18 July - September 2024 | VOICES Quarterly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica School Spirit Embraced at President's Knights Day 2024 Festivities Dr. Kevin Brown, President, UTech, Jamaica and Mr. Rick Darby (right), President, UTech, Ja. Students' Union participating in the festivities of the President's Knights Day on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the Papine Campus. showcase of school pride was displayed on September 19, 2024, at the Papine Campus, and on Friday, September 20, 2024, at the Western Campus during the celebrations of the third staging of the University of Technology Jamaica’s President’s Knights Day. President’s Knights Day aims to build school spirit among members of faculty, staff, and the students while emphasizing the university’s commitment to its community and fostering pride in the institution. The festivities commenced with a marching band and mascot parade starting from the Alferd Sangster Auditorium and culminating at the Caribbean Sculpture Park, where the official opening ceremony was held. Dr. Brown urged the UTech Knights to take pride in their institution’s achievements. “It’s your day; it’s our day to celebrate who we are and what we have accomplished,” he concluded, reinforcing a strong sense of community and shared achievement among the students. Mrs. Marjoriana Clarke Senior Education Officer in the Tertiary Unit of the Ministry of Education and Youth brought greetings on behalf of Hon. Fayval Williams, MP, Minister of Education and Youth. “Today, you recognize not only academic achievement but also the values that shape your character, forge your future, and unite you as a community,” Mrs. Clarke stated. She highlighted the vibrancy of student life at the University of Technology, Jamaica noting the camaraderie, enjoyment, and team-building activities planned for the day. “Over the years, UTech has developed various programmes and events that promote student engagement, encourage leadership development, and recognize our standing achievements,” Mrs. Clarke continued. She praised the accomplishments of UTech, Jamaica students and faculty, stating, “currently, you serve as the bastion of excellence for the development of professionals and certified personnel in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, known for graduating workforce-ready individuals. This is especially important in the alignment of Jamaica as a STEM/STEAM country.” Encouraging the students to embrace the core values of Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, Excellence, Innovation, and Team Spirit, she noted, these values not only define what it means to be a UTech, Ja. Knight but also, “prepares you for the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead in your academic and professional pursuits.” She concluded with a hopeful message, “I am hoping that you bring out the best in Jamaica’s education system anywhere you go while playing your part in helping Jamaica to be the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.” Mr. Rick Darby, President, UTech, Jamaica Students’ Union Council, in his remarks at the opening ceremony emphasized that President’s Knights Day is a celebration of culture and pride in being UTech Knights. He highlighted, “as a UTech Knight, we build so much resilience, there are so many challenges but today we are here to celebrate greatness. We are the birthplace of greatness. Today we celebrate everything that is good about our noble institution.” Mrs. Marjoriana Clarke (1st right), Senior Education Officer in the Tertiary Unit of the Ministry of Education and Youth who brought greetings on behalf of Hon. Fayval Williams, MP, Minister of Education and Youth share a photo with Officers of the university. From l-r are Professor Shermaine Barrett, Acting Deputy President, Miss Marion Brown, Vice President and University Registrar, Council Member, Mr. Lloyd Distant Jr., Honorary Treasurer and Dr. Kevin Brown, President. A
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