Janelle Christie
In commemoration of its 60th Anniversary, Moneague College, on Monday, November 14, hosted its annual Aubrey Phillips Lecture with a stirring and highly motivational delivery from guest lecturer, Dr. Hixwell Douglas.
The function was held at the Gloria Johnson Auditorium on the institution’s premises, under the theme “Embracing Change… Soaring to new heights.” It was moderated by School of Hospitality and Tourism Management lecturer, Vashnie Gayle-Murray.
Dr Aubrey Philips was the first principal of the Moneague Teachers’ College which was established in 1956. The institution was at the time an ‘Emergency Teacher Training College’. The lecture this year took on special significance as Moneague is also celebrating its 60th anniversary.
The day’s event started out with devotion led by Faculty of Science and Technology lecturer, Wayne Clarke. He spoke about the importance of humility and encouraged the audience to be humble at all times.
Welcome was extended by acting principal, Jacqueline Thames who was very delighted to be part of the institution as it celebrates its sixtieth year of existence.Grandson of the late Dr. Aubrey Phillips, member of parliament (MP) for North West Manchester, Mikael Philips brought greetings on behalf of his family.
Dr. Hixwell Douglas, retired assistant chief education officer of Special Education in the Ministry of Education, was the guest lecturer. He was introduced by student, Makalia McBean. Dr. Douglas delivered a very interactive, informative presentation interspersed with humour with a purpose. He congratulated the Moneague College on its 60th Anniversary milestone achievement and commended the efforts of those who have helped to build the institution. He appealed to the students to prepare themselves for the changes that are necessary in life, and to nurture the habits and skills that are necessary for holistic development. He likened the man who does not prepare for change as stagnant water that breeds reptiles.Dr. Douglas noted that change should allow space for “branches to grow”, as people become agents and products of change.
Dr. Douglas also urged the attendees of the lecture to adopt the right attitudes if they want to succeed. He likened people’s attitude to that of one of three birds; the eagle which soars high despite its challenges; the humming bird which knows its purpose and the ‘John Crow’ which always focuses on that which ‘is dead’. He encouraged students to soar like the eagle,displaying grace and majesty, and abolish “ stinking thinking”.
After the lecture, members of the audience were given the opportunity to gain additional information through a question and answer segment moderated by Mrs Gayle-Murray. Some persons were concerned about how to attain their goals and steps to take while doing so. Dr. Douglas gave detail suggestions on how this might be done.
The audience was entertained by the school’s ensemble singing ‘If I can reach higher’. The vote of thanks was given by student, Serena Scott, who extended gratitude to all who attended the function.
