89 UTech, Jamaica High Achievers Receive Scholarships from UTech Foundation

The UTech Foundation has presented scholarships valued at $12.1 million to 89 University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Jamaica) students who achieved academic merit during the academic year 2021/2022.  The UTech Foundation presented the scholarships during a special ceremony hosted at the university’s Papine campus on Monday, November 27, 2023. Scholarship recipients from the Faculty of Engineering and Computing, Serena Wright (3^rd left), Lascelle McKenzie (first right) and  Shavar Morgan (right), share a photo with UTech, Ja. President, Dr. Kevin Brown (3rd right) and Professor Sean Thorpe (left), Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Computing and Rev. Jim Parkes (2^nd left), Director, UTech Foundation.

The UTech Foundation has presented scholarships valued at $12.1 million to eighty-nine University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Jamaica) students who achieved academic merit during the academic year 2021/2022.  The UTech Foundation presented the scholarships during a special ceremony hosted at the University’s Papine Campus on Monday, November 27, 2023. The amount awarded to each student, drawn from across all eight colleges and faculties, ranged from $100,000 to over $500,000 depending on their course of study and the category of award.   

Dr. Kevin Brown, President, UTech, Jamaica, in his welcome expressed sincere gratitude to the UTech, Foundation and its partners for the substantial support to the students, noting that "because of the Foundation's generous donation, students are being given the tremendous opportunity to fulfil their dreams without the burden of financial constraints," adding that "the best part about your significant donation today is that it is just the beginning of your impact on the lives of each scholarship recipient."  Noting further that “the future development of Jamaica is present here in this room, among the students," Dr. Brown asserted that "your gift will go down in the annals of history as part of their success story.” 

Acknowledging the scholars as the "crème de la crème" of UTech, Jamaica, Dr. Brown noted that “we are pleased to continue a tradition of honouring the achievement of academic excellence among our students.”  He praised them for surmounting the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic during their studies to achieve and maintain excellent GPAs. 

Underscoring the profound value of tertiary education and of scholarships, Dr. Brown shared with the awardees that receiving scholarships throughout his university studies both in Jamaica and the United Kingdom enabled him to achieve his dream of becoming an Engineer.  He revealed, “26 years ago, I entered UTech with a dream of becoming an engineer and through scholarships and in particular, the Jamaica Technical High School Scholarship that was being given by the Ministry of Education at that time, I was able to pursue my studies at UTech.”  After leaving high school at fifteen and having to sit out two years of schooling because he could not fund his studies, Dr. Brown shared, “I am here because of scholarships, because someone invested in my future.” 

President Brown urged the high achievers, some of whom recently graduated from the University, to “continue to walk a path of excellence and professionalism on your academic and life’s journey, while upholding the UTech, Jamaica Core Values of Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, Excellence, Innovation and Team Spirit. "  

Dr. Eric Crawford, Chairman, UTech, Foundation, in his address expressed immense pride in the Foundation's work and the efficient management and distribution of funds. He highlighted Mable Tenn, a former Senior Director at Grace Kennedy, who was crucial in the development of the Foundation.  He shared, “she was very impressed with the graduates of CAST and that is what motivated her to form this Foundation and pursue her leadership.”  Dr. Crawford also mentioned Dr. Alfred Sangster, former President of the University of Technology, Jamaica whom he considers “a hero and mentor,” emphasizing, “he was also a driving force in the establishment of the Foundation.” 

Expressing the Foundation’s goal of raising additional funds to support its initiatives, Dr. Crawford noted that since its genesis in 1988, the UTech Foundation has funded various projects, including the provision of classrooms for the dental school, support for several sports programmes, and a biomass energy project in its earlier years. 

In his remarks, Mr. Barry Robinson, Director, UTech Foundation, expressed satisfaction in “providing resources to build Jamaica's human capital” by supporting students who demonstrate persistence and dedication. He further stated that the Foundation’s goal is to continue providing resources to the younger generation, ensuring their growth and success. 

Ms. Serena Wright, scholarship recipient from the Faculty of Engineering and Computing, who earned the highest GPA of 4.18, among the cohort of scholars, expressed heartfelt thanks to the UTech Foundation, noting “it’s people like you who truly give great minds a chance to put their best foot forward in this vast world of opportunities.” 

She expressed appreciation to the faculties and staff members, “who go above and beyond in nurturing and guiding us,” adding “your dedicated involvement plays a great role in shaping the future achievers and leaders who were awarded today.”