UG hosts inaugural world alumni gathering

– several high-profile speakers set to address attendees

As the University of Guyana (UG) steps up its preparation to celebrate its 60th anniversary, the tertiary institution in collaboration with the University of Guyana’s Alumni Association (UGAA) is all set to host its two-day inaugural alumni gathering which began on Friday.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand, herself an alumnus, delivered welcoming remarks during the opening ceremony. The event continues today, Saturday from 10:00h.
The event, which is being hosted virtually, comes at a time when the University is breaking new ground and is stepping up the level of discourse on how the institution could be further strengthened and developed to ideally position itself to achieve its mandate.
Several other high-profile speakers will be featured during the two-day event (2 hours each day) including students from UG’s first batch in 1963, past Chancellors, administrators, past and present students, and other stakeholders who will share their experiences and engage in discussions on the future of UG. The event also promises to be an exciting, interactive one, with participants getting the opportunity to participate in games and win prizes in a virtual bingo and the all-new Real#1 Guyanese Board Game.
On the first day, UG’s Senior Management Team, including; Vice-Chancellor XI, Prof Paloma Mohamed Martin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Institutional Advancement), Dr Mellissa Ifill, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Engagement) Prof Emanuel Cummings kick-started the conversation on the topic; “Presenting the Future”.
The second panel engaged in discussions on “Reflect to Affect” and included UG’s current Chancellor Prof Edward Greene and past Chancellors; Sir Shridath Ramphal, Prof Nigel Harris, and Prof Compton Bourne, and Lecturer, Faculty of Natural Science Calvin Bernard.
There was also a question-and-answer segment after each panel. The programme was chaired by Dr Nigel Gravesande, Registrar, University of Guyana.
However, on the second day, Panel Three will engage in discussions on “UG Reflective to be Effective”, and will include; Founding President of the Toronto Chapter of the UG Guild of Graduates Harry Hergash, Lorna McPherson, Former Registrar George Cave, and Former Lecturer, Faculty of Social Sciences, Patrick Dial. Former Public Relations Officer (1992-2019) Paulette Paul will be the Moderator. The programme will be chaired by Department of Events Conferences and Communication (DECC) Director Jainarine Deonauth.
UGAA Panel will comprise of Interim President of UGAA Georgetown Chapter, Sara Bharrat; Interim President of UGAA Berbice Chapter, Somattie Sayrange; Interim President of UGAA Toronto Chapter, Alexander Ramessar; and, Interim President of UGAA New York Chapter and Past UGSS President, Jason Benjamin
The attendees will participate in fun games that will test their knowledge about UG and Guyana to win prizes which include; all expenses paid trips to Kaieteur Falls, Iwokrama, and Sophia Point, as well as UG Alumni Merchandise.
Prof Mohamed Martin will deliver closing remarks, while Final Year Social Work Student and University of Guyana Student Society Representative (UGSS, UGBC) Marissa Foster will give the vote of thanks.
The Conference is being organised and managed by Senior Alumni Relations Officer Christine Chowargir and team from the Philanthropy and Civic Engagement (PACE) Office, Office of the Vice-Chancellor XI, in collaboration with the UGAA.
The University of Guyana is very elated to be hosting the 2021 World Alumni Gathering as UG has been effectively engaging with its alumni throughout Guyana, regionally and internationally over the years.