The University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) celebrated the
achievements of 267 graduates during its 2026 Commencement Ceremony on
Tuesday, June 30, at the John Gray High School Auditorium, marking not only
the culmination of years of academic dedication but also the beginning of a new
chapter in the University’s history.
Held under the theme, “Inspiring Excellence, Transforming the Future,” this
year’s ceremony was distinguished by several historic milestones. It was the first
commencement ceremony presided over by President and Chief Executive
Officer Nanalie Cover, following her appointment as the first Caymanian
woman to lead the institution. The ceremony also celebrated UCCI’s inaugural
graduating cohort of the Bachelor of Science in Primary Education programme
and honoured 52 first-generation graduates whose achievements represent a
transformative milestone for their families and communities.
Graduates received certificates, diplomas, associate, bachelor’s, and
postgraduate qualifications across a broad spectrum of academic disciplines,
reflecting UCCI’s expanding academic portfolio and its growing role in
developing the highly skilled workforce needed to support the Cayman Islands’
continued social and economic advancement.
The ceremony brought together graduates, their families and friends, members
of the UCCI Board of Governors, faculty, staff, alumni, government officials,
community leaders, and distinguished guests in celebration of academic
excellence, perseverance, and service. More than a conferral of credentials, the
occasion affirmed the University’s enduring mission to cultivate ethical leaders,
innovators, educators, entrepreneurs, and professionals prepared to contribute
meaningfully to the Cayman Islands and the wider global community.
The commencement ceremony represented a defining moment in UCCI’s
institutional journey as President Cover formally presided over one of the
University’s most significant annual events for the first time. Her appointment
marks an important milestone in the continued evolution of higher education in
the Cayman Islands and reflects UCCI’s commitment to visionary leadership,
academic excellence, and national development.
The Honourable Rolston Anglin, JP, MP, Minister for Finance and Economic
Development and Minister for Education and Training, joined members of the
UCCI Board of Governors, senior university leadership, faculty, and
distinguished guests in congratulating the graduating class.
In his address, Minister Anglin challenged graduates to embrace lifelong
learning as an enduring personal commitment and to apply the knowledge and
skills they have acquired in service to their professions, their communities, and
the continued progress of the Cayman Islands.
“Lifelong learning has got to be what all of you do, not strive for, but what all
of you do,” he told graduates. He concluded by encouraging them to “use these
skills to push forward your careers, push forward your businesses, and use these
skills to help build the best possible Cayman Islands.”
One of the ceremony’s defining moments was the keynote address delivered by
United States District Judge Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe, whose visit to the
Cayman Islands carried deep personal significance. A granddaughter of the late
Captain Willie Kirkconnell and Greta Kirkconnell of Cayman Brac, Judge Moe
described the invitation to address the graduating class as both a professional
honour and a meaningful homecoming.
Drawing upon a distinguished career in law and public service, Judge Moe urged
graduates to build lives founded not merely on professional success, but on
enduring principles of character, integrity, and purpose. Her address challenged
graduates to define success through values capable of sustaining them
throughout every stage of life and leadership.
“My hope for you is this: in the days ahead … you’ll find a quiet time to consider
who you are and what your purpose is. I hope that you’ll find an identity that’s
rooted in something more enduring than your success … something that will give
you an objective measure of what’s wise, good, and true,” said Judge Moe.
Delivering the Valedictory Address, Leonardo Akagac, Valedictorian of the
Class of 2026, reflected on the collective journey that brought the graduating
class to commencement. Speaking on behalf of his fellow graduates, he
acknowledged the perseverance, sacrifice, and resilience that defined their
academic experience while expressing gratitude to the families, friends, faculty,
mentors, and faith communities whose encouragement sustained them along the
way.
Looking beyond graduation, Akagac challenged his classmates to recognize the
influence they would have on future generations and to measure success not only
by professional accomplishment but also by lives of integrity, humility,
leadership, and service.
“Whether we realize it or not, someone is watching us, someone is learning from
us. Someone will pursue a dream because they saw us pursue ours … Let us be
examples of integrity. Let us be leaders who serve. Let us inspire excellence to
those that we love, and let us remember that through God’s power, we can
accomplish anything we set out to do. We just have to persist like we did here
today,” said Akagac.
President and Chief Executive Officer Nanalie Cover congratulated the
graduating class on reaching a milestone that reflects years of determination,
discipline, and unwavering commitment. Addressing graduates for the first time
as President during a commencement ceremony, she reaffirmed the University’s
commitment to advancing academic excellence while preparing graduates
equipped to lead with purpose in an increasingly dynamic and interconnected
world.
“Today we celebrate more than academic achievement, we celebrate
perseverance, resilience, and the remarkable potential of the Class of 2026.
Every graduate here today represents the transformative power of education and
the opportunities it creates for individuals, families, and our nation. As UCCI
enters an exciting new chapter, we remain committed to strengthening
partnerships, advancing academic excellence, and preparing graduates who will
lead with integrity, innovation, and purpose. We are immensely proud of the
Class of 2026 and look forward to the positive impact they will make throughout
the Cayman Islands and beyond,” said Cover.
President Cover also paid special tribute to the University’s first-generation
graduates, recognising the significance of their accomplishments for future
generations.
“To our first-generation graduates, I offer special congratulations. Your
achievement is more than a personal success; it is a milestone for your families,
your communities, and future generations. You have broken barriers, expanded
possibilities, and created a legacy that will inspire others,” she said.
The Class of 2026 reflects the breadth and diversity of UCCI’s academic
offerings, with graduates completing programmes in business, education,
hospitality, nursing, information technology, sciences, public administration,
humanities and social sciences, and technical and vocational studies.
Collectively, they represent a new generation of professionals prepared to
strengthen industries, serve their communities, and contribute to the sustainable
development and global competitiveness of the Cayman Islands.
Among this year’s graduating class were 52 first-generation graduates, each
becoming the first member of their family to earn a tertiary qualification. Their
achievements stand as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of
higher education, expanding opportunity not only for individual graduates but
also for the families and communities whose futures they help reshape.
The ceremony also marked a landmark achievement in UCCI’s academic
development with the graduation of the inaugural cohort of the Associate of Arts
in Early Education Programme. As the first graduates of the University’s newest
early childhood education pathway, they represent an important milestone in
UCCI’s continued commitment to developing highly qualified early childhood
educators who will help shape future generations of learners throughout the
Cayman Islands.
The accomplishments celebrated during commencement reflect a year of
sustained institutional progress. Over the past academic year, UCCI expanded
international academic partnerships, introduced new academic pathways,
strengthened workforce development initiatives, increased scholarship
opportunities, celebrated national and international student achievements, and
continued investing in programmes designed to meet the evolving needs of both
the Cayman Islands and the global workforce.
Academic excellence was also recognised during the ceremony. 87 graduates
received academic honours, reflecting the exceptional academic standards
achieved by the Class of 2026.
As graduates crossed the stage to receive their credentials, the auditorium
resonated with applause from proud families, friends, faculty, and supporters
whose encouragement had helped make the occasion possible. Each degree
conferred represented years of commitment, perseverance, sacrifice, and
personal growth, while symbolising the beginning of new opportunities for
leadership, service, and lifelong learning.
UCCI also expressed its sincere appreciation to parents, guardians, faculty, staff,
alumni, community partners, donors, and supporters whose collective
investment in student success continues to strengthen the University’s mission
and the future of higher education in the Cayman Islands.
With the conferral of degrees, the Class of 2026 joins a distinguished and
growing global network of UCCI alumni whose contributions span government,
education, healthcare, business, hospitality, technology, public service,
entrepreneurship, and countless other sectors that shape the economic and social
fabric of the Cayman Islands. Their achievements serve as a powerful reflection
of the University’s enduring impact and the value of accessible, high-quality
higher education in developing national talent.
The accomplishments celebrated during the 2026 Commencement Ceremony
extend beyond individual academic success. They reflect the collective
aspirations of families, communities, educators, and a nation that continues to
invest in education as a catalyst for innovation, resilience, and sustainable
development. As UCCI continues to expand its academic offerings, strengthen
international partnerships, and respond to the evolving needs of the workforce,
it remains steadfast in its commitment to preparing graduates who possess not
only professional expertise but also the character, critical thinking, and
leadership required to navigate an increasingly complex world.
Guided by this year’s theme, “Inspiring Excellence, Transforming the Future,”
the University looks ahead with confidence, knowing that the Class of 2026
enters society not simply as graduates, but as educators, healthcare
professionals, entrepreneurs, public servants, innovators, researchers, and
community leaders whose knowledge, integrity, and ambition will help shape
the future of the Cayman Islands and beyond.
UCCI extends its heartfelt congratulations to every member of the Class of 2026
and wishes them continued success as they embark upon the next chapter of their
educational, professional, and personal journeys.
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