The University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Ja.) celebrated the success of the graduating class of 2024 in two graduation ceremonies held on November 15th and 16th, 2024 at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium. The ceremonies saw Grammy award winning musician Sean Paul Henriques and Major General Antony Anderson, CD, receiving honorary degrees on day 1 and Christopher Zacca, CD, on Day 2.
The ceremony began with a formal procession of the graduates. UTech’s President, Dr. Kevin Brown, delivered a warm welcome, acknowledging the determination that has led up to this magnificent occasion by stating, “your achievement today is a testament to your dedication, resilience, and hard work. You have navigated challenges to earn your degrees, diplomas, and certificates, and today, you stand proud as UTech, Ja. Knights.”
Sean Paul’s Acceptance
The ceremony was a deeply emotional occasion for Henriques as he accepted the Doctor of Letters Honoris Causa (Hon. DLitt). In his acceptance speech, he expressed his profound gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging the significance of returning to UTech, where he once studied at the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. He praised the institution’s growth and commended the achievements of its graduates. Reflecting on his own journey, Henriques shared how, when leaving UTech, he didn’t have all the answers, but trusted that everything would fall into place.
He also revealed a personal story from his early life, explaining how his desire to pursue a career as an entertainer was tempered by the responsibility of supporting his mother, a single parent. This also led him to pursue a degree at UTech, where he described himself as a “blank canvas” on a journey of self-discovery.
Major General Antony Anderson’s Acceptance
Major General Antony Anderson CD, former Commissioner of Police and a UTech alumnus, reflected on his 34 years of service to the Jamaica Defence Force. Anderson, who accepted the Doctor of Technology Honoris Causa (Hon. DTech), expressed his pride in returning to his alma mater. He noted advancements the institution has made and its embrace of emerging fields such as artificial intelligence(AI). He credited UTech for laying the foundation for his contributions to the field of security and spoke of the significant role the institution played in shaping his career.
In his address, Anderson encouraged the graduands, telling them that there are no limits to their potential, urging them to seize the opportunities before them. He emphasized that the world is theirs for the taking, a sentiment that resonated strongly with the graduates in attendance.
Christopher Zacca’s Acceptance
Christopher Zacca, CD, President and CEO of the Sagicor Group Jamaica, accepted the Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa (Hon. LLD) urged graduates to stay and invest in their country. “To move forward we need your energy, your ideas, and your commitment… you hold the power to shape our nation’s future,” he expressed. Zacca congratulated all the graduates and reminded them of their importance to the development of Jamaica.
The Graduates
The atmosphere peaked as graduates walked across the stage to collect their diplomas, certificates and degrees; their accomplishments celebrated with cheers and applause from their families and friends in the audience. The sense of pride was visible as loved ones expressed their joy and admiration. “This moment feels surreal”, said one graduate from the School of Engineering and Computing, continuing with “It’s the combination of sleepless nights, hard work, and sacrifice. I’m so grateful to everyone who supported me along the way.”
The ceremony ended with an inspiring valedictorian address from Melissa Hall, who encouraged her fellow graduates to continue to work towards excellence and create a positive impact in their respective fields. The day ended in a burst of confetti and elation; a great ending to a truly unforgettable two days of both reflection and celebration. For the graduates and their supporters, the event was not just a celebration of academic success but also proof of all the hard work they did. It was indeed an inspiring day.
Reported by: Paris Wright and Rajae Noble