Wolmer's Alumni Association

The Wolmer’s Alumni Association, NY Chapter, is an inspiring Jamaican organization dedicated to providing vital financial support to Wolmer’s School in Kingston, Jamaica. Founded in 1972 by the passionate efforts of Mrs. Eva Bradshaw, a former secretary at the Boys’ School, who rallied alumni in New York to raise funds for a water fountain, this initiative sparked something much bigger. What started with this heartfelt project blossomed into the creation of the Wolmer’s Alumni Association of the USA, Inc., uniting former students from both the Boys' and Girls' Schools to make a lasting impact.

As a not-for-profit, the Association raises funds through fun events like luncheons, dances, and boat rides. Our main mission—supporting the schools—has led to contributions including school buses, computers, library books, scholarships, lab equipment, science lab upgrades, a new auditorium, and more.

The Association has proudly hosted visiting students, including Quiz Team winners, UN Junior Convention participants, and teams at the Annual Penn Relays. We’ve provided accommodations, entertainment, and excursions for shopping and sightseeing. Through the Lucille Neysmith Educational Fund, established with a $40,000 bequest, we've supported students for over 50 years with tuition, uniforms, books, and meals.

The Association has supported local charities, including scholarships through the Negro College Fund, early contributions to the Dance Theater of Harlem, two studio pianos for the Harlem Boys' Choir, and recent donations to pediatric AIDS facilities. With the growth of other Wolmer’s Chapters, we reorganized as the Wolmer’s Alumni Association, NY Chapter, Inc., gaining 501(c) status in 2010. We are also a member of the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (USA), Inc. (UJAA) and have served in various leadership roles.

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Notable Wolmerians include:

• The late Hon. Gerald Groves, Consul-General for Jamaica

• The late Hon. Kay Baxter Collins, Consul-General for Jamaica

• His Excellency Courtenay Rattray, Permanent Representative to the Jamaican Mission to the UN.

• Lucille Dawes Neysmith

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​We take pride in our achievements and the dedicated members who’ve contributed their time and resources. As alumni of Jamaica's oldest and most prestigious school, we honor its legacy of producing influential individuals in academia, medicine, politics, the arts, and sports. We remain committed to ensuring future students receive the best educational opportunities through our continued support.

     The Association is governed by Board of Directors that is elected annually.  We meet on the last Friday of every month, excluding December, July and August.

 

President:                                            Vernon Steele

Vice President:                                    Yasmin Patterson

Secretary:                                            Cecile Blake

Assistant Secretary:                             Vivia Joseph

Treasurer:                                             Michael Gabbidon

Assistant Treasurer                              Daniel Lindsay

 

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