"One UWI, One Alumni Family"
Tribute to Victor Cowan - A Pioneer For Student Development
Victor Cowan was the retired Director of Student Services and Secretary of The UWI Development and Endowment Fund. He became a member of staff at the St Augustine Campus in 1972 as the Campus’ first Placement Officer in the then Student Advisory Service. He was responsible for creating a Placement and Career Guidance Service and also contributed a great deal in the area of sport. He was a strong supporter of The UWI Development and Endowment Fund, serving as Secretary for many years. He revitalised the local branch of the Guild of Graduates and in 1988, initiated the Staff Inter-Campus Games. In 1987 he founded the Post-Secondary Sports Association to, among other things, provide regular external competition for student teams in preparation for the biennial Student Inter-Campus Games. He was promoted to Senior Assistant Registrar in 1991 and became Director, Student Services in 2001, a post he held until his retirement in 2003. Mr. Cowan will also be remembered for his impact on the students of Naparima College and for his significant contribution to the National Table Tennis Association in Trinidad and Tobago.
Message from the Alumni Association Trinidad and Tobago Chapter (UWIAATT) on the passing of Victor Cowan
The UWI Alumni Association Trinidad and Tobago Chapter (UWIAATT), is saddened by the passing of Mr Victor Cowan, former Director of Student Advisory Services at the St Augustine Campus. Mr Cowan used his office, and supported the Association in many ways over the years. In 1988, he was very influential in the reshaping of the organization from the Guild of Graduates to the Alumni Association. Additionally, he played a key role in the acquisition of the Association's present office. Mr. Cowan also performed the role of Returning Officer at several of the Association’s annual elections.
Mr. Cowan also ensured that the Alumni Association was represented on the Board of the UWI Development and Endowment Fund (UWIDEV), where he served as Secretary. Many laudable things can be said about Mr. Cowan, from Naparima College where he was a teacher and games master, to UWI where he served in several capacities. One thing is constant was his love and care for students and alums alike. He also played a critical role in the establishment of the Association’s Mentorship Programme which is one year short of its
30th anniversary.
Victor Cowan has served well and will certainly be missed. The UWIAATT extends condolences to his family, and we pray that God comforts them in their loss, and gives them the strength to endure what must be a very difficult time.
Mr. Cowan you have run the course that was set for you. You have done well.
Rest in eternal peace.
