FOUR HONOURARY DOCTORATES TO BE AWARDED AT UCCI’S HISTORIC 50TH ANNIVERSARY COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
The University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) will host its most significant Commencement Ceremony to date on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, marking a historic milestone as the institution celebrates its 50th anniversary under the theme 50 Years Strong: Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future.
This landmark event represents the largest graduation ceremony in UCCI's five-decade history, with an exceptional number of distinguished guests gathering to honour the institution's legacy and celebrate its graduating class.
Partner educational institutions from across the globe will be in attendance, demonstrating UCCI's growing international collaborative network and academic partnerships that have expanded educational opportunities for Caymanian students. The ceremony will also feature special recognition of past UCCI presidents and notable alumni, emphasizing the institution's role in developing local leadership and professional expertise across multiple generations.
In recognition of exceptional contributions to Caymanian society and culture, UCCI will also confer four Honorary Doctorates upon distinguished individuals who have shaped the Islands' educational, cultural, and social landscape.
The four Honorary Doctorate recipients represent diverse sectors of Caymanian society, from education and politics to arts and community service. Their collective contributions span decades and have fundamentally shaped modern Cayman Islands society, particularly in areas of cultural development, educational advancement, and community leadership. UCCI is proud to announce they are:
Renowned educator and former politician who served as Minister of Education, Sports, Youth and Gender Affairs.
Pioneering educator and community leader.
Distinguished community advocate and cultural contributor.
Legendary dance educator whose 50-year legacy has shaped generations of Caymanian performers and artists.
Mr Gilbert McLean, Chairman of the Board of Governors at UCCI, commented. “The conferment of these honorary doctorates represents UCCI's recognition of individuals whose dedication and service have left an indelible mark on our Islands. As we mark this golden anniversary milestone, we celebrate not only our institutional growth but also the remarkable Caymanians who have helped shape our educational landscape and cultural identity. This ceremony truly captures the spirit of our theme: honouring the past while inspiring future generations."
The ceremony will feature an exceptional platform party befitting this golden anniversary celebration:
UCCI's 50th anniversary celebrations span from March 2025 to March 2026, featuring a comprehensive series of events including a gala dinner, the publication of a commemorative 50th Anniversary Yearbook, Distinguished Lecture Series events, and a community marathon. The Commencement Ceremony serves as a cornerstone event in this year-long celebration.
"This ceremony represents not just the culmination of our students' academic achievements, but a celebration of five decades of educational excellence in the Cayman Islands," said Dr. Livingston Smith, Acting President and CEO of UCCI. "We are honouring both our graduates and the remarkable individuals who have built the foundation upon which UCCI stands today."
Dr. Belinda Blessitt Vincent, Acting Vice President of Academic Affairs & Workforce Education at UCCI commented, "This momentous occasion reflects UCCI's unwavering commitment to academic excellence and our deep connection to the Cayman Islands community.”
The ceremony will include several special commemorative elements and will be live streamed for the whole of Cayman to enjoy.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Venue: UCCI Campus, George Town
Time: 6pm
Live Stream: Available via UCCI's official channels (YouTube and Facebook) and via Cayman Marl Road
The public is invited to watch this historic celebration virtually via live stream, allowing the wider community to tune in remotely and be part of this milestone moment for higher education in the Cayman Islands.
