UTech, Jamaica Engineering Alumni Group – Engine95 Present Inaugural Scholarships to Students
Miss Shannon Thompson, 2nd year Civil Engineering student, Faculty of Engineering and Computing accepts her plaque and scholarship cheque from Mr. Sean Clacken, member of the Engine95 UTech, Jamaica alumni group, during a special presentation held Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at Lillian’s Restaurant, UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus.
Mr. Jeremy Mullings, (left) member of the Engine95 UTech, Jamaica alumni group presents Mr. Dario Beckford, 2nd year Electrical Engineering student, Faculty of Engineering and Computing, with a plaque and scholarship cheque for $200,000.
Miss Jheanelle Harvey, 3rd year Electrical and Computer Engineering student, Faculty of Engineering and Computing is all smiles as she accepts her plaque and scholarship cheque for $200,000 from Mr. Michael Sutherland, member of the Engine95 UTech, Jamaica alumni group.
A group of engineering alumni who were part of the University of Technology, Jamaica graduating Class of 1995, who have formed an association called The Engine95 Year Group, on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 handed over scholarship cheques to three current engineering students valued at $600,000 to assist with tuition and other school related expenses. Coordinated through the UTech, Jamaica Scholarship Office, the scholarship was open to second and third year students of the School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Computing (FENC), who are pursuing a degree in any of the engineering disciplines of Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Industrial, or Electrical and Computer engineering, for the 2021-2022 academic year.
The scholarships of $200,000 each which also include professional mentorship to the students by local and international members of the Engine95 group, were presented to Dario Beckford, 2nd year Electrical Engineering student, Shannon Thompson, 2nd year Civil Engineering student and Jheanelle Harvey, 3rd year Electrical and Computer Engineering student.
The inaugural Engine95 Year Group Scholarship was founded and funded by the members of the past student group whose members are currently working in various professional pursuits in Jamaica, the United States, Canada, Africa, UAE and Russia, but have kept their network and friendships strong through the enabling power of ICT connectivity, particularly during the pandemic.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony hosted at Lillian’s Restaurant, UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus, Ms. Candice Bryan, Vice President Engine95, noted that the group was among the first cohort to receive their certification from the University of Technology, Jamaica as the institution transitioned to university from the then College of Arts, Science and Technology (CAST) in 1995. She noted that the group of engineering graduates has kept the bond of connections formed during their memorable time of learning and camaraderie at the institution. She shared that three years ago, the group whose members currently live and work across the globe, had the vision to formally come together to give back to the university, noting that their time at the institution has “ shaped us into who we are now.” Congratulating the scholarship recipients, Ms Bryan implored the students to take their academic pursuits seriously, but to also place importance on camaraderie and leveraging relationships formed with fellow students.
The Engine95 Vice President also spoke to the importance of seeking opportunities and drawing on creative and innovative strengths even in the face of challenges, such as those brought on by the current pandemic. In that regard, she cited the example of the opportunity taken during the pandemic to use the power of information communication technologies, to conduct online scholarship interviews inclusive of the involvement of members of the group drawn from across the world. Offering further words of encouragement to the scholarship recipients, Ms Bryan noted that challenging circumstances should not change who you are, but how you represent yourself. “If you are a person who has been involved in community service, continue to do so, but find creative ways to continue, whether online or otherwise,” she noted.
Expressing profound gratitude to the Engine95 group on behalf of scholarship recipients, Miss Shannon Thompson noted the financial obstacles faced by university students in continuing their education. “Having already graduated, many would turn their backs at the closing of their university chapter, but for you to see a need to support the current cohort, I cannot help but be bursting with appreciation and gratitude to your kindness,” she noted, adding encouragement to her fellow recipients to “use this opportunity wisely, to improve upon ourselves and to influence others to grasp opportunities no matter how small they may seem.”
The presentation ceremony was chaired by Mrs. Pauline Madourie, Scholarship Officer who saluted the Engine95 group for its “vision and bold initiative in giving to an institution that is giving so much,” adding that “UTech, Jamaica salutes you on your strident efforts to source much needed funds which will enable our young citizens to attain the necessary qualifications to be able to make their own positive contribution to our society.” Scholarship Assistant, Miss Tashana Gayle joined in welcoming members of the Engine95 group, including overseas President, Mr. Ronald Caldwell who joined the ceremony virtually.
Members of the Engine95 UTech, Jamaica alumni group, scholarship recipients and Scholarship Officer pose for a group photograph during a special scholarship presentation ceremony hosted on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at Lillian’s Restaurant, UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus. From left are Mr Hugh Blair, Mrs. Pauline Madourie, Scholarship Officer, UTech, Jamaica, Mr. Michael Sutherland, Ms Shannon Thompson, FENC student, Ms Candice Bryan, Vice President Engine95, Mr. Dario Beckford and Jheanelle Harvey, FENC students, Mr. Jeremy Mullings and Mr. Sean Clacken, member of the The Engine95 UTech, Jamaica alumni group.
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Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: 876 970-5299
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm