The University of the West Indies Alumni Association
The Florida Chapter
The Pelican Award is given to a graduate of the University of the West Indies who has contributed greatly to the development of the university and or to the Caribbean. The awardees below have certainly done this in both their professional life and in their voluntary effort.
The 2025 Pelican Awardee
Dr. Cheralee Morgan stands as a shining example of excellence, service, and leadership within the University of the West Indies (UWI) alumni community and beyond. The UWI Alumni Association Florida Chapter proudly recognizes Dr. Cheralee Morgan, Director of Programs at The GEO Group and a 2017 graduate of UWI, Mona with a Doctorate in Business Administration as the recipient of the 2025 Pelican Award.
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At The GEO Group, Dr. Morgan leads transformative correctional education initiatives. Under her leadership, the facility became Florida’s first to offer the Federal Second Chance Pell Grant, enabling 84 inmates to pursue an Associate Degree in Business Administration. She also secured Cognia accreditation for all academic and technical programs and guided her students to win regional and state titles in the 2024–2025 Corrections Got Talent competitions.
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As the current President - and past Co-President - of the Florida Chapter of the UWI Alumni Association, Dr. Morgan has demonstrated a strong desire to advancing the mission of the organization through service. Under her guidance, the chapter has strengthened its presence in the South Florida community, fostered greater alumni engagement, and expanded scholarship and outreach initiatives to benefit current UWI students and the next generation of Caribbean leaders. Dr. Morgan also remains deeply committed to her Jamaican roots, supporting Clarendon College and Beulah All-Age School through scholarships, infrastructure projects, and student development initiatives. She also contributes actively to Feeding South Florida, Habitat for Humanity, the City of Lauderhill Arts, Culture, and Tourism Board, and her church at Christian Life Center.
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Dr. Morgan’s approach to service is characterized by a steadfast belief in volunteerism and service to build communities. Her ability to bring people together for a common cause has been instrumental in building bridges across generations of UWI graduates, uniting them in service to their alma mater and their communities.
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Whether organizing events, mentoring young professionals, or representing the alumni association at community gatherings, Dr. Morgan gives generously of her time, expertise, and energy. Her tireless efforts have inspired others to serve, to lead, and to give back. Dr. Morgan has earned numerous honors, including the 2024 Jack Brewer Foundation Global Ambassador Award, GEO Group Supervisor of the Year (2020 & 2023), the 2021 Diversity Leadership Award, and major recognitions from HEART Trust NTA, Herbalife International, and the Rotary Club of Montego Bay.
In every sphere—academic, professional, and community—Dr. Cheralee Morgan has been a beacon of excellence and service. Her leadership continues to inspire pride among UWI alumni and stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the University of the West Indies.
The 2025 Special Award for Leadership
The UWI Alumni Association Florida Chapter proudly celebrates Ms. Diana Turnbull, recipient of this year’s Special Award for Leadership at the Pelican Awards Luncheon. Diana’s distinguished career in medical science, her commitment to healthcare excellence, and her service-minded leadership embody the values of The University of the West Indies and the spirit of the Caribbean diaspora. Diana’s career spans more than three decades of leadership in clinical laboratory science, healthcare management, and organizational excellence. Her strong academic foundation began at The University of the West Indies, Mona, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Sciences and a Diploma in Medical Microbiology and Bacteriology. She later advanced her education at Barry University in Miami Shores, completing a Master of Healthcare
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Administration in 2005—further strengthening her capacity for leadership in the medical field. In her most recent job, for nearly a decade, Diana has served as Hematology Supervisor at Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach. Her work centers on overseeing hematology operations, with a specialized focus on oncology.
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Beyond her professional accomplishments, Diana is deeply admired within the UWI alumni community for her commitment, humility, and collaborative spirit. Her leadership contributes to the Chapter’s mission of supporting Caribbean students, strengthening alumni engagement, and honoring the values of service and excellence that define The University of the West Indies. Her Special Award for Leadership recognizes not only her career achievements but the integrity, dedication, and influence she brings to every space she occupies. Diana leads with steadiness, compassion, and a genuine desire to uplift others—qualities that resonate with colleagues, alumni, and the broader community.
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Whether managing high-stakes clinical operations, mentoring future healthcare professionals, or supporting the UWI alumni network, Diana Turnbull exemplifies leadership at its finest. Her journey reflects the power of education, discipline, and service-filled living. The Florida Chapter proudly salutes her for her outstanding contributions and the meaningful ways she continues to inspire excellence.
OTHER RECENT PELICAN AWARD RECIPIENTS
2018
Dr. Sandra Schrouder
Mr. Justin Vincent
Ms. Jean D’Costa
Dr. Dwight Benjamin
2021
Ms. Miriam White
Dr. Justin Peart
Mr. Eric Hammond
Mr. Donat Grant
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2023
Dr. Beverly Fray
Dr. Carmen Nicholas
Dr. Sharon Porter
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