DR Dennis Lalor, insurance industry executive; and media host and attorney-at-law Khadene “Miss Kitty” Hylton, were presented with The University of the West Indies’ (The UWI) 75th Anniversary Outstanding Volunteers Awards at the UWI Vice-Chancellor’s 75th Anniversary Reception at the UWI headquarters on July 17. Awards were also presented posthumously honouring the contributions of the late Dr Karl Massiah and Dr Marshall Hall.

Addressing guests at the reception, including several members of the UWI Medical Alumni Association (UWIMAA), Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, vice chancellor of The UWI, launched Diamond Jubilee Week, celebrating 75 years of service to the region.

“We are celebrating 75 years of collective effort and commitment of scores of persons who have contributed to the success of The UWI,” he said.

Noting that a recent Times Higher Education World University Ranking placed The UWI in the top one per cent in the world, Sir Hilary said that “at 75 the reputation of The UWI has never been greater, the visibility of The UWI has never been higher. We are a global university making an intellectual contribution to the world”.

Elizabeth Buchanan Hind, executive director, Institutional Advancement Division, Office of the Vice Chancellor, said the awards recognise the exemplary generosity and contribution of alumni, friends, faculty and staff who volunteer their services to The UWI with no remuneration or compensation.

“These volunteers are integral members of The UWI community and play a pivotal role in the quality of The UWI experience. From mentors to advisors, fund-raisers, ambassadors, organisers, ticket sellers, greeters, guest speakers etc, their work and service contribute to the spirit of community at The UWI. Our volunteers help to enhance the university’s reputation as a top destination for learning, innovation, entrepreneurism, and so much more,” she declared.

Lalor in 1990 established the University Development and Endowment (UWIDEF) Fund and later, the Century Club to which 100 firms pledged one million dollars. He has served for 36 years as chair of UWIDEF which, in partnership with several private sector organisations and donors, provides needy students with scholarships to The UWI.

Hylton has for several years served voluntarily as mistress of ceremonies for the annual CB Group UWI 5K, contributing to its tremendous success. All proceeds from the event go to the development of sports and education of in-need students at The UWI.

Dr Massiah was among The UWI’s first cohort of medical students in 1959. He established UWIMAA in Canada in 1998 and was president for over three decades. The chapter today remains the most active of its kind. The posthumous award to Dr Massiah was accepted on his behalf by Dr Peter Wong, the current president of the UWIMAA.

Dr Hall was connected to The UWI in several ways, first as dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and head of the Department of Management Studies, and later as a member of several committees. He was president of the Mona Council for 10 consecutive years. His posthumous award was accepted by his daughter Andrea Perkins and his wife Dr Jeannette Hall.

The Vice Chancellor’s 75th Anniversary Reception launched the university’s programme of Diamond Jubilee Week celebrations, which included a two-day scientific conference and an awards reception by the UWIMAA, a concert by the UWI Singers, and a higher education forum.

Chairman of the Jubilee Week Planning Committee, University Registrar Dr Maurice Smith invited “alumni and anyone with a connection to The UWI to celebrate the advancement of this excellent regional institution”.