THE University of the West Indies (The UWI) St Augustine Campus celebrated academic excellence and student resilience on April 11, during the annual Campus Committee for Undergraduate Awards (CCUA) Ceremony, held at the Daaga Auditorium. Over 325 scholarships and bursaries were presented to deserving students for the 2024/25 academic year.
The scholarships and bursaries were awarded based on a range of criteria, primary among them, academic merit and demonstrated financial need. This dual approach remains central to the CCUA’s mission—rewarding excellence while helping students overcome economic barriers to higher education.
In an address, first-year medical student Jerome Danglade shared how receiving a bursary reshaped his academic journey and gave him renewed hope. Painting a vivid picture of his personal struggles, Danglade credited the Financial Advisory Services Department, stating they “not only assist with sound counselling and support but also hold and ground all vulnerable students during their darkest moments and times of need.”
The Scholarship awardees at the Campus Committee for Undergraduate Awards (CCUA) Scholarship/ Bursary Ceremony 2024/ 25 held in The UWI Daaga Auditorium
Representing one of the core donors, Stacey Ramsamooj, manager of Leadership, Talent and Culture at the National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd, underscored the value of giving. “At National Energy, we understand that bursaries are more than financial support—they are enablers of focus, growth, and opportunity. As donors, when we invest in students, we do not just fund education—we fund futures and in doing so, we invest in the future of our country.”
Effuah Alleyne, president of the St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain Past Pupils’ Association, echoed the sentiment of lasting impact. “The ‘pay it forward’ model is one of the most powerful ways we preserve and extend our legacy. Scholarships and bursaries are more than financial assistance—they are acts of belief, of trust in the potential of another. They are bridges between generations, connecting the past with the future, ensuring that knowledge, opportunity and values are not just passed on, but lived out.”
The Scholarship donors at the Campus Committee for Undergraduate Awards (CCUA) Scholarship/ Bursary Ceremony 2024/ 25 held in The UWI Daaga Auditorium
The scholarships and bursaries under the remit of the CCUA have become a vital instrument for empowering students through education. It is managed by an officially established UWI St Augustine Campus committee comprising members of The UWI community, alumni and partners from across the business and professional sectors of Trinidad and Tobago, the region and internationally. Together, they work to alleviate financial hardship and promote academic excellence, investing not just in students, but in the nation’s future.
This transformative initiative would not be possible without the generosity of a committed group of donors who continue to invest in the nation’s future. From corporate partners and alumni to professional associations and individuals, the CCUA extends their heartfelt gratitude to all donors for their invaluable support.
THOSE GATHERED: The Scholarship donors and awardees at the Campus Committee for Undergraduate Awards (CCUA) Scholarship/Bursary Ceremony 2024/25 held in The UWI Daaga Auditorium.
Moreover, the CCUA invites individuals, alumni groups, corporate entities and professional bodies to partner with it to empower more students and open more doors. For more information on becoming a donor, those interested can contact the Financial Advisory Services team at (868) 662 2002 Ext. 84185, 82360 or e-mail: UGbursaries@sta.uwi.edu.
Students are encouraged to explore the wide range of scholarships and bursaries available by visiting sta.uwi.edu/scholarships/apply-now to view the full listing of available awards and to submit their applications.