Northern Caribbean University (NCU) Alumni Association, New York Chapter, Inc. on Sunday, July 26, honored four outstanding alumni during its 68^th anniversary gala at Verdi's of Westbury on Old Country Road, Westbury, Long Island. NCU is a private, liberal-arts institution in Jamaica that is owned and operated by the Jamaica Union Conference and the Atlantic Caribbean Union Mission of Seventh-day Adventists, comprising the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. With its main campus only two miles south of the town of Mandeville, in Manchester, and three regional campuses in Kingston, Montego Bay, and St. Ann — all in Jamaica — the university said it offers a number of professional, pre-professional, and vocational programs in “a spiritually wholesome and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.” The honorees were: Courtney Pennicooke, an alumnus of West Indies College (NCU) class of 1982, where he earned an Associate of Arts degree in business administration; who received the Lifetime Service Award; Camesha Miller, an NCU alumna, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in counseling and an Associate of Science degree in dietetics; Benita Exalus, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in primary teacher education from NCU in 2011; and Harold Clayton, an accomplished higher education leader, strategic administrator and devoted servant of Christian education, who serves as president of NCU Alumni Federation International and a member of the NCU Board of Governors. [caption id="attachment_84685" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Harold Clayton, center, receives an award, flanked by Michael H. Harvey, J.P., Ph. D, left, the Jamaican-born president, NCU Alumni Association – New York Chapter; and NCU Alumni and other officials.Nelson A. King[/caption] “On behalf of my fellow honorees — Benita Exalus, Harold Clayton, Courtney Pennicooke, and myself — we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Northern Caribbean University Alumni Association New York Chapter for these distinguished recognitions,” Miller said after the bestowing of the honors. “First and foremost, we give all honor, glory, and praise to Almighty God. It is by His grace, mercy and faithfulness that we stand before you this evening,” she added. “We are deeply humbled and truly honored to receive this recognition, and we accept it with grateful hearts. [caption id="attachment_84687" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Courtney Pennicooke, third from left, receives Lifetime Service Award, flanked by Michael H. Harvey, J.P., Ph. D, left, the Jamaican-born president, NCU Alumni Association – New York Chapter; and NCU Alumni and other officials.Nelson A. King[/caption] “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Alumni Association, the selection committee, and everyone who made this evening possible,” Miller continued. “Thank you for recognizing our commitment to service, leadership and excellence. This award reminds us that the work we do today has the power to inspire and positively impact future generations.” She also thanked families, friends, mentors, colleagues, “and everyone who has supported, encouraged, and prayed for us throughout our journeys. “Your belief in us has helped shape who we are, and this honor is one we proudly share with each of you,” Miller said. “As recipients of these awards, we recognize that this is not simply a celebration of past accomplishments but a call to continue serving with integrity, humility and purpose.” She said she and her fellow honorees “remain committed to representing Northern Caribbean University with excellence and to using our education, talents and influence to make a meaningful difference in our communities and beyond.” Exalus, who was born in the Bahamas to Haitian parents, told Caribbean Life exclusively afterwards that her heart was “overflowing with gratitude and humility” as she reflected on being honored with the President's Excellence Award. “As my biography was being read, I became overwhelmed with emotion,” she said. “Tears of joy filled my eyes as I reflected on God's faithfulness throughout my journey. “This recognition is not mine alone — I owe it all to God,” Exalus added. “His grace, mercy and unfailing love have carried me every step of the way. “I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate with me, to those who placed congratulatory ads in the journal, and to my family who traveled to share this special occasion,” she continued. “Thank you to my wonderful coworkers and my church family for your unwavering love, prayers, encouragement and support. Each of you has played a meaningful role in my journey, and I am truly grateful. “To the NCU Alumni Association New York Chapter, thank you for this incredible honor. I accept this award with a grateful heart and a renewed commitment to continue serving with excellence, integrity, and humility,” Exalus said. “Above all, I give God all the glory, honor and praise. ‘To God be the glory, great things He has done’ Thank you all for sharing this unforgettable moment with me. I am truly blessed.” Michael H. Harvey, J.P., Ph. D, the Jamaican-born president of the NCU Alumni Association – New York Chapter, said in his welcome remarks that “this year’s theme, ‘Honoring Our Past…Building Our Future,’ is both timely and timeless. “It calls us to pause with reverence as we reflect on the sacrifices, vision and unwavering commitment of those who came before us, men and women who believed in the transformative power of Christian education and invested in an institution that continues to shape lives across generations,” he said. “Northern Caribbean University stands today as a testament to that legacy. “The future calls us, urgently and unapologetically, to build with intention, innovate with courage, and lead with faith,” added Dr. Harvey, noting that “the global landscape is shifting, education is evolving, the demands of leadership are increasing. [caption id="attachment_84688" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Michael H. Harvey, J.P., Ph. D, the Jamaican-born president, NCU Alumni Association – New York Chapter, addresses the gala.Nelson A. King[/caption] “And, in this moment, NCU must rise not merely to participate in the future, but to shape it,” he continued. But Dr. Harvey said this responsibility does not rest solely on the institution; “it rests on us, its alumni. “You are the ambassadors of NCU’s mission,” he said. “You are the evidence of its impact; you are the bridge between its legacy and its destiny. Danieto H. Murray JP, MBA, NCU Director of Alumni Relations, congratulated members of “this remarkable New York Alumni Chapter as you celebrate 68 years of dedicated service and unwavering commitment to our alma mater. “For nearly seven decades, the New York Chapter has stood as a shining example of loyalty, leadership, and generosity,” he said. “Through your support of students, engagement in university initiatives, and steadfast advocacy for the institution, you have helped shape the lives of countless graduates and strengthened the foundation upon which our university continues to grow. “Your legacy is one of action, not merely words,” Murray added. “Generation after generation, members have answered the call to serve, demonstrating that the bond between alumni and alma mater extends far beyond graduation day. The university is deeply grateful for the sacrifices, contributions, and countless volunteer hours that have sustained this chapter’s proud tradition.” NCU Interim President Dr. Vivienne L. Quarrie said that, for 68 years, NCU New York Chapter Alumni Association has been “a proud beacon” of the university’s prevailing legacy. “From its inception, the chapter has remained committed to honoring the university’s past, while actively building its future and ensuring that the NCU flag continues to fly high across generations, throughout the nation and around the world,” she said. [caption id="attachment_84689" align="aligncenter" width="700"] NCU interim president Dr. Vivienne L. Quarrie addresses the gala.Nelson A. King[/caption] Over nearly seven decades, Dr. Quarrie said the chapter has advanced institutional development through steadfast support of various initiatives and provision of scholarships to deserving students “whose aspirations might otherwise have remained unfulfilled. “Through this kind of support, the chapter has helped to actualize the institution’s unwavering mission of improving the human condition and equipping each student for committed professional service to all people, and to God,” she said. “This ongoing commitment demonstrates that the university’s mission is not just a statement, but an active mandate that alumni continue to fulfil by providing service, mentorship, and resources with our alma mater. “Moreover, honoring our past reminds us of the foundation laid by those who came before us and on which we firmly stand today,” added Dr. Quarrie, invoking  Deuteronomy 32:7 (NIV): “’Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you.’ “This call reminds us of the sacrifices of our past and the resilience and faith that helped to shape this institution that molded us into who we are today,” she continued. “So, as we honor our past and build our future, I encourage you to remain united in purpose and faithful to the principles that unite us as NCU alumni.” In serving as Master of Ceremonies and delivering the featured address, Jermaine Johnson, a highly accomplished pastor, motivational speaker, and a personal and professional development strategist, noted that “life is transient.” “We are gathered here because we want to see NCU go further,” said Pastor Johnson, an NCU alumnus and class valedictorian, who he has served Jamaica in numerous capacities, including president of the National Youth Council, ambassador for the National Youth Service and Jamaica's representative to the Commonwealth Youth Parliament in Australia. [caption id="attachment_84690" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Master of Ceremonies and featured speaker Jermaine Johnson, a highly accomplished pastor, motivational speaker, and a personal and professional development strategist, addresses the gala.Nelson A. King[/caption] “Every investment we made in NCU is to a life that is transformed,” added the composer of the Jamaica Governor General’s “I Believe” Initiative theme song and serves as an IBI Ambassador for the Governor General's Program for Excellence. “We must be brave for those potential scholars,” continued Pastor Johnson, also a celebrated author of two books: The Seven P’s to Effective Church Leadership and his most recent publication Don’t Chicken Out! which features a foreword by the Governor General of Jamaica. “Only those who have invested in the education of others have a say in their progress in life. “I’m the product of the generosity of individuals,” said Pastor Johnson, president of the North Jamaica Conference, an administrative region of the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and CEO of his motivational brand, Johnson Motivates, which operates under the mantra: “Engage, Empower, Enrich”. “We must be transformative. Prepare them to walk in their God-given abilities.” Patrons were entertained with musical presentations by Cheyenne Welch, Pastor Jovan Whyte and Brian Hurst.