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The Alfred Sangster Auditorium at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech), Papine campus, is now a cooler and more comfortable space, thanks to the generous donation of approximately $3.6 million worth of equipment from a group of alumni of the institution's former College of Arts Science and Technology's (CAST) Class of 1973-74 known as the 'Groundation' Alumni group.

The cooling system comprising two large commercial-grade ceiling fans and two portable evaporative coolers was officially handed over to the university during a ceremony on June 27, at the auditorium. Dr Kevin Brown, UTech president, expressed profound appreciation to the Groundation team, describing the alumni contribution as a timely and impactful upgrade to the university's infrastructure that will be of significant benefit.

"This is going to be a game-changer for us especially with orientation coming up in August," said Brown, highlighting the excessive heat typically experienced inside the auditorium during the summer months.

"The equipment will enable better temperature control inside the auditorium, making it more comfortable for hosting sporting activities, official university functions and student-led events." With the university's leadership team now consisting of a large number of alumni, Brown pointed to the unique opportunity for alumni to partner in advancing the mission of UTech, Jamaica.

Project lead and Groundation member Eric Crawford explained that the initiative came into being at one of the group's recent reunions.

"We said to ourselves, instead of just a meet and greet, let's do something meaningful with enduring benefit for the university that is so dear to us," he said. He shared that following a session with Brown where the president outlined the institution's vision to the alumni, the group sprang into action raising approximately $5.5 million towards the auditorium cooling project.

"We only drew down what we immediately needed - $3.6 million for the purchase and installation of the equipment, which was installed with support from alumni. Upon testing the units, we are satisfied that they are working effectively and that UTech has the expertise to operate and maintain them," Crawford stated.

Nicholas Benjamin, deputy executive director, Guardsman Group, who was representing his father, CAST/UTech alumnus, Kenny Benjamin who contributed the largest sum to the cooling project initiative (US$10,000 or approximately J$1.59 million) noted that giving back to UTech, Jamaica, was a no-brainer for his dad.

"It's been very clear to me that he views education as one of the cornerstones of success...he is at a point now where he feels as though he wants to give back to the people and the institution that gave him the start that he had in Jamaica."