The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, will host its annual Mona Homecoming Week of celebrations from February 14-20, 2010. Mona Homecoming incorporates the annual commemoration celebrations which provide an opportunity to celebrate the founding of the university, to acknowledge its unique position as the only higher education institution with a presence throughout the English-speaking Caribbean, while assisting to engender a greater sense of belonging and develop a feeling of camaraderie among staff, students and alumni.

February's celebrations mark the continuation of a tradition which began 60 years ago. On February 16, 1950, the then University College of the West Indies installed its very first chancellor. Since then, February 16 has been used to commemorate that initial step which marked the beginning of the journey into a full-fledged university. In the beginning, the date was marked by a commemoration service held on the Sunday closest to February 16. Since 2001, the celebrations have been expanded considerably to include other activities such as a flag-raising ceremony and university parade, Caribbean Day, concert and dinner.

From the outset, the Celebrations have been dedicated to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the institution. For 2010, the honoree will be Dr Patricia DeLeon, UWI, Mona graduate and Trustees Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Delaware, recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in science, mathematics and engineering mentoring.

celebrations begin FEb 14

The Mona Homecoming Celebrations will begin on Sunday, February 14, with the annual commemoration service at the University Chapel. The sermon will be delivered by the Rev Dr Yvette Bloomfield, deputy general secretary, United Church, and a first-class honours graduate of Mona. The flag-raising ceremony and University parade of alumni, staff and students take place on Thursday, February 15 at the Assembly Hall. The highpoint of the week will be the dinner/dance and concert to honour Professor DeLeon, which takes place on Saturday, February 20, 2010.