CASE Celebrates the Legacy of Late Philanthropist Denna Bogle

The recent donation of 28 Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enhanced computers to the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) in Portland by late Jamaican-born philanthropist, Denna Bogle, and her church family, represents only one of the many significant investments she made in the institution throughout her lifetime.

On March 19, the institution celebrated this latest gift with the dedication and relaunch of the Denna Bogle Computer Laboratory.

The ceremony honoured Mrs. Bogle and Christ Church of Waltham, Massachusetts, USA, recognising their generous donation and continued support of CASE.

Even after migrating to the United States, she remained deeply committed to making a difference in Jamaica, with a particular focus on advancing education.

Mrs. Bogle’s many investments in CASE—the alma mater of her husband, Anthony Bogle—have consistently enriched the lives of its students by directly addressing their needs and fostering opportunities for growth.

History will record the laptop computer initiative launched by the Bogle family in 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which provided vital support to CASE students by enabling their transition to online learning.

Mrs. Bogle coordinated the donation of 50 laptops to the College, along with an additional 101 devices secured through her partnership with the Ole Farmers Association North America Inc. (OFANA). Together, these contributions enabled 151 students to continue their studies uninterrupted during the pandemic.

Additionally, the tissue culture facility at CASE also benefitted from a contribution of over US$85,000 from the Bogle family, complemented by extensive research and logistical support that ensured the laboratory was outfitted with the most modern and precise equipment.

From 2021 until the time of her passing, Mrs. Bogle made it a tradition to send, as often as possible during the school year, a suitcase filled with personal care items—such as deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and sanitary napkins—for needy students at the College. This thoughtful gesture is now being continued by her daughter, Davina.

Speaking during the relaunch of the computer laboratory, CASE President, Dr. Derrick Deslandes, highlighted the Bogle family’s benevolence toward the 116-year-old institution.

Recalling the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted, “We were able to move from full face-to-face to online in just one week.”

“[While] other institutions took a month or longer, within one week, we were ready. Our students, even those without resources, had a laptop they could work with,” Dr. Deslandes added.

He acknowledged that, while CASE continues to face challenges, the institution remains steadfastly supported by benefactors from across the globe.

The President remarked that these acts of philanthropy reflect a generosity of spirit—one he hopes current students will both appreciate and emulate.

“When an institution provides you with the kind of start that allows you to grow and to contribute to the world, it is always important for you to give back and to pay it forward… that’s what the Bogle family has done,” Dr. Deslandes said.

Reflecting on Mrs. Bogle’s passing in 2024, the President shared, “We were emotional.”

“She was a critical part of CASE. She was the powerhouse behind the family, ensuring that in everything we were doing, they were there for us—and that support has not waned,” he further stated.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bogle reflected on his wife as a quiet, humble soul whose lifelong quest was to “leave the world better than she found it.”

“She stayed away from the glitters. She stayed away from the limelight and from… social media,” he noted.

With the dedication ceremony a publicised event attended by media representatives, Mr. Bogle recalled asking himself, “What would Denna want?”

“Sometimes when you ask these questions… I think that Denna talks to me from beyond the grave. What came to me? Matthew 5 verse 16… ‘Let your light so shine before men that they might see your good works’,” he said.

“So I hope this light is shining as an example to everyone—to the students here at CASE—and that, in so doing, they see it as a model and glorify, not ourselves, but our Father who is in Heaven,” Mr. Bogle further stated.