The University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme has a new supporter.

Granger Haugh, well known in Cayman’s philanthropic circles, recently donated $5,000 to UCCI TVET programme.

“I saw in the paper where the university was involved in this programme and it seemed like a good thing,” said Haugh. “I know the university is always short of funding, so it seemed like a good thing to do.”

It’s not the first time Haugh has helped out. He said he got involved with UCCI during the past few years and has provided support on several occasions. One of his donations paid for the sound panels in the ceiling of Sir Vassel Johnson Hall. 

“We were thrilled to be recipients of Mr. Haugh’s ongoing generosity,” UCCI President and CEO Stacy McAfee said. “It’s an important part of UCCI’s mission to be involved in the local community. And when partnerships like this emerge it helps to strengthen those connections. We’re very grateful to receive this kind of support.”

The donation will be used to assist students in pursuing their educations after completion of the current four-week session of courses.

Courses being offered through the TVET session are ones that are expected to help hard-hit industries and range from construction trades, such as plumbing and air conditioning, to computer technology to commercial cooking.

Haugh is a supporter of a number of Cayman charitable organizations, including the Special Needs Foundation Cayman, the Bridge Foundation and Beacon Farms. He sits on the boards of several U.S. non-profits and established the Haugh Family Foundation, which supports U.S. veterans, special needs children and drug and alcohol recovery.

Haugh and his family first came to Cayman in the 1970s. He is the founder of Cliniqa Corp., a U.S.-based firm manufacturing products for medical laboratories. Now, 84, he’s retired from Cliniqa, and spends most of his time on charity-oriented endeavors.  His most recent project is developing a new system for farming in Cayman, which he plans to implement at Beacon Farms in October.  Part of that project involves using sargassum as compost.

He said he and his family spend several months in Cayman every year. Although, this year, that time has been extended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We came in January and we’ve been here ever since,” he said.

UCCI TVET Courses range from seven weeks to three semesters. Courses include: Electrical Technology, General Business, Computer Technician, Electrical installations, Plumbing applications, Air conditioning and Refrigeration Application, Food Preparation, Fundamental of Accounting/Quick Books, Fashion Design Fundamentals, Auto Repair and Maintenance, Preventative Maintenance, Computer Technician Application, Computer Application, Customer Service, Fitness and Wellness, and Sign Language.

For Fall 2020 course schedule visit: www.ucci.edu.ky The application deadline for new students is Aug. 14. TVET classes start on Sep 7. Interested persons are asked to contact our admissions team at [email protected] or call +1 (345) 623 8224 for additional information.