New UTech, Jamaica Student Ambassadors Inducted

Professor Colin Gyles (centre), Acting President, University of Technology, Jamaica and other University officers: Mr. Hector Wheeler (right), AVP, Advancement, Mr. Ivor Bennett, Director, Marketing Unit and Mr. Taje James, Marketing Assistant share a group photograph with newly inducted UTech, Jamaica Student Ambassadors at the Induction Ceremony held on March 3, 2022 at the Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus. Student Ambassadors (from left) are Gianna-Siri Roberts, Donnielle Robe, Suen Chang, Jason Baker, Rodrina Daley, Lilli-Ann Lewin, Danika Bourg, Nicole Williams, Kerryan Hall, Shania Edwards and Hayden Collins. Absent are Student Ambassadors Tazeel Walker and Veneisha Reid.

Thirteen students, from across Colleges and Faculties, were formally welcomed as the third cohort of new UTech, Jamaica Student Ambassadors on March 3, 2022 at a special induction ceremony held at the Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus. The UTech, Jamaica Student Ambassadors programme, which is led by the Marketing Unit, Advancement Division, was launched in 2019. Student Ambassadors are nominated by lecturers, University staff members or peers and selected following a round of interviews.  The student ambassadors participate in promotional campaigns and University events and activities, as well as recruitment activities on and off campus, including campus tours and school visits. They also feature in marketing and promotional campaigns, and are expected to demonstrate a high level of discipline, be good communicators, and be active members in clubs, societies, and volunteer service. As positive youth leaders, student ambassadors also promote the values of the University, help to build its brand and enrich its impact on the community. 

In his welcome and charge, Professor Colin Gyles, Acting President, UTech, Jamaica praised the positive impact the Student Ambassador Programme has had on the University’s image and the student body, indicating that “the programme continues to help to advance well-rounded students through opportunities for personal and professional development, networking and giving back to the Institution through volunteer service.” He urged the new inductees to adopt and live the University’s Core Values of Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, Excellence, Innovation and Team Work (RAISE IT), even as they work to promote them among others in their new role as student leaders.

Professor Gyles also encouraged the Student Ambassadors to continue to serve University of Technology, Jamaica with pride, adding that “your involvement in this programme will serve you well, way beyond your years at UTech, Jamaica as you move on to the world of work and become more involved in nation building.” He stressed the importance of elevating the public standing of the University, expressing to the Student Ambassadors that “the good name and reputation from which you get your certification will significantly influence how you fair when you seek to navigate the world in whatever sphere you go.” He further noted that well-respected institutions are not without their challenges, but earn their good repute by cultivating a culture of “speaking well of their institution and promoting the good and the best in their institutions.”

The Acting President also extended commendation to the Advancement Division, led by Mr. Hector Wheeler and his team in the Marketing Unit, for spearheading and ensuring the continuation of the programme, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In congratulating the newly inducted Student Ambassadors, Mr. Hector Wheeler, Associate Vice President, Advancement, who chaired the ceremony, noted “this is very special for the University”, which has embarked on various projects to raise the profile of the students and the Institution. He expressed “you are a very important part of the process and we are so happy that you have taken advantage of this opportunity.” Pointing to the success of the programme thus far, Mr. Wheeler noted, ‘those who have gone before you have done an exceedingly great job, and so we know that this process works in the best interest of the institution and the interest of you, our students.”

Mr. Wheeler also commended the team in the Marketing Unit, other members of the Advancement Division and persons from the wider University Community, including trainers and interview panelists, who have supported the programme.

Ms. Danika Bourg, newly inducted Student Ambassador, Faculty of Law, in her response on behalf of her fellow inductees, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and to give back to the University as lifelong ambassadors of their alma mater.  “This journey of being ambassadors should never and will never end, even when we leave this institution, because for many of us UTech, Jamaica helped to give birth to a ‘better us’,” adding that “that is just one of the many reasons we must give our thanks today to be able to give back to the community through ambassadorship,” she affirmed, in her well received remarks.

Professor Colin Gyles, Acting President, UTech, Jamaica presented the Instruments of Induction to Student Ambassadors during the induction ceremony. Danika Bourg, Faculty of Law, proudly collects her Instruments.  

Moving the Vote of Thanks, Mr. Ivor Bennett, Director, Marketing thanked the various members of the University Community who have helped to make the programme a success. He acknowledged Mr. Taje James, Marketing Assistant “who has anchored the process”, members of the interview and selection panel, Mrs. Rosemarie Headley-Smith, Lecturer in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, who conducted a pre-induction training session on professionalism and communication, and other members from across the University Community.

End.

Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: 876 970-5299 
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm