alumni have embodied USC’s motto, “Beyond Excellence,” and its mission to transform ordinary people into extraordinary servants of God and humanity through a comprehensive tertiary educational experience.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. The Honorable Keith Christopher Rowley

Dr. Rowley continued his academic journey at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, where he earned an MSc and PhD in Volcanic Geochemistry.

A Legacy of Service and Leadership

Dr. Rowley’s career as a volcanologist saw him provide critical scientific guidance and support during volcanic emergencies across the Caribbean. His expertise led him to roles as a Research Fellow and Head of Department at the Seismic Research Unit at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine.

In 1987, Dr. Rowley transitioned to public service, being appointed to the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago as a Senator. Over his nine consecutive parliamentary terms, he held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Agriculture, Lands and Marine Resources; Minister of Planning and Development; Minister of Housing; and Minister of Trade and Industry. He also served as a designated Governor for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

Dr. Rowley’s political career includes his tenure as Leader of the Opposition from 2010 to 2015 and his leadership of the People’s National Movement (PNM) since 2010. Elected as Prime Minister in September 2015 and re-elected in August 2020, Dr. Rowley continues to serve Trinidad and Tobago with distinction.

Join Us Live

Dr. Rowley’s inspiring story and leadership will undoubtedly resonate with USC’s graduates, alumni, and the broader community. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2024 and to hear Dr. Rowley’s keynote address, which promises to be both motivational and thought-provoking.

Don’t miss this landmark event. Tune in live on YouTube and be part of a momentous celebration as USC proudly honors its past, celebrates its present, and looks forward to a future of “Determined Minds, Boundless Futures.”

By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer

The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) is delighted to announce that Dr. Slimen Saliba will be the distinguished guest speaker for the Baccalaureate Service during our 91st Graduation weekend. The service will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 10:30am at the USC Auditorium on our Main Campus in Maracas Valley, St. Joseph, and will be streamed live on YouTube (youtube.com/@UoSC).

Meet Dr. Slimen Saliba

His quest for knowledge and excellence took him to Andrews University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Religion and History in 1967 and a Master of Arts in Ethics and Theology in 1969.

Upon returning to Trinidad in 1970, Dr. Saliba dedicated himself to the South Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, serving as a Youth Director and later as Executive Secretary. His commitment to his faith and community was further solidified when he was ordained as a minister.

Dr. Saliba’s academic pursuits did not stop there. He completed an MBA at Andrews University in 1978 and a PhD in Marketing Management at Northwestern University in 1983. His exceptional leadership skills were soon recognized, and in 1982, he was appointed Dean of the Andrews University School of Business. Under his tenure, the School of Business experienced significant growth, including the construction of Chan Shun Hall and the establishment of MBA programs in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Trinidad.

Dr. Saliba’s vision extended beyond academia. In 1993, he played a pivotal role in founding the Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences, now AdventHealth University. As Vice President of Marketing at AdventHealth Orlando, he led numerous initiatives that propelled the institution forward.

In 2008, Dr. Saliba married Carolyn Fagal Cales after the passing of his first wife, Patricia Thomson, due to multiple myeloma. Together, they have a blended family of five children and three grandchildren, with loved ones spread across California, Colorado, Orlando, and Toronto.

Dr. Saliba retired in 2017 as Senior Vice President of Marketing at AdventHealth but was soon called back to establish the AdventHealth Leadership Institute. His mission: to develop physician and executive leaders dedicated to extending Christ’s healing ministry.

Despite his retirement as Director of the AdventHealth Leadership Institute, Dr. Saliba continues to serve passionately, embodying his life’s mission and inspiring others.

Join Us Live

Dr. Slimen Saliba’s remarkable journey from Barataria to global leadership is a testament to his dedication and vision. We invite you to join us for the Baccalaureate Service at USC’s 91st Graduation on June 29, 2024, at 10:30am. Dr. Saliba’s profound insights and inspiring life story will set a powerful tone for this celebratory weekend.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a true visionary. Tune in live on YouTube and be part of a momentous occasion as we celebrate “Determined Minds, Boundless Futures.”

By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer

Join us on June 28, 2024, at 7:00pm for the virtual Consecration Service as we kick off the University of the Southern Caribbean’s (USC) 91st Graduation weekend. Streaming live on YouTube (youtube.com/@UoSC), this event promises to inspire and uplift with our esteemed guest speaker, Pastor Anthony S. Hall.

Meet Pastor Anthony S. Hall

His pastoral work has taken him to congregations in St. Lucia and Barbados, where he has left an indelible mark with his compassionate leadership and dedication.

In addition to his theological and pastoral accomplishments, Pastor Hall earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from the University of the West Indies in 2002 and graduated from the Sir Hugh Wooding Law School in 2004. He was admitted as an Attorney-at-Law by the Supreme Court of Barbados and is a member of the Barbados Bar Association of Attorneys-at-Law.

Currently, Pastor Hall serves as the President, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) and Communication Director for the East Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He also holds the position of Vice President for Legal Affairs at the Caribbean Religious Liberty Association (CARLA). Known for his compelling sermons and presentations, Pastor Hall is highly sought after for his insights and dedication.

Pastor Hall lives by the philosophy, “The purpose of life is not to be happy, but to matter, to be productive, to be useful and to have it make some difference that you have lived at all.” His unwavering commitment to God, his family, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church is evident in all he does.

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from Pastor Anthony S. Hall at the USC’s virtual Consecration Service. His words of wisdom and inspiration will set the tone for a remarkable graduation weekend. Tune in live on YouTube and be part of this transformative event!

By Ms. Sherri-lyn Legall, Dean, School of Business and Entrepreneurship (Interim) & Ms. Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer

In February 2022, the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) embarked on a transformative journey with the commissioning of a strategic planning committee to develop SP100, a comprehensive strategic plan for the period 2022-2027. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Colwick Wilson, President of USC, the committee was tasked with crafting a roadmap that would guide the university’s future growth and development.

Dr. Wilson provided the team with broad strategic priorities, setting the stage for a collaborative and inclusive planning process. The committee was further bolstered by the inclusion of two distinguished alumni, who brought with them extensive experience in senior leadership and strategic planning, to offer support and guidance.

Central to the development of SP100 was the engagement of the university’s stakeholders. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and trustees were all invited to participate in a comprehensive survey to share their ideas and aspirations for the university’s future. The feedback from these surveys was meticulously collated and analyzed, revealing key themes and priorities. This initial feedback was shared with the stakeholder groups, and additional input was solicited to ensure that the plan reflected the diverse perspectives of the USC community.

In addition to internal consultations, the SP100 team conducted an extensive external scanning exercise. This analysis provided crucial data on regional and global trends, ensuring that the strategic plan would be both relevant and forward-looking. The team also held in-depth discussions with USC’s senior leadership, including Vice-Presidents, the Provost, and the Human Resources Director, to gain insights into recent operations and ongoing projects. Trustees of the university were kept informed with progress reports and their feedback was incorporated into the draft plan.

The culmination of these efforts was presented at the University’s Colloquium in August 2022. Here, a summary of the recommended strategic priorities and themes was unveiled, and further feedback from the university community was invited. This iterative process ensured that the final draft of the SP100 plan was a true reflection of the collective vision of USC’s stakeholders.

Over the course of six months, the SP100 team met twice a month, working diligently to compile and refine the gathered information. Following a brief end-of-school-year break, the team resumed its efforts, finalizing the strategic projects and plans that would define USC’s path forward.

The SP100 strategic plan represents a bold vision for the University of the Southern Caribbean, one that is grounded in the aspirations of its community and informed by a rigorous analysis of both internal and external factors. As USC moves into the future, the initiatives and activities outlined in SP100 are expected to drive significant growth and innovation, solidifying USC’s position as a leading institution in the region.

With the implementation of SP100, the University of the Southern Caribbean is poised to embark on a new era of excellence and impact, fostering an environment of learning and development that will benefit students, faculty, and the wider community for years to come.

By Dr. Grace Jacott, Coordinator – ICCTL & Ms. Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer

The University of the Southern Caribbean’s (USC) International Center for Corporate Training and Languages (ICCTL) recently concluded a successful two-week vacation camp aimed at enhancing English language skills for over eighty participants from French Guiana. From May 6-17, 2024, children, parents, and educators from Ecole Adventiste and La Perseverance schools participated in the immersive program designed to improve English proficiency and explore Trinidad’s vibrant culture.

Dr. Grace Jacott, Coordinator of ICCTL, spearheaded the initiative, which sought to provide an engaging and comprehensive English-learning experience. Recognizing the basic introduction to English in the French Guianese elementary curriculum, ICCTL invited the Seventh-day Adventist elementary schools to Trinidad for a full immersion experience.

The camp had three primary goals:

1. To immerse native French speakers in an English-rich environment.
2. To introduce USC’s various ESL offerings and undergraduate programs.
3. To provide cultural exposure and tourism experiences in Trinidad.

English Immersion Strategies & Learning Initiatives
To achieve the first objective, ICCTL created an environment saturated with English language activities. Each day started with the Lord’s Prayer in English, followed by YouTube sing-alongs of familiar Bible choruses. Closed-captioning and action verb demonstrations enhanced word identification and comprehension.

Innovative strategies, such as placing appealing posters in play areas, encouraged children to read while playing. The application of the VARK learning model (Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, Kinesthetic) ensured comprehensive engagement. This included singing along to YouTube videos to learn grammar, active modeling of concepts in the classroom, and writing activities using USC-provided textbooks.

Adults in the group also participated in active learning. In one notable session, Mrs. Bengochea led participants in a creative exercise where they designed and described their own costumes, applying new vocabulary about clothing. All participants received academic information packages, including details on USC’s ESL programs and a French/English ESL video for further dissemination.

The camp also featured field trips guided by native English speakers, allowing participants to explore Trinidad’s Eastern, Southern, and Western regions. Highlights included the Caroni Bird Sanctuary and the La Brea Pitch Lake, both of which were described as “awesome” by the visitors.

Commitment to Excellence
USC’s core pillars, Spiritual Ethos and Academic Excellence, were integral to the camp’s structure. Daily devotional programs supported the spiritual development of participants. Separate classes for adults and children, facilitated by USC faculty and regular ESL tutors respectively, underscored the commitment to academic excellence through varied pedagogical approaches catering to all learning styles.

The camp also aimed to bolster ICCTL’s strategic goals, including increased marketing of its regular ESL programs. Participants returned to French Guiana with ESL advertisements for widespread dissemination. The short language courses offered by ICCTL have proven to be lucrative, contributing to the center’s financial sustainability.

The two-week camp not only enhanced the English proficiency of its participants but also fostered cultural exchange and strengthened educational ties between Trinidad and French Guiana. The positive feedback and successful outcomes of the program highlight USC’s dedication to providing impactful language education and immersive cultural experiences.

By Mr. Hayden McKenna, University Writer/Editor & Ms. Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer

The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) marked its first observance of World Day for Safety at the Workplace on April 29, 2024, following the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) global initiative established in 2003. This day, traditionally observed on April 28, emphasizes the prevention of workplace accidents and diseases and leverages the ILO’s strengths in tripartism and social dialogue.

USC’s Occupational Health and Safety Unit, in collaboration with the Department of Security Services, organized this inaugural event, which is set to become an annual fixture. This observance aligns USC with national and regional efforts to ensure health, safety, and security on campus and during off-campus activities such as Blitz, Olympiad, and concert tours.

In a conversation with Mrs. Jillene John-Harris, Assistant Director of Human Resources responsible for Labour Relations and Benefits, and overseer of the Occupational Safety and Health Unit, she confirmed this was USC’s first celebration of World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The idea originated from a departmental meeting where Mrs. Ellin Sorzano-John highlighted the ILO’s observance on April 28, 2024, sparking the initiative for USC’s event.

While the main events, including a campus march, opening ceremony, and a building evacuation challenge, were held on the Main Campus, efforts were made to involve the Extension Campuses and Satellite Sites. Directors of these sites participated in a special training session facilitated by Health and Safety Practitioner Mr. Ronald Hunte and USC’s Director of Security, Mr. Stevenson Byng. Although a debating competition on Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) issues was planned for students across all USC sites, it was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

Mrs. John-Harris outlined the primary goal of the Health and Safety Unit: to foster a culture of health, safety, and security at USC and to convey that these elements start with individual responsibility. “Health, safety, and security is everybody’s business,” she emphasized.

Key highlights of the day included:

• The enthusiastic participation of children from the Maracas Seventh-day Adventist Primary School (MSDA) and CUC Secondary School in the campus march and opening ceremony.
• An insightful address by Mr. Franz Brisbane, Chief Inspector of the Occupational Safety and Health Authority and Agency of Trinidad and Tobago, who served as the featured speaker.
• A competitive and educational placard competition.
• Valuable information shared during the training sessions.

Representatives from Caribbean Health Foods Limited, an on-campus entity, also took part in the formal opening ceremony.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Mrs. John-Harris noted, “In my view, the day was successful. It met our main objective of promoting the culture of health, safety, and security on the campus.” Looking ahead, she expressed plans for future observances to include a wider range of stakeholders and more hands-on activities, aiming to deepen the integration of health and safety culture across all USC sites in the Caribbean.

As USC moves forward, the commitment to promoting a safe and healthy work environment remains a top priority, ensuring the well-being of all members of the university community.