20 May 2025
For Immediate Release
Thirty-two candidates were presented for degrees at the International College of the Cayman Islands Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony at First Baptist Church. Graduate degrees were conferred upon ten graduands. Six received Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and two were presented with the Master of Science in Management with Human Resources Concentration and two received the Master of Science in Human Resources Management degree.
Twenty-two undergraduate degrees were conferred upon graduands at the ceremony. Fifteen graduands were at the Bachelor level and seven earned their Associates degrees. Seven earned degrees in Business Administration, three in Accounting, two in Finance, two in Information Technology and one in Human and Social Services.
Seven students completed Associate of Science degrees: Four in Business Administration, one in Business, one in Accounting, and one in General Studies.
The Class of 2025 earned a commendable overall grade point average of 3.43 on a 4.0 scale. Student Speaker was Valedictorian Ms. Zadaleigh Valladares. She earned the highest grade point average at the bachelor’s level and now holds the Bachelor of Science in Business and Information Technology.
In his Commencement Address, Dr. Chris Joseph pointed out that moving forward now “means embracing changes that are outpacing even our wildest imagination. An entrepreneurial mindset is the only way to approach the challenges in our work and lives. Whether this future empowers humanity or divides, it will depend increasingly on you — on your curiosity, your courage, and the boldness with which you take risks to create those positive changes. It’s not about where you start — it’s about how boldly you step forward, take risks, and try things you once thought impossible.”
Congratulatory Remarks were brought by Her Excellency the Governor, Mrs. Jane Owen, Premier Hon. Andre Ebanks, and Minister of Education, Hon. Rolston Anglin. The governor said, “Your accomplishment is a testament to your determination, hard work, and ability to succeed…Education has the power to transform lives and shape futures…and demanding the skills you now possess – adaptability, critical thinking and resilience.”`
The Hon. Andre Ebanks expressed his commitment to working with every citizen to build a Cayman where you and your children have greater opportunities to grow and thrive. He said, “You all give me hope of a bright future, as you represent not just the present but the promise of what is to come for our community and our nation…As you close this chapter, some of you will step into the workforce ready to make your mark and apply what you have learned. Others will pursue future studies, exploring new ideas and academic passions. Whatever path you take, I urge you to continue to seek knowledge and build on your skill and character.”
Education Minister, the Hon. Rolston Anglin thanked faculty, staff, and loved ones for their respective roles in shaping the graduates. He said, “As I begin my second tenure as Minister of Education, I do so with a clear understanding that we must do better – for our students, our educators, and our communities. I step into this role with a deep sense of responsibility and a clear understanding there is much work ahead…the importance of building an education system that truly supports and empowers every learner – no matter where they come from or where they’re going.”
Masters of Ceremony were Mrs. Anika Jefferson and Mr. Steve Miller, who are both recent graduates of ICCI.
Throughout their academic journey, 95% of the graduates were employed, balancing their studies with full-time or part-time roles. Among them, six served as Civil Servants, and three were employed by Cayman Islands Statutory Authorities, including the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA). ICCI is please to note that 84% of the Class of 2025 are Caymanians. Of these, ten students were Government Scholarship recipients, and six were sponsored by their employers, demonstrating strong public and private sector support for education and workforce development.
A hallmark of academic distinction, 13 of the 25 eligible business majors were inducted into the Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society reflecting a commitment to scholarship, leadership, and service. In keeping with ICCI’s mission to preserve and promote Caymanian heritage, 21 graduates completed the local seminar on the history and culture of the Cayman Islands, including participation in the Know Your Cayman Islands Workshop hosted by the Department of Tourism.
Looking ahead, 56% of currently employed graduates expect to receive a raise or promotion as a result of their academic accomplishments–proof that an ICCI education is not only transformative, but relevant to the professional world.
ICCI President Dr. Byron Coon said, “The Class of 2025 departs ICCI with more than degrees; they leave with experience, confidence, and a vision for the future. We are proud of each graduate and excited for what lies ahead.”
ICCI’s master level programs are offered 100% online and all ICCI classes are held in the evening hours to accommodate students who work full time jobs.
A special thank you to this year’s graduation sponsors which include Caribbean Utilities Company, Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce, Cayman Islands Civil Service Association Co-operative Credit Union, Cayman Islands Society of Human Resource Professionals, EY, Foster’s, KPMG, Ministry of Education, Nova, and Scotiabank.
The graduation may be viewed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGyfS18DYxQ .
Contact: Ms Marilyn Whittaker, Director of Admission at Marilyn.whittaker@icci.edu.ky or on
345-640-8110.