The inaugural USC Texas Alumni Chapter weekend brought graduates together to celebrate their shared history and support the university's upcoming centennial vision.
For many, it had been years since they last sat side by side in worship; since the easy familiarity of campus life gave way to careers, countries, and callings. And yet, on the final weekend of March, the distance seemed to collapse almost instantly. They greeted one another not as strangers, but as people returning to something shared.
From March 27–28, 2026, the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) Texas Alumni Chapter hosted its inaugural Alumni Weekend. Held under the theme “An Unchanging God in Changing Seasons,” the event brought together alumni, family members, and friends for two days of reflection, worship, and renewed connection to their alma mater.
An Evening of Reflection
The weekend opened on Friday evening with a virtual panel discussion that set the tone for what would follow. Moderated by Dr. Owen Carryl (’75–’76), the session featured alumni representing multiple generations, including Dr. Fay Cumberbatch (’83), Dr. Nadine Collins (’07 & ’10), Dr. Kerron Hislop (’98), and Dr. Kerry Kerr (’09). Together, they reflected on their experiences at Caribbean Union College (CUC), now USC, sharing how their time in Maracas Valley shaped both their professional paths and spiritual lives.
A Sabbath Gathering
By Sabbath morning, the gathering had moved into physical space. Hosted at Hebron Seventh-day Adventist Church, where alumnus Pastor Michael Conrad Bobb-Semple (’97) serves as pastor, the day’s services unfolded in familiar rhythms, Sabbath School, worship, music, and fellowship, yet carried a distinct sense of occasion. Twenty-three alumni were in attendance, joined by family members, friends of USC, and members of the congregation.
The Sabbath School segment was led by Mr. Michael Rowley (’79) and his wife, Margaret Rowley, with the lesson facilitated by Pastor Kennedy Vanterpool (’82), assisted by Pastor Rawle Rowley (’74), Ms. Naomi Nicholas, and Mr. Lubert Babb (’88). There was a quiet familiarity to the moment, voices once shaped in shared classrooms now guiding discussion once more.
Honouring Legacy
By midday, the focus shifted to recognition. Several individuals and one institution were honored for their contributions to the USC community: Hebron Seventh-day Adventist Church, Dr. Fay Cumberbatch (’83), Dr. Owen Carryl (’76–’77), Ms. Justina Allicock (’97), Mr. Ronald Wallace (’88–’90), and Dr. Grace Semple Paul (’82).
A Message of Constancy
The highlight of the worship service came with the sermon delivered by USC President Dr. Colwick Wilson (’83), who attended with his wife, Dr. Deleise Wilson. Drawing from the story of Job, his message spoke directly to the weekend’s theme of change, uncertainty, and the enduring presence of God.
Life, he reminded attendees, does not unfold predictably. Circumstances shift, often without warning. And yet, beneath it all, there remains something constant.
Looking Forward Together
In the afternoon session, chaired by Dr. Annie Figuero (’89), the focus turned from reflection to vision. Dr. Wilson presented an overview of USC’s progress, current initiatives, and preparations for its 2027 centennial. What followed was an interactive exchange of questions, insights, and conversations. For many, it was the first time in years they had been directly connected to the university’s present and future.
Giving Back, Moving Forward
The weekend also carried a practical dimension. A fundraising initiative was launched with a goal of $3,000, supporting USC scholarships, the USC Centennial Fund, and the chapter’s operations. By the close of the weekend, that goal had been surpassed, an early testament to the chapter’s renewed commitment.
Music, too, played its part, provided by the USC Choir, Mr. Oswald Allicock, Dr. Fay Cumberbatch (’83), Mr. Michael Phillips (’06), and Ms. Shevonne Phillips (’08), enriching the spiritual atmosphere and reinforcing the shared identity of the gathering.
More Than a Gathering
In a state as vast as Texas, where alumni are spread across cities and seasons of life, the act of coming together carries weight. By the time the weekend concluded, what had taken place was clear. This was not simply an event. It was a reintroduction to one another, the institution, and the idea that distance, geographic or otherwise, does not dissolve belonging.
