By Gabriella Chapman

THE University of Guyana (UG) administration on Tuesday evening honoured 39 long-serving staffers for their yeoman contributions to the country’s premier tertiary institution.
The dinner style ceremony at the Education Lecture Theatre, Turkeyen Campus, themed “Jubilation” was a demonstration of the university’s appreciation for its staffers with over 20 years of service.

Eight persons were awarded for 20 years of service, 19 for 25 years, seven for 30 years, four for 35 years and Professor Joycelynne Loncke, who has given 50 years to the university.

UG’s Registrar, Nigel Gravesande said the university is fortunate to have persons who are dedicated and passionate about seeing students achieve their potential.
“Reaching this important service milestone with the University of Guyana, your loyalty, professionalism, commitment and dedication to the success of UG did not go unnoticed,” Gravesande told the awardees.

He said the 39 staff members have consistently made extraordinary contributions to campus life and the awards are yet another tangible way of UG showing its profound gratitude.

“All of our organisational achievements and our challenges are being possible because of your individual efforts and team members of your various faculties… recognising the roles you have played in making UG what it is today, your talents, your efforts, your commitments and dedication already would have helped us achieve excellence in many areas,” he said.

Delivering the feature address, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith admonished the awardees to mentor colleagues within their various departments to enable the good work to grow from strength to strength.

“I want to ask everyone here to commit to ensure that the legacy that you have lived and have been made will be celebrated in the future by enabling others to emulate you. If you don’t already have one, find a mentee,” the vice-chancellor urged.

He added: “In addition to the individual guidance that you provide, you want to be sure that when you’re retired, you can rest assured that not only did you commit your individual contributions to the existence of the university as it is, but that you helped in the Renaissance Project.”

According to Professor Griffith, it is an exciting time for the university.
“You’re part of an enterprise that is now building for better and the excitement for what we are doing on campus is radiating beyond the campus and people want to be part of the rebuilding of this university,” he said.