The University of Technology, (UTech) is set to honour three Jamaicans at its upcoming 2023 graduation ceremony.

Dr Patrick Dallas, a distinguished expert in ICT and Engineering Process Control, Richard Byles, a prominent corporate leader and the current Governor of the Bank of Jamaica, and the internationally acclaimed Olympian, Shericka Jackson, will receive honorary degrees in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the nation.

The graduation ceremonies will take place on Friday, November 17, and Saturday, November 18, at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium at the Papine Campus. The events will see graduates from various faculties, including Engineering and Computing, Medicine, Oral Health, Veterinary Sciences, Law, Business, Science, Sport, The Built Environment, Education, and Liberal Studies, being awarded their degrees.

Dr Patrick Dallas, an influential figure in the fields of chemical engineering, control engineering, ICT, and science, technology, and innovation (STI), will be honoured with a Doctor of Technology Honoris Causa (Hon. DTech). Dallas, who currently serves as the CEO of Convergent Technologies Ltd., has made significant contributions to the Jamaican telecommunications landscape and the ICT industry. His dedication to advancing technology standards and software development as a driver of economic transformation in Jamaica has been instrumental.

Richard Byles, the governor of the Bank of Jamaica, with a distinguished career spanning five decades in various sectors, will be conferred with a Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa (Hon. LLD). His leadership in public financial management, economic development, and corporate governance has left an indelible mark on Jamaica’s business landscape.

Shericka Jackson, one of Jamaica’s most celebrated sprinters, will also receive a Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa (Hon. LLD), in recognition of her extraordinary achievements in athletics and her contributions to the nation. Jackson, who has excelled in the 100, 200, and 400 meters, made history as the fastest woman alive and the second-fastest woman of all time in the 200 meters.

Dr Kevin Brown, president of UTech, Jamaica, expressed the institution’s pleasure in honouring these three distinguished nation-builders. He highlighted their significant contributions to Jamaica’s growth and development in the fields of engineering, business, and sport.