University of Technology (UTech) chancellor Lloyd Carney urged 2023 graduates to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as the future of technology, noting that, “technology changes rapidly and those who don’t get on the train, get life behind.” 

Carney, in his address to the graduating class of 2023 held last Friday and Saturday at the institution’s Papine campus in St Andrew, noted that UTech is the ideal place to learn the fundamental skills that will allow for easy adaptation to these changes., The chancellor asserted “it’s never too late because with the education and skills you’ve garnered here, you can engage in whatever technology change comes along.” 

Undaunted by torrential rains impacting the island, there were no empty seats as members of government, the diplomatic corps, members of faculty, staff, family and well-wishers came out in full support of the 2023 graduating cohort. 

Graduates of the Faculty of Engineering and Computing, Joint Colleges of Medicine, Oral Health and Veterinary Sciences, College of Health Sciences and Faculty of Law were presented at the Friday ceremony, while, graduates of the College of Business and Management, Faculty of Science and Sport, Faculty of The Built Environment and Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies were presented at the Saturday ceremony.  

Pointing to the importance of lifelong learning and “keeping skills current,” Carney stated that “time is moving and if you don’t address and improve your skills, you’ll be left behind.” 

In this vein he urged graduates to continuously update their skills to remain relevant and up-to-date in a rapidly changing global economy. 

While underscoring the significance of forging connections, he shared, “we want to have a lifelong relationship with you so we can help you with this continuous journey of learning.” 

Dr. Kevin Brown, president of UTech, in his welcome, extended hearty congratulations to the graduating class of 2023 on their hard work in reaching the significant milestone despite the “tumultuous” period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges during their course of study. 

He expressed, “you worked hard, you surmounted the challenges, and you successfully completed your course of study.”  He also expressed gratitude to the “dream makers” inclusive of lecturers, administrators, family members and friends who supported students along their university journey. 

Noting that Jamaica is counting on the leadership of tertiary graduates “to contribute to a growing economy,” and to advance Jamaica’s developed country status Vision 2030 goal of becoming a place to, “live, work, raise families and do business.” 

Brown further encouraged the graduates to consider themselves leaders and to create entrepreneurial opportunities for themselves and for others.

“I am confident that you will use your newly acquired UTech, Jamaica certification to make a valuable contribution to your chosen profession, your community and your country,” he shared while urging them to make an impact in the, “goods and services sectors that are growing.” 

In urging graduates to be, “good ambassadors,” of their alma mater, the UTech president also implored graduates to, “maintain a relationship with your university through participation in our alumni association and other areas of mutually beneficial collaboration.” 

Brown noted that as UTech graduates they will always stand out because of the core values instilled in them by the institution.  

Honorary graduates 

The University of Technology, Jamaica conferred Honorary Degrees on distinguished Jamaicans Dr. Patrick Dallas, a renowned ICT and Engineering Process Control expert during its ceremony on November 17. Richard Byles, accomplished corporate leader and current Governor of the Bank of Jamaica and internationally acclaimed Olympian Shericka Jackson, were presented with Honorary degrees during the ceremony on November 18. 

In his response, Dr. Patrick Dallas who was conferred with the Doctor of Technology Honoris Causa, extended gratitude to the University of Technology, Jamaica for bestowing this honour.  He noted, “I stand here today with renewed commitment to continue the pursuit of excellence, innovation and the advancement of technology for the betterment of society.”   

Shericka Jackson, in thanking the university shared, “today marks a special time in my life and I am delighted and grateful to be conferred with the Honorary Doctor of Laws degree by this great institution.” She asserted that “UTech occupies a special place in my heart as it has been my home away from home for the past ten years.”   

In his acceptance, Byles remarked that, “this auspicious honour reflects the importance that the University of Technology, Jamaica places on the contribution of prudent economic management, and successful private sector leadership, to the building of a sustainably successful Jamaica.” 

Valedictorians 

The Valedictorians were First Class Honours graduates Jason Baker, Bachelor of Laws, Faculty of Law and Tajai Thomas, Bachelor of Business Administration, College of Business and Management. 

In his address on Friday, November 17, Baker acknowledged the university for its continued support to students through the Welfare and Scholarship Department, the Earn and Study Programme and the UTech, Ja. 60th Anniversary Scholarship that allowed many students including him, to pursue their dreams. He encouraged his fellow graduates to “stand ready to take on not just Jamaica or the Caribbean, but I dare say the entire world. Go and make your mark! Go and be the best versions of yourselves!” he counseled. 

Thomas, in his valedictory address, commended his graduating colleagues for rising above the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to have successfully completed their degrees.  He challenged them as UTech, Ja. Knights “to carry the spirit of innovation, resilience, and collaboration into your respective fields.”