UCCI CELEBRATES 2024 GRADUATES

The University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) proudly celebrated its 2024 Commencement Ceremony on Thursday 22 August 2024, marking a significant milestone in the lives of approximately 250 graduates and highlighting the university’s commitment to cultivating future-ready citizens, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

A poignant highlight of the ceremony was the posthumous awarding of an Honorary Doctorate of the Arts to the late Bendel Hydes, a pioneering Caymanian artist recognized as the founding father of Caymanian visual art. Hydes’ contributions have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the Cayman Islands, and his legacy continues to inspire the next generation of artists and cultural leaders. His posthumous honor serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact of the arts on society and the importance of creativity in shaping the future.

The university was also thrilled to welcome Ms. Vanessa Slowey as the keynote speaker for the ceremony. Ms. Slowey, a transformational leader with over 30 years of experience in multinational companies across 27 countries, delivered an inspiring address that resonated deeply with the graduates. She emphasized the importance of embracing change and remaining open to diverse career opportunities in an increasingly dynamic global marketplace. Her message reinforced the need for adaptability and continuous learning, traits that are essential for success in today’s ever-evolving world.

During the ceremony, UCCI President Dr. Robert W. Robertson outlined a series of transformative initiatives that underscore the university’s position as a strategic leader in education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Among these initiatives is the transition to Jenzabar, a comprehensive student information system that will ensure a seamless experience for both students and staff. Additionally, from January to June 2024, UCCI implemented an extensive faculty and staff training programme, resulting in over 1,600 hours of professional development. This initiative underscores UCCI’s commitment to continuous improvement in education delivery and the professional growth of its faculty and staff.

Further solidifying its academic credentials, UCCI is establishing a student peer-reviewed journal, providing students with invaluable opportunities to publish their research and prepare for future scholarly endeavors. Complementing this is the reestablishment of UCCI’s professional peer-reviewed journal, which encourages faculty members to publish their research and collaborate with peers from partner institutions, reflecting UCCI’s dedication to academic research and global collaboration.

Innovation also remains at the forefront of UCCI’s agenda, as evidenced by the development of a stackable certificate programme in artificial intelligence, which has already seen more than 22 faculty and staff members complete the programme. This initiative positions UCCI at the cutting edge of AI education and exemplifies the university’s forward-thinking approach.

To further enhance the quality of education, UCCI faculty members have engaged in Quality Matters training, an online platform focused on course development and delivery. The completion of this rigorous training by several faculty members contributes significantly to the overall educational excellence at UCCI. Moreover, the university is actively forging partnerships with academic institutions across the Caribbean, the United States, and Canada, offering faculty exchange, research opportunities, and student study abroad options. These partnerships expand UCCI’s reach and provide students and faculty with enriched educational experiences.

Strategic planning is also a key focus, as UCCI has completed both a sustainability plan and a campus master plan in 2024. These plans set the stage for UCCI’s future growth, positioning the university as a model campus that respects and nurtures its natural environment while identifying key infrastructure improvements.

Finally, Dr. Robertson announced the launch of short workforce readiness courses in fields such as IT, finance, business communication, and project management. These courses, offered online or in a blended format, are designed to be accessible to working professionals seeking to upskill and advance their careers and will be available soon.

Dr. Robertson, commented, “While we regret the delay caused by Hurricane Beryl, we were thrilled to move forward with this important event. Honoring Bendel Hydes and hearing from Vanessa Slowey adds profound meaning to this celebration of our students’ achievements and we are immensely proud of every one of our 2024 graduands. We cannot wait to see how far they go with their careers and look forward to welcoming them back as future keynote speakers.”

Dr. Livingston Smith, UCCI’s Vice President of Academic Affairs and Workforce Education, echoed these sentiments, noting, “This commencement is not just about academic achievement; it’s a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the Cayman Islands. By honoring Bendel Hydes, we remind our graduates of the importance of creativity and cultural expression in shaping our nation’s future.”

The ceremony was livestreamed on UCCI’s Facebook page, CIG TV and on Cayman Marl Road, ensuring that friends, family, and community members who could not attend in person could still participate in celebrating the graduands’ achievements.