When Mr. Veldon Andrews, Class of 2003, and his mother, Dr. Phyllis Andrews, Class of 1969 and a former USC faculty member, welcomed worshippers to the University of the Southern Caribbean’s (USC) Founders’ Weekend Thanksgiving Vespers, their presence offered a fitting introduction to an anniversary rooted in generations of shared history.
The evening would close with another family pairing: Mrs. Eunice Small, Class of 1983, and her daughter, Ms. Keri-Ayoka Small, Class of 2005. Between those moments, alumni spanning decades of the institution’s history led worship, offered reflections and celebrated the university that had helped shape their lives.
That intergenerational connection characterised Founders’ Weekend 2026, held August 28–30 under the theme Journey to 100: Excellence in Motion. As USC commemorated its 99th anniversary, alumni returned to the institution founded in Maracas Valley in 1927, helping usher their alma mater into the final year before its centennial.
Friday evening’s Thanksgiving Vespers, themed Gratitude for the Journey, brought together familiar voices and memories of USC’s past.
The Founders’ Weekend Alumni Chorale, comprising more than 40 graduates from different eras, presented “The Church Has One Foundation”. Directed by Mr. Mokale Koapeng, Chair of USC’s Department of Music, and accompanied by pianist Ms. Rosie Ward, the ensemble gave musical expression to a shared heritage that continues to connect USCians across generations.
Pastor Terry John and Mrs. Avril Henry-John contributed “He’s Been Faithful”, while alumni association presidents Mr. Leslie Hislop of Trinidad and Mrs. Janelle Simon-Archie of Tobago offered reflections on the University’s journey.
The evening’s featured speaker, Pastor Wayne Sampson, Class of 1992, recalled the vision of USC’s founders.
“Our founders saw more than just land. They saw a launching pad for eternity,” he declared.
Drawing from 2 Corinthians 5:17, Sampson challenged the University community to preserve the spiritual purpose of Christian education as USC prepares for its second century.
Watch the Replay: Thanksgiving Vespers — Gratitude for the Journey
The intergenerational character of the celebrations continued during Sabbath’s Celebration Service, themed Approaching the Promise.
Husband-and-wife alumni Mr. Unus John, Class of 1991, and Mrs. Shyrla Lessey-John, Classes of 2017 and 2026, welcomed worshippers and hosted the morning programme.
The opening prayer was offered by Dr. Carlton Drepaul, former Vice President for Academic Administration, whose years of service to USC also included teaching the alumni gathered in the auditorium and following the service online. The service also featured greetings from former Presidents Dr. George W. Brown and Dr. Clinton Valley.
For the featured speaker, Dr. Newton King, returning to his alma mater more than five decades after his graduation in 1974 stirred memories of former classmates, including his roommate of four years, Colin Parkinson, and the late Dr. Vernon Andrews, who had welcomed him into the college choir. Recalling those years with affection and humour, particularly his questionable singing ability, King offered a personal glimpse into student life at Caribbean Union College and the friendships that had remained with him long after graduation.
Preaching from Joshua 3, King drew upon the Israelites’ crossing of the Jordan River to challenge USC’s leadership to remain guided by God.
“Your business is to have the Ark of God on your shoulders,” he told President Dr. Colwick Wilson and the administration.
Watch the Replay: Sabbath Celebration Service — Approaching the Promise
Saturday afternoon’s virtual Centennial Celebration Showcase, hosted by Ms. Simone Augustus, turned attention towards the milestone ahead.
A retrospective presentation traced USC’s development from East Caribbean Training School in 1927 through Caribbean Training College and Caribbean Union College, before becoming the University of the Southern Caribbean in 2006.
The showcase featured the unveiling of the official Centennial brand by Mr. Josh Rudder, Director of Integrated Marketing and Communication, and Mrs. Kershelle Barker, Founder and Creative Director of KHreative Works Branding Agency.
The programme also launched the countdown to 100, introduced the Centennial website, usc100.usc.edu.tt, and featured a preview of the Centennial Calendar.
With Centennial Homecoming scheduled for August 20–29, 2027, the announcements offered alumni a closer look at the celebrations planned for the University’s historic anniversary.
Watch the Replay: Centennial Celebration Showcase
Founders’ Weekend concluded on Sunday, August 30, with Alumni Family Day, featuring the USC Alumni Association Small Goal Football Classic, the Association’s General Meeting and an evening movie presentation.
Throughout the weekend, USC’s history found expression in the people who returned to celebrate it. Parents stood alongside their children, spouses shared hosting responsibilities and former educators joined graduates in commemorating the institution’s journey.
For an institution approaching a century of Christian higher education, these relationships offer a particularly personal measure of its influence.
When USC welcomes alumni home for its centennial in August 2027, it will be celebrating a history that continues to live within the families and communities shaped by Maracas Valley.
