ICCI celebrates newest graduating class
Members of the 43rd graduating class of ICCI (Photo by Miguel Escalante)
(CNS): The International College of the Cayman Islands (ICCI) held its 43rd commencement on Thursday, 4 February, at which 40 students received degrees. Four students earned the master of business administration, the highest degree offered at the college, and three others earned master’s degrees with concentrations in human resources and education management.
“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.”
In addition, 22 students received bachelor of science degrees, with 11 awarded associate degrees. The major areas of study in this class were accounting, finance, human and social services, broadcasting management and general studies.
Nine civil servants graduated, who 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 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.”
Marshall noted only one student in the class was not employed by graduation, explaining that the college’s career-services team is working to remedy that. Two students have already transferred to overseas institutions to continue their studies with six more planning to follow by September, he added.
“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 rigour,” 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.”
He stressed that ICCI’s goal is “to only send work-ready graduates to employers”.
Karisha Mallari, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, said, “ICCI has taught me a lot of things, but the most important lesson that I learned is to believe in myself. I am confident I have gained the skills at ICCI to go out now and do anything.”
Category: Education
