Some 16 newly inducted student ambassadors of the University of Technology (UTech) are being urged to “spread the goodness” of the institution so that those outside will gain credible knowledge as to how the university has “transformed lives” over the past 65 years. 

This charge came from university president Dr Kevin Brown during his welcome at the official induction ceremony for the sixth cohort of the UTech Student Ambassadors programme on March 13, 2024, held at Lecture Theater 50 of the Papine-based campus.

Launched in 2019, the initiative, is spearheaded by the UTech Marketing Unit and seeks to identify suitable qualified students who exemplify the university’s core values through their active participation in academia, sports, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and community development.

The ambassadors are selected from across the eight colleges and faculties and are also expected to act as a link between the university and other stakeholders, using their experiences to communicate the attributes of a UTech education.

Referring to viral social media content shared by some students containing disparaging comments about their university, Brown told the new inductees for the 2023/2024 academic year, “Your job is to do the complete opposite.” 

Reminding the students that no institution exists without challenges, Dr Brown stated, “You have to now look at the positives that you are gaining from UTech and go and sell that narrative.”

He further urged the new student ambassadors to “talk about the goodness of UTech” which he noted is the guarantee that “we are going to transform your life.  We are going to give you a good degree and it is accredited…yes, the programmes are rigorous because we want you to succeed.”

The president also congratulated the 16 Student Ambassadors and pledged “to working with all of you to make our UTech better.”

Attesting to the life transformation process that is possible for UTech students, Denali McBayne, in presenting the response on behalf of his fellow student ambassadors, stated that “attending this institution has worked wonders for my self-confidence and has altered my outlook on social relationships”.

“It taught me the importance of networking and forming lasting connections…I can say with full confidence that I will have a job as soon as I graduate,” he added.

Professor Shermaine Barrett, acting deputy UTech president, in her remarks, reiterated the call for the group to focus on their vision.

She encouraged the students to “join with those who are creating a change…being an ambassador doesn’t mean it’s going to be struggle-free.  It is that you have taken a positive perspective.”

As part of the UTech, Student Ambassador Programme, the representatives are also set to benefit from professional and networking opportunities to complement their academic and social development.