The University College of the Cayman Islands will host its third annual Spring Concert slated for Saturday, 13 April from 6:30pm at the UCCI Courtyard. This major benefit concert being presented under the patronage of UCCI Board Chair Mrs. Berna Cummins, MBE, seeks to raise funds for the University College’s Cultural Exchange Programme with Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.

Local artists KK Alese, Glen Inanga, Cayman Swing Kings and InVerse Band are all graciously lending their talent to the cause and have prepared exciting numbers for the concert which takes the format of a variety show. There will also be a special presentation featuring the students of George Town Primary who are participating in UCCI’s Performing Arts Outreach programme.

Central to the Spring Concert’s objective is to develop the talent of UCCI’s young men and women. Hence, the UCCI Choir, Pandemix Steel Band, Dancers and Woodwind Ensemble under the tutelage of Music Maestro Glen Inanga and Artistic Director Dr. MoniKa Lawrence have been hard at work to ensure that the audience is treated to quality performances.

Mr. Roy Bodden, UCCI President, said, “This year’s Spring Concert takes the fledgling UCCI Performing Arts programme to a new level.  It offers a positive opportunity for participants to show growth and development and to exhibit their professionalism.”

A notable addition to this year’s concert is the Awards Night of the Mr and Ms UCCI competition, a search for students who embody the ideals of the University College. Finalists will be judged in three categories, namely: Talent, Interview and Evening Wear. Winners will receive cash prizes, airline tickets courtesy of Cayman Airways, handsets from Digicel, an iPad mini from Kirk Office Equipment, as well as a slew of gift certificates from the Ritz-Carlton, Westin Casuarina, Hollywood Theaters, Off The Peg, Boutique Ziba, Wuave Boutique, Godfrey’s Enterprises, and AL Thompson’s.

Donna Myrie of Le Classique, Lana Cayasso of Kirk Freeport La Perfumerie II, Melrose Gooding of Studio 7 Beauty & Spa, Danielle Ebanks of The Powder Room and UCCI Professors Erica Gordon and Dr. Stephanie Fullerton-Cooper are also providing contestants with workshops on Public Speaking, Personal Grooming & Style, Building Self-Confidence and Talent Development.

UCCI is appealing to the community to support this event and help the UCCI Performing Arts Group raise funds for their cultural exchange programme to Canada which is designed to broaden the participants’ horizons as they learn from their counterparts and experience a world other than their own. The programme is also geared towards honing individual talents while developing leadership skills and an appreciation for their cultural identity.

The Spring Concert 2013 would also like to acknowledge the Caymanian Compass, dms Broadcasting, High Impact Media, Kirk Market and Fosters Food Fair for having supported the event since its inception in 2011.

University College of the Cayman Islands

UCCI is an institution of higher learning that contributes to the Caymanian society by advancing knowledge and developing creative graduates, and through its cultural, social, economic and environmental activities. “We will admit all students with the potential and passion to learn. We will challenge students intellectually and prepare them for life in the global market place”.

The goals of the University College of the Cayman Islands are:

 To provide high quality education in career, liberal arts and transfer programmes;

 To encourage the maximum development of student potentials;

 To develop the competence of undergraduate students in basic skills;

 To prepare students in career programmes to meet the standards and competencies required for employment;

 To foster social and political awareness and involvement in the community through academic programmes and extra-curricular activities;

 To respond to the varied educational needs of the local community through a broad range of continuing education, career training and community service programmes;

 To develop new educational programmes in response to the economic development needs of the community in collaboration with the Cayman Islands Government, the

Chamber of Commerce, and other local associations;

 To provide a systematic process of review that assures the realisation of the mission and goals of the University College.