The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) will present its Humanitarian Award to Professor Denise Eldemire-Shearer, OJ, CD, in recognition of her distinguished service to public health, geriatric medicine and the advancement of the rights and well-being of older persons in Jamaica.

The award will be presented during UCC’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, July 19, 2026, beginning at 9:00 am at the National Arena, Arthur Wint Drive, Kingston. The ceremony will also be streamed live for local and international audiences wishing to participate virtually. It will be held under the theme, “Journey to the Finish: Celebrating Success, Inspiring Futures.”

For more than four decades, Professor Eldemire-Shearer has helped to shape Jamaica’s approach to ageing through research, education, advocacy and the development of national policies and programmes. Since 1982, she has worked to promote the continued participation of senior citizens in family, community and national life.

Professor Eldemire-Shearer is Professor of Public Health and Ageing at The University of the West Indies and Executive Director of the Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre. Through the Centre, she has led and supported teaching, research and advocacy addressing critical issues affecting older persons, including their health and social circumstances, financial well-being, dementia and sexual health.

She also serves as Patron of the National Council for Senior Citizens, the Government of Jamaica’s advisory body on matters affecting the elderly. In this capacity, and throughout her wider professional career, she has championed policies and programmes designed to strengthen the dignity, independence and social inclusion of senior citizens.

Professor Colin Gyles, President of UCC, speaking on the remarkable advocacy of Eldemire-Shearer, expressed, “Professor Eldemire-Shearer has devoted her professional life to ensuring that older persons are recognised, respected and supported as valuable members of our society. Her scholarship has informed public policy, while her advocacy has given a powerful voice to a population whose needs can too easily be overlooked. Speaking ahead of the ceremony, he added, “UCC is honoured to recognise her exceptional record of service with the 2026 Humanitarian Award.”

Her contribution to higher education has extended beyond public health and ageing. Professor Eldemire-Shearer previously served in leadership roles in Graduate Studies and Research at The University of the West Indies, where she contributed to student and staff development, graduate supervision, scholarship and bursary support, and initiatives aimed at improving the overall graduate student experience. 

Reflecting on the honour, she expressed, “When I received the letter, I was initially very surprised. As the reality of the recognition sank in, I felt both honoured and humbled that my contributions and activities had been considered worthy of such an honour. I am deeply grateful to the UCC for this recognition, which I accept with sincere appreciation. It is both a privilege and an encouragement to continue serving with dedication and commitment”.

The UCC Humanitarian Award honours individuals whose work has produced sustained and meaningful improvements in the lives of others. Professor Eldemire-Shearer’s award reflects her lifelong commitment to healthcare, geriatric medicine, evidence-based policymaking, and advocacy that benefits not only older persons, but all Jamaicans.

UCC’s Commencement is the university’s largest annual academic celebration, bringing together faculty, staff, families, alumni, national leaders and distinguished guests, the diaspora, both in person and online, and for the very first time, more than 1000 graduands across undergraduate and graduate programmes, to recognise academic achievement, leadership and service.