Ambassador Lloyd Carney, (centre) Chancellor, University of Technology, Jamaica, presents Charlene Atkins- Israel (left) with the Edward Seaga Award during the university’s graduation ceremony on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium, UTech, Jamaica’s Papine Campus. The prestigious UTech, Jamaica Edward Seaga Award was established in 2019 by the University in honour of the institution’s second chancellor and former Prime Minister, The Most Honourable Edward Seaga ON, PC. Presented annually, the award is given in recognition of the undergraduate with the highest GPA among the graduating class. Charlene Atkins- Israel, who earned the BSc in Nursing with First Class Honours, became the seventh recipient of this esteemed award, achieving the highest overall GPA of 4.12 for the 2024/2025 academic year. Joining the presentation is Dr. Kevin Brown, President who also presented Charlene with the President’s Pin in recognition of her elevation to the President’s Honour Roll awarded annually to students who have attained a minimum GPA of 4.0.
A standing ovation and resounding applause reverberated inside the Alfred Sangster Auditorium on January 31 at the University of Technology, Jamaica’s Papine campus, as Charlene Atkins- Israel, graduate with the highest GPA of the Class of 2025 received the prestigious Edward Seaga Award.
When UTech, Jamaica Chancellor, Ambassador Lloyd Carney placed the Edward Seaga Award and Bachelor of Science in Nursing earned with First Class Honours and the top GPA of 4.12, into the hands of Charlene Atkins- Israel, the moment crowned a journey that began in childhood with her mother’s quiet prophecy. “Growing up, my mother raised three of us and would often say, “I want one of you to become a teacher, one a nurse, and the other an accountant or go into business,” she shared, adding that “In many ways, nursing felt like a calling placed on my life from childhood, even though it took some time for me to fully recognize it myself.”
Earning the highest GPA of 4.12 for the 2024/2025 academic year, Charlene became the seventh recipient of the award established by University of Technology, Jamaica in honour of former Chancellor and Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, ON, PC.
A dream spoken into being
For the new Registered General Nurse, the accolade is as much her mother’s triumph as her own. For years her mother’s words lingered as it eventually guided her to her calling in 2016 during a brief hospitalization at Kingston Public Hospital, where she witnessed compassion delivered with precision and dignity. “I was deeply impressed by the care and professionalism shown by the nursing staff. That experience stayed with me for years. Then, when COVID-19 hit Jamaica in 2020, I felt a strong sense of disappointment that I was not in a position to contribute directly to the healthcare crisis. That moment became a turning point for me. I applied to the University of Technology, Jamaica to pursue nursing, and today I am proud to say I am a Registered General Nurse,” Charlene shared.
Excellence forged in adversity
Recalling the greatest challenge of her university journey, Charlene shares that her academic ascent was not achieved without challenges. She explains that beginning her studies at UTech, Jamaica’s Caribbean School of Nursing during the peak of the pandemic while balancing care of her six-month-old daughter while her husband served long hours as an essential worker, was difficult. With extended family living miles away, lectures were often navigated with an infant in her arms and determination in her heart.
“Managing online classes while caring for an infant was extremely challenging, and there were days when it felt overwhelming,” she shared, adding that “with faith, perseverance, and determination, I pushed through. As COVID-19 restrictions eased, my family was able to provide physical support by babysitting, which allowed me to focus more effectively during classes. That support made a significant difference.”
Having previously completed a first degree in Sport Science, majoring in Athletic Training in 2015 at UTech, Jamaica, earned with Second Class Honours, the high achiever noted that this earlier record-setting academic performance motivated her to surpass her earlier previous academic achievement. After learning she held the highest GPA in her cohort following first year of her Nursing programme, Charlene committed to sustaining excellence to meet her own expectations, fulfil the hopes of others and to model resilience for her daughter. “That achievement motivated me to continue striving for excellence, especially knowing that others now had high expectations of me. More importantly, I wanted to set a positive example for my daughter and make her proud of her mother’s dedication and hard work,” she noted.
Service that transformed lives
Among her many accomplishments, Charlene speaks most passionately about a first-year community outreach initiative that embodied the spirit and compassion of nursing. Partnering with classmates for the clinical module project, they undertook the assignment to identify and assist a family in need in a meaningful way. Guided by staff at the Linstead Health Centre, who identified an elderly disabled woman and her son living in unsafe conditions, Charlene and her fellow students collaborated with community partners to bring about meaningful change.
Through collaboration with the woman’s church community weekly groceries were secured. Additional support came from local businesses including groceries and seedlings that enabled the son to restart farming activities. Support was also secured through sponsorship from local businesses that donated building materials and essential supplies. Through collaboration with the Linstead Health Centre and the Kiwanis Club of Ewarton, the student team orchestrated the completion of a full home makeover and further collaborated with the service club, helping the family to initiate access to social assistance through the PATH Programme.
For Charlene, the project was transformative. “This experience was especially meaningful to me because it demonstrated the power of teamwork, community partnerships, and holistic nursing care that extends beyond the hospital setting to truly improve quality of life.”
Helping to rebuild the home of an elderly disabled woman and her son living in unsafe conditions.
Mentorship and meaning
Throughout her studies, Charlene acknowledges with gratitude guidance of mentors at UTech, Jamaica who combined rigour with empathy. “What stood out to me most about UTech was the level of accessibility and approachability of the lecturers. I consistently received timely feedback and support whenever I reached out,” she shared. Looking back to her first year of study, she specially credits lab facilitator Teisha Vaughn who consistently showed genuine support and encouragement. “Whether I reached out via Instagram, WhatsApp, or phone call, she was always prompt, professional, and respectful. She went above and beyond to ensure that key concepts were understood and always encouraged us to find balance between academics and personal life. Her mentorship had a lasting impact on my confidence and growth.”
Carrying the vision forward
Charlene now looks ahead to a future defined by growth, specialization, and eventually becoming a nurse educator. She envisions herself not only as a clinician, but as a mentor who bridges theory and practice for future nurses. “My future goals are centered on continuous growth and professional development. I aim to refine my clinical skills and progress from a novice to an expert practitioner, as described by nursing theorist Patricia Benner. I strongly believe in lifelong learning and excellence in practice.” she asserted.
Her achievement stands as a testament to perseverance, faith, and the enduring power of a parent’s belief. In fulfilling her mother’s early vision, Charlene Atkins-Israel has done more than earn academic distinction, she has transformed a spoken hope into living reality, and in doing so, lit a path of service for Jamaica’s next generation of healthcare leaders.
END.
Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: (876) 970-5299
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm
