Rhodes Scholarship to the Daughter of an Alumnus

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Berley Adair (’77) and his wife, Annette, are undoubtedly very proud parents today, as their daughter Kamille Adair was recently named Jamaica’s 2011–2012 Rhodes Scholar. Kamille will pursue studies in International Law.

The Rhodes Scholarship, established in 1902, provides full financial support for up to three years for recipients to pursue a degree or degrees at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. It is among the oldest and most prestigious international scholarships, created from a bequest by Cecil Rhodes, a British diamond magnate.

Excelsior alumnus Carol Aina (’76), Senior Tutor at the Norman Manley Law School, was effusive in her praise of her former student.

“Well done, Kamille! She has been my student and is very deserving of the award,” she shared via email.
“During our weekly mentorship program at Excelsior, Berley informed me that his daughter was soon to attend the Norman Manley Law School. He was, however, very modest about her exceptional abilities.”

Berley’s modesty seems to have been misplaced, judging by Kamille’s sublime academic performance.

Stellar Academic Career

According to Senior Tutor Aina, Kamille’s selection as the 2011/12 Rhodes Scholar came as little surprise, as it followed an academic career decorated with numerous awards. Kamille entered the Norman Manley Law School in 2009 after earning a First Class Degree from the Faculty of Law at the University of the West Indies.

Kamille maintained her high standards of excellence and graduated from the law school in 2011 as the Most Outstanding Year 2 Student. She was subsequently awarded the prestigious Certificate of Merit, bestowed on students who receive no fewer than nine “A” grades during their time at the law school.

The former Ardenne High School student is currently employed as a Research Assistant at the law school. She was on the verge of being called to the Bar when she was announced as the recipient of the 2011/12 Rhodes Scholarship.

Previous Jamaican winners of the prestigious award include National Hero Norman Washington Manley, Professor Rex Nettleford, parliamentarians Ronnie Thwaites and Delroy Chuck, and Professor Stephen Vasciannie, Principal of the Norman Manley Law School.