A man of integrity and excellence
Dr Alfred Sangster hailed for his remarkable achievements
Published:Wednesday | February 26, 2025 | 12:10 AMMickalia Kington/Gleaner Writer
Family, friends and colleagues gathered at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium at the University of Technology (UTech) in St Andrew on Saturday to celebrate the life of the late Dr Alfred Sangster, OJ. He was an educator, scientist and a man of God, who dedicated his life to improving the fields of education and sports.
Sangster, who passed away on January 27 at age 95, was remembered as a man of integrity and excellence.
Holding a PhD in Chemistry, he was passionate about popularising the science, exploring new and potentially beneficial areas of the field.
Dr Sangster’s contributions to academia were profound. He was a former lecturer at The University of the West Indies, Mona where he specialised in organic chemistry and supervised groundbreaking research.
He also played an instrumental role in the development of science in the Caribbean. Notably, Dr Sangster was the principal of the College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST) and the first president when it transitioned to the University of Technology, Jamaica.
Beyond administration, Dr Sangster was also an author, penning the book, ‘The Making of a University: From CAST to UTech’.
According to UTech President Kevin Brown, the book now serves as a blueprint of how to transform a university. He has vowed to continue to use it as a guide throughout his tenure.
Dr Sangster also championed the balance between sports and academics. As a student-athlete at the Munroe College, he excelled in athletics, cricket, hockey, and tennis and was endearingly known as ‘rich and rewarding’ for his talent in sports and studies.
As he ventured into the professional world, he helped to develop many of the nation’s athletes by promoting holistic education. One of his notable achievements was his collaboration with Jamaican sprinter, Dennis Johnson, to train local athletes – an effort that led to the emergence of world class Jamaican coaches and track stars.
‘SELFLESSLY SERVED OTHERS’
Dr Sangster was deeply committed to his faith and family. His son, David Sangster, described him as embodying the virtues described in the poem ‘If–’ by Rudyard Kipling, which speaks about humility, deference, grace, consideration and empathy.
“Dad lived a life of faith, repentance, and good works. He loved God, obeyed God’s will, and selflessly served others. The genuineness of his relationship with the Lord showed up in the way he treated people,” David said.
He also emphasised his father’s adherence to the Golden Rule, referencing Matthew 7:2: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Recognising Dr Sangster’s immeasurable contribution, UTech has announced the launch of the Dr Alfred Sangster President Scholarship in his honour. Dr Brown affirmed that UTech holds the responsibility of carrying on the legacy of Dr Sangster.
Those he left behind expressed that though Dr Alfred Sangster is now at rest, his legacy lives on in the students, athletes and professionals he inspired. His work in education and sports, as well as his Christian faith have left a lasting impact that will resonate for generations to come.