University of The Bahamas to Honour Nine Exceptional Alumni at Gala Event

Nassau, THE BAHAMAS — University of The Bahamas (UB) will pay homage this weekend to nine alumni who have contributed to progress in key areas of national development including education, medicine, youth and community development, law and media, distinguishing themselves as outstanding pacesetters.

The accolades will come at UB’s Hall of Fame and Outstanding Alumni Awards which this 50th jubilee year is also the President’s Soiree. Long-standing corporate partner, Deloitte Bahamas, has once again affirmed the power of higher education with a $10,000 sponsorship of the prestigious event and honours.

“Deloitte is both the beneficiary of the work of UB in the form of numerous stellar alumni working and leading its organization, and an outstanding benefactor,” noted Ms. Felicity Humblestone, UB’s Chief of Staff. “Their loyal investment in UB demonstrates their belief that education matters and that building a national university also builds a nation.

“Whether through their support for student awards or sponsoring events, Deloitte, along with our entire family of private donors help make what we do at UB possible.”

Deloitte has a vested interest in ensuring UB’s success—some 50 percent of its partners and staff are UB alumni, including managing partner and one of this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, Mr. Mark Munnings. Mr. Lawrence Lewis, a 2023 UB Outstanding Alumnus, highlighted the firm’s enduring connection with UB.

“Our relationship with the University of The Bahamas and its predecessor institutions is both rich and deep,” said Mr. Lewis. “As a firm, we believe in nurturing and developing young Bahamians into world-class professionals.

“We thank UB for the opportunity to continue our partnership with the University of The Bahamas. Deloitte is proud to be the title sponsor for the President’s Soiree and Hall of Fame and Outstanding Alumni Awards.”

This year UB is awarding veteran educator Sharon Poitier with its Lifetime Achievement Award; financial services professional Mark Munnings and attorney Merrit Storr (class of 1984) are being inducted into the Hall of Fame; physician and infectious disease professional Dr. Nikkiah Forbes and communications professional Tameka Lundy (class of 1994) will receive the Outstanding Alumni Awards; and attorney Khrystle Rutherford-Ferguson and educational psychologist Dr. Nicora Stubbs-Young (class of 2004) will receive the Trailblazer Awards. Chorister Ashley Knowles and educator Alphonzo Major (class of 2014) will be awarded with the Emerging Leaders honour.

Nyisha Tilus, Chairperson of UB’s Alumni Association, emphasized the event’s broader significance.

“It serves as a platform to recognize the remarkable accomplishments of our alumni who have emerged as leaders, pioneers and change makers in their respective fields,” said Ms. Tilus. “The awards themselves are a hallmark of this event, celebrating individuals who embody UB’s values: leadership, innovation, service, and a commitment to excellence.”

Beyond the night’s festivities, the gala will have a lasting impact on UB’s future. Proceeds will help sustain UB’s mission of national development, supporting scholarships, operations, and essential programs.

“Tuition alone doesn’t cover a world-class university education,” said Mr. Elvardo Thompson, Director of Alumni Affairs and Event Co-chair. “Annual funds help great institutions keep their costs of education affordable by providing extra support for operations, basic needs, and unexpected contingencies.

“At the University of The Bahamas, tuition and fees from our students and their families cover about 50 percent of the true cost of an education. While funding from the government helps, the University of The Bahamas needs the support of alumni, friends like Deloitte to be the best that we can be.”

HONOUREES

•  Sharon Poitier, Lifetime Achievement Award
• Merrit Storr, Hall of Fame Inductee, Class of 1984
• Mark Munnings, Hall of Fame Inductee, Class of 1984
• Tameka Lundy, Outstanding Alumni Awardee, Class of 1994
• Dr. Nikkiah Forbes, Outstanding Alumni Awardee, Class of 1994
• Dr. Nicora Stubbs-Young, Trailblazer Awardee, Class of 2004
• Khrystle Rutherford-Ferguson, Trailblazer Awardee, Class of 2004
• Alphonso Major, Emerging Leader Awardee, Class of 2014
• Ashley Knowles, Emerging Leader Awardee, Class of 2014