UCCI to celebrate its 50th anniversary with special commencement ceremony

The University College of the Cayman Islands will continue to mark its 50th anniversary at this year’s commencement ceremony on 1 July at its George Town campus.

As part of the historic event, which has the theme ’50 Years Strong: Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future’, the university college will bestow four honorary doctorates upon individuals who have shaped the country’s 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,” UCCI stated in a press release. “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 honorary doctorate recipients

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Receiving honorary doctorates are:

• J. A. Roy Bodden – an educator, past UCCI president and former politician who served as Minister of Education, Sports, Youth and Gender Affairs, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Letters;

• Lucille Dell Seymour – a pioneering educator, community leader and former legislator will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humanities;

• Maureen Theresa Pitcairn – an attorney, and a community and cultural contributor will receive a Honorary Doctor of Laws;

• Jackie Annette Balls – a long-time dance educator whose 50-year legacy has shaped generations of Caymanian performers and artists, will receive a Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts

Gilbert McLean, chairman of the UCCI board of governors, said in the release, “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.”

The graduation will represent the largest such ceremony in UCCI’s five-decade history, with a number of distinguished guests gathering to honour the institution’s legacy and celebrate its graduating class. Partner educational institutions from overseas will be in attendance, demonstrating UCCI’s growing international collaborative network and academic partnerships that have expanded educational opportunities for Caymanian students, the release said.

The ceremony will also feature special recognition of past UCCI presidents and notable alumni, emphasiSing the institution’s role in developing local leadership and professional expertise across multiple generations.

UCCI’s 50th anniversary celebrations, being held from March 2025 to March 2026, feature 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 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.”

The public is invited to watch the live-streamed commencement ceremony, which starts at 6pm, on UCCI’s official YouTube and Facebook channels.