The University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) celebrated excellence in technical and professional education on Thursday, 1 October 2026, as 14 students were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) Cayman Chapter and 12 students were recognised for outstanding achievement across programmes within the University’s Professional and Technical Education and Training (PTET) Division.
Held under the theme “Celebrating Excellence, Honoring Achievement, Inspiring Futures,” the ceremony recognised students whose commitment to their studies, technical development and professional growth reflects the vital role skilled professionals play in the continued development of the Cayman Islands.
The 14 inductees represented programmes spanning Construction Technology and Project Management, Plumbing, Electrical, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, and Food and Beverage, reflecting the breadth of technical and professional pathways available at UCCI.
The evening also celebrated 12 students for outstanding achievement across programmes including Construction Technology, Plumbing, Electro-Technology, Electrical Installation, General Business, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Hospitality and Tourism, General Accounting and Computer Technology.
Recognising Excellence in Technical Education
Membership in the National Technical Honor Society recognises students who demonstrate excellence within career and technical education while encouraging continued development through leadership, service and professional growth.
For UCCI’s inductees, membership also connects them to a wider international community of students pursuing technical and career-focused education. NTHS provides members with scholarship opportunities, career development resources and professional programmes, while promoting leadership, service and professional development as core elements of the student experience.
NTHS and its partners award nearly US$300,000 in scholarships annually, with membership benefits also including career-readiness resources, industry-recognised certification opportunities and other professional development tools.
Dr. Livingston Smith, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs and Workforce Education, delivered greetings during the ceremony, joining faculty, industry representatives, families and members of the UCCI community in recognising the students’ achievements.
Delivering remarks on behalf of UCCI President and CEO Nanalie Cover, Tresea Brown extended the President’s congratulations to the inductees, their families, educators, mentors and supporters.
In her message, President Cover emphasised that the honour of induction carries both recognition and responsibility as members of the second cohort of the NTHS Cayman Chapter.
“Your induction into the National Technical Honor Society is a recognition of what you have already accomplished, but it is also a reflection of the qualities that will define your success in the years ahead: discipline, integrity, professionalism, initiative, and a willingness to continually learn and improve.
“But I also encourage you to see today not as the culmination of your journey, but as the beginning of a new chapter. As the second cohort inducted into the Cayman Chapter, you have a unique responsibility. You are not simply joining an honour society; you are helping to shape its identity, establish its traditions, and build its legacy.”
President Cover also underscored the importance of technical and vocational education to the Cayman Islands, noting that the students being recognised will form part of the skilled workforce needed to strengthen industries, support communities and contribute to the country’s continued prosperity and resilience.
Connecting Education with Industry
The ceremony also highlighted the connection between education, resilience and professional growth in preparing students for the opportunities that may emerge throughout their careers.
Mr. Troy Whorms, Director of the Public Works Department and a UCCI graduate, delivered the guest address, drawing on his own journey from technical studies at UCCI to senior leadership within the Cayman Islands.
Whorms reflected on returning to UCCI following the disruption caused by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, when he experienced significant personal and professional losses. He recalled the important role faculty members played as teachers, mentors and sources of encouragement during that period, and shared how continued learning, practical experience and perseverance contributed to opportunities he could not have anticipated while he was a student.
“Your training matters. Your experience matters. Your resiliency matters. The people who invest in you and the opportunities in front of you are greater than they have ever been before, so be ready for them. Keep learning. Trust what you have built. When disruption comes, dig deep enough to grasp the future you want for yourself.
“Every student being recognised today should feel proud of what they have accomplished. But understand, this is not the finish line. This is evidence that you have the capability to take on what comes next, and I look forward to seeing what you build from here,” said Whorms.
His message encouraged students to view their recognition as a foundation for continued learning and professional growth, emphasising resilience, character and the importance of remaining prepared for opportunities throughout their careers.
Mr. Ricardo Benjamin, Programme Director of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), reflected on the wider significance of the students’ achievements and the collective effort involved in strengthening technical and vocational education in the Cayman Islands.
“The Professional and Technical Education and Training (PTET) Division celebrates far more than individual achievement. We celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our National Technical Honor Society inductees and award recipients, whose dedication, perseverance and commitment to excellence exemplify the very best of technical and vocational education and training.
“The accomplishments of our students reflect the collective efforts of educators, industry partners, families, government agencies and community stakeholders who have invested in their growth and success. These achievements demonstrate what is possible when we work together with a common vision to develop a skilled, innovative and resilient workforce.
“As we recognise the dedication and potential of our inductees, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening TVET pathways in the Cayman Islands, ensuring that our nation is equipped with the talent, expertise and leadership needed to build a prosperous and secure future for generations to come,” said Benjamin.
UCCI’s PTET programmes are supported by relationships with employers and industry organisations across the Cayman Islands. The 2026 ceremony recognised industry sponsors representing construction, utilities, tourism, refrigeration and air conditioning, electrical services and professional accounting, among other sectors.
These relationships strengthen the connection between education and professional practice, providing opportunities for students to develop skills that reflect the needs of the workplace while engaging with industries in which many will ultimately build their careers.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Skilled Professionals
For UCCI, recognition through the National Technical Honor Society represents more than academic achievement. It reflects the University’s broader commitment to ensuring that technical and professional education is recognised as an essential pathway through which students can develop their talents, pursue rewarding careers and contribute meaningfully to the Cayman Islands.
President Cover’s message called on the inductees to carry their achievement forward through integrity, excellence, lifelong learning and service.
“Wherever your career takes you, leave your workplace, your profession, your community, and your country stronger because you were there.”
As the Cayman Islands’ premier tertiary institution, UCCI continues to provide educational pathways that respond to the diverse aspirations of its students and the evolving workforce needs of the country. Through technical education, professional training and partnerships with industry, the University seeks to prepare graduates with the knowledge, practical capabilities and professional values required to succeed within their chosen fields.
The induction ceremony therefore represented both a celebration of what students have already achieved and an acknowledgement of the opportunities and responsibilities that lie ahead.
For the 14 newest members of the National Technical Honor Society and the students recognised for outstanding achievement, the evening marked another milestone in journeys defined by learning, skill development and the pursuit of excellence.
As they continue those journeys, UCCI congratulates each inductee and award recipient and encourages them to carry forward the spirit of “Celebrating Excellence, Honoring Achievement, Inspiring Futures” into their professions, workplaces and communities.