23 May - August 2021 | VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica Jamar Thelwell Memorial Scholarship Launched Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies (FELS), through its Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology (BACAT) programme, on May 7, 2021 launched the Jamar Thelwell Memorial Scholarship to commemorate the life and impact of the late lecturer, who lost his battle to illness on May 7, 2020. The announcement was made at an online memorial service which marked the first anniversary of Mr. Thelwell’s death. In offering his endorsement of the Jamar Thelwell Memorial Scholarship, Professor Colin Gyles, Acting President noted that the initiative was an appropriate way to “honour the memory of our colleague and friend who cared deeply about his students”, and whose “legacy of excellence continues to be impactful.” Professor Gyles praised Mr. Thelwell’s service to the University, including his work with the Cynthia Shako Early Childhood Education and Day Care Centre’s summer programme, and his contributions as a consultant on internal and external projects, noting his professionalism and competence. Professor Gyles called on students in the BACAT programme who will be beneficiaries of the scholarship to “give of your best efforts in continuing to honour the memory of the dedicated and talented educator for whom the scholarship is named”. Programme Director of the BACAT programme, Miss Marilyn Facey indicated that the scholarship, which is being launched with the support of Mr. Thelwell’s family, is valued at $300,000.00 and is open to incoming and current students of the BACAT programme who demonstrate a clear financial need and an outstanding academic record. The funds can be used towards accommodation or tuition. During the announcement, Miss Facey noted that the scholarship is especially timely, owing to the financial instability brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. “The attrition rate in our programme is largely due to students being unable to meet their financial obligations to the University. The cost of higher education is increasing; with limited funding and a pandemic, it is undeniable that our students are in need of additional financial support,” she noted. Miss Facey also indicated that the scholarship is a fitting tribute to Mr. Thelwell, who was known for his dedication to his craft and to his students. Miss Facey, in pledging a contribution of $100,000.00 each year over the next four years to the scholarship, called on members of the University community, alumni and friends of Mr. Thelwell in the media and creative industry to also make contributions to ensure the longevity of the scholarship programme. During the ceremony, Mr. Thelwell, an expert in audio-visual technology and production, was lauded by his former peers, students, friends, family and members of Faculty as a dedicated, caring and inspirational lecturer, who went above and beyond the call of duty, and who gave the best of himself, even at the height of his illness. Among those who gave moving tributes were Professor Shermaine Barrett, Dean, FELS, Mr. David Stephen Reid, Eastern Regional Manager, Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) and past student of the BACAT programme Melissa Williams, who lauded Mr. Thelwell’s concern for and engagement with his students. Mr. Jamar Thelwell, late lecturer, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies (FELS) Miss Marilyn Facey
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