Voices Magazine-Vol3-Issue-6-WEB

23 September - December 2020 | VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica UTech, Jamaica Pays Tribute to Lord Morris of Handsworth, OJ, Former Chancellor on the Occasion of his Retirement T he University joined the world in paying tribute to former Chancellor, the Honourable Lord Morris of Handsworth, OJ on the occasion of his retirement from his long and distinguished career spanning six decades. Lord Morris, who has been hailed as one of the most influential black people in Britain and is widely admired as a leader and ‘Son of Jamaica’, was featured in the UK- based The Voice Newspaper (September 2020, Issue no. 1910) which covered aspects of his remarkable life’s work and legacy. The Honourable Lord Morris of Handsworth, OJ was appointed the first Chancellor of the University of Technology, Jamaica, (UTech Jamaica) July 12, 2000. As a young university, UTech, Jamaica having acquired University status in 1995 was fortunate to benefit from this extraordinary blend of talent, stature and influence. At his installation ceremony, he envisioned the institution as the “People’s University,” committed to widening access to tertiary education and training for all. As the first officer of UTech, Jamaica from 2000 to 2010, Bill Morris dedicated his time and talents to realize this vision, providing a major source of inspiration and leadership. Under his aegis, the University emerged as a formidable centre of excellence with a merited reputation for innovative teaching and research, community outreach and supremacy in sport. As Chair of the University’s Council, Lord Morris contributed greatly to the significant and rapid growth of the institution, influencing a dramatic expansion of academic programme offerings, development in research, expansion in service and community outreach as well as expansion in mutually beneficial institutional and international linkages. Bill Morris took UTech, Jamaica to the World and the World to UTech, Jamaica. It was always a pleasure to watch Lord Morris conferring degrees on and presenting awards to over 800 graduands – extending a personal and well received congratulation to each recipient. He performed these duties with aplomb and diligence at the University’s yearly graduation ceremony during his tenure, never losing the common touch. The Hon Lord Morris of Handsworth, OJ has made his mark on the world stage. The University of Technology, Jamaica is honoured that his footprints are indelibly etched on its soil. Lord Morris, Chancellor (2nd from left) presents Dr. Rae Davis, then President (right) of the University to His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, during a visit to the University in 2002. Looking on is Dr. Blossom O’Meally-Nelson, then Pro-Chancellor. Lord Morris presents Damian Edmond (left) and Mandilee Chin (right) with thier degrees during the November 2001 Graduation Ceremony. Damian and Mandilee were the recipients of the Stephen Lawrence Scholarship, which was created in honour of Stephen Lawrence, a Black English teenager of Jamaican descent who was murdered in a racially motivated attack in 1993. A Tribute to the Hon. Lord Morris of Handsworth, OJ, Former Chancellor