The University of Technology (UTech), formerly the College of Arts Science and Technology (CAST), will this year celebrate its 50th anniversary with several activities.

UTech, which was granted university status in 1995, started out as the Jamaica Institute of Technology in 1958. One year later, the institution was renamed CAST.

Speaking yesterday during the launch of the celebrations, held at Lilian's Restaurant, on the campus, Hector Wheeler, chairman of UTech's 50th anniversary celebrations, said the institution has had 50 exciting and dynamic years and there was much to be thankful for and to celebrate.

The celebrations will kick off with a public launch next Thursday.

This will take the form of a road march from Old Hope Road to UTech's Papine campus, followed by an official ceremony, where Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall will launch the 50th anniversary celebrations.

Other activities for the 50th anniversary celebrations include:

Museum of Modern Art symposium.

Anniversary thanksgiving service.

UTech 50th Int'l Invitational Track and Field Classic.

Launch of Alfred Sangster's book From CAST to UTech.

UTech Int'l Conference.