UTech Foundation - Tributes

TRIBUTE Tribute from Effie Crooks (1970 - 1973)

He also remained deeply connected to his roots in St. Elizabeth, where his grandfather, a Scottish missionary, established Presbyterian churches in that parish. One of these, the Maxwell Memorial United Church in Giddy Hall, was named in honour of his mother, Iris Maxwell-Sangster. He actively supported that church when His mother was alive, especially during religious holidays and not just sat in its pews, but at times addressed the congregation from the pulpit. Beyond academia, he was an accomplished author, notably chronicling UTech’s evolution in The Making of a University: From C.A.S.T. to UTech, Ja. His contributions earned him the Order of Jamaica (OJ) and the Musgrave Gold Medal. Dr. Sangster’s legacy lives on in education, faith, and service—an enduring inspiration to Jamaica. information system within a university, he was a staunch supporter of our efforts to develop a cadre of qualified professionals, paraprofessionals, technical, and support staff to deliver appropriate information services. He embraced our vision for the College Libraries Information Network (COLINET) and UTech’s integral role, as our team endeavored to encourage and support the advancement of participating units. Furthermore, he championed the expansion of the audiovisual center’s scope and function, as well as the extension of facilities to UTech, Ja. branches. We are grateful for the life and work of this faithful Jamaican son, and we pray that his soul rests in eternal peace.

(Guided by Faith) Dr. Alfred Sangster was a visionary

leader, mentor, and humanitarian whose deep Christian faith shaped his life and leadership. His spiritual journey began at a church camp in Moorlands, Manchester, and continued through his involvement with the Students Christian Fellowship and Inter Varsity Bible Union at Munro College and Queen’s University, Belfast. As Principal and later President of C.A.S.T. (now UTech, Ja.), Dr. Sangster oversaw its transformation into a premier institution, expanding programs and student enrolment. His leadership, guided by faith, helped him navigate the challenges of governing revolutionary students in the 1970s. Committed to national integrity, he co founded and co-chaired Citizens Action For Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE) in 1997. It is with profound sadness that I learned of the passing of Dr. the Honorable Alfred W. Sangster, O.J., our esteemed Past Principal of the College of Arts, Science and Technology (C.A.S.T.). His dedicated and astute leadership was instrumental in the Institution’s transformation into the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Ja.), where he served as its first president. I vividly recall Dr. Sangster’s joy and excitement as we witnessed the passage of the enabling legislation in Parliament. History will forever record his legendary contributions to education and national development. Recognizing the vital role of a modern and effective library and

TRIBUTE

Tribute from Hermine C. Salmon, Retired University Librarian

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