The donated computers being used.
Thumbs up for the donation.
From left: Donnelly Granger (USM IT Technician), Catherine Vollmer (AUC Information Technology Services Manager), Dr. Antonio Carmona Baez (USM President), Denis Richardson, (AUC Systems Administrator), Dr. Rolinda Carter (USM Dean of Academics), Dexter Frasier (USM Facilities Manager).
POND ISLAND--University of St. Martin (USM) is able to upgrade its library and its computer lab thanks to “a generous donation of computers and laptops” from American University of the Caribbean (AUC) School of Medicine.
USM said the donation is being used for a crucial technology upgrade for USM students. “AUC is glad to be able to contribute to help further student success within the higher education community on Sint Maarten,” Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at AUC
Dr. Colin Michie said. “USM has been such a solid academic and community partner to AUC, we look forward to continued collaboration to help strengthen the educational community.”
In January, USM signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AUC and National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA) for further collaboration among the three institutions. While donations were not part of the MoU, all parties expressed their desire to share resources that are beneficial to the institutions of higher learning and the community. USM said in a press release that the “very timely” donation came at a time when older computers were starting to fail, therefore limiting the number of reliable functioning workstations available for students.
“As IT (Information Technology) technician at USM, I try my best to ensure that our campus remains up to date with fresh and innovative ideas and technologies that would make USM the first choice for those hoping to further their studies. For some time, I identified the need for updated equipment. The donation received is, therefore, very much appreciated” USM IT technician Donelly Granger said.
The excitement of updated workstations was also shared by students and instructors who visited the lab. “I’m really liking the new look in the lab … more and better computers have been added to the room which we have been wanting for a long time,” said business student Jameson Pierre Louis.
USM’s management said it continues to take on an active role in seeking assistance as it improves its IT resources to better meet the needs of students, staff, and faculty members.
“The rebuilding of USM is a joint effort and everyone has a part to play,” said USM Dean of Academics Dr. Rolinda Carter. “While this initiative was birthed during a meeting between deans, it was rapidly turned over to the IT departments of AUC and USM to make it a reality. This speaks to the collaboration that continues to exist between both institutions at all levels.”
USM said it remains grateful to AUC for this donation as USM students continue to make full use of the computers for projects, assignments and the preparation of exams.
