UB Ebulletin Volume 3 Issue 6
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UB Ebulletin Volume 3 Issue 6
Table of Content
Happy Birthday, UB! 3 77 Scholarships Awarded 4 Students Using GIS to Contribute to National Development 5 2014-1 in Numbers 7 Kicking Off the Semester 7 UB Supports Positive Application of Nuclear Energy 8 Di Silvaana Udz Lekcha Series 9 Helping Children Read to Succeed 10 Student Attends International Symposium in Canada 11 NRM Student Carmelita Blanco Learns to Power the Future 12 NRM and Marine Biology Social 12 NRM Students Learn About Social and Environmental Justice 13 Loretta Logan, Another Outstanding Alumnus 14 Living Reef Gets New Trailer 14 Youth Delegation from Taiwan Interacts with UB Students 15 Learning About FMSS 15 Welcome to UB 16 Update on Campus Beautification 17 Celebrating National Service Day 17 Colombian Educators Learn English at UB 18 Meet Your Student Leaders 19
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UB Ebulletin Volume 3 Issue 6
Happy Birthday, UB!
O
n August 1, the University of Belize celebrated its 14th Anniversary as the national university of Belize. The University is proud to continue molding the minds of students while providing them with the training needed to empower the nation.
On August 1, 2000, the University of Belize (UB) was created from a merger of five institutions: the University College of Belize (UCB), the Belize Technical College (BTC), the Belize Teachers Training College (BTTC), the Belize School of Nursing (BSN), and the Belize College of Agriculture (BCA). UCB, BTC and BTTC were under the supervision of the Ministry of Education (MOE); BSN was under the supervision of the Ministry of Health (MOH); and BCA was under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA). In 2004, the main campus was officially moved to Belmopan City. UB now offers programs from its main campus in Belmopan and from three other locations: Belize City campus, Central Farm campus, and from its southern campus in Punta Gorda. UB also owns and manages two marine field stations at Calabash Caye and Hunting Caye. The University wishes to thank the people and Government of Belize for their continuing support.
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77 Scholarships Awarded T he University of Belize (UB) held its annual Scholarship Ceremony wherein 77 students were awarded scholarships on August 7, 2014. The awards were in three categories: The Barton Scholarship, the Diane Sylvestre Endowment Fund, the UB Alumni Association Scholarship, and the Student-Athlete Scholarship. The Barton Scholarship Fund provides partial scholarships to students enrolled in University of Belize’s Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree programs. A total of 13 students were awarded this scholarship. Funding for this scholarship is provided through annual support from one of the University of Belize’s benefactors, Nick and Debbie Barton of the United Kingdom. The Diane Sylvestre Endowment Scholarship is awarded to a graduate of the Anglican Cathedral College (ACC). Tessa Wells who is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing is the proud recipient of the scholarship this Tessa Wells year. The fund is named after its benefactor Jacqueline Diane Sylvestre who was born in Belize to a distinguished British family that had originally arrived in the country in the 1700’s. She was educated at St. Hilda’s College (now ACC) in Belize City. The University of Belize Alumni Association (UBAA) Scholarship is based on financial
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Proud Barton Scholarship recipients
need, academic excellence and other conditions set by the UBAA and the Office of Student Affairs. This year’s recipient is Krystal Middleton who is pursuing a Bachelor Degree in Management. The Student-Athlete Scholarship Program is funded by the University of Belize and has been in existence for the past eight years. The scholarship caters to students who excel in both academic and athletic skill. This year the University awarded 62 studentathletes (male and female) in disciplines that range from Basketball, Football, Softball, Cycling and Canoeing.
Student-Athlete Scholarship recipients
In order to motivate students to pursue the Student-Athlete Scholarship, these scholarships are rewarded according to students’ academic performance. Students who achieve in the range of 2.5 to 2.74 GPA ► continued on page 5
UB Ebulletin Volume 3 Issue 6
Students Using GIS to Contribute to National Development G
eographic Information System (GIS) data development and sharing for the agriculture and other sectors across the country is vital to national development. The University of Belize appreciates the need in this area and has therefore partnered with the Department of Lands and Surveys (DLS) and the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) to conduct GIS Internships. Students get the opportunity to have hands-on Carren Williams, UB President Alan Slusher, Students Rodel Chan and Salvador Mesh, along with FST Interim Dean experience with GIS technology and Dr Pio Saqui consequently will be contributing to the development of national GIS and other spatial databases. This year, the participating interns were Rodel Chan and Salvador Mesh who are both pursuing Bachelor’s Degrees in Natural Resources Management. Rodel was based in the Corozal district where he developed an agricultural database including sugarcane, onions, corn and other crops while Salvador developed an agricultural database for the Cayo district. As part of the program, Acting Principal Land Information Officer Carren Williams gave a presentation on GIS integration and how it can benefit the country. UB President, Alan Slusher, congratulated the interns and assured the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) and partners that he shares their vision on the importance of GIS for national development. Dr. Pio Saqui, Interim Dean of FST, encouraged the partners to continue to work together toward even greater results. Currently there is no GIS farms database for the entire country, although recent efforts made by SIRDI and sugar cane stakeholders, the Cattle Sweep Project, and some of the Agriculture Department’s staff have started the process of collecting spatial data or have advanced to creating some forms of geodatabases. Through the UB/LIC Internship program, the process of building a national farms geodatabase was started. Carren Williams, in acknowledging the contributions of the UB interns, emphasized that they worked diligently and made tremendous contributions to the national farms database.
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qualify for tuition and fees; students who earn 2.75 to 3.0 also receive either housing or food; while those who achieve above 3.0 receive the full scholarship. Students sign a contract wherein they commit to certain responsibilities including good behavior, good grades, and community service. Congratulations to all the awardees.
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UB Ebulletin Volume 3 Issue 6
2014-1 in Numbers
Kicking Off the Semester
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UB Supports Positive Application of Nuclear Energy W hat comes to your mind when you hear the words “nuclear energy”? More than likely a banana does not! Bananas, however, contain potassium which is a radioactive element. We may never associate a banana with nuclear energy because the latter has generally been labeled as “destructive” while a banana is usually considered benign and a great dietary source. However, nuclear energy has beneficial uses as well, and the University of Belize is pioneering research that can shed more light on this. In order to provide a better understanding of nuclear energy, UB’s Assistant Professor Dr. Aaron Lewis and Dr. Mitko Voutchkov from the University of the West Indies delivered a presentation on September 4, entitled “Application of Nuclear Science in Environmental and Health Research.” Dr. Voutchov visited the University of Belize on behalf of the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA).
Dr. Mitko Voutchkov and Dr. Aaron Lewis
The presenters elaborated on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, including combating cancer, consumer product safety, and forensic science research. In December 2013, Mr. Kwaku Aning, Deputy Director General and Head of the Technical Cooperation of the IAEA, wrote Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs, informing him that a proposal that UB’s Assistant Professor Dr. UB President Alan Slusher Aaron P. Lewis had submitted for the technical cooperation program for the 2014-2015 biennium had been approved by the Board of Governors of the IAEA. The International Atomic Energy Association’s mission is to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, implement safeguards to ensure that it is not being used for military use, and promote high standards for nuclear safety. Belize became a member of IAEA in 2006. UB’s goal is to work alongside the IAEA to establish a nuclear lab as well as a program in nuclear studies/technology. www.ub.edu.bz
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Di Silvaana Udz Lekcha Series O n Tuesday, September 2, 2014, the Faculty of Education and Arts launched Di Silvaana Udz Lekcha Series at the Jaguar Auditorium. The lecture series was named in honor of Dr. Silvaana Udz in recognition of her outstanding contributions to education and culture in Belize. The lecture is part of the Jaguar Salon Series which, as the organizers explain, “aims to introduce students to noteworthy authors, poets and other intellectuals from Belize and abroad, so that they may be inspired to pursue a life of letters and critical reflection.”
This year’s lecture was presented by Godfrey P. Smith, author of the award winning George Price: A Life Revealed and writer of the political blog Flashpoint. Smith spoke about his literary works which include writings in both print and the internet medium. In 2012 Smith’s George Price: a Life Revealed won the prestigious OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature in the nonfiction category.
Godfrey Smith encouraged the young Belizean writers
At the end of the inaugural lecture, Dr. Silvaana Udz was presented with an award for her contributions to education and culture. Below are her reflections on the event:
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I thank my colleagues at the Faculty of Education and Arts and at the Regional Language Center, as well as the larger family of the University of Belize, for the very humbling recognition: "Di Silvaana Udz Lekcha Seeriz." Most heartwarming was the unveiling of the banner at the September 2, 2014, event at the Jaguar Auditorium. Truly, when I saw all the words spelled in the correct Kriol spelling, waata kohn da mi yaiy, and I felt overwhelmed. Much thanks in particular to Belizean writers Ivory Kelly and Amado Chan for hosting the event; equally, warm thanks to Tracey, Sarita, Maxine, Theresa, Erica, Virginia (absolutely fantastic dramatic presentation ... your students must surely enjoy your classes!), Mr. Leo Pott and Priscilla Brown-Lopez, and of course to the other English Department, Spanish Department, FEA and other faculty members, and the many students who were there. Sincere thanks to the Belize City FEA crew who showed up in full force! Unu ga mi bak! The guest speaker, Godfrey Smith, certainly got all our creative fires going, and thumbs up to him for accepting to be the inaugural speaker and for his stimulating presentation. Thank you all and may the tradition continue! It is the professionalism, expertise, and insights of the excellent faculty members with whom I work that have allowed me to truly embrace being a part of the UB family and to (hopefully!) do a little of dis ahn dat towards national development."
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Helping Children Read to Succeed T his year, as they returned to school, 35 children are better readers after attending the annual UB Library Summer Reading Program. For a period of two weeks they were taught to develop an appreciation for reading which, the UB Library explained, will help them in the long term as they proceed through school and life.
At the closing ceremony, guest speaker Mrs. Emily Martinez-Palacio encouraged parents to instill good values in their children and to lead by example. She also emphasized that literacy is key to a well rounded life. The reading program was launched in 2009 and has benefited over 200 children in improving their reading skills. As in previous years, parents commended the University on the program and provided feedback on the improvement they have seen in their children.
Guest Speaker Mrs. Emily Martinez-Palacio
Each year, at risk primary school students in the City of Belmopan are selected by their respective principals for enrollment in the Summer Reading Program.
Coordinator of the Summer Reading Program, Ms. Desreen Williams, says that the goal of the program is to continue to help move children to higher levels of reading ability.
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Student Attends International Symposium in Canada P
by Elizabeth Torres
UB Ebulletin Volume 3 Issue 6
resident of IFSA-UB Elizabeth Torres, attended the 42nd International Forestry Student Symposium (IFSS) held in Vancouver Canada which was hosted by students of the University of British Columbia, University of Northern British Columbia, and Thompsom Rivers University. This was the first time that a student of Belize attended an IFSS event. Apart from representing Belize at IFSS 2014, Elizabeth delivered her presentation entitled “The Effects of Hurricane on Forest Management Elizabeth delivering her presentation. in Belize.” Of the 120 students representing over 32 countries, only eight students made oral presentations, and Elizabeth was one of them. At IFSS 2014, many opportunities opened for members of IFSA-UB such as volunteer work abroad and opportunity to attend other international congresses such as International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), World Congress and FAO Congress, potential for hosting of IFSA Regional Meeting, and much more.
The members of IFSA-UB are doing a great job in keeping its local committee active. IFSA-UB is the most active Local Committee in the Latin America Region, and to top it off, the new IFSA Regional Representative is UB student Denver Cayetano who will be working alongside his counterpart in Peru. Of course, attending IFSS 2014 would not have been possible without the help of the community and assistance from different organizations and business establishments. A big thank you is extended to the Gold sponsors of this event: Belize Social Security Board; Ministry of Education, Youths and Sports; Belize Natural Energy; and Ian Anderson’s Caves Branch. Other greatly appreciated sponsors of IFSS 2014 were Garbutt’s Service Station in Roaring Creek, University of Belize, and most importantly, Dr. Percival Cho of the Forestry Department for his phenomenal assistance with the presentation. Next year IFSS 2015 will be held in the Philippines, and Elizabeth says, “We want to send more students next year to make this event bigger and better for IFSA-UB.” She adds: “I love the forests and most of all Belize’s tropical forest, and what better way to start my career than through IFSA-UB at the international level and then relay my knowledge and experience to new incoming students of UB?”
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NRM Student Carmelita Blanco Learns to Power the Future This summer was full of exciting events for students. On June 19-21, B.Sc. NRM student Carmelita Blanco attended a Regional Student Energy Summit at the National Autonomous University of Mexico in Mexico City; an event occurring simultaneously with events in Africa, North America and Europe. 250 Latin American students attended the regional conference while 1200 attended worldwide.
by Carmelita Blanco
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The theme of the 2014 Regional Student Energy Summits is “Powering the Future.” The Latin American Student Energy Summit will challenge this group of multidisciplinary postsecondary students from across the continent to both question and understand the key energy issues within their region, and to further Carmelita (l) along with other comprehend them within the larger context of the students who attended the summit existing and future global energy dynamics. Delegates at the inaugural Latin American Student Energy Summit had a unique and exciting opportunity to connect with an intimately local and extensively global network of driven individuals looking to make a difference in the energy sector. This was a wonderful opportunity to expand knowledge in the area of energy issues affecting people globally as well as a wonderful opportunity to network with key persons in the field. The program was filled with different presentations and workshops facilitated by various professionals from the region, including Peru, Mexico, Colombia and others. Topics ranged from Nuclear Energy, Energy Security, Biofuels, Climate Change and other energy related topics. The participants also had the opportunity to visit various energy generating facilities in Mexico. Miss Blanco stated: “I appreciate the knowledge gained in the NRM program at UB which allowed me to understand and participate in this event to the fullest. I also appreciate my professors in the NRM program for encouraging me to apply for the scholarship that enabled to attend.”
NRM and Marine Biology Social T
he Natural Resources Management and Marine Biology Program joined efforts at the beginning of the academic year to welcome their students. Students were informed of opportunities available within the program and in relevant sectors of society. Students had
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NRM Students Learn About Social and Environmental Justice T he Belize Institute of Environmental Law and Policy (BELPO) held its first Leadership Training for Social and Environmental Justice for young adults from August 15-17, 2014. BELPO partnered with the Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW) and the Centre for Creative Leadership (CCL) to create a leadership program to act as a launching pad for a non-partisan and non-sectarian way forward for striving for social justice and protecting the natural resources of Belize for present and future generations. The training program sought to encourage future leaders to work for social and environmental justice issues by helping them see their own potential for change in Belize. This involved demonstrating that they can choose to make a difference based upon their own ideas and plans.
This was a great learning experience for University of Belize NRM students Ruth Gutierrez, Arelie Perez, Leomar Longsworth, Jane Salazar, Zana Wade, Denver Cayetano and Angelita Staine who joined other Belizean students at the training sessions. Angelita enthusiastically expresses that: What started out as a group full of strangers from all walks of life ended with a deep inner sense of community, connectivity and inspiration. When one thinks of a Social and Environmental Justice Leadership Training what tends to pop into mind is hours upon hours of boring power point lectures that seem to ramble on; however, nothing was further from the truth. Dr. Candy Gonzalez along with experts in leadership, social and environmental justice, Ms. Lisa Manning, Ms. Laura Weber, Mr. Jerry Enriquez and Ms. Michele Kuhnle, all managed to foster an atmosphere of interactivity with plenty of games and thought provoking discussions, while enjoying scenic views. This led to the finding of one’s self and the learning of how to harness our core values and attributes as young leaders. When it was all said and done, we emerged as the same group of people working to change Belize and the world, but with rekindled fire fueled by solidified passion, wisdom and friendship. ►NRM and Marine Biology Social continued from page 10
the opportunity to meet all their lecturers and were able to interact with other students within the program. The Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Dr. Pio Saqui, and the Chair of the Department of Science, Cecy Castillo, welcomed the students to the new academic year. After the formal ceremony, students had a quality time to interact with each other and the lecturers of their program during a small luncheon provided for them. Students were encouraged to continue the positive enthusiasm within the program and the University of Belize. The social event was a success!
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Loretta Logan, Another Outstanding Alumnus U B Alumnus Loretta Logan made Belize and UB proud after completing her Master’s Degree in Sustainable Natural Resources Management at the University of Peace, Costa Rica. Loretta graduated from the University of Belize in 2013 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources Management. Loretta asserts that UB provided a strong foundation for her as she had “an advanced knowledge of methodologies and real examples at a local [relating to her country] and regional level of Natural Resources Management, thanks to the practical and theory components of NRM at the University of Belize.” She was also a Belizean ambassador who made sure that everyone knew what Belize is doing in relation to courses and topics discussed in the NRM field. She is grateful to the UB lecturers who aided in setting the foundation for her career. She especially thanks Ms. Cecy Castillo who “insisted that I apply for a Master’s, sending me the application information countless times.” She also thanks Dr. Arlenie Perez whose “amazing lectures and guidance in writing and formatting [my papers] was a major asset” and Dr. Elma Kay, Dr. Bart and Dr. Leandra Rickets who “took natural resources beyond the classroom…and the entire NRM department who supported me throughout my journey at UB.” Loretta is currently teaching Science and Math at Peninsula International Academy, a private school in Placencia Village.
Living Reef Gets New Trailer I
n an effort to increase the visibility of UB Living Reef Marine Station at Hunting Caye, Toledo, the University acquired a trailer from Duke’s Marine Co. The trailer will be used to transport the station’s vessel. Its inaugural use was in the September celebrations parade. The UB Living Reef Center (LRC) on Hunting Caye, part of the Sapodilla Caye Range, the southernmost section of Belize’s barrier reef, was designed to be a Marine Research Center and was funded by Earthwatch Institute and handed over to the University of Belize on May 17, 2008.
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Youth Delegation from Taiwan Interacts with UB Students A delegation of 16 Taiwanese students led by Senior Ambassador and Youth Ambassador of Republic of China (Taiwan) David Nana Yang Lee of the Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs visited the University of Belize on September 16, 2014. The main purpose of the visit was to have an educational and intercultural exchange and discussion between the delegation and students of UB.
The Taiwanese did a cultural presentation which consisted of dance, calligraphy and opera. This presentation depicted various aspects of the Taiwanese culture. The Taiwanese government is the donor of the Regional Language Center which is housed at the University of Belize. The government has also provided many scholarship opportunities to Belizeans in an ongoing program.
Learning About FMSS C
onvocations have become a tradition in the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences (FMSS). Every year FMSS students converge to learn about their faculty goals and meet their lecturers. This year two convocations were held, one at the Belize City campus, and one in Belmopan.
Emelia Adams speaking to the students and faculty (background).
The Dean of the faculty, Dr. Vincent Palacio, welcomed the students and shared with them the benefits of belonging to this faculty.
Students also learned about the different events to look forward to including the bi-annual Marketing Expo, Research Conference, and Entrepreneurship Symposium. This year, for the first time, the faculty will also be hosting an Accounting and Finance Symposium. . Guest speaker at Belmopan’s convocation was Mrs. Emelia Adams from the United States Embassy who emphasized that the embassy is a strategic partner of the faculty and by extension the University.
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Welcome to UB
Name
Position
Dept./Faculty
Campus
Azalia Larrieu
Lecturer
FNAHSW
Belize City
Mark O’Brien
Lecturer
FST
Belmopan
Israel Cano
Lecturer
FEA
Belmopan
Melanio Pech
Associate Lecturer
FST
Central Farm
Evelyn Woods
Teacher
UBECSC
Belmopan
Michelle Anderson
Library Assistant
Library
Belmopan
Clifton Belgrave
Public Safety Officer
Public Safety
Belmopan
Rene Coc
Public Safety Officer
Public Safety
Belmopan
Solomon Pop
Public Safety Officer
Public Safety
Belmopan
Julia Pop
Maintenance Personnel
Physical Plant
Belmopan
FST-Faculty of Science and Technology;FEA-Faculty of Education and Arts; FNAHSW-Faculty of Nursing, Allied Health, and Social Work;UBECSC-UB Early Childhood Stimuation Centre
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UB Ebulletin Volume 3 Issue 6
Update on Campus Beautification C ampus Beautification Project was very active during the summer break, receiving donations of plants and planting them in different parts of the campus.
We would like to acknowledge the generous donations of more than 50 plants each from UB Central Farm and from Audrey Pascascio, Lecturer in the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences. The committee alond with Caves Branch and IFSA-UB (International Forest Students Association) planted 62 plants in front of the administration building which they propose to maintain. We are grateful for the support of Physical plant in transporting the plants and providing labor. The committee specially thanks Francisco Tzul, Elmer Burgos, Joe Castaneda and Oscar Caratela of Central Farm; Ella Baron, Mario Orellano, Rudi Suchite and Junior A. Lopez of Caves Branch; and Elizabeth Torres and Denver Cayetano of IFSA for their support of the project. The committee will continue to work throughout this semester planting, weeding, watering, and labeling the plants with student participation. Faculty, staff and students are invited to join the efforts to make this campus a beautiful place. Together we can do it!
Celebrating National Service Day S ince 2012, every year Belize observes National Service Day on September 19 in honor of Rt. Hon. George Price. This year students oberved this day by helping the Beautification Project in making the campus “greener”. Students came out early and together planted trees.
The Rt. Hon George Price is known as “Father of the Nation” for fighting for Belize’s independence. He was born on January 15, 1919 in Belize City as the third of eleven children to William Cadle Price and Irene Cecilia Price (nee Escalante). He passed away on September 19, 2011.
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Colombian Educators Learn English at UB A
group of five Colombian Educators from Colombia’s National Service of Learning (Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje [(SENA]) arrived in Belize on August 28th for an intensive three week English course at UB’s Regional Language Center (RLC) to improve their English proficiency as instructors in their country. This effort is part of a pilot project with support from the Government of Belize (GOB) through UB Team along with the five Colombian students,. the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Labor of Colombia, and the University of Belize. It is anticipated that the RLC will be the beneficiary of regular programs from SENA. The five SENA educators were very enthusiastic upon arrival in Belize and quickly settled into their temporary residencies as they participated in the intensive program which ran Mondays to Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Since this program also served as a Cultural Immersion Program, the five participants went on field trips to Dangriga, Placencia, Spanish Lookout, San Ignacio, Xunantunich Maya ruin and Belize City. They also had opportunities to interact with fulltime UB students and other foreign students at the RLC. This program, along with other initiatives being planned by the RLC, is an effort by the University to reinvigorate the RLC, thereby allowing it to reach its fullest potential while also increasing the international student population on campus for a true global experience.
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Meet Your Student Leaders
UB student William Mahler presenting at CANTO’s conference in Bahamas. He won a trip for two to the conference with his “Broadband” video. Congratulations William.
Central (Belmopan) Campus Student Government
Belize City Campus Student Government
Punta Gorda Campus Student Government
Seven UB Black Jaguars represented Belize in the U-23 National Male Central American Volleyball Cup held in Panama.