July 21, 2021 | Port-of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago | USC Corporate Communication/CRBU Communications/IAD News Staff

The University of Southern Caribbean, a Seventh-day Adventist operated institution with its main campus situated in Maracas Valley, Trinidad and Tobago, recently commissioned and dedicated a brand new building on campus that houses the new University Auditorium and the School of Nursing & Allied Health.

Front entrance of the new auditorium recently inaugurated on the campus of the University of Southern Caribbean. The new 2,600-seater auditorium is larger than the previous one that was damaged through a fire in 2012. The School of Nursing & Allied Health classrooms and offices are housed below on the ground floor of the building.[Photo: University of Southern Caribbean]

During a virtual ceremony, 3,317 days after a fire destroyed the previous auditorium, university leaders and board of trustees celebrated the completion of the institution’s priority project. The two-floor structure, with its glass-clad auditorium entrance marks the culmination of a nine-year journey of faith and determination, university leaders said. A devastating fire burnt down the auditorium back in 2012.

USC leaders and church officials thanked the many generous benefactors who contributed over the years to the completion of the landmark project. The new auditorium was the catalyst for then-president Dr. Clinton Valley to launch the rebuilding from the ashes fundraising campaign and later carried through by Dr. Hilary Bowman, president of USC (until June 30, 2021).

Left to Right: Dr. Johnson Frederick, executive secretary of the Caribbean Union; Dr. Kern Tobias, president of the Caribbean Union; Phyllis Woolford, director, Department of Nursing; Dr. Hilary Bowman, president of USC; and Dr. Wanda Chesney, provost, USC, take part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the School of Nursing & Allied Health entrance held on May 26, 2021. [Photo: USC Corporate Communication]

During the special ceremony Pastor Kern Tobias, president of the church in the Caribbean Union and chairman of USC Board, invited leaders and viewers to praise God as he reflected on how important it is to magnify the name of God as did the second king of Israel spoken of in 1 Chronicles 29:10-14. “the focus is God himself who provided the means to get the job done and the more we do for God, the more we are indebted to Him.” Tobias reminded those gathered and online viewers that in the service of God “to never let it get to our heads,” such outstanding achievement on campus.

The auditorium is positioned on the top floor with 2,600-seating capacity and is equipped to host conferences, concerts, as well as student and community activities. The ground floor includes classrooms, laboratories, and offices for the School of Nursing & Allied Health.

University and church officials stand at the reception area of the School of Nursing & Allied Health floor. [Photo: University of Southern Caribbean]

Founded in 1927 the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) is a private, co-educational institution with a diverse student body with its main campus located in the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. USC offers 32 undergraduate programs as well as 10 graduate degree programs.

USC has received full institutional accreditation by the Government of Trinidad & Tobago, through its accreditation body, the ACTT (Accreditation Council of Trinidad & Tobago). It is also recognized as a teacher training institution by the Ministry of Education of Trinidad and Tobago. USC is also fully accredited by the Board of Regents, Department of Education, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Washington, United States.

To learn more about the University of Southern Caribbean, its programs, initiatives, and activities, visit usc.edu.tt

Top news

Adventist Leaders Celebrate Completion of Annual Pastoral Certification Program
Adventist Public Campus Ministry Celebrates 10 Years of Mission
IAD Executive Committee Kicks Off with Online Program from Mexico on November 9