Future Hospitality Professionals Honored at 2025 SHS Award Ceremony

 The School of Hospitality Studies (SHS) at the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) hosted its annual Award Ceremony on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at The George Town Yacht Club under the theme: Ignite the Spark, Embrace the Journey, Elevate the Future. The event celebrated the accomplishments of twenty-six (26) students who have demonstrated excellence, resilience, and commitment to advancing careers in the hospitality and tourism industry. 

This year's ceremony brought together proud students, families, faculty, government leaders, and industry stakeholders for a morning of recognition and inspiration. The event featured remarks from Professor Livingston Smith, Acting President and CEO of UCCI; Dr. Belinda Blessitt-Vincent, Acting Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs and Workforce Education; and Mrs. Rosa Harris, Director of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. The keynote speaker was Kimberley Dangerfield, Vice President of Cayman Islands Tourism Association. 

Other speakers included successful SHS alumni who shared words of encouragement and reflected on their journeys in the industry. Attendees also enjoyed student performance and special musical tribute by Madam Niros, celebrating Caymanian culture and hospitality. Among the highlights of the evening was the presentation of certificates and top student awards in areas such as Reception Services, Food & Beverage Services, Culinary Arts, Spa Services, and Water Sports & Recreation. 

Special recognition included the Spirit of Hospitality Ambassador Award and Know Your Cayman Islands Certificates, presented in partnership with the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. Dr. Aneka Hutchinson, Director of the School of Hospitality Studies, emphasized the importance of partnerships in student development: "Our program is successful because of the strong support from our industry partners, who provide our students with real-world experience. Today's ceremony is not just a celebration of academic achievement, but also of the community that uplifts these students." The SHS Award Ceremony continues to serve as a milestone event recognizing the next generation of Caymanian hospitality professionals who are poised to make their mark both locally and internationally.

 For more information about the School of Hospitality Studies and its programs, please visit www.ucci.edu.ky.