Students and Staff Shine at Annual Awards Ceremony

Students and members of staff who have performed creditably and attained outstanding excellence were duly recognized and awarded at the University’s 33rd Annual Awards Ceremony held on Friday, May 16, 2003 at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium. Awards were given for academic excellence, community service, performance in sports, long service, instructional excellence and for special service which contributed positively to the building of the University. Also among the awardees was Mr Chris Blackwell, world-renowned reggae music producer, film maker, tourism mogul and Jamaican cultural icon. He received the University’s 2003 Award for Culture. This award is presented each year to an individual who has contributed to the development and promotion of Jamaican culture in a field which links technology and culture.

President, Dr. Rae Davis in his welcome address commended the awardees for outstanding academic achievements and service to the University and the community. The President added that the University is grateful for the tireless efforts and investment of time and talent given by staff. He threw out a charge encouraging us all to “continue to strive for excellence in all that we do, even in the face of unexpected situations that sometimes come along during our journey and would otherwise de-motivate and undermine our spirit, were it not for our resolute determination and commitment to building a world-class institution of which all our stakeholders can feel proud.”

Dr. Davis announced that several programmes across faculties have received accreditation:

• The Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies and the Master in Architecture Degree programmes have received a further five-year accreditation from the Commonwealth Association of Architects.

• Five degree programmes in the School of Business Administration received accreditation from the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ).

• The Bachelor of Science in Computing and Management has been accredited by the UCJ

• In the Faculty of Health and Applied Science, the Bachelor Degrees in Health Science and in Pharmacy have been accredited by the UCJ

• The Post Diploma Bachelor in Education summer Degree programme offered in the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies was also recently accredited by the UCJ

The President further noted that the staff review process of most categories of staff, to facilitate transitional arrangements of the University has been completed. Academic, administrative and technical staff have now been reorganized to facilitate greater efficiency and to optimize skills and talents to meet institutional needs.

Dr. Davis disclosed that the University’s Strategic Plan for the period 2003 - 2007 has been completed and among the major objectives for future growth and development is to complete UCJ accreditation of all programmes introduced prior to 1999 and complete the transition of diploma programmes to undergraduate degrees. There are also plans for expansion and renovation work across faculties; the construction of a pavilion at the front field of the campus and plans to make the Calvin McKay Library accessible for study for 24 hours.

Guest speaker was the Honourable Aloun N’dombet Assamba, Minister of Industry and Tourism. She congratulated UTech on its 45th anniversary milestone, noting that the University is at a point in its development at which the institution can be justifiably proud in celebrating Transition, consolidation and Growth. The Minister praised the University for embracing non-traditional ways of learning and for preparing graduates who are ready for the world of work.

Student Academic Awards	The coveted Student of the Year Award was copped by Mr Stephen Hibbert, of the Faculty of the Built Environment. Stephen also received a BWIA Prize Trip courtesy of BWIA International. Runner-up for the Award was Mr Nigel Forrester, Faculty of Business and Management.   Student of the Year: Mrs. Dianne Mitchell, VP Administration & Registrar congratulates Stephen Hibbert on receiving the Student of the Year Award. Other students who were also nominated for the Award look on. Pictured are Opal Daley (2nd L) and Amy Cridland.
Service Awards Distinguished Service Award	The 2003 Distinguished Service Award was presented to Mr Neville Clato-Day, for his “distinguished service as Principal Lecturer and Faculty/School/Cites Programmes Co-ordinator in the Faculty of Engineering and Computing. Mr. Clato-Day also gave a fitting response on behalf of all the awardees. Distinguished Service: Mr Neville Clato-Day is all smiles as he receives his citation from Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Blossom O’Meally-Nelson, for his distinguished service to the University.
President’s Award for Instructional Excellence Job Well Done: Mr Rohan Chambers, lecturer and Programme Director, School of Business Administration accepts the President’s Award for Instructional Excellence from Dr. Rae Davis, President. The award was being presented for the first time.	It was a proud moment for lecturer and Programme Director in the School of Business Management Mr Rohan Chambers who received loud applause and cheers as he accepted the President’s Award for Instructional Excellence. In a well received citation by Dr. Nancy George, Director, Curriculum Development & Evaluation, she lauded Mr Chambers for his “contribution to the academic community, his support to the students’ success through the development of innovative learning materials in auditing, and the integration of technological support in course offerings through his website.” She also noted that the award also acknowledges “his dedication, energy and enthusiasm as an instructor, and celebrates his contribution to the University community.”
International Certificate for Distinguished Service Learning	Two students, Mr Dane Samuels, School of Technical and Vocational Education and Miss Nicole Crooks, School of Pharmacy & Health Science were this year’s recipients of the International Certificate for Distinguished Service and Learning. The criteria for the award are in accordance with those established by the International Partnership for Service Learning (IPSL) programme of which UTech is a partner. The recipient(s) is selected based on the successful completion of the Community Service Programme (CSP 1010) and the quality learning gained from the experience. The awards were presented by Miss Flo O'Connor, Chairman, UTech Community Service Advisory Committee.
President’s Pin	The President’s Pin Award presented each year to students who have made a significant impact on the UTech community was awarded to Miss Rachel Cunning and Mr Oswy Gayle. Rachel, final year student in the School of hospitality and Tourism Management is truly a selfless individual. Despite her physical and financial challenges she demonstrated a passion to serve others on and off campus. She gladly extended her community service project for months. She spent years teaching several groups that are less fortunate and is always the most eager one in her group to offer service. Oswy is a former ‘Mr UTech’ who spent several months of tireless negotiations to secure a sizeable donation of equipment sponsored by the British High Commission and UTech for presentation to the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre.
Student Leadership Award	This award was presented to Mr Andrew Mitchell, immediate Past President of the Student’s Union for his “outstanding contribution to the Students’ Union and the University Community.”
Derrick Dunn Award	The Derrick Dunn Award is presented to students who demonstrate a strong orientation to volunteerism and who perform exceptional service at UTech and the outside community. This year, the Award was heavily contested by several deserving students. The nominees were Mr Clyde Grey, Mr Damion Hines, Mr Christopher McKenzie, Mr Edward Mendez and Mr Ainsley Jones. The Derrick Dunn Runner-Up Award was awarded to Clyde Grey and the 2003 Derrick Dunn Award was copped by Edward Mendez. Edward also received a weekend for two at Beaches Negril Resort.
Vin Spencer Award	The audience responded with thunderous approval during the presentation of the Vin Spence Award to Mrs Dottie Higgins, Financial Aid Officer for her “outstanding contribution to student life on campus”. Mrs Higgins has been a tremendous mentor and support to hundreds of students over the years. She has extended herself beyond the call of duty to boost the University’s financial aid programme and support for needy students. Mrs. Higgins was also recognized for ten (10) years of service to the University.
Special Recognition Awards Mr Brian Silvera (l), lecturer is congratulated by Mr George Roper for thirty-five years of service to the University.	The Award for Service to the Development of Academic Life was presented to lecturer Mr Brian Silvera who has served the University for a whopping thirty-five (35) years. Mr Silvera has made a significant contribution over the years in curriculum development, teaching, research, the accreditation of programmes and the fixing of laboratory equipment, among other things. He is a pioneer and works tirelessly to support the University’s vision. Mrs Norma Gordon was specially recognized for Service to the University Examination Centre. Mrs Gordon is a very committed and dependable worker who serves beyond the call of duty and offers commendable customer service.
Distinguished Past Student Award	The Distinguished Past Student Award was presented to Mr Ian Forbes. In his citation read by Dr Veta Lewis, University Orator, Mr Forbes was saluted for his “professional achievement and sterling service in outreach to others”. He is currently Managing Director at Sherwin Williams West Indies Limited. His first love however is for sports. He has been involved with the management of several national track and field teams for regional and international competitions. He is also the Official Wind Gauge Reader for the Penn Relays.

New Students’ Union Executive

Ande Francis President	Kenisha Linton Vice-President
Andre Lewis Executive Treasurer	Keisha Thompson Asst. Executive Treasurer
Stay Ann Cain Executive Secretary	Krystal-Gayle O'Neil Asst. Executive Secretary

Family & Consumer Studies Guide Conference 2003

Dr. Glenda Simms, Executive Director of the Bureau of Women’s Affairs makes a point during her keynote address at the Family and Consumer Studies Conference hosted by the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies on May 22, 2003 at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium, UTech.

The lecturers of the Family and Consumer Studies programme, School of Technical & Vocational Education, presented a successful second annual Family and Consumer Studies Conference on Thursday, May 22, 2003 under the theme, ‘Continuing Professional Development: Towards Better Educational Leadership.’ The Conference was held in the Alfred Sangster Auditorium and attracted a number of technical vocational teachers from corporate and rural area high schools as well as Teachers’ Colleges. The day’s events included workshops and viewing of exhibits mounted by the Faculty’s students enrolled in the Family and Consumer Studies Programme.

Keynote speaker was Dr. Glenda Simms, Executive Director of the Bureau of Women’s Affairs. An advocate for the elimination of discriminatory barriers in society, Dr. Simms lectures and consults extensively across Jamaica and internationally on a variety of feminist, educational, political and social justice issues. Dr. Simms encouraged participants at the Conference, “not to limit your life by negativity.” She bemoaned the fact that women have been taught not to love themselves and this is

passed on to female students who do not feel good about themselves and their heritage. She cautioned the teachers present, to be mindful of not eroding the confidence that children have in their roots, but to encourage them to be proud of their traditional background, ways of preparing meals and other traditional ways of doing things.

Mrs Sybil Hamil, Head, School of Technical and Vocational Education and Dr Geraldene Hodelin, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies brought greetings.

Former Mr. UTech Cheers Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre
Contributed by Carmen Sanguinetti, Community Service Coordinator, UTech

Tuesday, April 1, 2003 was a memorable day for the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre, St. Andrew. After months of tireless negotiations, Oswy Gayle, Mr UTech 2002-2003, presided over the presentation of a handsome collection of equipment and other items donated by the British High Commissioner His Excellency John Mathers and the University of Technology, Jamaica.

The items donated were one 10.3 cu ft. refrigerator, one autoclave machine, two trolleys, two cardiologist stethoscopes, three nurses stethoscopes, four blood pressure machines, one portable electric wheelchair scale, one filing cabinet, four stainless steel trays, four stainless steel bowls 36 oz. Sponges, two dressing forceps and two curved artery forceps.

This event was the finale of a list of goals Oswy set for himself to commemorate his year as Mr. UTech. He saw his “reign” as a period of “service”. He arranged for sponsorship to the tune of $5,000 each for a student from five Papine area schools to defray start-of-school expenses and donated teaching materials to the NWC Basic School. At UTech he arranged Teachers Day Celebrations and at Christmas time he organized a treat for the NEST Children’s Home.

Oswy was one of a number of students, faculty and community members who were honoured for significant contributions to UTech and the wider community at the Annual Service Conference in September 2002. His final gesture is the composition of a small text entitled The Role of Mr and Miss UTech.

Centre For The Arts Summer Programme

The Centre for the Arts, UTech in association with the Institute of Jamaica will present a special Integrated Arts Programme from July 1 - 31, 2003 between the hours of 9:30 am and 1:00 am. The Programme is specifically designed for young persons aged four to twelve years old. It will include Art & Craft, Music, Photography, Drama, Drumming , Instrumental Band, Spanish Dancing and Personal Development.

The Integrated Arts Programme is intended to help students to connect their imagination with the deepest questions of human existence: Who am I/What must I do/Where am I going? and foster an awareness and appreciation for the arts.

Student Leadership Retreat - A Success
By André Wilson, UTech Communicator Student Correspondent

The exciting Leadership Retreat, organized by the office of Students’ Services clearly identified leadership styles and follower readiness, and how to match each of them more effectively to enhance productivity.

The Student Leadership Retreat which is now an annual event kicked off positively on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 and ended on Friday, May 16, 2003.

Commencing with an opening ceremony, the programme started off with greetings from the vice-president, Administration & Registrar Mrs. Dianne Mitchell. Mrs. Angella Issacs-Brown, Accommodations Officer and Mr Andrew Mitchell, Students’ Union immediate Past President.

Dr. Rae Davis, President, gave what was deemed the “PIE Address.” Dr. Davis addressed issues of change, managing change, and resistance to change. He challenged future leaders to read to lead, and most importantly to use the PIE-Model, which is to, Plan, Implement and Evaluate.

The Leadership Retreat offered a wide range of learning activities, and potential speakers at the retreat would have learnt that the first thing they need to do as a speaker is to speak up. This was emphasized by the presentations on communication led by Mrs. Francis Connell and Mr. Paul Williams, lecturers, Liberal Studies, Department.

Throughout the Retreat concurrent sessions were organized for participants to review their leadership preferences and style adaptability based on feedback exercises. This was particularly effective for resident leaders, executive clubs and societies members and the Students Union council members, who were present.

Ms. Patricia Eves University Counselor wowed participants during her presentation on Interpersonal Skills and the art of dealing with Opposition Defiant Persons was clearly demonstrated. Also present at the Leadership Retreat was Mrs. Eleanor Felix, Director of Protocol, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, who highlighted the importance of understanding protocol as a set of rules prescribing good manners in official life and at ceremonies.

Striving for a balanced life is critical when you yearn to become a leader and Mrs. Eslyn Jones, Assistant Registrar Student Services emphasized social wellness, in her presentation on Spirituality and its role in Leadership Development.

Apart from learning to think like a leader participants at the Retreat were challenged to act like leaders, more obviously so when they were challenged to manage Finances, practising proper Records Management, Management of Meetings, Events Planning, Conflict Management, Management Skills, and the best ways to submit Reports and Proposals. Beyond sessions and presentation participants learnt to dine in fine-style and were treated to a three course meal at the richly decorated Farquharson Hall Students Dining Area. The training sessions on Personal Development/Etiquette ably taught by Ms. Annmarie Nicely was not in vain as every participant demonstrated excellent table manners and adhered to the basic rule of etiquette, which is being considerate of others.

The Leadership Retreat came to a magnificent end, and more so a sociably end by the Pool Side on the University campus.

The University is rediscovering its talent for innovation in combining fact and technology to liberate the potential of students, and the need for grooming future leaders and to ensure that they are equipped and ready for the world. The Leadership Retreat was an excellent initiative and the organizers should feel proud.

2003 Summer Schedule May-July

UTECH ALUMNI HOMECOMING 2003

“A Taste of Home”
November 1 - 8
Schedule of Activities

Notice Board

 

REMINDER - RE: PUBLIC EVENTS ON CAMPUS __________________________ To: The UTech Community Fr: Dr. Rae Davis, President It is now necessary to introduce some stringent measures to control the hosting of “public events” on the campus. As a guide, I am including under this umbrella term, all events which are intended to, or likely to attract participation from the public. This will include both social events, as well as academic related events such as awards functions. Effective immediately, the hosting of all such events must be approved by me. You will, therefore, need to provide me with details of such events. This would include location, estimate of crowd, estimate of external participation, nature of entertainment, time (start/finish) and any other relevant information. For events already planned, you will need to provide this information immediately. For those being planned, it would be in your interest to submit this information before making any firm commitments. Thanks for your co-operation.	The year’s most fun-filled, exciting day is coming……. FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2003!!! ____________________________ Get ready for your Staff Seminar/Fun Day at the White River Valley Adventureland, Cascade, St. Mary (just a few miles out of Ocho Rios). This lovely 300 acre property has a river running through it and has large areas for games, dining and entertainment. Other attractions include Horseback riding tour Bike tour Kayaking Hiking Trail The theme of the day will be “The Start of Something New” The day promises to be fun, exciting and relaxing. Please help us to properly prepare for everyone and to proceed with further planning, by indicating your intention to attend. Contact any of the following persons now: Mr Hector Wheeler ext. 2074 Mrs Michelle Beckford ext. 2299 Mrs Pauline Bonnick ext. 2007
AXIS : JOURNAL OF THE CARIBBEAN SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE CALLS FOR: • IDEAS • IMAGES • ABSTRACTS ON TECHNOLOGY, FOR AN UPCOMING SYMPOSIUM Contributions to the Symposium will be published in Axis issue #8 Please submit to Jacquiann Lawton or Elizabeth Pigou-Dennis by August 31, 2003	CONDOLENCE • To Mrs Angella Issacs-Brown, Accommodation Officer, Student Services who lost her uncle on May 6, 2003.
	Please visit our website at www.utechjamaica.edu.jm

WELCOME TO YOUR NEW CAMPUS NEWSLETTER

As promised, your campus newsletter now has a new name and a new look. The name has been changed from “This Week at UTech to “UTech Communicator, and beginning this month it will be published fortnightly.

Do remember that this is your newsletter and should reflect your views. News and photographs on achievements, developments, upcoming and past events, and general interest articles are welcome from members of the university community.

We look forward to a growing partnership with you to improve communication at our university.

Write to: THIS WEEK AT UTech

e-mail: hwheeler@utech.edu.jm