The Mico is synonymous with excellence. An education beacon since 1836, the institution epitomizes resilience and adaptability. It is therefore fitting for its structure and infrastructure to reflect what her beneficiaries call, the spirit of The Mico. It is an aura that captures excellence within and without. The grounds of The Mico is as important as the educational offering. The Mico Foundation is aware of this and continues to play an integral role in the physical development of the institution.
Without a doubt, the most aesthetically pleasing frontage on Marescaux Road, Kingston, Jamaica is at number 1A, the location of The Mico University College. The construction of the gate and gateway, has solidified this fact. As part of the Campus Development Project under the auspices of the Mico Foundation, construction was completed and the official opening was held on February 21, 2019.
This ‘Gateway to Excellence’ is part of the larger vision of infrastructural and institutional development in keeping with the institution’s strategic objectives, one of which is university status. The mandate of the Foundation has always been to create and facilitate projects designed to enable sustainability. In realizing this achievement, the Foundation is grateful for the contributions of significant stakeholders who bought into this vision.
The gate is intended also to be a symbol of a new era – a part of the re-imaging of The Mico. It creates a balance between our glorious past and the challenges of a new and exciting future. Every effort was made to ensure that the Georgian architecture that defines so many of our buildings on the campus was not compromised. The Buxton Tower, part of the consciousness of every Miconian, is replicated in the newly constructed gateway.
The Opening Ceremony was a significant moment for The Mico Foundation. Miconians and friends of The Mico participated in this momentous occasion. In true Mico tradition, our Chaplain, Rev Boworth Mullings set the spiritual tone with the invocation. The Mico University Choir and Band served up a musical feast, in keeping with the spirit of excellence and celebration. Dr Asburn Pinnnock, President offered opening remarks and expressed his joy at the completion of this project. Dr Sylvester Tulloch, CD, Chairman of the Mico Foundation, welcomed the gathering and spoke about the significance of the latest project as The Mico continued on its trajectory of excellence and leadership.
Dr Arthur Geddes, Chair of the Projects Committee gave an overview. Prof Neville Ying, Pro Chancellor; Mr Julian Robinson, Member of Parliament; Hon. Alando Terrelonge, State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information; His Worship the Mayor of Kingston, Senator Councillor Delroy Williams; Dr Merrit Henry, President of MOSA, and Ms Hillary Colton, representing Mr William ‘Billy’ Heaven, CEO of CHASE Fund, brought greetings.
Guest Speaker for the function was distinguished Miconian and Custos Rotulorum, the City of Kingston, Hon Steadman Fuller, CD. Referencing Isaiah 26:2 (‘Open ye the gates...’) and Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton’s signature speech, ‘The longer I live’ he encouraged and challenged both staff and students to cherish our glorious history and preserve, enhance and protect the last bastion of Mico schools.
Students expressed appreciation for ‘their’ new gate and members of the Guild of Students introduced the guest speaker and the moved the vote of thanks.
The ceremony reinforced an observation made by a beloved Miconian and former Governor General, the late Sir Howard Cooke, that no other institution has contributed to nation-building as The Mico, especially during the last two centuries. We continue to do it with our might. We continue to lead and inspire. We continue to serve and build communities. We continue to anticipate change and be resourceful and ethical as we, through the Foundation, offer stewardship.