Graduation Ceremonies - 2018

The Most Honourable Edward Seaga, ON, PC  (at podium) Chancellor, University of Technology, Jamaica addresses the gathering at the ceremony for the Presentation of Graduates held on Saturday, November 3 2018 at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium, University of Technology, Jamaica Papine Campus.

Just under 1,000 graduates who qualified to receive certificates, associate degrees, diplomas and bachelor’s degrees, post-graduate diplomas, as well as masters and doctorate degrees were presented with their certification at the University of Technology, Jamaica Graduation Ceremonies held on Saturday, November 3 and Sunday, November 4, 2018 at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium, Papine Campus.

“UTech, Jamaica has achieved much” - Chancellor

Chancellor, the Most Honourable Edward Seaga, ON, PC in his address on Saturday, November 3, 2018 reminded the gathering of the evolution of the institution since its establishment in 1958 as the Jamaica Institute of Technology and later College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST) and then University of Technology, Jamaica in 1995 by an Act of Parliament.   Mr. Seaga noted that over the decades the institution has undertaken a number of essential areas of study, for some of which the University has become well-known.  

He highlighted the University’s achievements in areas such as Architecture, Law, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Oral Health, Science and Sport.  The Chancellor also pointed to the University’s achievement in sports, noting that following the 2008 Olympics, UTech, Jamaica can claim to be “the most successful university in the world in sports.”

“Use Knowledge, skills and talent to Create Jobs” – President

 

President, Professor Stephen Vasciannie addressing graduates at the Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium, Papine Campus.

President, University of Technology, Jamaica, Professor Stephen Vasciannie, CD in his welcome address told the graduates that as they contemplate their future employment in the job market, they should also think about ways in which they can make their certification work for them.  “Use your knowledge, skills and talent to create jobs for yourselves and others,” he urged.  The President noted that despite the encouraging reduction in the unemployment rate now at 9.7%, youth unemployment remains relatively high at 25. 5%.  He also encouraged graduates to look at sectors and markets that are underserved to see where they can become entrepreneurs of much needed goods and services. The President further encouraged the graduates to continue learning throughout their lives and to “preserve the spirit and energy of service to make a difference in your communities.”

Professor Vasciannie shared with the audience several developments at the University.  He reported that over the last year UTech, Jamaica submitted approximately ten applications for programmes to the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ) for accreditation and all were successful.  He noted that the process for application of Institutional Accreditation for the University is also in progress. The President also reported that  several infrastructural upgrades have been undertaken at the University, including new computer laboratories, opening of  the Shared Facilities Building and restoration of the Caribbean Sculpture Park which he referenced as “a real Gem within the University.”

Honorary Degrees

On Saturday, November 3, 2018 honorary degrees were conferred on two outstanding Jamaicans – Dr. Keith Amiel, CD, Manager Corporate Affairs, Caribbean Broilers Group, who was conferred with the Honorary Doctor of Laws for his contribution to the development of the agribusiness sector in Jamaica and to Miss Dorcas White, distinguished Attorney-at-law and legal educator, Norman Manley Law School who was conferred with the Honorary Doctor of Laws for her outstanding service to legal education and academia in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean.  On Sunday, November 4, 2018, Mr. Eric Crawford, retired partner and tax services leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Laws for his over four decades of outstanding leadership and service to the accounting profession.

Chancellor, the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, ON, PC, (left) confers the Honorary Degrees on (l – r) Dr. Keith Amiel, CD and Miss Dorcas White at the Graduation Ceremony held on Saturday, November  3, 2018.   

 

Professor Stephen Vasciannie, (left) President, UTech, Jamaica presents Mr. Eric Crawford with the Honorary Doctor of Laws at the Graduation Ceremony on Sunday, November 4, 2018.





Dr. Amiel Calls for more Graduates in Agribusiness

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Keith Amiel acknowledged the persons who have supported him over the years and who have contributed to his achievements in the agribusiness sector.  Pointing out that agribusiness has changed over the years, Dr. Amiel highlighted that tertiary institutions such as UTech, Jamaica must provide the new skills that will be required.  “We now need graduates trained in research, development and livestock husbandry as well to geneticists, biotechnologists and technical extension specialists to facilitate production from land to the factories,” he said.  He added that “the University will need to adjust its curricula and teaching skills to embrace the development needs of the time… to remain relevant to the cause.” 

“UTech should establish its own law school” – Dorcas White

A humbled Miss Dorcas White expressed gratitude to UTech, Jamaica for the honour, noting that, “it means quite a lot that my work in legal education has been recognised and that I am numbered amongst the UTech, Jamaica alumni.”  Referring to the University’s ethos of producing work-ready graduates, Miss White made a strong appeal for UTech, Jamaica to be allowed to establish its own Law School at the Papine Campus to allow graduates to continue their legal education to become Attorneys-at-law.  She lamented that this year’s graduates will join the queue of graduates seeking a place in a law school that may never materialize.  “UTech, Jamaica law graduates should not be allowed to stand in the shade, waiting indefinitely to be joined by others,” she asserted.    

Mr. Eric Crawford in accepting the Honorary Degree praised his alma mater for the tremendous advancements since his own graduation in 1973.  He noted that the institution has “always produced academics who are fit for purpose professionals from day one on the job.”  As he highlighted the University’s significant achievements in the areas of academia and sports, he also lamented on the paucity of resources allocated to the University to manage its operations.  Mr. Crawford shared that UTech, Jamaica continues to do much with so little and made an appeal to the government for a major realignment of resources.   “UTech, Jamaica has made its case for a major thrust to leverage its phenomenal record as a major contributor to national development…it is time that the government recognises this in the National Budget,” Mr. Crawford affirmed.

Honorary Graduates

Mrs. Mercedes Deane, (left) University Registrar, Professor Stephen Vasciannie, (2nd left) President, Mr. Richard Powell, (2nd right) Pro-Chancellor and the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, (right) Chancellor pose with recipients of Honorary Graduands 2018,  Dr. Keith Amiel (3rd left) and Miss  Dorcas White (3rd  right)   following the University’s Graduation ceremony held at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium, Papine Campus on Saturday, November 3, 2018.

Continue Learning…Dream Big - Valedictorians

The Valedictorian on Saturday, November 3, 2018 was Miss Ashely Desgoutte, First Class Honours graduate of the Bachelor of Pharmacy course of study, College of Health Sciences. In her address, she recounted the ups and downs of student life including financial woes, but expressed heartfelt gratitude to lecturers and administrators for their dedication and sacrifice to students.  “Thank you to those lecturers who took on the roles of moms, dads and counsellors,” she said.  She thanked UTech, Jamaica “for the opportunity to have a career and the foundation to achieve our dreams.”  She charged fellow graduates to “never stop learning, never stop growing and always strive for excellence.”

The Valedictorian on Sunday, November 4, 2018, was Barbadian international student, Mr. Raheem Bishop, who graduated with First Class Honours, Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies, Faculty of The Built Environment.  He encouraged his fellow graduates to think outside the box and to dream big, but not without goals attached to these dreams.  “Work smart and to the benefit of not just yourself, but to others,” the Valedictorian said.

Valedictorians Ashley Desgoutte and Raheem Bishop delivering their valedictory addresses on Saturday, November 3 and on Sunday, November 4, 2018 respectively.

President's Pin

The President’s Pin was presented to two outstanding graduates who attained the criteria of a Grade ‘A’ and GPA of 3.75 to 4.00 in the last Academic Year.  Accepting the President’s Pin from Prof. Stephen Vasciannie  are Faculty of Engineering and Computing First Class Honours graduates (from left)  Chemar Braithwaite, who was awarded the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a GPA of 3.76 and Sean Ellis who was awarded the Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering with a GPA of 3:75.

Doctor of Pharmacy

President, Professor Stephen Vasciannie confers the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) on Mrs. Victory Rose Evans, (centre) at the Graduation Ceremony on Sunday, November 4, 2018.  Mrs. Mercedes Deane, (right) University Registrar shares in the conferral.

First Class Honours

University Registrar, Mrs. Mercedes Deane presented Certificates to the Graduating Class.  Below are highlights of some First Class Honours graduates. 

COBAM:  University Registrar, Mrs. Mercedes Deane presents First Class Honours degrees (from left) to  Latoya Mullings, Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting – Economics and  Davion Nelson,  Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting - Finance and Banking.

COHS: University Registrar, Mrs. Mercedes Deane presents First Class Honours degrees to (from left) Chedah Hutchinson, Bachelor of Pharmacy and Jouline Souden, Bachelor of Nursing.

Joint Colleges of Medicine, Oral Health and Veterinary Sciences:  UTech, Ja. Registrar, Mrs. Mercedes Deane presents First Class Honours Degrees to (from left) Kimone Thomas, Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and Adenike McDonald, Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health.  

FOBE:  Mrs. Mercedes Deane, University Registrar presents First Class Honours degrees to happy graduates (from left) Shane Jacelon, Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies and   Robin Beale, Bachelor of Science, Construction Management.  

FELS:  Mrs. Mercedes Deane, University Registrar presents First Class Honours degrees to Shorn Hector, (left), Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology.

FENC:   Mrs. Mercedes Deane, University Registrar presents First Class Honours degrees to (from left) Alicia McFarlane,  Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Enterprise Systems and Ricardo Hunter,  Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering.

FOSS: University Registrar, Mrs. Mercedes Deane presents First Class Honours Degrees to (from left) Kesha Stewart, Bachelor of Science in Sport Sciences – Sport Management and Lerrol Rowe, Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science. 

Achieved with Honours

FOL: UTech, Jamaica Registrar, Mrs. Mercedes Deane presents Upper Second Class Honours graduates Jahnuary Ben-Nyah  (left) and David Foster with the Bachelor of Laws. 

Achieved Against the Odds

FENC: Dr. Andrew Isaacs, (left) Vice Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Computing congratulates Roshanie Ross on his achievement of the Diploma in Electrical Engineering – Power which he achieved with Credit. Roshanie who is wheelchair bound surmounted the challenges to earn the achievement.

Master's Graduates

COBAM: Mrs. Mercedes Deane, University Registrar presents Master’s degrees to (from left) Marlon Davis and Lorrain McLeod-Thompson who received the Master of Business Administration – Finance and to Michael Lee who achieved the Master of Business Administration – Marketing.

FELS:  Mrs. Deane presents Masters degrees to (from left)  Celia Gordon-Brown,  Master of Education, Educational Leadership and Management, Bridget Johnson-Smith, Master of Science, Career and Technical Education – Family and Consumer Studies and Nickees Thomas, Master of Science in Workforce Training and Education.

FENC: Mrs. Deane presents Master’s degrees to Adale Hinds (left), Master of Science in Information Systems Management – Database Management and Andray Lawrence, Master of Science in Information Systems Management – Enterprise Security.

FOSS:  Mrs. Mercedes Deane, (right) University Registrar presents Nicole Aiken-Pinnock with the Master of Science in Physical Education and Sport.

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The UTech, Jamaica Choir in performance

Happy graduates wave in appreciation of the UTech, Jamaica’s Choir tribute to the Graduating Class with the song, “Glory to God.”

End.

Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: 970-5299
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm