UCC Foundation Hosts Sean Thelwell Scholarship Launch and Annual Distinguished Lecture at Scholarship Recognition Ceremony
Welcoming attendees on behalf of the UCC Foundation, Professor Dennis J. Gayle, Interim Chairman of the UCC Board of Directors and Chairman of the UCC Foundation, said the ceremony marked the revival of an important tradition of recognizing student achievement while encouraging wider philanthropic support for education.
Held under the theme ‘Recognizing Excellence, Empowering Futures,’ Professor Gayle said the occasion reflected both the purpose of the ceremony and the broader mission of the University. “We are here not only to celebrate achievement, but also to affirm our commitment to building accessible pathways of opportunity for our students,” he said.
The programme commenced with the launch of the Sean Thelwell Memorial Scholarship, which Professor Gayle described as “a powerful reminder that legacy can be transformed into lasting impact.” Established to support students pursuing tertiary education in logistics, operations, and production, the scholarship honours a former executive staff member whose service, professionalism, and character left a lasting mark on the institution.
Reflecting on Sean Thelwell’s life and contribution to UCC, Professor Gayle remarked, “He demonstrated that excellence is not loud, that leadership does not always announce itself, and that true professionalism is inseparable from character.” He also described Mr. Thelwell as a man whose character embodied perseverance, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, adding that his legacy continues to challenge others to hold themselves to the same principled standard he lived every day.
Professor Gayle further reflected on the scholarship as a fitting tribute to Mr. Thelwell’s life and service, noting, “Today, as we honor his memory, we do so with profound gratitude for his contributions, with pride in his achievements, and confidence that his legacy will continue to inspire us all gathered here today for generations to come.”
Deputy President, Professor Bernadette Warner, presented a citation to the Thelwell family in honour of Sean Thelwell, highlighting his contribution to UCC and emphasizing the depth he shared in his relationships with colleagues. Responding on behalf of the family, his sister, Ms. Jackie Thelwell, shared, “To see Sean's name carried forward in this way means more to us than words can fully capture. As a family, we witnessed how much of himself he gave to UCC. He took pride in ensuring everything was in order and that others could rely on the work being done well. We are grateful that you are choosing to honour not just the work he did, but the dedication he brought every single day.”
A copy of the citation was also donated to the University in remembrance of Mr. Thelwell and will be permanently displayed in tribute to his legacy.
The UCC Foundation’s scholarship programme continues to serve as a central pillar of the University’s mission to expand access to higher education and recognize academic excellence. During the ceremony, Professor Gayle underscored that the programme exists not only to celebrate student achievement, but also to build accessible pathways of opportunity for deserving learners whose academic ambitions might otherwise be limited by financial barriers. He noted that the Foundation has directly supported hundreds of scholarships over the last 10 years and that, for the current period, the UCCF Scholarship Programme is intended to support 284 recipients at a total value of approximately J$71.32 million.
At this year’s ceremony, the Foundation proudly recognized 38 scholarship recipients, along with 14 awardees supported through its scholarship partnership initiatives. In this way, the programme functions not simply as financial aid, but as an investment in future leaders, innovators, and professionals who will contribute meaningfully to Jamaica and the wider region.
Professor Dennis J. Gayle also reflected on the origin and purpose of the scholarship initiative for incarcerated persons, describing it as a creative and transformative partnership. This relationship was launched on September 5, 2019, through discussions with Mrs. Geraldine Adams, Deputy UCC Group Executive Chairman; the then President Gayle himself, Professor Bernadette Warner, Deputy President; Ms. Carla Gulotta, Director of the NGO, 'Stand Up for Jamaica,' and Mr. Orlando Robinson, Board Member. Mrs. Sonia Davidson, Dean of the School of Business, Entrepreneurship and Management, has been particularly instrumental in managing this program since that time, and was recognized for her efforts.
Professor Gayle shared that the team would have then expanded to include the Honorable Minister of National Security and his leadership team, including the Honorable Rudyard Spencer, Permanent Secretary; Mrs. Darren McIntosh; and retired Commissioner Lieutenant Colonel Gary Rowe.
The initiative was designed to extend the reach of higher education into Jamaica’s correctional facilities, reduce recidivism, and create genuine opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration through learning. Since its inception, the programme has enabled 21 inmates to graduate with full UCC scholarships, with 2 advancing to pursue bachelor’s degrees and 15 scholarship holders currently participating in the programme. The partnership stands as a powerful example of education being used not only to transform individual lives, but also to strengthen social justice, public safety, and national development.
The scholarship launch preceded the Scholarship Recognition segment of the ceremony, during which more than sixty students were acknowledged for qualifying for scholarships, an initiative of the UCC Foundation that has supported many students in completing their degrees. In his address to students, Professor Gayle underscored that scholarships represent more than financial assistance. He said they also reflect the Foundation’s confidence in each recipient’s capacity to lead, innovate, and make meaningful contributions to Jamaican and regional society. “Today, we recognize your excellence in learning. Tomorrow, we will expect your leadership,” he said.
In addition to the scholarship presentations and launch, the programme concluded with the Foundation’s annual Distinguished Lecture, delivered by Dr. M. Audrey Stewart-Hinchcliffe, CD, JP, Executive Chairman of Manpower & Maintenance Services Limited, under the theme ‘Redefining Leadership Towards a Paradigm Shift for Economic Development.’ Dr. Hinchcliffe encouraged leaders across sectors to rethink traditional approaches to progress in an increasingly dynamic global environment.
Her lecture emphasized the need for national and regional transformation in areas such as education, innovation, and collaboration to better align with global developments. Challenging leaders to act decisively, Dr. Hinchcliffe stated, “This shift is essential for achieving the success and vision by the architects of Jamaica's independence, as well as our present leaders”.
At the close of her presentation, Dr. Hinchcliffe presented copies of her books A Time Like No Other, The Will to Overcome, and Chapters of Your Life to Dr. Winston Adams, Group Executive Chairman; Professor Colin Gyles, President of UCC; Mrs. Sonia Davidson, Dean of the Faculty of Business, Entrepreneurship and Management; and Ms. Madene Carr, Chief Librarian.
The University extends sincere gratitude to the organizers and contributors who made the event possible, including Ms. Shelly-Ann Sital, UCC Foundation Administrator, who coordinated the ceremony, mobilised the University’s leaders, and managed the execution of the event; Professor Bernadette Warner, who provided guidance in developing the programme and working assiduously with Ms Sital; Professor Dennis J. Gayle, for his support throughout the planning process and riveting remarks in his opening statements and welcome; and Professor Colin Gyles, whose continued commitment to institutional advancement helped shape the success of the inaugural Scholarship Recognition Ceremony.
The University continues to champion academic excellence and forward-thinking leadership while strengthening partnerships that support student success.