CAYMAN COMMUNITY INVITED TO CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF UCCI’S JOURNALS INCLUDING FIRST EVER STUDENT ACADEMIC JOURNAL SHOWCASING CAYMAN ISLANDS RESEARCH

The University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) will celebrate the official launch of its recently published academic journals on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 6 p.m. in Sir Vassel Johnson Hall and the whole community is invited. This event marks a historic moment for UCCI, as it unveils its first ever faculty-led student academic journal alongside the eighth edition of its established faculty and community research journal. Together, these publications highlight UCCI’s commitment to fostering a culture of research and scholarly achievement within the Cayman Islands.

The journal, Students’ Voices: On the Cusp of Greatness: Promoting Student Scholarship, is UCCI’s junior edition, the inaugural faculty-led publication of student’s research contributions, led and edited by UCCI faculty, Dr. Fullerton-Cooper, and co-edited by Dr. Gordon and Dr. Swearing. Created as a platform specifically for students to share their research, creativity, and insights, the Junior edition represents a groundbreaking opportunity for students to engage in academic publishing. This new publication not only allows students to contribute to scholarly discourse within UCCI but also enables them to reach audiences in the Cayman Islands and internationally.

The journal, Bridging Divides in the Cayman Islands and the Caribbean – the senior edition, is now in its eighth year of publication and continues to feature work by UCCI faculty, staff, and a network of local and international contributors. The senior edition focuses on key issues facing the Cayman Islands and the Caribbean, including cultural identity, governance, and innovation. Through this established publication, UCCI aims to foster connections between local research and global academic perspectives.

The launch event will feature a keynote address by Ms. Theresa Pitcairn, a Caymanian lawyer and the Resident Director, Business Strategist, and International Manager at Merrill Lynch Bank and Trust Company (Cayman) Limited. Ms. Pitcairn brings extensive experience in law, business strategy, and governance, having held notable roles with the Caribbean Football Union, CONCACAF, and as a member of various legal and planning committees in the Cayman Islands.

Dr. Livingston Smith, UCCI’s Vice President of Academic Affairs and Workforce Education, highlighted the importance of this launch: “The introduction of UCCI’s first-ever student journal, alongside our respected senior edition, is a major step in advancing academic opportunities for our students and faculty. These journals not only reflect UCCI’s dedication to academic growth but also underscore our commitment to elevating the voices and research that shape our community. This launch demonstrates UCCI’s role in creating a community that values research, innovation, and intellectual engagement.”

The event will also include several oral presentations of selected articles from both journals, showcasing the diverse research topics explored by students, faculty, and international contributors. Attendees will have the chance to meet the editorial teams from both editions and take part in a question-and-answer session, with faculty advisers and students from the junior edition discussing their experiences in creating UCCI’s first student-led journal, and the senior edition team sharing their vision for the continued growth of UCCI’s research publication. A reception will follow for all.

To commemorate the launch, guests can purchase copies of each journal at a special event discount of CI$25 for the senior edition and CI$20 for the junior edition. The evening will also offer networking opportunities, allowing students, faculty, and community members to connect with others who share an interest in academic writing and publishing.

The launch of these journals represents a significant achievement for UCCI and underscores the institution’s dedication to promoting academic excellence and community engagement. The event is open to all, and UCCI invites members of the public to join in this celebration of scholarship.

There is no need to book, please just come along and support UCCI faculty, staff and students.