PRESIDENT OF Guardian Life Limited Eric Hosin has announced that his company will donate $5 million to the new Vice-Chancellery of the University of the West Indies (UWI).

Hosin made the announcement recently as he addressed the biennial Guardian Life/UWI Premium Teaching Awards at a special ceremony at the Main Medical Lecture Theatre on the UWI Mona campus.

The Guardian Life president said the multi-million dollar contribution is a continuation of his company's long-standing partnership with the university and in keeping with its strategic objective of supporting Jamaica through the development of health, education and sport.

social responsibility

"Guardian Life recognises its corporate social responsibility to shape the minds of Jamaicans, especially the youth and we believe the UWI has a pivotal role to play in impacting the nation. This is the foundation of our support," said Hosin.

The UWI/Guardian Life Premium Teaching Awards alternates yearly with a Premium Teaching Lecture, and is aimed at enhancing the teaching process at UWI while recognising the outstanding accomplishments of the academic staff.

This year's awardees were Dr Sharmella Roopchand-Martin, lecturer in physical therapy in the Faculty of Medical Sciences and Dr Delroy Chevers, lecturer in operations management and information systems.

Principal of the UWI Mona campus, Professor Gordon Shirley, lauded the investment by Guardian Life as one of the most far-reaching in the university community because of its recognition of the role that excellent teaching plays in shaping an educated workforce. Professor Shirley said the UWI continues to view the development of new standard in teaching and learning as central to its 2012-17 strategic plan and was delighted to collaborate with Guardian Life in this mission.

Roopchand-Martin, who holds a M Sc in rehabilitation science from McGill University, Montreal, Canada and a doctorate in physical therapy from Nova Southeastern University, Florida, was ecstatic. "We have the power to shape the future by how we guide the students we teach, and we owe our students the best. I have also learnt that the best way to engage as a teacher is to be a constant learner".

Chevers, who holds a PhD in information systems from the UWI, was equally excited for being recognised as a premium teacher. "All my life I have wanted to be a teacher, ever since I was in third form at Kingston College. I am living my dream. This is self-actualisation. I live for my students each day and I yearn for all of them to succeed," said Chevers.