The University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Ja.) celebrated the resilience of its Graduating Class of 2025 during three ceremonies hosted on Saturday, January 31 and February 1, 2026, at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium. Over 1,600 graduates received degrees and other academic distinctions, marking the successful completion of their studies.
Graduates of the College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science and Sport and the Faculty of Law were presented in the Saturday ceremony at 9:00 a.m., while graduates from the Joint Colleges of Medicine, Oral Health and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Computing and the Faculty of The Built Environment received their academic awards in a second ceremony at 4:00 p.m. Graduates of the College of Business and Management, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies and UTechOpen: School of Lifelong Learning and Professional Development were awarded academic distinctions at the third ceremony on February 1 at 10:00 a.m.
A Celebration of Sacrifice and Resilience
Dr. Kevin Brown, President, University of Technology, Jamaica delivers his welcome address during the graduation ceremony.
In his address, Dr. Kevin Brown, President, University of Technology, Jamaica lauded graduates for their resilience in surmounting diverse challenges including the recent Hurricane Melissa, to successfully complete their studies.
“You chose not to be defeated by circumstances. You persevered with determination and completed your studies,” stated Dr. Brown. “Today, we send you off equipped and empowered with the knowledge and skills to lead, innovate, and transform lives,” he added. He urged graduates to use their skills to help Jamaica attain the goals of Vision 2030 and to deliver practical solutions for the issues which have emerged out of various social and environmental crises in recent years.
“As Jamaica advances towards Vision 2030…it will continue to require a highly educated, skilled and innovative workforce,” he said adding, “I want to encourage you to look to the sectors of our economy that need your skills. Whatever your training is, in health sciences, engineering, computing, the built environment, business, education, tourism or law, Jamaica needs your expertise.” Dr. Brown also encouraged graduates who are not yet employed, to seek to add value through innovative ideas. The President also commended parents and members of the University community for supporting the students throughout their academic journey.
Embrace Lifelong Learning
Mr. Aldrick McNab, Pro-Chancellor, University of Technology, Jamaica, addresses the Graduating Class of 2025 during the university’s graduation ceremony.
Mr. Aldrick McNab, Pro – Chancellor, UTech, Jamaica praised the graduating class for persevering through, “the mental, the physical, and the financial” challenges, declaring, “You have done it!” He reminded graduates that while graduation is a milestone, “the journey of life has just begun,” emphasizing that UTech, Jamaica has equipped them with the foundation to succeed. He urged them to pursue excellence in a world that is “hospitable towards excellence but unyielding towards mediocrity.” He advised the students to remain adaptable in today’s ever-evolving global landscape, and to resist limits placed on their ambitions. “Don’t allow anyone to put a ceiling on your dreams. Dream big. Dream fearlessly,” he said, while also encouraging the graduates to maintain discipline, humility, and resilience.
Ambassador Lloyd Carney, Chancellor in his charge at the close of each ceremony, encouraged the graduating class to commit to continuous growth. “If you’re not continuously learning, you’re standing still, you’re falling behind.” He encouraged further, “Be like a shark. If a shark stays still, it drowns. A shark must keep moving to stay alive.” He reaffirmed UTech, Jamaica’s commitment to supporting its graduates’ ongoing education and professional development. Ambassador Carney also called attention to the struggles of less fortunate Jamaicans, including those affected by Hurricane Melissa, and urged graduates to continue to help those in need.
Honorary Graduates
Sheryl Lee Ralph – Doctor of Letters
Renowned actress, singer and humanitarian, The Hon. Sheryl Lee Ralph, OJ, was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) on Saturday, January 31 during the University of Technology, Jamaica’s graduation ceremony.
In a video recorded message, she expressed deep gratitude for the honour, stating that receiving the doctorate from UTech, Jamaica, an institution “shaping the future of Jamaica, sending brilliance, discipline and innovation into the world,” was especially meaningful. She emphasized that the moment was not hers alone, crediting teachers, elders, family members and communities who guided and supported her journey, including cultural icon The Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley and educator Mrs. Iris Whitaker.
Turning her attention to the graduates, Ralph praised their resilience in navigating changing times and unexpected challenges, noting that their perseverance had prepared them to “lead, innovate and transform.” She encouraged them to recognize the value of their voices and contributions, reminding them that true impact comes from commitment to excellence, integrity and service to others.
She also urged graduates to walk boldly in their purpose and to see education not as an endpoint, but as a “responsibility to uplift, inspire and lead with compassion and courage,” noting “The world is waiting for you, and I am cheering you on.”
E. G Hunter – Doctor of Technology
Chancellor of the University of Technology, Jamaica, Ambassador Lloyd Carney, confers the honorary Doctor of Technology degree on UTech, Jamaica alumnus Mr. Everton G. Hunter, CD, PE. Mr. Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of Jamaica’s National Works Agency (NWA) during the University of Technology, Jamaica’s graduation ceremony on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium, UTech, Jamaica’s Papine Campus.
UTech, Jamaica alumnus, Mr. Everton G. Hunter, CD, PE, Chief Executive Officer, of the National Works Agency (NWA), was conferred with the honorary Doctor of Technology at the University of Technology, Jamaica’s graduation ceremony held at 4:00 pm on Saturday, January 31. Known for transforming Jamaica’s infrastructure through road expansion, coastal protection, and intelligent traffic management, Mr. Hunter emphasized the values that shaped him, saying, “What was most important for me was the values instilled in a little country boy and those values are hard work, discipline and doing things the right way.”
Recalling his early education at Dinthill Technical High School, transitioning to the College of Arts Science and Technology (CAST), now University of Technology, Jamaica and then the University of Michigan, he noted the importance of returning to Jamaica to contribute to national development and to be a part of the transformation of the country.
Dr. Carlene Davis-Cowan – Doctor of Letters
Ambassador Lloyd Carney (left), Chancellor, UTech, Jamaica and Dr. Kevin Brown (right), President share a photo moment with Dr. Carlene Davis-Cowan following the conferral of the Honorary Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) during the institution’s graduation ceremony on February 1, 2026.
Internationally acclaimed gospel artist Dr. Carlene Davis-Cowan, OD was conferred with the honorary Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) during the ceremony on February 1. Dr. Davis-Cowan was recognized for her phenomenal achievements in music, ministry, and humanitarian outreach. The citation read by University Orator, Dr. Warrick Lattibeaudiere acknowledged the gospel icon as a “fighter” and “a masterclass in musical integrity” as well as an “impactful humanitarian” who has been enhancing Jamaica’s cultural heritage for over 40 years.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Carlene Davis-Cowan described the recognition as a “shared honour,” noting that her family, faith community and supporters helped her to achieve the recognition. She thanked the leaders of UTech, Jamaica for bestowing on her the honorary degree while reaffirming her commitment to service and faith.
Reflecting on her 1996 breast cancer diagnosis, Dr. Davis-Cowan stated that the experience reshaped her purpose. “In 1996, I was diagnosed with breast cancer,and this was truly the turning point in my life, as Jesus has now become my soul’s healing balm,” she shared. “Today…I can sing praises to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords…I’ve gone from cancer to Christ,” she told the gathering.
Dr. Davis-Cowan encouraged the Graduating Class of 2025: “Seek to be at your best. It is not what you leave for people, but it’s what you leave in people,” encouraging the gathering to use “the gift God has given you.”
Chancellor’s Medal Recipient
Ambassador Lloyd Carney (left) Chancellor presents Mr. Brian Silvera, retired Principal Lecturer, Faculty of Engineering and Computing with the Chancellor’s Medal during the Graduation Ceremony held on January 31 at 4 pm.
Mr. Brian Silvera, retired Principal Lecturer, School of Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering and Computing was awarded the Chancellor’s Medal in recognition of his exceptional service to the University of Technology, Jamaica spanning more than 57 years. The Chancellor’s Medal, of equal status to an Honorary Doctorate, is bestowed by the Chancellor to honour individuals or institutions of national or international significance.
In his address, Mr. Silvera expressed profound gratitude, stating he felt “deeply honoured” to receive the medal. Reflecting on his career, he shared that he had a “special God-given talent” for writing instructional manuals, which he enjoyed producing over the years.
He acknowledged the contributions of lab technicians and technologists who assisted students with countless experiments, the repair of damaged apparatus, and the design and construction of new equipment, facilitated by the university’s welding machines and lathes. “I give thanks for the service that I have been able to give to you,” he concluded.
Valedictorians – Built and Ready to lead!
The theme of resilience and growth reverberated in valedictory addresses from Renée Peters (left), Abbigayle Edgard (centre) and Raheem Lindo (right) who graduated from the Faculty of Science and Sport, the Joint Colleges of Medicine, Oral Health and Veterinary Sciences and the College of Business and Management respectively.
Peters referenced philosopher Nassim Taleb’s concept of antifragility to frame the cohort’s journey. She explained that while fragile systems break under pressure and resilient ones merely endure it, the antifragile grow stronger because of it. In that context, she positioned the graduating class not as a generation weakened by disruption, but as one refined and sharpened by it. On a more personal note, Peters reflected on obstacles along her own journey, including early struggles with and triumph over depression, noting that challenges do not hinder one from success, but prepare them for it. “We are the evidence that pressure creates power,” she declared, concluding, with the conviction, “When our nation looks for its future, it will find us already at work. We are antifragile. We are ready.”
Valedictorian Abigayle Edgar highlighted the importance of finding balance, purpose, and unity. She saluted her fellow graduates as “UTech Knights united in purpose, diverse in strength, and ready to conquer.” She also praised lecturers and mentors for encouraging students during moments of uncertainty. Edgar underscored that the Class of 2025 were “not just graduands” but “the solution Jamaica is waiting for.” She urged her peers to live out UTech, Jamaica’s Core Value of Service, declaring, “When the world asks who you are, stand tall and say: I am a UTech Knight, forged in challenge and destined to lead.”
Raheem Lindo in his valedictory address, affirmed that the cohort’s journey is one shaped by perseverance, adaptability, and community. Referencing Molière’s observation that “the greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it,” he lauded the students for their persistence despite disruptions in the learning environment posed by the challenges of the COVID 19 pandemic, natural disasters and personal challenges. “As educators, business leaders, and professionals, we now carry forward not only knowledge, but purpose,” he said, underscoring their ability to now contribute to Jamaica’s recovery and growth.
Doctoral Graduates
UTech, Jamaica PhD graduates Dr. Nardia Brown (3rd right) and Dr. Natalee Nembhard (3rd left) were awarded with the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems during the University of Technology, Jamaica’s Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium, Papine Campus. Sharing in the photo are members of UTech, Jamaica leadership (l-r) Miss Marion Brown, Vice President & University Registrar, Dr. Kevin Brown, President, Ambassador Lloyd Carney, Chancellor, Professor Sean Thorpe, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Computing and Dr. David White, Head, School of Computing and Information Technology.
Dr. Nellian Hutton-Rose (2nd left), Senior Lecturer, College of Health Sciences, poses for a celebratory photo following the presentation of her Doctor of Philosophy, Career and Technical Education degree during the graduation ceremony on Sunday, February 1. Sharing in the moment (from left) are Dr. Kevin Brown, President, Ambassador Lloyd Carney, Chancellor and Miss Marion Brown, Vice President and University Registrar.
Top Student Receives The Edward Seaga Award
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 in the presentation is Dr. Kevin Brown, President.
President’s Honour Roll
The University of Technology, Jamaica recognizes the academic success of its students in various ways. One such is by listing on the President’s Honour Roll those students from the graduating class who have achieved the most outstanding academic performance.
To be eligible, a student must attain a minimum GPA of 4.0. The general criteria stipulate, in addition, that students must be in good standing with the University and must have completed 12 credits per semester including the summer session.
This year, the following students have met the requirements for the President’s Honour Roll:
College of Health Sciences
- Charlene Atkins- Israel
- Nevinne Blake
- Britney Jackson
- Miqeala Harvey
Joint Colleges of Medicine, Oral Health and Veterinary Sciences
- Eneama Bryan
- Abigayle Edgar
Faculty of Engineering and Computing
- Christoph Banton
College of Business and Management
- Aaliyah Douglas
Faculty of Science and Sport
- Renee Peters
UTech, Ja. Choir
The UTech, Jamaica choir performed “Champion” and “The World Is Yours Medley,” both arranged by Horace Mason, during each of the university’s graduation ceremony, adding to the celebratory occasion.
Watch Day 1 of the Ceremony:
Morning:
Afternoon:
Watch Day 2 of the Ceremony:
END.
Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: (876) 970-5299
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm
