Devry University-South Florida hosts spectacular book launch and Scholarship Fundraising kickoff
DeVry University in association with LMH Publishing, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Sunrise in Broward and New York based ad agency The Quantum Group hosted a fun filled evening featuring the launch of the phenomenal new book ‘A Jamaican Storyteller’s Tale’ by author Lorrimer Burford on September 27th, 2005.
Held in the Student Commons Area on the DeVry University campus at Miramar, the Launch was a spectacular event combining readings by the likes of the author himself, world renowned Jamaican actor / comedian Oliver Samuels O.D. who is celebrating 35 years in theater, Miramar Vice-Mayor Winston Barnes and media impresario Ouida Crawford.
As darkness fell, the proceedings gained an added air of suspense as the readings transported the audience back to their youth and they alternately shivered, laughed and sang along to excerpts read from various stories. Side splitting performances by the hilarious improv artist Joseph and the singing of the Jamaican Folk Revue added to the custom lighting effects, set design and exquisite catering by Joy Seaga to create a ‘back home’ ambiance that was a sight to behold.
As if that weren’t enough and to further memorialize the book, DeVry President Mr. Julio Torres announced the formation of a groundbreaking annual Scholarship to be awarded to a Jamaican or Caribbean student to attend DeVry University. Support for the Scholarship initiative was also announced by Dr. Sandra Hamilton, President of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Sunrise in Broward and Ru-El Burford, CEO/Creative Director of The Quantum Group whose organizations will work with DeVry to raise the funding for the Scholarship.
Other expressions of support for the spirit of the initiative came from attending dignitaries such as the Hon.Ricardo Allicock, Consul General of Jamaica in Miami, Miramar Vice Mayor Winston Barnes, book publishers LMH Publishing whose Chairman Mr. Mike Henry also donated an LMH corner to the DeVry library and the audience who donated more than $1000 in Scholarship pledges that very evening.
The book continues to generate excitement, controversy and rave reviews. Hailed as having a literary style reminiscent of the great Claude McKay.
‘A Jamaican Storyteller’s Tale’ is currently available at: Borders Book Store (954) 340-3397, African Book Store (954) 584-0460, CB’s Caribbean Spot (954) 572-8270, Nubian Lox (954) 742-6051, Robby’s Restaurant (954) 747-6899 and autographed copies from the author himself at (954) 245-1551.
