President of the Queen’s College Alumni Association, NY Chapter, John Campbell, has announced that the institution will commemorate its 175th Anniversary with a grand reunion in Georgetown, Guyana from Oct. 27 through Nov. 2.
According to Campbell, the reunion which is being planned by ICQC, the group that coordinates joint activities of the six active QC Alumni associations, expects attendance numbers of several hundred alumni from Guyana and worldwide.
He noted that a mix of activities involving the students and faculty at QC in addition to the alumni, will enjoy a week-long program features of educational seminars, alumni chapter planning meetings, a sports day, sightseeing trips and excursions to various Guyanese attractions outside of Georgetown, musical recitals, concerts, and museum tours.
Campbell, who, is serving as president for the second time, said the New York Chapter is excited to once again sponsor its signature Student Conference on Friday, Nov. 1.
This year’s conference entitled ‘Continued Development of Young Adults in a Diverse World’ will accommodate 120 students from Queen’s College and six other Georgetown secondary schools.
“Once again, this year’s conference targets upper school students by way of interactive seminars on life management, leadership and communication skills, which are key to their development as they transition from secondary school,” said Campbell.
The conference, he explained, will conclude with a discussion panel themed “Preparing Today’s Student for the Twenty-First Century Marketplace” and will feature panelists from diverse business and professional backgrounds as well as academia. These panelists will field questions from students as well as their parents.
QCAANY board members Selwyn Hestick and Sherrilyn McPherson will be leading the Student Conference effort and are supported by a dedicated team of members.
Campbell will lead the 50-member New York contingent attending the reunion.
“I am excited about the trip as in addition to the attraction of visiting Guyana and reuniting with fellow alumni from all over the diaspora, it’s an opportunity to connect with the students and faculty of QC and to be able to view and hear firsthand of the issues that the students and school face coping with challenges of the 21st century,” said Campbell
“It is also an opportunity to see the school’s advances resulting from the fundraising efforts of the alumni body,” said Campbell.
On Monday, Oct. 27, the association will begin the day with a Wreath Laying ceremony at founder of QC, William Piercy Austin’s grave, St. James-the-less Church Yard. Followed by an Interfaith Service at QC auditorium, a welcome reception, reunion registration and later, participation in the Annual Diwali Parade, all in Georgetown.
The week will continue with a meeting and election of office bears, and a discussion – Living in Guyana: A multi-varied Vision and Experience of Home.
The group will then leave Georgetown for a trip to the Kaieteur Falls, Museum Tours and later in the day, attend a Ray Luck Piano Recital, followed by a Karaoke at the National Service Sports complex, in Georgetown.
Additionally, Alumni will enjoy a Cavalcade of sports and Curry Que, QCAANY Member Appreciation Reception, a visit to Arrow Point Nature Resort, QCAANY Student Conference, a Thank You QC Concert & Cultural Evening, an Essequibo River Tour, and a QC PTA Fair.
The week will end with, a 70s Themed Party.
Queen’s College of Guyana (QC) was established, 1844.
The Most Reverend William Piercy Austin, D.D., Bishop of British Guiana, founded the Queen’s College of Guyana, originally Queen’s College Grammar School for Boys in 1844.
The first assembly was held on Aug.5, 1844 with an enrollment of 15 boys. Although the school started out as an Anglican Church School, Bishop Austin was interested in making it a more broad-based institution to include non-Anglicans. Its first administration, however, consisted only of members of the Church of England.
Queen’s College became co-education in 1975. This was accomplished by transferring approximately 150 girls in the 2nd, 3rd Upper 5th and Lower 6th forms from the Bishop’s High School, which institution was also a single sex institution. Girls were also admitted in the first form.
For more information, please contact QCAANY at nycha
