Excellence Celebrated at UTech's 35th Annual Awards

The University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) staged its 35^th Annual Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 14, 2005 at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium on the campus under the theme, “Celebrating Excellence and Service”.  Students, staff and other stakeholders received awards for excellence in various fields which included academics, research, sports, culture and service to the community.

Miss Roxanne Hinds, third-year student of the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies receives the Student of the Year Award from President, Dr. Rae Davis. She also received the BWIA Prize trip courtesy of BWIA International.  Miss Hinds is reading for a degree in Family and Consumer Studies with a specialization in Family Studies. 

Dr. Rae Davis, President congratulated all the Awardees for their contribution to the building of the University and the Community.  The President told the gathering that “as we continue the pursuit of excellence together as a team, we will be faced with the reality of dwindling resources, rising costs and competition.”  He noted however, that although the institution is challenged to do more with less, “we remain committed to the task of excellence in all areas of delivery and service to our stakeholders.”  The President reported that the University has secured a J$30 M grant fund from the private sector to support research and development.  The University has also obtained from Government approval of US$16.5M funding from the Caribbean Development Bank for institutional development.  Dr. Davis also noted that in the last academic year, the University was able to secure and disburse approximately $43 M in financial aid to over 1,300 students through scholarships, bursaries, grants and the work study programme. 

Mr. Patrick Hylton, Group Managing Director, NCB, was guest speaker at the University’s Annual Awards Ceremony.

Guest speaker, Mr. Patrick Hylton, Group Managing Director, National Commercial Bank (NCB), had the rapt attention of the audience as he delivered a stirring and inspirational speech, detailing some of the obstacles he faced in his rise to become one of Jamaica’s  top banking executives.  Mr. Hylton who attended UTech (then CAST) in the mid 1980s proudly affirmed that his time spent at the institution “helped to shape the man I am today.”  He recalled that when he first began studying Accounts he was told by his tutor that he should consider another profession owing to his poor performance in the subject area.  Resolute, determined, and not discouraged by those words, he however never gave up.  He purchased foundation accounting texts, Frankwood Books 1 and 2 and taught himself accounts in “three nights” he said.  He eventually earned an award for “Outstanding Banking Student of the Year”.    “The life lesson,” Mr. Hylton  pointed out, is “never let someone else’s opinion of you define your reality.  Indeed there are no limitations to the mind except those we acknowledge.  Very often it is we who limit ourselves.”

Miss Sancia Wright, student of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management receives the Derrick Dunn Award from Mrs. Grace Duncan, Executive Director of the Jamaica Association on Mental Retardation.    In addition to academic pursuits, Sancia finds the time to do volunteer service with several organizations.

Mr. Hylton congratulated the Awardees and the University for acknowledging those who have “demonstrated an unequaled commitment to excellence and service.”  He noted that the commendation we give to our students, employees and alumni is “absolutely necessary, especially when we consider the prevailing social climate…”  He lamented that too often we see individuals pursuing “selfishness” rather than “selflessness” and the “pursuit of mediocrity” rather than the “pursuit of excellence.”  He called on everyone to do his/her part in encouraging a sense of proud achievement from hard work and high standards of performance.
 

SPECIAL AWARDS

Mrs. Doreen Ellis, (l), outgoing Vice-Dean, Faculty of Business and Management, receives the special recognition award for “Distinguished service to the University as Senior Lecturer, Principal Lecturer and Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management,” from Mrs. Eslyn Jones, Assistant Registrar, Student Services.  Mrs. Ellis has given 25 years of service to UTech.  She successfully led the School of Business Administration’s bid for accreditation, leading the team which authored the Self-Study which resulted in its Business Administration degree programmes being accredited by the University Council of Jamaica in 2001 and spearheaded a similar exercise in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Mr. Dwight Sibblies, Internal Auditor, receives the special recognition award “For Professionalism in carrying out his duties and for distinguished service to the University and the Community from Mrs. Eslyn Jones, Assistant Registrar, Student Services. 

Mrs. Mauvalyn Bowen, (left) Lecturer, Faculty of Business and Management receives the Vin Spencer Award “For Outstanding Contribution to Student Life on Campus” from Dr. Carol Archer, Acting Head, School of Building & Land Management.

	Mrs. Lorna Palmer, (left) Lecturer, School of Business Administration accepts the special recognition award “for strong leadership and service to the School of Business Administration and the University from Mrs. Eslyn Jones, Assistant Registrar, Student Services.
Mr. Roy Barrett (l) receives an award for “service to the University community” from Mrs. Eslyn Jones, Assistant Registrar, Student Services.  Mr. Barrett, proprietor of Barry’s Hardware in Papine, is a friend of the University.  He is a member of the Community Service Advisory Committee and has been very generous with his donations to numerous university clubs and activities.
THE PRESIDENT’S RESEARCH INITIATIVE AWARD
	Prof. Sarafadeen Adebayo, (l) Lecturer, Faculty of Health and Applied Science receives the President’s Research Initiative Award from President, Dr. Rae Davis.  Prof. Adebayo initiated the formation of the Bio-analytical Research Group in the Faculty of Health and Applied Science and has won a number of research grants in his home country, Nigeria and one from the University’s Research Development Fund for $1 M for the purchase of research equipment for testing disintegration and dissolution rate of pharmaceutical products.  His research interests are in the use of excipients derived from natural sources such as breadfruit, yam and cocoyam in pharmaceutical production.  He is also keen on the development of ackee as a source of natural oil for industrial and pharmaceutical application.
THE DISTINGUISHED PAST STUDENT AWARD
Mr. Oliver Forbes receives a citation in honour of being a Distinguished Past Student of the University, from, Dr. Rae Davis.  Mr. Forbes attended UTech in the 1980s and was Students’ Union President in 1983.  He has been a strong advocate with a deep commitment to the development of the University.  He was instrumental in founding the Cast-UTech Ontario Alumni Chapter in 2002 and served as founding President.  The University salutes Mr. Forbes for his visionary and inspirational leadership, tenacity and service to the University and his fellow man.
THE CULTURAL AWARD
	The Cultural Award: “Riddim Twins”, drummer Lowell “Sly” Dunbar (l) and bass player Robert “Robbie” Shakespeare  pose with Mrs. Pat Ramsay, Director of Arts and Culture and President Dr. Rae Davis following receipt of their citations for The UTech Cultural Award.  This award recognizes groups, individuals or institutions that have contributed significantly to the development of Jamaica’s arts and culture in a field which links technology to culture.   Sly and Dunbar who began their alliance some 25 years ago have earned the reputation as Jamaica’s most internationally renowned rhythm section in Reggae, and as “the cutting edge of modern dub, ragga and dancehall.”
THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Dr. Gossett Oliver, (left) Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computing receives The Distinguished Service Award from President Dr. Rae Davis.  Dr. Oliver is described as “an outstanding practioner, educator, and administrator; visionary leader; passionate researcher; innovator; a hallmark of excellence.”  His professional interest in the field of engineering is visible in his consultative works locally, regionally and internationally.
LONG SERVICE AWARDS
	Mr. Michael Lee, Lecturer, Pharmacy and Health Science, is all smiles as he accepts an appreciation award for thirty years of service to the University from Mr. Vivian Crawford, Honorary Treasurer, UTech Council.
Mr. George Roper, (left) Senior Vice President, Academic Affairs receives a long service award for thirty five years of service to UTech from Mr. Vivian Crawford, Honorary Treasurer, UTech Council.  Mr. Roper has contributed to many of the changes at the institution and has been instrumental in shaping UTech as the “national university.”
	Mr. Neville Clato-Day, (left) Lecturer in the School of Engineering receives the long service award for forty years of service to UTech from Mrs. Dorothy Pine-McLarty, UTech Council Member.  The University salutes Mr. Clato-Day for giving an entire lifetime in service to the institution and in the development of its students.

The UTech Communicator recently sat down with ISAS (Integrated Student Administration System) Project Manager, Mr. Garfield Bowen to bring us up-to-date on what has been happening with this very important system that is designed to serve the automation requirements of all the processes related to the entire student life cycle— from recruitment to graduation.  The implementation of the system which officially began in November 2003 is now in its second year.  In this issue, we run part one of the interview.

 UC:  What has been the level of implementation of ISAS to date and what has been the success rate of the system?

 GB:  Since commencement two years ago, six modules have been successfully implemented.  They are Recruitment, Admissions, Enrollment, Student Fees and Finance, Assessment and Examination Scheduling.  

 Student Recruitment involves the marketing of the University’s programmes and courses to prospective applicants.  The system enables the recording of personal information on individuals who contact UTech for information via telephone, email, letters or over the counter and identifies the most suitable promotional materials to send to these interested prospects. 

Admissions module: All applicants received for the 2004/5 academic year were entered on the system.  Applications for the Summer programmes and for the 2005/6 academic year are currently being entered on the system.

 Enrolment: The enrollment module was implemented for academic year 2004/5 and all new and returning students were registered on the system.  New student codes along with new Identification Numbers were issued.  The 2005 Summer Programme is currently being used as a pilot for online registration.  Summer students began registering online on Monday May, 16.  Students can go online and confirm the courses that they will be taking, making changes to their address , contact information, next of kin and so on.

Student Fees and Finance: This module is used to define and generate fees; produce statement of fees and produce invoices for fees due.  The system has also enabled us to enter into a contractual agreement with Paymaster to collect student fees on behalf of the University.  Students can pay their fees at any Paymaster across the country.  So this has really widened our services to the students and it has been going smoothly so far.  The facility also exists for students to pay online.

 Assessment Module: Lecturers have commenced the entry of grades into SITS: Vision.  The system facilitates the calculation of module results of all assessments after the marks have been entered; publishing of pass/fail lists; validation of module results, production of progress reports and publishing of the student’s module results.

 Examination Scheduling: This module will be used to generate examination timetabling for staff and students.

 UC:  Is online registration the sole means being used to currently register Summer students?

 GB: No, we have not eliminated the manual system, so both are happening in parallel.  The same approach will apply for new and returning students who will register in August for the 2005/6 academic year.  This is not a parallel system in the truest sense however, it’s really one system, not two.  We are using one system but two different modes. So we are using paper as well as registering students electronically. But it is one system with one database 

UC:  Why was the decision taken not to implement the other ISAS modules as a parallel system alongside the manual system as you are now doing with registration?

 GB: Implementing a system as huge as ISAS in a parallel manner would be very difficult.  Parallel means that you would maintain everything that currently exists and seek to put in a new system at the same time.  While the parallel approach might be useful for some systems it wouldn’t be necessarily as useful for UTech for a number of reasons: i) UTech is not a very standardized University.  We have 8 schools and 2 departments which over the years have operated pretty much with autonomy and are used to doing things in their own way.  So to implement registration for example in a parallel way would be too resource intensive.  We would be asking all 7,000 students to fill out forms the old way using the old system and doing it also using the new system using two different identification numbers…so it would be very difficult.  You would be asking the already constrained staff to handle two sets of systems…I think that would be cause for potential chaos.  One also has to consider that students are allowed to do cross-faculty courses and are also required to do some core foundation courses, so it would be difficult  to implement the system in one faculty at a time.  Some of the ISAS modules like the Alumni or Career Placement Module could be implemented using the pilot approach since these are not as critical to the student life cycle.

The second  Registrar’s Dinner in honour of our Final-Year International Students was held at Hotel Four Seasons in Kingston on Thursday, April 7, 2005.   

Keynote speaker Mr Steve Smickle, Organizational Development Consultant and UTech past student challenged the students to use their skills and insight to touch their subordinates and create a renewal at the workplace.  Mrs Sandra Glasgow, Senior Vice President, Corporate Services, brought greetings on behalf of the President.  She encouraged the group to be “our key marketing agents.”  She said, “Others back home will be highly influenced by your performance as a UTech ambassador and it is mutually beneficial to increase and maintain the esteem of the institution.  A strong image of UTech will facilitate its growth and development and simultaneously add value to your certification”.  Mrs. Dianne Mitchell, Vice President, Student Services and Registrar,  thanked the students for choosing UTech and implored them “to stay in touch by building an Alumni Chapter in your country.”   

Anastasia Forbes, VP, UTech International Students’ Association thanked the University’s administration for making them feel special.  She said the group enjoyed their stay despite challenges on the way. 

Mrs. Karen Ford-Warner

Mr. Garth Kiddoe, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Karen Ford-Warner as Head of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

 Mrs. Ford-Warner joins UTech after pursuing a very successful career in law and tourism.   For the past six and a half years, she has served as Deputy Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the premier regional tourism agency headquartered in Barbados. She also served as Acting Secretary General.

 Mrs. Ford-Warner is an alumnus of Harvard University where she pursued a Masters degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology .  She also studied at Columbia University where she gained a Master of Arts degree in International Educational Development, and the University of the West Indies where she received her LL.B. She earned her Certificate in Legal Education from the Norman Manley Law School.

 Prior to joining the CTO Mrs. Ford-Warner was the Director General of the Tourism Division in the Office of the Prime Minister (Now Ministry of Industry and Tourism).  As Director General, she had portfolio responsibility for all public sector tourism agencies, including the Jamaica Tourist Board and the Tourism Product Development Company Ltd. 

 Mrs. Ford-Warner is a member of The Jamaican Bar Association and has worked as Chief Legal Counsel and Company Secretary for Jamaica Commodity Trading Company Ltd. and as Associate Tutor at the Norman Manley Law School.  She has also worked as Publications Officer in the Faculty of Education at the University of the West Indies, and as Teacher of English and History at St. Hugh’s High School.

FACULTY OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Remote Sensing and GIS Collaboration

Chairman of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Dr. Adigun Ade Abiodun recently paid a visit to the University to explore institutional and organizational linkages for remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems collaboration.  Proposed areas of emphasis include assisting UTech in expanding linkages with reputable institutions at the regional and international levels and with the sourcing of funding internationally to strengthen the University’s capacity to facilitate projects and programmes throughout the region.  Pictured above from left Mr. Amani Ishemo, Lecturer, SBLM, Ms Nola Elvey, Lecturer, SBLM, Dr. Adigun Ade Abiodun, Dr. Rae Davis, President, Mrs. Audrey Thomas, Acting Dean of the Faculty and Hugh Simmonds, Project Officer, Faculty of the Built Environment.

FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT

Neville Swaby awarded Doctorate

Dr. Neville Swaby, lecturer/Faculty Graduate Coordinator, School of Business Administration has earned his doctorate in Business Administration majoring in International Business from Argosy University California.  His dissertation focused on the Financial Sector Government before and after the 1996 banking crisis in Jamaica.  Dr. Swaby visited Thailand and Vietnam to conduct his research as well as an  international business project.

Accolades for Annual Student Marketing Seminar!

Dr. Charles L. Colby, President of the Rockbridge Associates, Inc, VA, USA who was a speaker at the recently held Annual Marketing Seminar, has written a letter congratulating students and staff on what he thought was a superb event.  Here is some of what he had to say: “I want to complement the marketing students at UTech for putting together an extremely successful and high quality conference.  I have attended scores of conferences and I found this one to be the best in terms of organization, focus, quality of speakers, and professional catering, entertainment and facilities.  I find it amazing that this was organized by undergraduates, and it says a lot about the maturity, work ethic and general sophistication of UTech students...I was moved by the pride of your students and faculty in their country and their school.  I sensed that I was among an elite group of future business leaders, possessing great skills and energy, who will play a critical role in the future of Jamaica.  Mr. Colby also expressed an interest in future collaboration/student internship with UTech and his company.  Well done!

FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND LIBERAL STUDIES

Family and Consumer Studies Conference

The Faculty hosted another very successful annual Family and Consumer Studies Conference on May 19 under the theme, “Home Economics Education: Preparing Citizens to Develop Communities” at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium.  Guest speaker was Dr. Pauline Mullings, a graduate of the Faculty who now works as a counsellor and minister of religion.  In a very passionate and energetic address, Dr. Mullings implored the gathering to work hard to change the image of Home Economics Education (HEE) as merely “cooking, baking and sewing.”  She affirmed that Home Economics Education relates to every aspect of improving community life and called on the University to encourage its HEE students to consider counselling as a profession.

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTING

Congratulations to Dr. Felix Oluwole Akinladejo

Dr. Felix Oluwole ‘Wole’ Akinladejo, Lecturer in the School of Computing and Information Technology recently completed Ph.D. studies in Computer Information Systems.  His thesis is entitled Computer-Supported Rehabilitation Management; A Case Study Using Virtual Reality Technology in Ambulatory Training for Post-Acute Stroke Patients.”  His study investigated the use of virtual reality technology in ambulatory training for post-acute stroke patients, and sought to determine whether skills gained in virtual environments transfer to real-world conditions.

FACULTY OF HEALTH AND APPLIED SCIENCE

UTech Hosts Opening Ceremony for PARS Symposium

The  University of Technology Pharmacy Students (UTAPS)  and the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica (PSJ) on May 20 hosted  the Opening Ceremony of the 4th Pan American Regional Symposium of the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF) at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium.  IPSF promotes the interest of pharmaceutical students and encourages international cooperation among them.  It has a membership of approximately 80 countries representing over three hundred thousand pharmacy students.  Guest speaker was UTech Counsellor, Miss Pat Eves.  At left are delegates who were in attendance.

Dr. Rae Davis, President (l) congratulates the nominees for “Administrative Professional of the Year 2005 –2006.”  From left are Ms Denise Chambers, School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Ms Paulette Brown, Planning and Projects  who was adjudged first runner-up and Mr. Oswy Gayle, Caribbean School of Architecture who was adjudged the overall winner.  Missing from photo is Ms Janette Grayson, School of Computing who tied with Ms. Chambers for 2nd runner up

The Human Resource Management Department feted Administrative Professionals at an appreciation luncheon held in their honour on May 10 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.  It was a fun-filled afternoon for all with activities designed to entertain the group and to challenge Administrative Professionals’ knowledge about UTech.  Mrs. Sandra Glasgow, Senior Vice President, Corporate Services, who was unable to attend owing to illness, sent warm greetings to the group and thanked them for their “significant contribution to the achievement of UTech’s goals.”

 The group was both entertained and challenged by witty guest speaker, Owen “Blakka” Ellis who took the audience through a memorable 20 minutes of thought provoking yet hilarious excerpts from his life and experiences.  He urged the Administrative Professionals present to take risks, “come out of the box” and use what others might perceive as obstacles, as opportunities. He said that he was told that he could never be an actor or entertainer because of his stammer and lisp, yet he is now one of the foremost comedians in Jamaica.

The Caribbean School of Architecture, Faculty of the Built Environment hosted the Inaugural E. Nadine Isaacs Memorial Lecturer and Exhibition in celebration of her life and work on May 12 at the Faculty.  The Lecture was presented by Mr. Vayden McMorris, Founder and Partner, McMorris Sibley Robinson Architects & Planners.  He spoke on “The Challenge of Change: The Professional Architect.”

 Mr. McMorris pointed out that “we are in an era of accelerated change and the cultural and social revolution brought on by advances in the telecommunication and information technologies are transforming the field of Architecture and every aspect of the world around us.  He added that “Nadine was a beacon that even in death will continue to light the way to a more just society and aesthetically pleasing built environment.”

Emotional Farewell for Mrs. Doreen Ellis

Lillian’s Restaurant on the campus was packed to capacity on the evening of May 12 as those who have worked with and admired former Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management, Mrs. Doreen Ellis,  came to bid farewell to her as she retires from the University.  It was with mixed feelings of joy and sadness  that those in attendance spoke of Mrs. Ellis,  as “charming”, “calm”, “self-assured’, “a woman of integrity” -  sentiments endorsed and reiterated by each speaker.  The President and others, praised Mrs. Ellis for her sterling contribution to the Faculty and particularly to the process of ensuring accreditation of programmes.

In her equally emotional response, Mrs. Ellis thanked everyone for the kind words, noting that God has always intervened miraculously through her life’s journey.  She added that she sees her time of retirement as a “change of occupation” and will spend more time with her husband and family and doing many of the things she enjoys but never had the time to do before.  Her husband, Noel and 2 of her 3 children were also in attendance.

 Mrs. Ellis went on retirement leave on May 1, 2005.  She joined the CAST/UTech family in 1980 as a lecturer in the Commerce Department (now  SOBA).  She moved up the ranks to Snr. Lecturer and Principal Lecturer.  She acted as Dean of the Faculty  for 6 months and was appointed Vice Dean  in January 2002.