Forty students received degrees at the 43rd Commencement of The International College of the Cayman Islands. The ceremony was held Thursday, Feb. 4 at the Westin.

“We are very proud of this talented class which really upped its game during these last two years to achieve academically,” said ICCI President Dr. David Marshall. “We unequivocally vouch for each and every one of them as professionals who are prepared to take their rightful places in Cayman’s globally competitive workforce.”

Four students earned the Master of Business Administration, the highest degree offered at the college. Three students earned other master’s degrees with concentrations in Human Resources and Education Management. Twenty-two students got bachelor of science degrees. Eleven were awarded the associate degree. The major areas of study in this class were accounting, finance, human and social services, broadcasting management and general studies.

Nine civil servants graduated. They work in a variety of departments including the Ministry of Education, Department of Planning, Ministry of Tourism, CIMA, Immigration, Needs Assessment Unit, Radio Cayman and the National Roads Authority.

Baroness Floella Benjamin, a member of the UK House of Lords, who is also a broadcaster, actress, and advocate for children’s welfare gave the commencement address. She urged graduates to use their education to make a difference, change the world, and make their country proud.

“Success doesn’t come easy. It takes hard work, determination, and dedication to duty,” said Benjamin. “But in seeking success, remember your responsibilities, not just to yourselves and to your families, but to your society, your community, your environment and to your world. You got to be role models,” said Benjamin.

The college is working on the final accountability report about the class due later this year to its U.S. accrediting body, The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. However, Marshall said that the initial evaluation of the class appears strong.

Marshall said there is only one student in class who was not employed by graduation. He said the college’s career services team is working to remedy that. Marshall says two students have already transferred to overseas institutions to continue their studies with six more planning to follow by September.

“The stellar performance of this class is evidence that ICCI’s move to raise academic standards is working. There were some students who did not qualify for graduation this year because they did not meet the new rigor,” said Marshall. “As heartbreaking as that is, we are committed to not let anyone walk across that stage unless he or she has demonstrated the competencies in his or her degree area, even if it means smaller and smaller graduating classes,” said Marshall.

“Our goal is to only send work-ready graduates to employers,” said Marshall.

“ICCI has taught me a lot of things, but the most important lesson that I learned is to believe in myself,” said Karisha Mallari, bachelor’s degree recipient in Business Administration. I am confident I have gained the skills at ICCI to go out now and do anything,” said Mallari.

Acting Deputy Governor Jennifer Ahearn and Minister of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs, Hon. Tara Rivers gave congratulatory remarks and awarded diplomas to graduates. Butterfield, Cayman National, CISPA, and Ernst & Young and presented awards to top academically achieving students.

——————————————————————————————-

Founded in 1970, the International College of the Cayman Islands the Birthplace of
Tertiary Education in the Cayman Islands. The College is institutionally accredited by the U.S. based Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. ICCI has held this accreditation since 1979.

The International College of the Cayman Islands has been awarded the status of Candidate for Accreditation by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) located at 11374 Strang Line Road in Lenexa, Kansas. In granting candidacy status, the Board of Commissioners has determined that the International College of the Cayman Islands has developed an appropriate quality management system; has satisfied candidacy requirements relating to its business programs, resources, and operational processes; and is eligible to undergo an accreditation review.

The mission of the International College of the Cayman Islands is to prepare students for career placement and enhancement. The ICCI education instills attitudes, behaviors, sensitivities, skills and knowledge that are essential to life and learning.

Photos of the graduation: (Miguel Escalante – photo credit)

Video of the ceremony 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWiVYA3Mvv0&feature=youtu.be

Additional quotes from graduates:

Video 1   https://youtu.be/mmOroJZzMUs

Video 2:  https://youtu.be/U8Swsrwjo_s

Video 3:  https://youtu.be/XZot4-WAfZc