Local centenarian receives UCCI honour
(CNS): Caymanian cultural icon, Aunt Julia who is 102 years-old has been made an honorary student of the UCCI. Sharing her memories recently, Aunt Julia was the guest of performing arts students who will be showcasing some of her songs in their upcoming Spring Concert and at the university’s International Conference in mid-March. Describing the days of old she revealed how Caymanians would dance the polka and the jig as “the young gals would twirl their frock tails” as the men accompanied them on the violin and other instruments. Aunt Julia herself would sing and “make Roman numerals” on her drum – for money.
“As cultural and social historian, Aunt Julia reeled off, from a reliable and still cogent memory, tale after tale of life in Cayman and the circumstances that gave rise to the songs she crafted to document cultural and social events,” a spokesperson for the UCCI stated.
To mark the event and honour her for her valuable contribution to Caymanian life, UCCI President, Roy Bodden awarded Aunt Julia the status of honorary student of UCCI.
“I consider it a privilege to have someone of Aunt Julia’s generation visit the campus and share knowledge with the students. Those present came away enriched and with a deeper sense of appreciation for Caymanian musical tradition. There was something in it also for Aunt Julia since she was declared an ‘Honorary UCCI Student,” he added.
Category: Local News