PACE

UG launches Berbice campus alumni chapter

The University of Guyana (UG) in its efforts to re-connect with past graduates and past faculty staff, last week Wednesday, launched the Berbice campus chapter of its Alumni Association. The goal of the Alumni Association is to connect graduates and past faculty and staff of UG in a reciprocally beneficial relationship of investing, nurturing, fundraising, mentorship and development. Persons are being urged to give back to UG through scholarships, mentorship, equipment, books, internships, monetary gifts, travel bursaries and through other kind gestures.

At a simple ceremony held at the university’s Berbice campus to mark the occasion, Tenth Vice Chancellor Professor Ivelaw Griffith (Class of 1980 and 1981); encouraged those gathered to give back towards the development of the country’s sole national university. This campus was established in 2002 and produced its first batch of alumni two years later. The Vice Chancellor said that an alumni community cannot be built by “simply wishing it would happen.” In this regard, he said this is where the process of institutionalization comes into play, adding that one way to do so is by creating alumni associations and chapters.

Professor Griffith pointed out that the purpose of these chapters is not merely to garner funds, but to also play a vital role in helping to bring others into the university so that they could have similar or better experiences. The strength of any university has to do with its graduates, and how these past students help to strengthen the brand of the university and how they help to pave the way for others. More than half of a century after it was founded, the University of Guyana on June 2, last, launched its Alumni Association under the banner Proud Legacy: Prosperous Destiny at the institution’s Turkeyen campus.

Speaking at that event was Professor George Danns (Class of 1975) who noted that the establishment of an alumni association is long overdue, as he spoke of the importance of alumni in sustaining the educational charge of the university. Pointing out that the University has educated past and current presidents, cabinet ministers and the acting Chancellor and Chief Justice, Professor Danns recommended that the alumni association be registered as a not for profit voluntary organization consistent with the university statutes and the laws of Guyana. Deputy Vice Chancellor for Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement (PACE), Professor Paloma Mohammed (Class of 1992 and 2000) has since revealed that the New York and Toronto chapters will be launched later this month, while the London Chapter will be launched later in the year.

Article adapted from: https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2018/07/02/re-connecting-with-past-students-ug-launches-berbice-campus-alumni-chapter/

University of Guyana launches alumni association

On June 1, the University of Guyana (UG) launched its alumni association under the theme Proud Legacy: Prosperous Destiny.

According to Vice Chancellor Ivelaw Griffith the creation of the association which comes more than 50 years after the opening of UG is part of a renaissance journey to rebuild a university that has for a variety of reasons suffered neglect.

He said that the rebuilding cannot be left to one set of stakeholders and acknowledged alumni as critical to the process.

Quoting the former United States President John F. Kennedy, Griffith noted that you can tell the greatness of a university by how its products have contributed to their society before adding that UG’s greatness is not only reflected in alumni contributions to Guyana but also to the Caribbean and the world.

The VC stressed that these amazing products can now help to rebuild the institution and called specifically on those who attended free of cost in the 70s and 80s to honour their obligation to help rebuild the place where they gained so much.

Chancellor Nigel Harris was absent from the launch but sent a message which was read by Pro-Chancellor Joseph Singh. In the message, Harris noted that the launch will be remembered as one of the more important milestones in UG’s history and said that it is important that UG celebrate its alumni and that alumni celebrate UG.

Mobilization of alumni is critical to the realization of UG’s vision of the future, he explained, adding that they can offer the university advocacy in the business community, regional and international agencies, as well as government and civil society to generate support for programmes and projects for its development.

Other possible areas of contribution include mentorship, internships and personal donations.

In the area of personal donations, Harris noted that donor agencies often ask universities what percentage of alumni give back, not how much they give but how many of the alumni support the institution.  Working to secure the stature of UG will help alumni when asked to give assurance of the value of their degree, he concluded.

Deputy Vice Chancellor Paloma Mohamed who as the head of the Office of Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement (PACE) has been at the forefront of efforts to bring the alumni association to reality explained that while UG has populated the world it was a steep, hard climb back into the hearts and trust of alumni .

“It’s a tremendous job, a lot of hard work to bring people back,” she said, before acknowledging past efforts of those such as Marlene Cox who worked in Alumni relations.

Mohamed explained that the Turkeyen Chapter of the association was the first of five to be launched this year. Berbice is set to be launched on June 27, New York at the end of July, Toronto on July 18 and London later in the year.

UG launches its psychology programme for the first time

As of January 2018, persons will have the opportunity to attend courses for Psychology at the University of Guyana (UG), following the launch of the programme on Monday evening at the institution’s Turkeyen campus.

In a feature address, Minister within Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings said that the inauguration of the programme demonstrates the efforts made by the university in assisting government’s agenda to address mental health issues.

“The government of Guyana through the Ministry of Public Health has embarked on a rigorous programme to address mental illness in Guyana. For the first time in the Ministry of Public Health, a mental health unit has been established, a number of intervention has already been conducted countrywide as we seek to build capacity within our public health system,” the Minister explained.

She noted that the launch of the programme indicates that the university is fulfilling its mandate of developing the human potential to tackle mental health issues.

The programme seeks to increase the number of mental health providers available to evaluate and treat psychological conditions, reduce the high rate of suicide and also increase awareness, prevention, support, and compassion for those suffering from mental illness. It also provides professional growth and development for those currently in the mental health workforce, under-graduate and graduate-level clinical psychology training.

It was highlighted that the development and enhancement of competence in the assessment, evaluation, and treatment of psychological problems would not only increase the level of professionalism of the field but reduce the burden of mental illness among the general population.

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) representative Sylvie Fouet explained that the support offered to the university is simply the planting of seeds for tomorrow to sustain the programme.

She thanked Caribbean Network of Psychological Associations (CANPA) for their support in the initiative, noting that though there may be difficulties as the university launches its psychology programme, assistance will be provided.

Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Ivelaw Griffith noted that the programme is testimony of the university’s effort to aim high.  He added that the programme is one that the institution had envisaged for over 30 years; which led to several professors undertaking a preparatory psychology course.

The psychology programme will offer a certificate and diploma, and a bachelor’s degree in general psychology slated for September 2018 and a masters in clinical psychology which will be set aside for June 2018.

Those also present during the launch included Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Engagement, Professor Michael E. Scott, Dean of The Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr. Emanuel Cummings, President of the Caribbean Network of Psychological Associations (CANPA) Prof. Omowale Omuleru Marshall and Deputy Vice Chancellor PACE – Professor Paloma Mohamed.

Article adapted from: http://gina.gov.gy/ug-launches-its-psychology-programme-for-the-first-time/

UG to offer diploma, bachelor's degree & masters in psychology

As of January 2018, persons will have the opportunity to attend courses for psychology at the University of Guyana (UG), following the launch of the programme on Monday evening at the institution’s Turkeyen campus.

In a feature address, Minister within Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings said that the inauguration of the programme demonstrates the efforts made by the university in assisting government’s agenda to address mental health issues.

“The government of Guyana through the Ministry of Public Health has embarked on a rigorous programme to address mental illness in Guyana. For the first time in the Ministry of Public Health, a mental health unit has been established, a number of intervention has already been conducted countrywide as we seek to build capacity within our public health system,” the Minister explained.

She noted that the launch of the programme indicates that the university is fulfilling its mandate of developing the human potential to tackle mental health issues.

The programme seeks to increase the number of mental health providers available to evaluate and treat psychological conditions, reduce the high rate of suicide and also increase awareness, prevention, support, and compassion for those suffering from mental illness. It also provides professional growth and development for those currently in the mental health workforce, under-graduate and graduate-level clinical psychology training.

It was highlighted that the development and enhancement of competence in the assessment, evaluation, and treatment of psychological problems would not only increase the level of professionalism of the field but reduce the burden of mental illness among the general population.

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) representative Sylvie Fouet explained that the support offered to the university is simply the planting of seeds for tomorrow to sustain the programme.

She thanked Caribbean Network of Psychological Associations (CANPA) for their support in the initiative, noting that though there may be difficulties as the university launches its psychology programme, assistance will be provided.

Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Ivelaw Griffith noted that the programme is testimony of the university’s effort to aim high.  He added that the programme is one that the institution had envisaged for over 30 years; which led to several professors undertaking a preparatory psychology course.

The psychology programme will offer a certificate and diploma, and a bachelor’s degree in general psychology slated for September 2018 and a masters in clinical psychology which will be set aside for June 2018.

Those also present during the launch included Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Engagement, Professor Michael E. Scott, Dean of The Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr Emanuel Cummings, President of the Caribbean Network of Psychological Associations (CANPA) Prof Omowale Omuleru Marshall and Deputy Vice Chancellor PACE – Professor Paloma Mohamed.

Article adapted from: http://www.inewsguyana.com/ug-to-offer-diploma-bachelors-degree-masters-in-psychology/

UG's 'Race for Pace' meets $4M target with Go-kart event

The University of Guyana’s (UG) ‘Race for Pace’ fund-raising Go-kart event on Sunday at the GT Motorsports track was a huge success with the organisers meeting their target of $4M for the Student Support Fund. It was a day of fun, thrills and spills and the rain only contributed to the excitement, as persons gathered to race for a good cause.

While the race of the day featuring Vice-Chancellor of the University Dr. Ivelaw Griffith and Professor Suresh Narine had to be postponed because of time and wetness of the track, that did not stop the event from having some good races early on.

The Alumni and Friends ended up being the most star-studded race with Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan and lawyer Darren Wade finishing fifth and sixth respectively. However, Christopher Persaud won the race, while Azad Hassan finished second and Gavin Persaud third.

Duncan and Wade agreed to the fact that the cause of the fund towards aiding students in need was definitely a good move by the University while commending Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr. Paloma Mohamed for her initiative with the fund. 

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Griffith also highlighted that such an event is not just important because of the impact it will have on students in need, but also the impact on student/staff relationships that can only develop campus life. 

Meanwhile, Dr. Mohamed, the brainchild of the event, shared the importance of the University helping students in need and using sport as a means of impacting student life both on and off campus. In addition, Dr. Mohamed was enthusiastic of the event becoming an annual staple on UG’s calendar of activities. 

Meanwhile, other winners of the day were Rinaldo Delano in the student race, Christopher Ramakrishna in the staff race, Kezia Bridgewater in the female event, Nicoli Mahangi in the student versus staff race, Christopher Ramalho in the Turkeyen versus Tain event and Ron Glasgow in the male versus female event. 

UG’s Sport Coordinator Lavern Fraser-Thomas mentioned that such events highlight the impact sport can have on society and noted that more events of this nature are needed not just on campus but holistically to help athletes in general. 

The top race of the day, which was postponed, will be held at a later date.

Article adapted from: http://newsroom.gy/2017/05/23/ugs-race-for-pace-meets-4m-target-with-go-kart-event/