Voices Magazine-Vol3-Issue-6-WEB

9 September - December 2020 | VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica P rogramme Director, BSc Pharmaceutical Technology in the College of Health Sciences, Mrs. Tieca Harris Kidd in responding to a dire need expressed by one of her students for internet connectivity to access online classes, reached out recently to two private sector stakeholders to solicit their support. The call was answered by The Scott Foundation – the charity and outreach arm of the GEON Group of Companies which donated $50,000, and by Versachem International and International Ingredients Companies Ltd. which donated an additional $24,000 to assist the first year BSc Pharmaceutical Technology student, Kimberlyn Wallace. Harris Kidd noted that in a virtual town hall meeting with students, Kimberlyn expressed that her family was unable to provide financial support to overcome her inability to access the University’s teaching and learning platform. A happy Kimberlyn expressed gratitude to the private sector companies for the funds received, noting that it had been very difficult for her to sustain purchase of data to access online classes, and explained that she will use the generous donation to establish Wi-Fi at her home. Pharmaceutical Technology Student Receives Support for Internet Connectivity Kimberlyn Wallace (centre), first year UTech, Jamaica, College of Health Sciences BSc Pharmaceutical Technology student accepts a cheque for $50,000 from Mrs. Joanne Kirkwood, Executive Assistant, GEON Group of Companies’ charitable arm - The Scott Foundation, to support her need for internet access to online classes. The cheque was presented on November 19, 2020 at the College of Health Sciences (COHS), UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus. Sharing the happy occasion is Mrs. Tieca Harris Kidd, Programme Director, BSc Pharmaceutical Technology, COHS. A generous donation of just over $191,000.00 was presented to the University on November 25, 2020 by Mrs. Patricia Lawrence, widow of Mr. Carl Lawrence, “CAST Pioneer” alumni. CAST Pioneers represent the first cohort of students who graduated from the University, then the College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST), in 1961. Mrs. Lawrence, in making the presentation explained that the donation which represented a combined contribution from several other CAST Pioneers including Mr. Dennis McGee, came out of an impetus to give back to the University in light of the educational foundation the institution provided. She noted that her husband, who passed away in 2020, was always enthusiastic about UTech, Jamaica and a donation in his name was a fitting tribute to his memory. Professor Colin Gyles, Acting President, in thanking Mrs. Lawrence for the donation, noted that the University is appreciative of all the contributions of alumni and pioneers, and welcomed opportunities such as this, to commemorate their lives and experiences to “ensure that this chapter of our history is not forgotten.” The donation was facilitated through the UTech, Jamaica Alumni Relations Office and will be administrated through the Student Welfare Office. “CAST Pioneers” Make Donation to UTech, Jamaica Professor Colin Gyles, Acting President accepts a cheque donation from Mrs. Patricia Lawrence, widow of “CAST Pioneer” alumni Mr. Carl Lawrence at a special presentation on November 25, 2020 at the University’s Papine Campus.