A.Z. Preston Hall

Rayon McLean, Hall Chairman

“Aston Preston Hall is Unique, Prestonites exhume Uniqueness.”

Aston Preston Hall opened its gates in 1995 in an attempt to house the growing numbers that were now flooding the University gates. The Honorable Aston Preston, through collaborations with the European Union got funding for the establishment of a new Hall which was to house 322 students, comprising of 13 clusters named after each of the sponsoring country members of the EU. This partnership saw the inception of a unique hall of residence.

Once the gates of Preston Hall were opened the students were eager to fill it with a tradition that was their own, a tradition that remains strong today, and is passed on to incoming students. A tradition of unity, excellence and determination. “One band One Sound” is a concept injected into the brains of new residents and is something we Prestonites stay true to: Always looking out for each other, covering each other’s backs and climbing the road to success as a family rather than as individuals. Apart from the strong family ties you will be drawn into upon arrival, Preston Hall releases from its hub, students that are of a true essence, well rounded individuals. The Hall Participates in activities ranging from Mentorship and Sports to the Creative Arts.

Preston Hall is the first to have an organized Arts group which caters to the artistic needs of its residents. The Preston Entertainment and Cultural Ensemble (PEACE) is truly one of a kind, offering residents practice and expert knowledge in the areas of sign language, dance, choir, drama, photography, elocution and art & craft. Preston Hall has witnessed the accomplishments of this organization through the Hall’s domination of events such as Tallawah, Rex Nettleford Hall’s Choir fest and Irvine Hall’s culturama.

Preston Hall is also involved in Mentorship Programs whereby residents are given the opportunity to give back to those less fortunate. Prestonites have set up and are a part of the Craig Town and Hope Valley Mentorship Programs where residents become role models to children less fortunate, whether by helping with educational queries to everyday life solutions. Prestonites are also diverse and also ever evolving in an attempt to accommodate more and strengthen the grasp of their influence. A big Brother program is in its early stages on the Hall and gives residents the opportunity to be a change in the lives of High School students.

Aston Preston Hall is also heavily involved in sports, housing a number of Scholarship athletes who excel in the areas of track and field and football. Diversity is another area mastered by the Prestonite family as the Hall houses students from the Caribbean, and wider international community adding to the cultural uniqueness of the Hall.

Aston Preston Hall lives by the motto “The Relentless Pursuit of Excellence” whereby residents not only focus on completing their academic degrees but emerge themselves into a melting pot of extracurricular activities. Our relentless Pursuit of Excellence allows us to leave the University holistically developed individuals ready for the world.

Article by: Caribe Breese, Hall P.R.O.