The University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) celebrated a landmark 50th anniversary alongside its 2025 graduation ceremony this week.
The ceremony recognised the achievements of this year’s graduates as well as five decades of educational excellence since the facility’s founding as a part-time community college in 1975.
Speaking on behalf of Premier Andre Ebanks, education minister Rolston Anglin challenged graduates to invest in the islands’ future.
“You are the future leaders, innovators, change makers of this country,” he said.
“Our three islands may be small in size, but we loom large in opportunity, and that opportunity comes with an obligation to give back.”
The ceremony highlighted exceptional academic achievements across multiple programmes.
Four distinguished individuals received honorary doctorates for their outstanding contributions to Cayman’s educational, cultural and social landscape: Roy Borden, Lucille Seymour, Maureen Teresa Pitcairn and Jackie Balls.
UCCI’s nursing graduates once again achieved a 100% pass rate on the regional examination for nurse registration, continuing the programme’s track record of excellence.
The university’s business students claimed victory in the 2024 Regional Certified Financial Analyst Research Challenge, marking their fourth consecutive win in the competition.
The programme also received recognition at the Cayman Islands Institute of Professional Accountants Awards Gala, with one outstanding student having already passed all four certified public accountant exams while on track to graduate in 2026.
Board of governors’ chair Gilbert McLean praised the performing arts programme, highlighting the “high-energy performance” of Culturama 2025 held at the Harquail Theatre in May.
He also acknowledged Dr MoniKa Lawrence’s years of dedicated service in developing performing arts at UCCI.
New initiatives
The university has introduced several new initiatives, including the Workforce Readiness Centre, designed for busy professionals unable to attend traditional classes due to work, travel, or family commitments.
Current offerings include courses in finance, anti-money laundering, hedge fund management, business communications, information technology, project management, and elderly care.
UCCI has also achieved significant milestones in accreditation and partnerships, attendees at the ceremony heard.
The institution has been re-accredited by the United Kingdom’s Accreditation Service for International Colleges and is progressing towards US regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The university’s professional and technical education and training division, known as PTEC, gained accreditation from the US-based National Center for Construction Education and Research, strengthening its vocational and technical education offerings.
UCCI now maintains partnerships with 20 academic institutions across Canada, the US, and the Caribbean, expanding opportunities for students.
Graduate programmes saw significant growth in 2024, with the university laying groundwork for new academic programmes in renewable energy and digital technology.
“In other words, our students won’t just be ready for the future, they will be building it,” McLean said.
The education minister praised graduates for embracing “the most important challenge, which is to challenge yourself”.
“You being here tonight is a key part of us as Caymanians and as the Cayman Islands building up our own capacity,” the minister said.
“Challenge yourselves when you leave this place to ensure that you reach out and help someone else, inspire someone else to take up the journey that you took up.”
As UCCI enters its sixth decade, the institution continues expanding its reach and impact, positioning itself as a cornerstone of the Cayman Islands’ educational and economic development.
