"One UWI, One Alumni Family" 

The event, will take place at 583 Park Avenue, Manhattan, on Friday, April 4, 2025 and will celebrate both organizations and individuals whose contributions have powerfully impacted the Caribbean, the United States, and beyond.

Leading the list of honorees is William Mahfood, Chairman of the WISYNCO Group, who will receive the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Global Business Leadership and Philanthropy. 

Mr. William Mahfood, Chairman of the WISYNCO Group, will receive the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Global Business Leadership and Philanthropy.  Senator the Hon. Ambassador Audrey Marks OJ, will receive the Trailblazer Award for Excellence in Diplomacy, Service to the Jamaican Diaspora in the USA and Nation Building.  Cedric Gayle Esq. will receive the Pelican Award, a recognition given to outstanding University of the West Indies (UWI) alumni in the New York Diaspora. A respected attorney and community leader, Gayle has been instrumental in strengthening alumni engagement through his role as a founding member of the UWI New York alumni chapter.

Althea Brown, Managing Director, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary of LPL Financial, will be honoured with the Vice Chancellor’s Achievement Award for her contributions to legal and financial advisory services.  Olympic gold medallist, Thea LaFond Gadson, will receive the Salute to Caribbean Gold Award. The Dominica-born athlete made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by winning the women’s triple jump, marking the first-ever Olympic gold for her home country. Her achievement has inspired pride throughout the Caribbean. The management and staff of Half Moon Hotel will be presented with the Pinnacle Award for Excellence in Global Hospitality Services.

The AFUWI Awards Gala serves as a key fundraising event to provide scholarships for UWI students in need. Over the years, the foundation has awarded approximately 650 scholarships and bursaries, empowering young minds through education. Members of the public are encouraged to support this vital initiative. Tickets and tables for the gala are available at www.afuwi.org.