On April 1, 2018, the International College of the Cayman Islands of the Cayman Islands (ICCI) celebrated its Forty-Fifth Annual Commencement Ceremony at the Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa with pomp and pageantry. Twenty graduates, with degrees ranging from Associate of Science degrees to Master of Business Administration and Master of Science degrees were all smiles as they celebrated the hard work and perseverance that led to this milestone in their lives.

The International College of the Cayman Islands was honored to have Mr. Dan Scott, newly appointed Head of the Cayman Islands Education Council and Managing Partner of the EY Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands Region, deliver the keynote address to the students. “ICCI has done much, with little, for many” Scott said, “I urge this year’s graduating class to choose communities that foster diversity and inclusiveness and raise their voice to always promote these important values”. This is in reference to the fact that the International College of the Cayman Islands has produced over 2000 graduates since it opened its doors in 1970, including Government officials, Cabinet officers and successful business leaders. In addition to Mr. Scott, congratulatory remarks were given by Mr. Alva Suckoo, Minister of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of the Newlands district and a supporter of the college.

Joining these dignitaries on platform were the International College of the Cayman Islands’ Board Chair Mike Mannisto, President of the International College of the Cayman Islands Dr. Byron Coon; President Emerita Dr. Elsa Cummings; Trustees Amy Gage (who heads the U.S. based fundraising arm of the International College of the Cayman Islands), Lucille Seymour and Wayne McManus; Lead Business Instructor Dr. Alicia Law; and Dean and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Aleza Beverly. Other trustees were also in attendance.

“It was a privilege to watch these outstanding graduates walk across the stage and receive their diplomas”, Mr. Mannisto, EY Banking and Capital Markets leader for the Region said. “The experience, knowledge and understanding they gained at the International College of the Cayman Islands will stand them in good stead as they move on in their academic lives and careers”.

“These 20 graduates and their accomplishments are a testament to the International College of the Cayman Islands and our core values of community and continuous learning”, added Dr. Coon. “We wish them the very best as they move forward and fully expect them to have a positive impact on the world”.

The graduates were supported by members of the faculty, staff and academic advisors. The team prepared students through outstanding teaching, adherence to high academic standards, mentoring, and career coaching.

The International College of the Cayman Islands would like to thank and recognize its corporate partners, including EY, Cayman National Bank (CNB), Bank of Butterfield, the Cayman Islands Society of Human Resource Professionals (CISHRP), the Cayman Islands Institute of Professional Accountants (CIIPA), RBC Royal Bank (Cayman) Limited, and Caribbean Utilities Company (CUC) for their continued support in ensuring that students have access to the standard of education that makes graduates successful in the marketplace.

As the Primary and Excellence Sponsor, the RBC Royal Bank (Cayman) Limited had Ms. Mitzie Bailey, branch manager at the Red Bay location, deliver the tribute to the graduates on behalf of the corporate community. “Your commitment to education will also have a material and lasting impact on the Cayman community” encouraged Ms. Bailey, “Education, training and development contribute to a thriving and prosperous army which makes our region a better place to live, work and raise our families”.

Accomplishments of the International College of the Cayman Islands’ Class of 2017:
18 of the 20 members of The Class of 2017 are employed as of today.
Four members of The Class of 2017 finished their programs with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Five members of The Class of 2017 are headed to overseas universities to continue their education.
Five members of The Class of 2017 will be continuing with studies at ICCI.
The overall Class of 2017 GPA is 3.24.
Four members of the Class of 2017 were inducted into Sigma Beta Delta Academic Honor Society.
Eight members of the Class of 2017 are Cayman Islands civil servants.
Eight members of the Class of 2017 have received promotions or employment advancement as a result of their ICCI education.
100% of The Class of 2017 participated in ICCI sponsored service projects or donated money to ICCI charity related projects.
45% of The Class of 2017 earned and maintained Cayman Islands Government Academic Scholarships.
30% of The Class of 2017 earned and maintained scholarships from Cayman’s corporate community.
100% of The Class of 2017 participated in at least one overseas seminar course.

IMAGE: Class of 2017 Graduates and Faculty ICCI