We want you to remain in contact with your alma mater and encourage you to join up with the UWI Alumni Association (UWIAA).
The UWI Alumni Pledge
"As a graduate of the University of the West Indies, I commit myself to uphold the ideals and goals of my alma mater. My conduct and voice shall reflect the commitment to excellence of “The Light Rising From The West”, as I fulfill my social and professional responsibilities and serve my community and region.
I will strive to ensure The UWI’s place as a Caribbean icon: the catalyst for Caribbean development and leadership. It is a legacy that I will proudly help build for future generations "The UWI – First in our hearts and first in our region."
"Let us share with you the reasons why you should show your “Pelican Pride”!
“Dynamic, responsive, research driven” – those are the words that students, alumni, faculty and staff at the University of the West Indies (UWI) use to describe their institution. UWI as it is fondly called, has a reputation for academic excellence and vision which extends beyond its four campuses and 12 academic centres in 15 Caribbean countries. UWI adapts to meet the needs of both students and employers in a rapidly changing global economy.
Founded in 1948, the UWI is a prestigious research university, committed to quality in teaching, research, economic development and Caribbean culture. It offers undergraduate, masters and doctoral programmes in over 300 disciplines and makes educational opportunities more accessible to both traditional and professional students.
Students also engage in more than 100 leadership and community-service organizations that can train them for the future and balance their education with extracurricular activities. With a student body of more than 35,000, The University of the West Indies has a history rich with Caribbean tradition and a future with endless possibilities.
UWI’s Points of Pride
The University’s Charter – The Royal Charter and Statutes of the University College of the West Indies were approved by the Privy Council in 1948 and the new Royal Charter constituting and founding The University of the West Indies as a degree-granting institution was passed under the Great Seal of the Realm on April 2, 1962, with Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone, as the first Chancellor.
The UWI Motto – “Oriens Ex Occidente Lux” which means “Light rising from the West” – established in 1949.
Four Campuses (Cave Hill, Barbados, Mona, Jamaica, St. Augustine Trinidad and the Open Campus) and 14 UWI Centres, also known as the UWI 12 (Anguilla, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Turks and Caicos).
Campus Colours: Cave Hill – Yellow, Mona – Red, St. Augustine – Blue
The University Song – “There is a Light”
Campus Slogans:
Cave Hill – “Our Graduates are the Caribbean’s Leaders: Join the tradition of excellence”
Mona – “UWI – Your Place to Shine”
St. Augustine – “The University of Choice”
The UWI Coat of Arms
Our Coat of Arms is the single image that can represent the entire University. The crest or top is a brown Pelican which fishes along the coasts of all Caribbean countries. It is a symbol of care for the young because of the belief that it is very nurturing. It is also used as a crest by both Corpus Christi Colleges of Oxford and Cambridge.
The UWI Mascot: The Pelican
UWI students and alumni identify with and are proud of the Coat of Arms, and therefore proudly associate with the symbol of the Pelican. Show your “Pelican Pride”.
To join the UWIAA contact your Campus Alumni Representative:
Cave Hill Campus- Barbados: Tel: (246) 417-4544
Contact: Mrs. Roseanne Maxwell
Mona Campus – Jamaica: Tel: (876) 927-1583
Contact: Mrs. Charmaine Wright
St. Augustine Campus – Trinidad & Tobago: Tel: (868) 663-1579
Contact: Mrs. Camille Edwards
Open Campus: Tel: 876-927-1201
alumni.open.uwi.edu
Contact: Ms. Sandra Griffith-Carrington
Our 7 faculties and 12 professional schools offer more than 200 programmes to some 18,000 graduate, undergraduate and continuing studies students.
The UWI, Mona ranks first in Jamaica among accredited tertiary-level programmes. In 2012, the University was again one of Jamaica’s Top 100 Employers.
