On Saturday, November 14, families and friends of seven young men gathered to celebrate their completion of the Men of Standard (MoS) programme, a unique, six-credit elective designed specifically for young men and endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx).

Offered at UCCI since 2010 and coordinated by President Roy Bodden, the programme relies on a cadre of eminent persons from the community to deliver a special series of seminars that tackle important issues such as deportment, decorum, self-esteem, choosing role models, conflict resolution, interpersonal relations, sexual health, career choice, civics & citizenship and manhood.

“The objective of the Men of Standard programme is to produce young men who distinguish themselves by right conduct, deportment, dress, and civic responsibility, to name a few qualities,” said President Bodden.

Over the course of two semesters, the young men are taught an uplifting message of character development. President Bodden continued, “We can acquire a good character. All that is necessary is for us to work hard and demonstrate commitment. It is as a result of my belief that the University College must be the vitality of Caymanian society, that I designed such a programme. That confession notwithstanding however, the credit must go to the cohorts of young men who desire to be Men of Standard.”

Everyone present felt a sense of pride as each of the young men took to the podium confidently to share their experiences. Karifia Ross said he cherished the session led by Mr. Edward Solomon, Cayman’s Fashion Icon and owner of Arabus. Dwayne Dixon said the programme has inspired him to be a better father. He added that he would proudly display the MoS certificate in his office.

Hugh Small, recipient of the 2015 Board of Governors award, says he entered the programme a cub and emerged a lion. Student Representative Council President Charles Lewinson paid tribute to his most influential mentors (his father and President Bodden) who taught him humility and hard work. The last to speak was Shardon Nelson, who challenged his fellow graduates to use what they have learned and keep on the right path.

Two of the graduates, Taj-Djuet Berry and Kamaal Conolly, were unable to attend the ceremony but were also recognized.

The Honourable Minister Tara Rivers commended the young men on their achievement and expressed appreciation to President Bodden and UCCI for offering such a programme, which helps to shape young Caymanian men into responsible fathers and productive citizens.

In his remarks, Councillor Winston Connolly touched upon the importance of programmes that orient young men away from the path of gangs and violence and towards doing the “right thing as human beings”.

President Bodden said recognition and appreciation must go to those persons who volunteer as presenters for the modules. “The ultimate success of this programme centres around their service and I sincerely publicly acknowledge their participation,” he said.

In conclusion, President Bodden referenced a very apt quotation by Ernest Boyer in his work, College: The Undergraduate Experience in America:

“At a time in life when values should be shaped and personal priorities sharply probed, what a tragedy it would be if the most deeply felt issues, the most haunting questions, the most creative moments were pushed to the fringe of institutional life. What a monumental mistake it would be if students, during their undergraduate years, remained trapped within the organizational grooves and narrow routines to which the academic world seems so excessively devoted.”

The Men of Standard programme will welcome a new cohort in January 2016. Online registration for the Spring Semester will commence on Friday, November 20.

IMAGE:  L-R: MoS Mentor Orlando Maxwell, UCCI President Roy Bodden, Dwayne Dixon, Minister of Education Hon. Tara Rivers, Karifia Ross, Hugh Small, Charles Lewinson, Shardon Nelson and Councillor Winston Connolly.