KINGSTON, Jamaica— Reggae icon Beres Hammond will be conferred with the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters by The University of the West Indies (The UWI) at the Mona campus’ annual graduation ceremony on Saturday, November 4.

He will be among four other recipients to receive honorary degrees during the university’s four graduation ceremonies which are scheduled to take place over two days, November 3-4.

The others to receive this high honour are Ambassador Audrey Marks and the late Lascelles Chin, who will be conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws; Rachel Manley- Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters; Professor Dale Abel- Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science.

“The UWI Honorary Degree is conferred on people who have distinguished themselves by their substantial contribution to the development of the region and or the advancement of the university. Individuals upon whom such a high honour has been bestowed are not referred to as “Doctor” but are entitled to use the abbreviated honorary degree behind his or her name,” a statement on Wednesday said.

Over the two-day period, more than 3,500 students from the Class of 2023 will be conferred with degrees, diplomas, and certificates by The UWI-Mona.

The ceremonies will be broadcasted on UWI TV and social media.

Commenting on the upcoming ceremonies, The UWI Mona Campus Registrar, Dr Donovan Stanberry said, “graduation is a special event for all our Pelicans as they have reached a milestone in their academic journey. As they prepare to cross the stage and into the next chapter of their lives, I hope they take a moment to reflect on their own hard work, as well as the support and sacrifices of their parents, guardians and well-wishers who brought them to this point. The knowledge they gained and the skills they have honed during their time at this cultural melting pot that is The UWI, I am sure contributed to their growth and will undoubtedly serve as a strong foundation for them to make a positive impact on the region and the world.”

On Friday, November 3, at 10:00am, students from the Faculties of Social Sciences (except MSBM) and Law will be formally announced as graduates of The UWI. The valedictorian addressing this ceremony will be Aundrene Cameron who was awarded the Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours.

At 4:30pm on the same day, students from Faculties of Humanities and Education and Science and Technology will be formally announced as graduates. The valedictorian addressing this ceremony will be Jamar Grant who was awarded the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Linguistics with First Class Honours.

At 10:00am the following day, students from the Faculties of Medical Sciences, and Sport, will be officially announced as graduates of The UWI. The valedictorian addressing this ceremony will be Sadieka Smith who was awarded the Bachelor of Science in Nursing with First Class Honours.

The final ceremony on Saturday, November 4, starting at 4:30pm, students from the Faculties of Engineering, the Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), and the Mona School of Business and Management (MSBM only) will be officially announced as graduates. The valedictorian addressing that ceremony will be Charm Evans who was awarded the Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management and Psychology (minor), with First Class Honours.