Mac celebrates unique partnership with Grenadian community college

McMaster’s partnership with a Grenadian community college is providing unique opportunities for students and faculty both in Canada and on the Caribbean island.

The partnership with T.A. Marryshow Community College sees McMaster, the Government of Grenada and the PETNA Foundation working together to develop specialized programming around teaching and learning.

The partnership was first envisioned by technology entrepreneur, business leader and philanthropist Nicholas Brathwaite ‘82.

Brathwaite and his wife, Janice, founded PETNA to champion projects that focus on youth, education and community development.

A long-time McMaster supporter, Brathwaite was awarded an honorary degree at the university’s June Convocation.

McMaster’s Director of Development, Paul Grossman, delivered the keynote address to the college’s graduating class this year.

In his address, Grossman talked about his hope that the partnership would prove to make both institutions better – but stressed that none of the work would matter unless students ultimately benefited.

“We want to inspire you to want to achieve and be something you could once only imagine,” he said. “Students are partners in this project and will be partners in the continued teaching of our instructors. Students will be embedded at the centre of the future of T.A. Marryshow.”

He also encouraged graduates not to shy away from big challenges.

“You can work against the status quo and that way you can take the mantle of leadership,” he said. “You have the ability to make change, and that to me is why our institutions are partners.”