Bequest to UB Honours Twin Legacies of Dr. Gail Saunders and Winston Saunders 

12^th November 2024

Nassau, THE BAHAMAS — Nearly 20 years before she passed away, historian, archivist and scholar, Dr. D. Gail North-Saunders, OBE, made a solemn promise to make a bequest funding academic scholarships at University of The Bahamas (UB). 

Her family honoured her wish on Thursday 7^th November, by collaborating with UB to establish the D. Gail Saunders Memorial Endowment Fund. Dr. Saunders gifted $200K to UB, half of which funds the endowment named after her to award History scholarships. The other half will bolster an endowment that exists in the name of her husband the late Winston Saunders to fund scholarships for English majors. Saunders was also a national hero in his own right as an educator, lawyer and playwright par excellence.

“Through this endowment, Gail not only strengthens our University, but ensures that future generations can access the rich tapestry of knowledge that she loved so much,” noted Chair of UB’s Board of Trustees, Mrs. Allyson Maynard-Gibson, KC. “This bequest is also deeply meaningful, in that it joins with the Winston Saunders Memorial Endowment honouring her husband, another Bahamian icon whose passion for the arts elevated our culture. 

“Together, they have left indelible marks on The Bahamas, investing in the intellectual and cultural strength of our people. It’s a partnership beyond their lifetimes, a legacy woven together by shared values on devotion to nation building.”

The announcement at UB’s Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre marked a celebration of the remarkable legacy of a woman whose passionate commitment to Bahamian history and its preservation revolutionised the art of archiving historical information. Family, friends, former professional colleagues and acquaintances, as well as mentees paid homage to Dr. Saunders’ accomplishments and reflected on her exemplary personal and professional contributions.  

UB President (Acting) Janyne Hodder spoke fondly of Dr. Saunders as a personal friend and colleague. 

“Dr. Gail Saunders was a national treasure, and The Bahamas was enriched by her life, research and scholarship,” said President Janyne. “I am deeply privileged to have known this extraordinary woman, a track star who ran her life with immense talent and grace. We, at UB, are deeply honoured to have her name and legacy forever etched in the UB story. 

“To all who will benefit from this bequest, we will tell the story, the story of a woman seeking to make it possible for them to pursue their dreams of scholarship and excellence. We will also tell them, pass it forward as she did.”

Dr. Christopher Curry, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of History, Religion, and Philosophy, reflected on Dr. Saunders’ dedication to the professional development of Bahamian historical research and the public presentation of Bahamian history. 

“As we at UB celebrate this amazing and timely gift from her estate, let us reflect of the legacy of one of our leading historians and public servants,” said Dr. Curry. “The establishment of this endowment fund will unequivocally ensure the enduring legacy of one of the greatest scholars of Bahamian history who is also a passionate advocate for preserving our country’s treasured patrimony.” 

Dr. Marie Sairsingh, Professor in the School of English Studies, praised Mr. Saunders’ legacy, and the impact that the Winston V. Saunders Memorial Endowment Fund has had on generations of UB students.  

“As an English teacher, Winston Saunders imparted to others invaluable lessons that are still indelibly etched in memory,” said Dr. Sairsingh. “They rave of diction, elocution, articulation, resonance, hallmarks of his great prowess and eloquence with language. His creative acumen as a writer, an actor, a director, is exemplary.

“As such, this endowment engenders a sense of great pride in personal fulfillment and fuels our school’s and our students’ continued commitment to national development.” 

Retired Justice Jeanne Thompson, Dr. Saunders’ cousin, capped off the night with a heartfelt tribute of appreciation for the late couple. 

“I applaud them for what they did for this country,” said Thompson. “I consider them both icons, and I also appreciate the University honouring them in this way.” 

Office of University Relations
University of The Bahamas
2^nd Floor, Michael H. Eldon Complex
Oakes Field Campus
P.O. Box N-4912
Nassau, The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 302-4355/4354/4365

Chartered on 10th November 2016, University of The Bahamas (UB) is a beacon for national transformation. Approximately 5,000 students are enrolled in the University of The Bahamas system which includes campuses and centres on New Providence, Grand Bahama, San Salvador and Abaco, as well as UB online education. UB’s diverse academic programmes, research engagements, athletics and leadership development experiences equip our students to become global citizens in a dynamic world.