Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

Reach! Dr. Rae Davis (left), former president of the University of Technology, literally passes the baton to his successor Prof. Errol Morrison.

For a little over 10 years, he has taken an institution on the cusp of greatness to the echelons of fine academia. Now, it's time for him to relax.

Dr. Rae Davis was the toast of his peers and colleagues on Wednesday at his retirement function held at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium at the University of Technology (UTech), the institution he took from a college to a full-fledged university. The accolades for Davis, who was president from 1996, came from all sectors of his life; from education to engineering where he also made his mark.

Education Minister Maxine Henry-Wilson said she found it easy to talk about Dr. Davis because he was '"simple but profound". She applauded the value of his contribution not only to UTech but to the society in general. She described him as a man who didn't see himself as a major factor in any endeavours; his attitude was one of providing service.

Lauded

Pro Chancellor Dr. Blossom O'Meally Nelson lauded him for never using the school's resources for personal benefit; never being greedy and for possessing exquisite humility born of self-confidence. She stated that he was a man who could be trusted; trusted to do the right thing. In between all the speeches, the former president was lauded with music as the UTech Steel Band, choir and drummers all performed two video presentations, one showing his achievements over the 10 years and the other of persons sharing their fond thoughts of him, were also played.

When it was time to respond, Dr. Davis reiterated his view that UTech was an institution rich in social capital and that it had benefited society on the whole. He thanked his family for the support and wished UTech would grow from strength to strength. He formally welcomed his successor, Prof. Errol Morrison and literally passed the baton to him, relay-style. The applause shook the auditorium to its foundations.

Guests included UTech Chancellor Lord Bill Morris, U.S. Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson, Pat Ramsay, Dr. Carol Archer, Prof. E. Nigel Harris, Dr. Herbert Thompson, Dr. Andre Gordon, Dr. Ronald Young, Ryland Campbell, Dr. Ethley London, Jackie Coke-Lloyd, Robert Gregory, Sybil N'Toutoume, Oral McCook, Fay Morrison, Garth Kiddoe andNorman Anderson.