Professor Shermaine Barrett (seated centre), Acting Deputy President and Provost, UTech, Jamaica, Dr. Beryl Dalmadge McEwen (seated left) and Dr. Thaddeus McEwen (seated right), alumni of the College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST), sign a Scholarship Fund Endowment Agreement on Monday, May 26, 2025. The agreement formalizes the establishment of the Thaddeus McEwen and Beryl Dalmadge McEwen Endowed Scholarship Fund, which will support students in the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies (FELS). Witnessing the signing (standing from left) are Dr. Junior Martin, Associate Professor and Lecturer, FELS, Dr. Nardia Julian Brown, Programme Leader, Bachelor of Education in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), specialising in Business and Computer Studies. Dr. Granville Pitter, Vice Dean, FELS and Dr. Cretson Dalmadge, brother of Dr. Beryl Dalmadge and Associate Professor, Winston- Salem State University.
Motivated by a deep desire to give back and help others “cross the finish line,” alumni Drs. Thaddeus McEwen and Beryl Dalmadge McEwen have established the Thaddeus McEwen and Beryl Dalmadge McEwen Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Jamaica). The alumni who are lifelong educators and two-time graduates of the former College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST) noted that the initiative is both a reflection of their gratitude for the support they once received and a testament to their belief in the power of generosity. The McEwens graduated with teaching diplomas in 1978 and later with bachelor’s degrees in 1986.
The official signing of the Scholarship Fund Endowment Agreement took place on Monday, May 26, 2025, at the UTech, Jamaica’s Papine campus.
“We value the strong foundation provided for us here on this campus, and we value the scholarships that we received to support our education,” shared Dr. Beryl Dalmadge McEwen. “We want to give back, to help others cross the finish line. As Acts 20:35 says, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ We have been blessed to receive, and we will welcome God’s blessing as we give.”
The scholarship will support students enrolled in the Bachelor of Education in TVET with a specialization in Business & Computer Studies (or a sub-discipline thereof) within the School of Technical and Vocational Education, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies. It is specifically intended to assist final-semester students who demonstrate strong academic performance, verifiable financial need, leadership potential, and a commitment to service.
The fund has been launched with an initial donation of J$5 million, and the McEwens have also pledged J$250,000 for the 2025–2026 academic year to award up to three scholarships valued at J$75,000 each. The endowment will begin making disbursements in the 2026–2027 academic year, with all interest earned in its first year reinvested into the fund. Each scholarship award will not exceed J$75,000 per semester, and students may receive the scholarship only once.
Professor Shermaine Barrett, Acting Deputy President and Provost, expressed gratitude to Drs. Thaddeus and Beryl Dalmadge McEwen for their generous contribution noting, “opportunities like this scholarship are very valuable.”
“We need more people like you to come on board so that students can feel confident in taking up scholarships,” she added, pointing out that many students are often discouraged by the financial obligations attached to scholarship bonds.
Reflecting on her own experience as a scholarship recipient, Professor Barrett shared, “I know that it makes life so much easier for us,” as she encouraged other alumni to support similar initiatives that help empower and uplift future generations of learners.
Dr. Granvile Pitter, Vice-Dean, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies shared, “at a time when higher education is looking for funding, this is a welcome opportunity for us to receive this scholarship for our students.”
The Thaddeus McEwen and Beryl Dalmadge McEwen Endowed Scholarship Fund stands as a lasting tribute to the couple’s legacy as dedicated educators, mentors and proud graduates of CAST, now University of Technology, Jamaica. Their support to their alma mater will continue to shape and inspire future generations of Jamaican students.
End.
Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: (876) 970-5299
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm
