Staff Honoured at the 49th Annual University Awards Ceremony

A section of the gathering of members of faculty and staff at the  49^th Annual UTech, Jamaica University Awards ceremony held on Thursday, May 30, 2019 in the Alfred Sangster Auditorium, Papine Campus.

On Thursday, May 30, 2019 The University of Technology, Jamaica Community gathered to honour members of faculty, administrative, technical and ancillary staff at the 49th annual University Awards ceremony held at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium, Papine Campus.

Awards were presented for long service to the Institution in the categories of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years and for outstanding service given in support of the University’s mission of teaching, research and service.

Awards for Excellence

The President’s Awards for Excellence were presented in the categories of research, community service, customer service, instructional excellence, and for excellence in the ancillary, technical and administrative categories.   

The Research Excellence Award went to Dr. Neleen Leslie-Piper, Lecturer, College of Business and Management.  The President’s Award for Innovation was presented to Professor Felix Akinladejo, Professor of Computer Information Systems, Faculty of Engineering and Computing, while Mr. Fernandez Anderson, Lecturer, Faculty of The Built Environment received the President’s Award for Instructional Excellence.  The award for Excellence in Customer Service was presented to Miss Patricia Thomas, Administrative Support, College of Business and Management and Mr. Junior Bennett, Lecturer, Faculty of Engineering and Computing copped the award for Excellence in Community Service. 

The President’s Awards in the Administrative, Ancillary and Technical Excellence categories were presented to Miss Melissa Nelson, Administrative Support, College of Health Sciences, Mr. Kevin McDillion, Groundsman, Facilities Management Department and jointly to Mr. Leon Grant, Educational Technology Specialist and Andray Lawrence, ELearning Technologist, Office of Distance Learning, Academic Affairs Division respectively. 

The Jamaica Observer, a long-time supporter of the University, received the Vin Spencer Award in recognition of the company’s support for the development of the University through the presentation of the annual Jamaica Observer’s Table Talk Food Awards Scholarship.

Mrs. Charmaine DeLisser, Senior Academic Director, Office of Technology, Data Applications and Development (OTDAD), School of Computing and Information Technology who received the Long Service Award for 35 years of dedicated service to the University, responded on behalf of the awardees.  She thanked the University community and the Division of Human Resources and Administration for hosting the celebration in recognition of staff, especially in light of the challenges of loss experienced by the community over the past few days.

Remembering Chancellor Seaga and Martin Henry

Professor Stephen Vasciannie, CD, President, UTech, Jamaica addressing the Annual University Awards ceremony.

University President, Professor Stephen Vasciannie began his welcome in solemn reflection on the sad passing of former Prime Minister and Chancellor, the Most Honourable Edward Seaga, ON, PC on May 28, 2019.  The President also expressed deep regret at the passing of Mr. Martin Henry, Manager, Projects & Operations, School of Graduate Studies, Research & Entrepreneurship who died suddenly, also on May 28, 2019.   

In paying tribute to Mr. Seaga, Professor Vasciannie revered the iconic Jamaican as “a major source of inspiration and a guide to the leadership of the University.”  The President noted that “Mr Seaga was instrumental in annual meetings of the University and lent his wealth of experience to all aspects of the University’s work.”  He described Mr. Seaga as a pioneer in all aspects of Jamaican life and as a giant who has been unsurpassed as a national leader.

The President noted some of Mr. Seaga’s numerous achievements which include being the longest serving Member of Parliament, from 1962 – 2005; his pioneering work on numerous projects at the heart of Jamaica’s infrastructural development; the conceptualising of  HEART Trust/NTA and his pioneering work in creating the Jamaican Festival, as well as for his role as one of the architects of the Constitution of independent Jamaica. 

President Vasciannie in reflecting on the exemplary contribution of  much-loved colleague,  Mr. Martin Henry, praised him for his "major contribution to the University through his management of entrepreneurial projects; his work in promoting research and intellectual development, his editorship of the Journal of Arts, Science and Technology (JAST), his organization of the annual Research, Technology and Innovation Day and most recently, his outstanding efforts with the University of Technology, Jamaica Press.” 

The President further lauded Mr. Henry for his contribution to national life as Director and former Chairman of the National Integrity Action and for his work as a columnist in the Sunday Gleaner and in other media where he was a “model of clarity, precision and most of all, integrity and honesty.”

The President offered condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of Mr. Seaga and Mr. Henry and to the UTech, Jamaica family.  Professor Vasciannie invited persons to record their comments and observations in the condolence books which have been placed in the lobby of the Administration Building. The President said that the condolence books will be conveyed to the families in the traditional way.

Rev. Clinton Chisholm, member of the Academic Board and Academic Dean, Caribbean Graduate School of Theology also shared in a special reflection on the lives of Mr. Seaga and Mr. Henry.  Rev. Chisholm offered words of comfort and hope in our time of loss and encouraged the UTech, Jamaica community to move forward with faith as we try to cope without their physical presence.

Reverend Clinton Chisholm

Celebrating Excellence

Following the reflections, President Vasciannie in his welcome, went on to extend hearty thanks and congratulations to the awardees for their long and distinguished service to the University and for their contribution to the wider community.  He specially recognised Mrs. Mrs. Paula McBean who has served the University for 45 years, Miss Delva Barnes and Mrs. Lezma Williamson-Rankin who have both served for 40 years, and Mrs. Charmaine DeLisser and Mrs. Ave McIntosh who have given 35 years of long service to the University.

In his ensuing remarks, Professor Vasciannie highlighted the new Mission and Vision of the University and thanked all members of the University Community for their contribution to the successes and achievements of the past year in which the University marked its 60^th anniversary.  These he noted included gaining institutional accreditation; advancing a culture of research and publications; productive partnerships with industry, as well as outreach, sporting accomplishments and major infrastructural improvement projects. 

In pointing the way forward, the President drew attention to the University’s six Strategic Goals to be achieved over the new Strategic Plan (2018/2019 – 2021/22).  These he noted, have been put forward to help the University to successfully carry out its Mission.  The 6 goals are:

1. Improving student enrolment
2. Improving graduate quality
3. Enhancing relevance and impact
4. Improving service delivery
5. Enhancing financial viability and
6. Improving execution capability. 

Guest Speaker

Guest speaker was Rev. Michael Maragh, Principal Finance Officer of the Ministry of Health and Wellness who delivered a spirited and engaging presentation.   Using humorous examples from his own life’s journey, Mr. Maragh spoke to the importance of perseverance and  focusing on one’s achievements in fulfilment of God’s purpose for one’s life.

Mrs. Sheron Dixon-Brown, Senior Director, Business and Assets, Finance and Business Services presents a token of appreciation to guest speaker, Reverend Michael Maragh.

Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Maurice Lewin in moving the Vote of Thanks, noted that the 175 employees who received awardees amounted to more than 2,300 years of service to the University.  Mr. Lewin thanked all persons, divisions and departments for their support in enabling the successful staging of the 49^th annual University Awards.

Mr. Maurice Lewin, Chief Human Resources Officer

AWARDS HIGHLIGHTS

Excellence in Innovation

Professor Felix Akinladejo (right), Professor of Computer Information Systems in the Faculty of Engineering and Computing, accepts the President’s Award for Innovation from Prof. Stephen Vasciannie. Professor Akinladejo was recognised for his innovative idea of developing a leg mouse and pad for use by stroke victims as part of the rehabilitative process. 

Instructional Excellence

Professor Stephen Vasciannie (left) presents the President’s Award for Instructional Excellence to Mr. Fernandez Anderson, Lecturer, Faculty of The Built Environment.  The President’s Award for Instructional Excellence recognises and rewards members of the University’s academic staff who have consistently delivered instruction of high quality.

Excellence in Customer Service

Professor Stephen Vasciannie presents the President’s Award for Excellence in Customer Service to Miss Patricia Thomas, Administrative Support, College of Business and Management. The award is presented to a staff member/Faculty/College/Division or Unit who/which displays exceptional performance resulting in superior customer service delivery to both internal and external customers.

Excellence in Community Service

Mr. Junior Bennett, Lecturer, Faculty of Engineering and Computing is all smiles as he accepts the President’s Award for Community Service from Professor Stephen Vasciannie.  The Award is present to an individual of group within the University who has made a major contribution to the development of the wider community, provided leadership in the University’s community service initiatives and programmes and who has demonstrated sustained commitment to the principles and practice of service to the community.

Administrative, Technical and Ancillary Excellence

These awards are presented to a member from each group who has demonstrated exceptional technical expertise, competence and leadership in the delivery of his/her duties.

Administrative Excellence: Miss Melissa Nelson, Administrative Support in the College of Health Sciences receives the President’s Award for Administrative Excellence from President Vasciannie.

Technical Excellence:  Professor Stephen Vasciannie (left) presents Mr. Leon Grant, Educational Technology Specialist, Office of Distance Learning, Academic Affairs Division with the President’s Award for Technical Excellence.  The award was shared with Mr. Andray Lawrence, ELearning Technologist, Office of Distance Learning, Academic Affairs Division who was unable to attend the ceremony.

Ancillary Excellence: Professor Stephen Vasciannie (left) presents the President’s Award for Ancillary Excellence to Mr. Kevin McDillion, Groundsman, Facilities Management Department.

Distinguished Past Student Award

Mr. Aldrick McNab, Council Member, UTech, Jamaica presents Mrs. Hermine Metcalfe, Registered Pharmacist and member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica and The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain with the Distinguished Past Student Award.  The Distinguished Past Student award is presented to a past student in recognition of his/her contribution to the ongoing development of the University. 

Special Recognition Award

Mr. Aldrick McNab, Council Member, UTech, Jamaica presents Miss Melissa Nelson, Administrative Support, College of Health Sciences with the  Special Recognition Award. The award is presented to a person and/or organisation for outstanding service to the University.

Vin Spencer Award

Mr. Julian Rogers (right), Managing Director, The Jamaica Observer accepts the Vin Spencer Award from Mr. Aldrick McNab, Council Member, UTech, Jamaica.  The award is presented to a person or organisation for outstanding contribution to the University.  The Jamaica Observer was specially recognized for the company’s contribution to student development.  The Jamaica Observer over the past 21 years has donated full tuition scholarships to between 4 and 6 students at the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (SHTM) from the proceeds of the annual Jamaica Observer’s Table Talk Food Awards.  The Jamaica Observer also employs the services of 50 SHTM students annually to serve as hostesses at the event.

 SEAS Staff Sportsman and Sportswoman Award

The Staff Entertainment and Sports Association (SEAS) presented the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the year awards to staff members who have represented  university staff in external competition.  Chair, SEAS, Miss Paulette Brown presents the Sportswoman Award to Miss Nickees Thomas, Training Officer, Division of Human Resources and Administration and the Sportsman Award to Mr. Marlando Ashley, Student Affairs Assistant, Faculty of Law.  

UNION AWARDS

UTASA:  Ms Marvette Hall, representative of the University of Technology, Jamaica Administrative Staff Association (UTASA) presents the award for dedicated service to the Association to Mr. Stedson Coward, Store Keeper, Facilities Management Department.  

UAWU: Mrs. Bridgette Johnson-Smith, (left) Chief Delegate, University and Allied Workers Union (UAWU) presents Mr. Stenneth Thomas, Cleaner Attendant, Facilities Management Department with his award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Union.

LONG SERVICE AWARDS

FOR 45 YEARS

Mrs. Mercedes Deane (left), University Registrar presents Mrs. Paula McBean, Administrative Support, College of Business and Management with her long service award for 45 years of devoted service to the University of Technology, Jamaica.

40 YEARS

Mrs. Mercedes Deane (left), University Registrar presents Miss Delva Barnes, Faculty Administrator, College of Health Sciences and Mrs. Lezma Williamson-Rankine, Cleaner Attendant, Facilities Management Department with their long service awards for 40 years of dedicated service to the University.

35 YEARS

Mrs. Mercedes Deane (left), University Registrar presents Mrs. Charmaine DeLisser, Senior Academic Director, Office of Technology, Data Applications and Development (OTDAD), School of Computing and Information Technology and Mrs. Ave McIntosh, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Science and Sport with their long service awards for 35 years of dedicated service to the University.

30 YEARS

Mr. David Drysdale (left), University Librarian presents 30-year long service awards to (from left)  Ms. Clover DeSouza, Lecturer, Faculty of The Built Environment, Dr. Haldane Johnson, Associate Vice President, Teaching and Learning, Miss Judith Delisser, Lecturer, Faculty of Science and Sport and Dr. Audrey Thomas, Curriculum Specialist Office of Curriculum Development and Evaluation Unit, Academic Affairs Division.

25 YEARS

Mr. David Drysdale (left), University Librarian, presents 25-year long service awards to (from left), Mrs. Heather Williams-Crosby, Human Resource Development Manager, Division of Human Resources and Administration and Mr. Raymond Whittle, Technical Officer, School of Computing and Information Technology.  

20 YEARS

Professor Paul Golding (left), Dean, College of Business and Management, presents 20-year long service awards to (from left), Mr. Hector Wheeler, Associate Vice President, Advancement and Mrs. Icilda Ffrench, Lecturer, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies.

15 YEARS

Professor Fitzroy Henry, Professor of Public Health Nutrition, College of Health Sciences presents Mrs. Lisa Facey Shaw with her long service award for 15 years. 

Mr. Ronald Sutherland (left), Council Member, UTech, Jamaica presents 15-year long service award to Mr. Richard Samuels, Lecturer, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies.

10 YEARS

Professor Fitzroy Henry, Professor of Public Health Nutrition, College of Health Sciences presents 10-year long service award to Miss Sally Carter, Executive Assistant, School of Graduate Studies Research and Entrepreneurship.

Mrs. Corrine Richards, Council Member, UTech, Jamaica presents Mr. Clayton Moore with his award for 10 years of service to the institution.

Entertainment

Andre Taylor and Friends engage an appreciative audience in a medley of popular songs.

Long Service Awardees 2019

Ten (10) Years of Service   

 Fifteen (15) Years of Service 

 Twenty (20) Years of Service 

    Twenty- Five (25) Years of Service

Thirty (30) Years of Service 

Thirty-Five (35) Years of Service 

Forty (40) Years of Service 

Forty-Five (45) Years of Service

End.

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