Voices Magazine-Vol3-Issue-6-WEB

3 September - December 2020 | VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica Mr. Richard Powell, Pro-Chancellor, in his welcome, lauded the graduating class for overcoming obstacles and the upheaval and disruption caused by the pandemic, to attain their certification. He noted that graduates would find the skills and knowledge gained at the University to be life-changing, especially in the current times of uncertainty. As he wished graduates a successful transition into the next chapter of their lives, the Pro-Chancellor noted that “we are counting on our graduates to influence change, to offer innovative solutions to rebuilding and transforming all areas of social and economic life.” Professor Colin Gyles, Acting President, also lauded graduates for overcoming the many challenges they may have faced while completing their courses of study. “I commend the Graduating Class of 2020 for staying the course, putting in the hard work and overcoming these challenges not only in the last few months, but over the many years that you have invested in your education,” he said, adding that he had confidence in UTech, Jamaica graduates to be positive agents of change and of good values and attitudes in the Jamaican society and across the world. The Acting President urged graduates to invest in creating entrepreneurial opportunities for themselves and others, and to “contribute to rebuilding and strengthening the economy.” Honorary Graduates Honorary degrees were conferred on eminent Jamaicans, Professor the Honourable Mervyn Morris, OM, poet, educator and literary critic and Dr. Wayne Reid, CD, Civil and Structural Engineer. University Orator, Mrs. Pamela Kelly, lauded Morris as “one of the first Jamaican academics to expose the versatility of our national language and quintessential Louise Bennett scholar”, a title he earned with his noted publication ‘On Reading Louise Bennett, Seriously’ and a biography of the cultural icon. Professor Morris in his response thanked the University for bestowing him the significant honour and in offering congratulations to the Class of 2020, reminded them that “graduation is a significant moment, but only a moment in your lives. You have many years ahead and many other successes.” The University Orator in her citation on Dr. Wayne Reid, saluted him as an “engineer’s engineer” and praised his significant contributions to the local and regional tourism, manufacturing, energy infrastructure and housing sectors. Expressing his gratitude for the honour, the highly regarded civil and structural engineer used the occasion to call for greater attention to “engineering planning to ensure the continued development of our country.” Valedictorian Valedictorian, Faculty of Law First Class Honours graduate Brithany Brooks offered effusive congratulations to her fellow graduates, expressing that they had overcome myriad challenges, including emotional mental, physical and financial battles that took all their strength to surpass. Cont’d from page 1... 2020 Graduating Class Celebrated in Virtual Ceremony Valedictorian, Brithany Brooks, Faculty of Law. Faculty of Science and Sport Melesha Hill – GPA 3.86 Faculty of The Built Environment Kevin Gutierrez – GPA 3.82 Faculty of Science and Sport Josan Munroe – GPA 3.81 Faculty of Engineering and Computing Rayion Sawyers – GPA 3.79 College of Business and Management Shanique Orr – GPA 3.77 President’s Honour Roll Awardees