-Institute to give greater emphasis on development and deployment of online and hybrid courses-
-Keynote speaker Mr. James Moss Solomon calls upon graduates to be reliable and have uncompromising Integrity-
KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Thirty three graduates of the Associate Degree in Computer Systems Technology, and ten graduates of the Diploma in Computer Systems Technology programme were awarded degrees at the 14th annual graduation ceremony held at Knutsford Court Hotel.
Keynote speaker and well known businessman, Mr. James Moss-Solomon called on graduates to uphold uncompromising integrity and punctuality. “To achieve success, be there; be there on time, and be there dressed to play,” he said. He elaborated that "dressed to play, means having the necessary skills and tools to do the job".
“It is essential for you to network and apply best practices if you want to succeed,” Mr. Moss-Solomon said.
In outlining the institute’s performance, Dr. Wayde Marr, Executive Chairman of Vector Technology Institute, said: “This year we have seen an increase in the number of Associate level graduates over 2009; and decline in the number of Diploma level graduates.”
The decline, Dr Marr said, reflects the students’ recognition and appreciation for long term programmes. “An increased number of graduates of the Diploma have carried on into the Associate programme…we believe that students have correctly assessed that there is far more value in the longer programmes.”
In his address, Dr Marr called on the graduates to understand the price that they need to pay for success. “The price we pay, reflects in the sacrifices that we make in our personal lives and are therefore sacrifices shared by families, friends and other well wishers.”
He urged them to be focused and tread steadily on the road to success. “The road is rocky, and many falter along the way. Some of us pick ourselves up and soldier on, while the lesser and less committed will despair and may even quit the journey,” he noted.
“As you graduate, please do not forget your alma mater,” the Executive Chairman said. “Vector is at a point of development where we need a significant amount of assistance from our alumni. Remember the value of your diploma or degree is tied inescapably to the success of the Institution.”
“So, as the Institution grows and takes on greater prominence, so does the value of your credentials. There are numerous ways in which you can help: planning and participating in forums, assist in developing college life programs such as clubs, associations, planning networking activities and events, development of a job bank, etc.”
Valedictorian Jermaine Newby, in thanking the institution and faculty for their pragmatic approach for course delivery said, “Vector Technology Institute was born from the vision of its founding members to create an environment where students can learn practical skills that can adequately develop and prepare them to be technology specialists of the highest standard and suitably prepare them to function in the professional world.”
“My fellow graduates, be people that are innovative, be persons of character, be persons of integrity, be persons of high-standing,” Newby added.
Dr Marr said there was a definite demand and need to look into the innovative platform of course delivery, which, he said the institute was putting in place. “ICT will surely play a central role to the continued development and growth of the organization,” he informed. “To this end we expect to deploy a significantly greater number of online classes; stretching our reach while maintaining the high value, high quality attributes of our programmes.”
In conclusion Dr Marr called upon the graduates to give back to the community and work towards Jamaica’s development.
“You now join an elite band of professionals who have had benchmark achievements,” he told the graduates. “You are therefore expected to not only live up to these high expectations, but be prepared to use your knowledge to benefit not only yourselves, but also in service to your country.”
ABOUT VECTOR TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
Vector Technology is a registered tertiary institution certified by the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ) since 1997. It is also a member of the Joint Committee on Tertiary Education (JCTE). The Institute was the pioneer in delivering training to Computer Technicians in Jamaica when it introduced its Certificate Courses in 1992.
VTI is situated at 35A Eastwood Park Road in the heart of Half Way Tree, behind Twin Gates Plaza.
VTI has as its mandate: To produce specialists in the field of Computer Systems Design, and Maintenance and Administration; to serve the needs of the IT Industry, and to provide the basis for further academic pursuits in this field of study.