Corporate Jamaica Pledges Support to UTech Endowment Fund
More than fifteen (15) corporate entities have pledged their support in cash, kind or a combination of both, to bolster the University of Technology, Jamaica’s Endowment Fund. The UTech Endowment Fund which will be officially launched on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 6:30 pm at the Knutsford Court Hotel is aimed at raising US $10 M over the next two years to support and enhance a variety of University development projects in such areas as sports facilities upgrading, provision of scholarships and construction of needed additional classrooms and laboratories.
The UTech Endowment Fund is an initiative of the Office of Development led by Prof. Rosalea Hamilton, Vice President – Development in collaboration with the recently convened advisory body - Office of Development Advisory Committee (ODAC). ODAC, chaired by Mr Oliver Jones, has been charged to lead the University’s fundraising initiatives and its efforts to secure monetary and non-monetary resources in support of the University’s broad development objectives.
In expressing optimism at the pledge of support received from corporate Jamaica to date, Prof. Hamilton said that “within the context of the prevailing harsh economic climate, the support of the private sector, despite the challenges, signals a commitment to the importance of investing in education for national development.”
His Royal Highness Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex who was scheduled to participate in the previously scheduled launch of the Endowment Fund, postponed in May owing to civil unrest in Kingston, has pledged his future support of the Fund.
Representatives from several private sector corporations who have pledged their support to the UTech Endowment Fund and other specially invited guests will attend the launch ceremony.