Miss Shamiz Richards, first-year Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology (BACAT) student, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies,  UTech, Jamaica, receives the 5th Annual Jamar Thelwell Memorial Scholarship from Mr. Steadman Noble, brother of the late Jamar Thelwell, during a special presentation ceremony at the Shared Facilities Building, UTech Papine Campus, on February 12, 2026. Valued at $300,000, the scholarship supports aspiring communication arts students in achieving their academic and career goals.

Budding journalist, Miss Shamiz Richards, first-year UTech, Jamaica student pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology (BACAT) in the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, has been awarded the 5th Annual Jamar Thelwell Memorial Scholarship.  The scholarship, named in memory of late respected lecturer in the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies is valued at $300,000 and was presented at a special handing-over ceremony on Thursday, February 12, 2026. 

The scholarship provides financial assistance annually to students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology programme as they strive to fulfill their academic goals and career ambitions.  This year, the scholarship also provided a camera to a first year student and a $50,000 grant to a final year student.

A grateful Miss Richards shared that the  scholarship is more than financial support.  “It’s reassurance.  It’s a reminder that someone saw our potential, our effort and decided it was worth investing in and that means a lot especially as students trying to figure things out one step at a time.”  She added that the solarship represents, “a belief in education, in stduents and in the lasting impact a teacher can have beyond the classroom.”

In his remarks at the handing over ceremony, Dr. Kevin Brown, President, University of Technology, Jamaica highlighted the strong performance of BACAT students, noting that they “continue to make our university proud,” and congratulated the scholarship recipients, encouraging them to give back to the community. Dr. Brown also reflected on the significance of receiving scholarships, acknowledging how impactful such support was in his own academic journey.

Dr. Granville Pitter, Dean, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies noted, “today we gather not only to celebrate academic excellence and potential but to preserve and amplify a legacy that continues to inspire the BACAT programme and the university community.”

He shared that the late Jamar Thelwell “embodied what BCAT strives to produce – graduates who are critically aware, technically competent and work ready.”  Extending thanks to the family of Mr. Thelwell, Dr. Pitter stated, “your continued support is deeply appreciated.  Through your generosity, Jamar’s name remains alive not only in memory but in motion empowering students year after year.”

Mr. Cory Francis, Lab Technician, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies and former student of Jamar Thelwell, fondly recalled his time as a student in his classes. “He was always someone who sought to challenge students, especially when he saw great potential in us.”

Mr. Steadman Noble, brother of the late Jamar Thelwell, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the staff of the University of Technology, Jamaica, the organizing committee, and the family of Jamar Thelwell. He also extended his congratulations to the scholarship awardees for their achievements.

Mr. Travese Thomas (right), final-year student in the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology (BACAT) programme, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies (FELS), receives a $50,000 grant from Ms. Terry-Ann Rhule, Acting Scholarship Officer, at the 5th Annual Jamar Thelwell Memorial Scholarship handing over ceremony on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus.  Mr. Thomas, a graphic designer and filmmaker, has distinguished himself by seamlessly blending his creative passions with his academic pursuits throughout his tenure at the University. 

Mr. Duane Rose (left), Lecturer, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies presents a camera to Mr. Omaro Kenton, first year BACAT student, described as “a man who understands that in the world of media, the lens is your greatest weapon.”  

Mr. Steadman Noble, brother of the late Jamar Thelwell, Dr. Kevin Brown, President, University of Technology, Jamaica, scholarship recipients Miss Shamiz Richards (left), first-year Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology (BACAT) student, Mr. Travese Thomas (right), final-year BACAT student, Mr. Omaro Kenton, first-year BACAT student and Dr. Granville Pitter, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, pose beside a photo of the late Jamar Thelwell at the 5th Annual Jamar Thelwell Memorial Scholarship presentation ceremony held at the Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus on February 12, 2026.  Miss Richards received the scholarship valued at $300,000, Mr. Thomas was awarded a $50,000 grant, and Mr. Kenton received a camera in support of his studies in the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology programme.

END.

Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: (876) 970-5299
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm