Orville Deluke Daley, a first-year student in the Faculty of Science and Technology, is the 2023/2024 top matriculant for The UWI, Mona Campus. Orville secured a full UWI Open scholarship when he matriculated to the number one ranked University in the Caribbean with 10 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects, and 13 Cape Units — 12 with straight A-profiles.

The 19-year-old, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics and Computer Science, was formally recognised at this year’s Welcome and Matriculation Service, where he symbolically signed the matriculation register.  Scores of new and returning students were supported by family, faculty, and staff who gathered at The UWI Chapel on Sunday, September 10, for the annual ceremony.  

Principal and Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Densil Williams commented, “The UWI Mona family welcomes all new and returning students and also, new faculty and staff and those returning as well in AY 2023/2024. We want to especially celebrate and big up, Orville on this outstanding performance in the 2023 CAPE exams. His success is an inspiration to all of us and more so, should serve as strong motivation for his peers. I look forward to seeing great things from Orville in the years ahead.” 

Expressing his gratitude, Orville said, "I am eternally grateful for the UWI Open Scholarship and being named 'Top Matriculant’." "Glory be to God, as I thank Him for family support," he added. Orville diligently applied himself to his studies at his community-based school, Balmagie Primary. His performance in the GSAT saw the Sanmerna Foundation awarding him a five-year scholarship to Jamaica College (JC). For his sixth-form years, the McKenzie family supported his studies, enabling him to graduate high school debt-free.

"Collegeman Orville Daley represents the best of Jamaica College, and exemplifies our highest traditions,” declared Wayne Robinson, principal of Jamaica College. “From a humble background, he has excelled academically every step of the way, achieving lofty standards while remaining the ordinary, humble student. We have extremely high expectations [of Orville] and anticipate great accomplishments. Fervet opus in campis [Work is burning in the fields],” the Jamaica College principal added.

A first-generation university student, Orville understands only too well the challenges that come with pursuing higher education. Growing up in Waterhouse, a tough, low-income community in Kingston, Orville was determined to break the cycle of economic hardships that plagued his family.

Orville's parents Mrs. Lorraine Daley, and Mr. Orville Daley Sr, have been instrumental in their son's journey.Orville's mother expressed her joy, saying, "It [the UWI Open Scholarship] is simply amazing." This is all his hard work. All we do as parents is to encourage him, and we thank God for His wondrous blessings."

For his part, Orville is hopeful that his record of academic achievements will inspire more inner-city youth to strive for excellence. "I must say that the greatest part of this [being selected top matriculant] is that I get the chance to be a role model for inner-city youth,” emphasising that, “there is greatness in the ghetto," Orville said. 

This incoming cohort of students could not ask for a better role model than this young man who ranked first in the Oxford University Computing Challenge Jamaica (2020), and who also achieved rankings on territorial merit lists, including, 3rd place CAPE Pure Mathematics. Orville also served as the Lead Programmer for Jamaica's National Robotics Team, securing four international awards in Switzerland against more than 180 nations.

The UWI Pelican aspires to become an environmental robotics software engineer. He aims to address pressing environmental challenges such as pollution, and his vision encompasses promoting sustainable development through the use of eco-friendly materials.