Jamaica’s longest serving prime minister, PJ Patterson, and Governor-General and former principal of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona, Professor Kenneth Hall, were the special honorees on Friday night at the 35th anniversary celebration of the Chancellor Hall ‘Super Lion’ Awards. The ceremony was held at the Chancellor Hall dining room on the Mona campus.

The Super Lion award, founded in 1972, is designed to recognise outstanding graduates of Chancellor Hall who have excelled in their respective fields in the Caribbean, contributing to regional integration.

Friday night turned out to be one of nostalgia and reminiscence as former Chancellorites of all ages turned out to pay special tribute to Hall and Patterson, and to rap with the present batch of ‘young lions’.

“We’re proud of these two distinguished graduates who have reached the pinnacle of government and statehood. We wanted to bring them back here to where it all began. This is where they honed their skills, sharpened their wit and developed an understanding of Caribbean cultures,” said George Falloon, registrar of the Mona Campus and former Chancellorite.

“Some seven UWI graduates have been prime ministers in the Caribbean, and Chancellor Hall, the smallest of halls, has four of them. We have much to shout and boast about,” he added, to thunderous cheers and applause. Chancellor Hall has also produced three governors-general.

UWI Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Errol Morrison, who served as master of ceremonies (also a former Chancellorite), did not hesitate to poke fun at the various tribute presenters, reminding them of “interesting incidents” from their heyday at UWI.

Outstanding Lion, Professor Trevor Munroe, in particular, who did the unveiling of the new plaques, was reminded of the days on campus when he “classically” wore only white shoes.

The tribute to Patterson was delivered by Outstanding Lion and former minister of information Burchell Whiteman, while Professor Hall’s tribute was read by past president of the UWI Guild of Graduates, Anthony Williamson.

In their replies, both Patterson and Hall expressed gratitude for the honour and encouraged the young Chancellorites to continue the legacy of contribution to society.

“This is a very great honour you have bestowed on me. My life has been shaped by my experiences on Chancellor Hall.

The friendships and values have stayed with me and I am forever grateful,” Hall told the gathering, adding that Patterson was his mentor. “For those who now live on Chancellor, make use of the opportunity and ensure that the scholarly work of your predecessors is utilised. The memories will last a lifetime.

Over the years, Chancellor Hall, founded in 1954, has produced scores of state and church leaders, Rhodes scholars and other outstanding academics.

reidt@jamaicaobserver.com