It’s not common knowledge but a daughter of the patriarch and matriarch of reggae music is a Western alumna. Stephanie Marley, BA’99 (Psychology), is one of 10 children of Rita Marley and the late Bob Marley. She is the only one of her immediate family to earn a university degree.
After her education in Jamaica, her studies carried her to London, England where she successfully completed her A Levels in Social Studies and Psychology.
At Western, Marley attained her BA in Psychology as an Honour Roll Student. During her three years in Canada, she volunteered at Madame Vanier, a local school for children with emotional and behavioural issues. There she developed her knowledge in early childhood education and a compassion for children with special needs.
“My degree in Psychology has been a tremendous help in my human relations, personal and professional life. I not only got the opportunity to work and study with some great Canadians but was blessed to have been in a university that had people from so many other diverse cultures. Loved it, loved it, loved it.”
But what made The University of Western Ontario the destination for a student who presumably could have studied anywhere in the world?
“Canada is great and UWO has a large Caribbean community and the faculty is made up of some of the greatest people I have met in my life. Western has been one the greatest finds in my lifetime thus far.”
After graduation, she immersed herself in the family business of music and entertainment. For the next three years she dedicated her time as the Managing Director of the Bob Marley Foundation, Bob Marley Museum, Tuff Gong International, Tuff Gong Recording, URGE and the Rita Marley Foundation. She currently resides in Nassau, Bahamas and oversaw the construction and development of the Family's first resort project: Marley Resort & Spa. www.marleyresort.com. She was also instrumental in forming the concert promotional entity, Tuff Gong Productions.
But it seems that one degree might not be enough and a love for the London area is drawing Marley back.
“We intend to relocate back to London, as my older sons will soon be ready for university, as well as my return to do my MBA.” Stephanie visited the London area last summer and bought some property north of the city. She’s also interested in establishing an organic farm in the future.
As a favourite auntie to her 80+ nieces and nephews, she is hoping some will follow in her footsteps to Western to earn a degree. “I am encouraging a few to come study at UWO for the same reasons it was great for me. That is the faculty, location and the great network of people from around the world including the Caribbean.”
To read the complete interview with Stephanie Marley, please visit: http://www.alumnigazette.ca/issues/winter-2011/exclusive-online-interview.html
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