UTT Graduands Urged To Lead Change For A Resilient Nation
Graduands from the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) have been encouraged to foster change in their respective fields.
Emphasising this year’s theme, ‘Forged in Innovation, Driven by Purpose, Empowering Change Makers for a Resilient Nation,’ Chairman of the UTT Board of Governors, Professor Selwyn Cudjoe, reminded graduates of their responsibility to improve this country.
« Graduates, you are the embodiment of UTT’s vision: creative, capable, and committed to nation building. If you are not committed to nation building, then you have no right to be in the university of the country. It’s our collective responsibility to make Trinidad and Tobago a better place to live, and be sure that education is not just simply the acquisition of degrees but a capacity to function positively in your social environments. »
Honorary degrees were conferred to Senior Counsel Israel Khan, Honorary Doctor of Laws; Peter Elias, Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts; Jamwant Maharaj, Honorary Doctor of Science; and Gilman Figaro, Honorary Distinguished Fellow.
In his remarks, Dr. Khan also pleaded with graduates to rectify the many wrongs in this society. He noted that while he has been in pursuit of improving the criminal justice system, they too can bring about change in their field of work. However, he warned they should never compromise their integrity.
« Introducing change is not easy. You may find detractors who want to maintain the status quo, but I urge you, nay, I challenge you, to bring about the necessary changes that will improve the overall development of the country. »
Dr. Khan also paid tribute to former politician, businessman, and PhD holder, Dr. Jack Austin Warner, now a Doctor of Philosophy in Entrepreneurship and Commercial Studies.
« He is perhaps, at the age of 82, the oldest graduate to be bestowed with a PhD degree, Doctor of Philosophy in the history of the University of Trinidad and Tobago. I speak of Dr. Jack Austin Warner. He has demonstrated that in life, the race is not for the swiftest nor the battle to the strongest but to those who can endure to the end. »
Approximately 1,500 students are set to graduate from the University of Trinidad and Tobago, with the final graduation presentation to be held on Thursday.
