UTech Foundation - Tributes

TRIBUTE Tribute to Dr. Alfred Sangster, OJ - Retired Registrar Dianne Mitchell

It is with deep sorrow that I write this tribute in honor of the life and legacy of Dr. Alfred Sangster, first President of the College of Arts Science and Technology (C.A.S.T.) as well as the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech), a visionary leader and administrator. I could write a book on his impact on me as Registrar of C.A.S.T. and the first Registrar of UTech, Ja. I first met Dr. Sangster, affectionately called Doc, September, 1994 when interviewing for the position of Registrar of C.A.S.T.; we worked harmoniously from then until his retirement, August 1996. Working with him was a great pleasure. His humility, kindness, concern, wisdom, and dedication to the wellbeing of others made him beloved by many on and off campus but, particularly to students. His life epitomized the life of Christ. He was also an avid

environmentalist and could be seen tending trees and other plants on campus. He had a great sense of humor and would remind us “There are Twenty-Four hours in the day and if we need more time, there is always the night” Based on his strong feelings on the issue, Dr. Sangster worked assiduously to have C.A.S.T. transition to a university, as he opined that the Institution had attained the requisite standards and only needed formal recognition. His tenacity met with success, when C.A.S.T. was renamed the University of Technology, Jamaica, effective September 1, 1995. Dr. Sangster, having fulfilled your dream of making C.A.S.T./UTech, Ja. one of the premier Institutions in the Region, and being a trailblazer for the establishment of several other universities in Jamaica, your legacy lives on. Rest in Heavenly Peace.

TRIBUTE Tribute to Dr. Alfred Sangster, OJ - Susan Samuels (1989 - 1992) St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Alfred Sangster, a transformative figure in Jamaican education, is remembered for his visionary leadership in guiding C.A.S.T. through its evolution into UTech, Ja., his unwavering commitment to students, and his deep Christian values. The UTECH Foundation emphasizes his role as a founding member, highlighting his commitment to empowering Jamaicans through education and maintaining a strong bond with the University. Tributes from colleagues and former students depict Dr. Sangster as a “Renaissance man” with broad intellectual curiosity, a dedicated mentor, and a compassionate yet firm leader who always put students first. He created a close-knit family-like environment. Susan Samuel-Providence recalls his personal attention to international students, his hands-on approach to campus improvement, and his commitment to molding students into better citizens. Dr. Sangster instilled practical values, such as the importance of community outreach and the lesson from Ecclesiastes 11:1. A former secretary remembers his leadership style, his scripture readings, and his sense of humor. His international impact extended to advising Namibia on its polytechnic-to-university transition. Dr. Sangster’s legacy – a blend of academic vision, personal connection, and unwavering faith – continues to inspire, as captured in his book “Making of a University.” He will be profoundly missed.

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