Social Scientists Celebrate Golden Jubilee
Over the past five decades, the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) at The UWI Cave Hill Campus has grown from a handful of students and three undergraduate courses to the largest of the campus’s seven faculties, offering a diverse suite of graduate and postgraduate programmes. And to commemorate its 50th anniversary, the faculty has planned a year of activities to celebrate its many achievements.
The faculty was launched in 1975 with 46 registered students and an offering of three undergraduate degrees: Economics, Political Science, and Sociology.
Today it boasts an impressive 84 Bachelors degrees, four undergraduate diplomas, 49 taught masters degrees, and 14 MPhil and PhD degrees in a range of disciplines including Aviation Management, Criminology; Hospitality and Tourism Management; Labour and Employment Relations; and Substance Abuse Management.
Addressing a media launch at the Sagicor Cave Hill School of Business and Management on January 16, Dean Professor Troy Lorde, paid homage to founders the late economists Wendell McClean and Sir Frank Alleyne, and reflected on the growth of the faculty which has produced local and regional political leaders, policy makers, and thought leaders.
“In the first year there were 46 students registered in the faculty. The first group graduated in 1976; there were five in number… these days the graduating class is so large, the faculty has its own graduation ceremony,” Lorde stated, estimating that over 20,000 students have since graduated from the Faculty of Social Sciences.
Campus principal, Professor Clive Landis, lauded the faculty’s contribution to regional development and shaping public discourse over the past five decades.
“Something which characterises the Faculty of Social Sciences is its contribution to society and this is done through many ways … some of our major public bodies, within Barbados and regionally as well, [are] chaired by eminent professors, people like (Professor) Justin Robinson,” said Landis noting that while Robinson resides in Antigua he still chairs national bodies in Barbados.
Retired economics lecturer, Professor Andrew Downes spoke highly of the faculty’s research and its work in meeting the region’s human resource needs. He called on members to maintain the standard of excellence that has become a faculty hallmark.
“The faculty has always valued excellence, relevance, creativity and student-centeredness… and therefore these must continue to anchor the work of the faculty as the environment changes over time.
“And you must operate at the frontiers of knowledge in the respective fields at all times. Always be at the cutting edge and certainly not resting on your laurels… that will bring obsolescence very quickly if [you’re] not careful,” Downes cautioned.
At a January 19 interfaith service held as part of the launch celebrations, noted alumnus, Minister for Labour, Social Security, and the Third Sector, Hon. Colin Jordan acknowledged the yeoman service of the early faculty members and students who laid the foundation for its success.
“Each person has left a significant mark on the landscape of our Caribbean civilization and we today are the beneficiaries of these efforts. It is through their commitment to fostering an inclusive and open environment and to building bridges… that we continue to grow,” he said.
“As we look to the future, let us renew our shared commitment to these principles so that the next 50 years will be marked by continued growth, innovation and the deepening of relationships that bind us as we not only honour the history of this faculty, but also the faith, the spirit and the hope that drives us forward.”
The 50th anniversary celebrations are being held under the theme ‘Legacy of Excellence: Honouring Connections, Inspiring Futures’.
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