Dr. Joseph Tait

JC STEAM INFUSION PROGRAMME - SUSTAINABILITY

Legacy in Motion

Fuel the Future. Sustain the Spark.

Some gifts ignite the present. Others illuminate the path for generations.

When Dr. Joseph Tait invested $500,000 USD into the transformation of Jamaica College's science and technology infrastructure, it was more than an act of generosity. The JC STEAM Infusion Project was a declaration of belief in the power of education to shape the future. New labs, modern equipment, and a reinvigorated STEAM curriculum now equip our students to compete, create, and lead in a rapidly evolving world.

But the most profound visionaries don't just spark change; they ensure it endures.

Recognizing that true progress must be built to endure, not merely impress, Dr. Tait took a bold step beyond the initial gift. With a strategic contribution of $170,000 toward a $500,000 endowment, he laid the cornerstone for sustainability, ensuring that this transformational STEAM Infusion initiative doesn't just shine today, but thrives tomorrow. This enduring capital fund will maintain and upgrade vital lab equipment, enrich the curriculum, empower expert instruction, and extend tutoring in math and science, future-proofing the program for generations of Jamaica College students yet to walk its halls, dream its dreams, and shape our world.

This is your moment to become part of that legacy. To help carry the flame forward. To invest not just in today, but in tomorrow.

💙 Join us. Every dollar brings us closer to securing one of the most transformative educational investments in JC's history.

Let's honor Dr. Tait's vision, not just with gratitude, but with action.

Fervet! 🔵

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Jamaica College Old Boys Association of New York is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Tax ID: 11-3047351

DR. JOSEPH TAIT LAUNCHES GROUNDBREAKING STEAM INFUSION PROGRAMME AND SCHOLARSHIPS FUND AT JAMAICA COLLEGE

GOING BEYOND BORDERS

Dr. Joseph Lloyd Tait a New York-based retired veterinarian and JCOBA-NY's primary benefactor graduated from Jamaica College in 1953. He continued his studies at Mico Teachers College before matriculating at New York University, where he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1962. He subsequently attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1968 - the only person of colour in his graduating class.

His history of trailblazing continued when he became the first person of colour to establish a veterinary medical practice in New York City, the first person of colour appointed President of the NYC Veterinary Society, and the first person of colour appointed to the New York State Board of Veterinary Medicine.

True to the Jamaica College ethos of service, Dr. Tait sought to improve the lives of young people in the community who he feels should be accorded top priority. His passion for providing underserved youth with guidance through mentorship led him to establish a healthcare-related educational scholarship assistance fund and internships for bright, talented, committed young people striving for academic excellence with strong connections to the Harlem community.

Dr. Tait served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Harlem Commonwealth Council, its subsidiaries, and affiliates from September 2004 until his retirement in April 2016.

During Dr. Tait's tenure, his vision for the future of the Harlem Commonwealth Group sparked and promoted sustainable economic development opportunities, which benefited countless Harlem residents.

Acutely aware of the challenging socio-economic conditions community residents continue to endure, he specifically focused on implementing economic development initiatives that evolved from making numerous New York City real estate holdings profitable in addition to structuring programs to meet the demand for quality education choices.

As a catalyst and renown authority in the field of Veterinary medicine, Dr. Tait has been a constant voice on the lecture circuit, sharing his wealth of knowledge and professional expertise around the globe.

The True Blue spirit has always flowed through his veins, and in 2019 Dr. Tait returned to his alma mater in grand fashion, where he cemented his legacy by establishing the JAMAICA COLLEGE STEAM INFUSION PROJECT (JCSIP)

This first in the nation USD 500,000 (JMD 77.5 million) signature initiative, with a clarion call of ‘Going Beyond Borders’, will infuse and integrate a culture of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education into the Jamaica College academic curriculum. Building on the strategic and pioneering work of JCOBA-NY, JCSIP is a timely spark and technological foundation to deliver a world-class STEAM Center of Excellence at Jamaica College, thus heralding a pivotal interchange towards a 21st Century model for education in Jamaica. Inclusive in JCSIP is the Dr. Joseph L. Tait Bursary Fund with initial funding of USD 50,000 (JMD 7.6 million). This scholarship fund will benefit talented and deserving Jamaica College Students and the first recipient was J’voughnn Blake, the outstanding student-athlete who is now attending Dartmouth.

"It is easily the most significant financial contribution to our academic programme."

~Principal Wayne Robinson

Anchored by deep-rooted humility and genuine altruism, Dr. Tait loathes the spotlight. Quite frankly, if it were up to him, this ginormous game-changing gift to Jamaica College would have been done quietly without even a whisper of publicity. That is the nature of the man and the levers behind his generosity of spirit. However, the JCOBA-NY would be remiss not to share Dr. Tait's magnanimity with our members, supporters, and stakeholders. This story must be told, and JCOBA-NY is particularly gratified to see an articulated vision decades in the making come to fruition.

Thank you, Dr. Tait.

Fervet Opus in Campis.

STRATEGIC AGENDA

JCSIP

Creating a dedicated STEAM Lab
Providing resources for the STEMA Club
Supporting incremental STEM initiatives relevant to the school community
Retrofitting the Science Labs
Creating an AutoCAD Lab
Creating a dedicated Maths Centre
Upgrading the Auto Mechanics Workshop
Creating an interactive Audio Visuals (A/V) Centre
Developing a Drone program for experiential learning
Infusing Robotics into the JC curriculum
Preparing classrooms for interactive, internet-based learning
Upgrading the Information and Computing Technologies (ICT) infrastructure to support the TAIT STEM initiative
Leveraging the "ARTS" to drive and inculcate creativity, innovation, communication, and contemplation to explore and discover ingenious ways of problem-solving and to develop the best (analytical and creative) thinkers of tomorrow

Honoring Excellence: Dr. Joseph Tait Receives Order of the Griffin at JCOBA-NY’s Signature Gala

On Saturday, October 14, 2023, the curtain rose at Merkin Hall in Manhattan for a spectacular celebration of Jamaican excellence—the 33rd Anniversary Griffin Awards (The Griffys) hosted by the Jamaica College Old Boys Association of New York (JCOBA-NY). In a ceremony steeped in elegance and purpose, the evening paid tribute to three outstanding honorees whose lives and legacies reflect the very best of the Jamaica College spirit.

The highlight of the evening was the conferral of The Order of the Griffin: the association’s highest honor - upon Dr. Joseph Lloyd Tait, a proud member of the Class of 1953. Dr. Tait’s distinguished career in veterinary medicine, international development, and philanthropic leadership has blazed trails across continents. His enduring commitment to education and youth empowerment, most notably through his transformative $500,000 investment in Jamaica College’s STEAM Infusion Project, has inspired a new era of innovation at his alma mater. The award, richly deserved, was presented to a man who has not only given back—but given forward.

Sharing the spotlight was Her Excellency Audrey Marks, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, who received the Woman of Distinction Award. Ambassador Marks, a trailblazer in business and diplomacy, was honored for her exemplary leadership, public service, and advocacy on behalf of Jamaicans at home and abroad.

A third honoree and surprise recipient of The Order of the Griffin was none other than Don Jones, founding member of the Jamaica College Old Boys Association of New York and its first President. In a tightly kept secret, Don was recognized for his foundational role in building the very organization that has become a pillar of support for Jamaica College in the diaspora. The room erupted with applause and emotion as the legacy-maker was celebrated for his vision, service, and unwavering commitment to the cause.

The evening’s program, masterfully emceed by Jamaica College Principal Wayne Robinson, unfolded with polished cadence and heartfelt pride. The musical journey began with a cocktail reception accompanied by the Piazzolla Trio, featuring Gjilberta Lucaj (cello), Elaine Kwon (piano), and Anat Malkin (violin) - a trio of internationally acclaimed musicians celebrated for their vibrant interpretations of classical repertoire. They were joined for the evening by renowned opera singer Nicholas Ryan Gant, whose powerful vocals added depth and brilliance to the performance. Together, this stellar ensemble delivered a breathtaking musical experience that left the audience in awe and earned resounding applause. The program crescendoed with a stunning recital by world-renowned classical pianist and JC alumnus Alan Hobbins, whose performance embodied the brilliance of Jamaican talent.

The night concluded with a celebratory 'mix and mingle' reception—an exclamation point on an evening that seamlessly blended reflection, recognition, and revelry.

Proceeds from the event support ongoing initiatives at Jamaica College, including the groundbreaking Robotics Program—a JCOBA-NY-led venture that is equipping students with 21st-century skills and propelling them onto the global stage.

As the Griffin Awards continue to soar, this year’s event reaffirmed that when Jamaica College calls, the True Blue community respond, not only with gladness, but with greatness.

Check out the Event Gallery