ISSUE
9 November 2013
The Fund
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE UWI DEVELOPMENT AND ENDOWMENT FUND, MONA
This Issue New and Improved Tastee Scholarships P.1 Make a Gift, Mak e a Difference P.1 Ways to Give P.2 Center Story —Taking a Step to Boost Food Security ―Trees that Feed Foundation‖ P.2 UWI Alumni Shine –Spotlight on
Your gift will MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Mrs. Jacqueline SharpeCFA P.3 Each One Give One P.3 Students DO Care! P.3
The University of the West Indies Development and Endowment Fund (UWIDEF) funds scholarships and projects to assist with the development of the Mona Campus. There are many ways that you can help develop the Mona Campus and assist deserving students obtain a tertiary education.
Establish a Named Scholarship or Bursary ( suitable for companies, individuals, commemorative activities, families, associations) Contribute to a pool that funds scholarships and bursaries by supporting the Each One Give One campaign As part of your scholarship contribution you may offer internships and job placement opportunities Create an Endowment to support your philanthropic goal long into the future. Support a Project – support existing projects e.g. library modernization, sports facilities or contribute to one that realizes your specific goal Insurance – make UWIDEF a beneficiary on your insurance policy. You can designate your contribution to a specific Faculty, Department, Programme or activity.
Our UWIDEF staff stands ready to help customize your gift to ensure your intent is fulfilled. ―A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they k now they shall never sit in‖- Greek Proverb
Giving to UWIDE F P.3 Photo Feature: A nnual Donor Recognition
UWI Development & Endowment Fund’s Mandate has Elevated Significance
T
he Most Hon. PJ Patterson, former Prime Minister of Jamaica and esteemed alumnus of the University of the West Indies delivered the keynote address at the annual UWI Development and Endowment Fund Donor Recognition and Scholarship Awards Luncheon held October 10, 2013. Mr. Patterson began his presentation by highlighting the importance and significance of the University of the West Indies before discussing its progress and students’ access to the invaluable UWI experience. He noted that the UWI was founded at a time when the public did not see the importance or relevance of a tertiary institution within the region whereas, the its founders asserted that the key to human development in the region would be found in knowledge and education. This notion, Mr. Patterson says was corroborated in the leadership that was developed though their investment in education at the UWI and during which time a sense of shared regional identity was established by Caribbean leaders. This would give rise to what he described as the ―spirit of enterprise and sacrifice‖, seen in the Caribbean leadership which paved the way for independence. Mr. Patterson continued his address by sharing that the University was founded on the premise, where over time it would be ―distinguished for its ability to build confidence in our own skills and learning as an institution that would stand for the people and with the people, and produce leaders who facilitate social cohesion, tolerance, peace and encourage respect and understanding.‖. He pointed out that the success of this experiment is seen in the leaders that have graduated from the institution - both national leaders and leaders in the private sector in Jamaica and in the wider region. He noted that not only has UWI been responsible for developing leaders but also the improved quality of life, as seen in the creation of UWI research institutes such as the Tropical Metabolism Research Unit (TMRU). Mr. Patterson expressed satisfaction that despite the growth and expansion of the University of the West UWI within and outside of the Mona Campus, it had maintained ―its focus on quality education and equity of access‖. This mission, he stated, has attracted the attention of various heads of government because now, unlike in the founding years, more students have become eligible to receive tertiary education and knowledge is increasingly acknowledged as the key to economic development and social mobility.
and Scholarship Awards Luncheon 2013 P.4 UWIDEF News P.4
On that premise, Mr Patterson reflected on the the inevitable question of funding and how a student affords this quality, privileged and recently necessary education. Mr. Patterson shared that under his government the 80/20 equation was developed where the government would contribute 80% of the cost and the student would find the 20% for tertiary education. He applauded the UWI Mona administration firstly for their ability to keep the cost that students have to pay within the 20% range without an annual increase, despite the Government’s contribution falling to 50%; though this is an investment in one’s life it is a costly one. Secondly he applauded their ability to do this without compromising quality, as UWI’s ranking alongside comparable institutions continues to rise. In a society where the government is unable to contribute more to this effort, Mr. Patterson supports the view that the private sector and other entities must step in with the shortfall and regard this contribution as a, ―meaningful investment in their own corporate interest‖ and not as charity. Consequently, he cited the significance of UWIDEF’s contribution to the UWI Mona Campus and the scholarship recipients in an economic time like this as invaluable. With the burden placed on the UWI administration to provide the measures necessary for tertiary education the work of UWIDEF as the main fundraising arm in ―mobilizing contributions from the private sector, international donors and alumni has [an] elevated significance‖. In keeping with the nature of the event, UWIDEF acknowledged the faithful giving of donors and support of various individuals and companies. For the academic year 2013/2014 twenty-three (23) scholarships valued at approximately J$3million were awarded. Special recognition was given to donors of scholarships and other gifts, who have not only given in the past but who continue to give. One such donor is LIME Jamaica. As one of UWIDEF’s 77 Century Club members, LIME was specially recognized for their long record of philanthropy which now continues to benefit the teaching of medical students at the UHWI.
The Fund
Making a donation is… 1. EASY 2. CONVENIENT 3. TAX DEDUCTIBLE Our Methods of Payment include: Online Payment via UWIDEF’s website at http:// uwifundmona.org.jm/
Cheques—make payable to the UWI Development and Endowment Fund (Jamaican donors) or The Friends of the UWI Development and Endowment Fund (US donors)
Credit/debit Card
- Please visit UWIDEF office to conduct this transaction
Tele and Internet Banking – Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) and National Commercial Bank (NCB)- Please contact UWIDEF to get your personal donor account number to be able to access this payment option.
Cash Deposits at the following: NCB Account Number – 401006753 (Mona) BNS Account number – 28040 (Liguanea) Wells Fargo Account Number – 4025873891 (Account name―Friends of UWI Development and Endowment Fund‖)
Payroll Deduction Pre- Authorized Payment/ Direct Deposit (from any of the five Commercial Banks)
Now you can also support a special project via ISupportJamaica.com by visiting https:// www.isupportjamaica.com/ project_details.aspx?pid=54
Taking a Step to Boost Food Security ‘Trees That Feed Foundation’ Partners with UWI
R
ising food prices, scarce availability and malnutrition are making Food Security in Jamaica a high priority. Climate
change impacts poor, vulnerable and developing countries disproportionately. The need to take steps to ensure food and nutrition security is critical and the World Economic Forum's Global Agenda Council on Food Security 2013 points to the dire need for all stakeholders along the agriculture value chain to work together. Fortunately, in Jamaica, this important issue of food and nutrition security is benefitting from the energy of various stakeholders: those who are passionate about food security especially for the rural poor; those who try to impact policy and education about the issue; and those whose inputs through research, science, technology and agronomy are quietly helping. Two such stakeholders are the Trees That Feed Foundation and The University of the West Indies and they have forged an exciting partnership the results of which will unfold over a one year period. Trees That Feed Foundation (TTFF) is a not-for-profit public charity based in Illinois, USA and its primary concern is to help address the impact of increases in the cost of commodities like wheat, corn and rice on poor populations in tropical countries. Led by dynamic and committed Jamaicans and UWI alumni, Mary and Mike McLaughlin and their partners, TTFF believes strongly that tree crops can play a major role in addressing world food concerns. Besides having similar nutritional qualities to grains, trees require less agricultural inputs (labor, agro chemicals, fertilizers and space) and are an important part of agro-forestry and associated environmental protections and benefits. TTFF‘s Mission therefore includes planting trees to feed people, creating jobs and benefitting the environment; supplying individuals and groups with the best varieties trees, while being sensitive to the environment; working with commercial orchards; and providing technical assistance in training, equipment and post-harvest technology. Their efforts have spanned countries including Haiti, Costa Rica, Ghana and Jamaica where TTFF works with government, NGOs, co-ops, service clubs, churches, schools, community and others to carry out their mission. The University of the West Indies is the premier tertiary education institution in the Caribbean and a leader in research. The UWI has had a long tradition of training agronomists and there have been a number of new programmes to help revolutionize agriculture in terms of practices and as a business. There is also much work in the way of integrated research for agricultural development through units like the UWI Biotechnology Center. The Biotechnology Center offers postgraduate research opportunities and does collaborative research with local and/or international institutions. Additionally, the Center provides specialized training and provides services for agricultural project development, implementation and management. The recent partnership forged between TTFF and the UWI Biotechnology Center is therefore a perfect match and the type of model that is important if gains are to be made in mitigating the risk of a food crisis. TTFF has provided a grant to support research into tissue culture propagation of breadfruit trees. The breadfruit is singled out for various reasons including its low maintenance requirements, nutritional value and the value added products that can be derived from the fruit. TTFF has identified a variety of breadfruit from Samoa that is high yielding, bears outside the season of local varieties, and easy to harvest and maintain. With research and assistance from experts in Hawaii and US, the variety has been introduced to Jamaica and Haiti by TTFF. ―We are introducing new varieties with highly desirable characteristics, including easy reaping and longer bearing seasons‖ said Mary McLaughlin, chair of TTFF. The expertise of the Biotechnology Center is being leveraged to help make the plant material for local varieties more broadly accessible through the use of tissue culture. The effort will be led by Dr. Sylvia Mitchell, who is trained in various aspects of technology commercialization and has over twenty-seven years of experience with tissue culture. Like TTFF she believes the Caribbean has real potential to realize sustainable utilization of its native plant biodiversity for food, herbs, spices, medicine, aromatherapy, furniture, and biofuels through the judicious use of biotechnology, a goal towards which she is diligently working. Dr. Mitchell is committed and looks forward to sharing the results of this effort over time. The UWI Development and Endowment Fund helped to facilitate this partnership by providing a mechanism for stewardship of the funds provided by the TTFF. The UWI Development and Endowment Fund (UWIDEF) is a registered charitable organization which provides stewardship for funds raised through capital campaigns and projects, general endowment and planned giving for the benefit of the UWI Mona campus and its students. Since its incorporation in 1990, UWIDEFMona has implemented a number of major projects, provided grants and scholarships and established various facilities for students. UWIDEF is proud to be associated with the project which is a clear demonstration of how industry, alumni and friends can contribute to designated interests and realize their objectives by forging partnerships at the UWI. Importantly, this can be done with the comfort that there is transparent and accountable stewardship of monetary contributions. It is part of UWIDEF‘s mission to promote the social and economic development of the Caribbean by acting as a bridge between The UWI and other stakeholders. In this context, UWIDEF has embraced this partnership and shares the TTFF‘s vision of ―seeing local communities in developing countries with sustainable food supplies, accessible markets for their excess food production, jobs for their people, and an improved, reforested environment.‖ This is the first in a series of articles that will plot the progress and achievements of this project. Look out for more in subsequent issues of The Fund. To learn more about Trees that Feed Foundation visit www.treesthatfeed.org
Photos: Mary Mclaughlin
WHO SHINE Jacqueline Sharp CFA
UWI MONA ALUMNI
H
President and CEO Scotiabank Group
istory in the making, Jacqueline Sharp has become Scotia Jamaica's first-ever female President & CEO! Since joining the Scotiabank, Jamaica family in 1997, Jacqueline Sharp has acquired over 20 years‘ experience in the financial services industry. She began working in Treasury and Finance before starting up and leading the Group‘s Private Banking Unit in 2002. She then went on to head up the Group‘s life insurance subsidiary, Scotia Insurance, where she grew the portfolio and profitability during her tenure. Prior to being appointed President & CEO in September 2013, Jackie was Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer for the Group, with responsibility for financial and regulatory reporting, financial risk management, strategic planning, legal, compliance and oversight of the Systems Support Centre. This historical appointment as President & CEO has been years in the making as Jackie‘s determination, innovation and hard work proved she was destined for greatness. Jackie holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc.) degree with honours in Accounting from the University of the West Indies, is a CFA Charter Holder and has successfully completed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examinations. While at UWI Jackie noted the friendships made, the beautiful surroundings including the sightings of the Blue Mountains and the encouragement from lectures and peers to challenge and push the boundaries in their thought patterns, as some of her most memorable moments. She also shared the popular University student saga that pulling all-nighters to complete assignments or catch up on studies was only made possible through the helpful hand of the trusty flask of coffee. When asked ‗What would you say to a young student planning to study at UWI’, Jackie responded, ―I would encourage each student to aim for excellence because it is attainable. I have seen it many times over, that with focus and a commitment to excellence, we can achieve remarkable results. I would also encourage students to absorb the full UWI experience, by participating in Hall activities, in clubs and sporting activities. The skills developed at UWI will prove valuable throughout life both professionally and personally.‖
Photo: Mary Mclaughlin
Jackie is married with two children and serves as a member of the Boards of Scotia Group Jamaica Limited, the Bank of Nova Scotia Jamaica Limited, Scotia Investments Jamaica Limited, Scotia Jamaica Building Society, Scotia Jamaica Life Insurance Company Limited, and Scotia MicroFinance Co. Ltd, and is Chair of the Board of Trustees of Scotiabank Jamaica‘s Pension Plan. (Photo: Scotiabank Group)
Each One Give One The Each One, Give One campaign promotes the idea that ‗many‘ can benefit through the cumulative effect of individual actions. By several individuals and organizations periodically (monthly/yearly), contributing a financial gift, it becomes possible to make more assistance available to students in need.
UWIDEF acknowledges the generous contribution of the following donors: Tropex Distributors (Ja) Ltd K. Churchill Neita & Company Brown & Shaw Attorney-At-Law Oasis Medical services Co. Ltd Specialised Offset Services Ltd Fag-Mor Agencies (Customs Brokers) Daly Thwaites & Company Ken Holgate & Company
Dr. Keith Tang Plastico Ltd Charmaine Shortridge Dick Kinkead Ltd Agri & Industrial Packaging Ltd D.L Mas Ltd
Prospective contributors are encouraged to donate any amount that they can afford, to be pooled in the UWIDEF Scholarship Fund. Contributions have ranged between J$5,000 and J$250,000 and have been contributed by a mix of individuals and small, medium and large firms. The intake of scholarship funds is J$18 Million since 2010 and last year, through the support of donors like you, assistance valued at over $3 Million was given to financially needy students who meet specific criteria for need and academic performance.
Students DO Care Excerpt from: Mr. Andre Whyte‘s Recipient’s Reply at the UWIDEF Annual Donor Recognition and Scholarship Awards Luncheon 2013 It is said that education is the most powerful weapon which you can you use to change the world. We are the generation of change, and receiving a high quality education here at the University of the West Indies is a big step in that revolution. For us the recipients, we all share the same the sentiments being overjoyed with the fact that, there is a network of support out there assisting students in their educational pursuits. Many students feel hopeless at the thought of not being able to afford a higher level of education, and many give up seeking sources for assistance. The scholarships offered through UWIDEF have alleviated and in some cases eliminated the financial burdens faced by all of us. Whether it is the student who sometimes sacrifices lunch to cover the cost of printing notes or has endless nightmares during deregistration periods not knowing if they will be able to do their exams or continue to pursue their dreams. These examples do not cover the vast amount of difficulties we as students experience daily. It has been said that an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest. With your investment in us, we have become empowered to realize that we can achieve our goals and aspirations of pursuing a high quality education here at the University of the West Indies. (Photo: Aston Spaulding)
Giving to UWIDEF UWIDEF welcomes and values gifts of all sizes from all donors – individuals, families, associations and companies. Your gifts provide needed scholarships and financial assistance for students and support important research and developments on the campus. You can designate the purpose of your gift and the terms of stewardship are customized to ensure your intent is fulfilled. Gifts to UWIDEF are tax-exempt in Jamaica, USA and Canada. Giving is convenient and hassle -free with a range of payment platforms including online gifts. Contact us now so we can partner with you to make a difference.
UWIDEF on Social Media Follow us on Facebook: http:// www.facebook.com/UWIDEF YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/uwidef#p/a/u/0/ IL-9M7-wX4Y Visit our website: www.uwifundmona.org.jm Send your feedback, suggestions and stories to: uwifund@uwimona.edu.jm
Photo Feature:
UWIDEF Annual Donor Recognition and Scholarship Awards Luncheon 2013
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1. UWIDEF awarding the Telecommunications of Jamaica (LIME) Fund for their gift in 1990 that is still able to assist the UHWI. (L-R) The Hon. Dennis Lalor, Mr. Errol Miller, Prof. Archibald McDonald, The Most Hon. PJ Patterson, Prof.. E. Nigel Harris
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2. The recipients of Scholarships and Bursaries for the academic year 2013/2014 along with three of UWIDEF’s Directors; Front row extreme left Mr. Karl Wright, 3rd from left the Hon. Dennis Lalor— Chairman, 5th from left the Hon. Marshall Hall
UWIDEF NEWS!! UWIDEF Adds NEW Scholarships: Taylor Hall - the Taylor Hall student executive body has established an endowed scholarship that will be funded by hall fundraising activities and the Taylor Hall alumni. These students have demonstrated vision in establishing a legacy that will live long beyond their student years. Nationwide News Network Scholarship – NNN announced the award of two new scholarships awards commencing in academic year 2013/2014. The awards will be offered to two students pursuing studies in the areas of journalism and governance respectively. The awards valued at $125,000 each, also include an internship at NNN. Other NEWS Public Relations Support - UWIDEF acknowledges the generous support of the Nationwide News Network through their annual contribution of air-time valued at J$1 Million in media to be used for the promotion of UWIDEF‗s efforts. This contribution has been provided for a period of three years.
CONGRATULATIONS! Ms. Stephanie Ewbank was awarded the DunnCox Scholarship for Law in 2011/2012 and again in 2012/2013.
3 3. UWIDEF Chairman, the Hon. Dennis Lalor, presenting the keynote speaker, the Most Hon. PJ Patterson ON, OCC, PC QC, with a token of appreciation.
DunnCox is a longstanding scholarship partners of UWIDEF, who joined UWIDEF's Century Club in 1999 with a contribution of at least J$1 Million that was used to create a scholarship endowment which has supported academic excellence in Law. Photo: The Nation Barbados
On behalf of UWIDEF and DunnCox we extend our heartiest congratulations to Stephanie Ewbanks who graduated as VALEDICTORIAN of the Law Class in UWI Cave Hill.
The Fund
Issue 9
November 2013
U WI D ev elopm ent and Endow m ent F und UWIDEF is the major fundraising arm of the UWI Mona campus and provides stewardship for funds raised through capital campaigns and projects, general endowment and planned giving.
“From you, through us, for all “ 16 Gibraltar Camp Way University of the West Indies, Mona Kingston 7, Jamaica 1.876.977.6757/6758 Phone 1.876.619.0859 Digicel 1.876.970.2023 Fax www.uwifundmona.org.jm Website uwifund@uwimona.edu.jm Email
We welcome your feedback.
UWIDEF would like to say THANK YOU all the companies, organizations and individuals who supported the Annual Donor Recognition and Scholarship Awards Luncheon 2013. Your support has ensured the continued viability of scholarships and bursaries we provide to students.