Inaugural Grand Cayman International Finance and Banking Trip
Shields School of Business Expands Global Learning Through Inaugural Grand Cayman International Finance and Banking Trip
Beyond Our Borders Educational Program Provides Students with Firsthand Exposure to Offshore Banking, International Finance, and Global Business Practices
Thirteen Saint Francis University students, accompanied by Dr. Randy Frye, Professor of Business Administration and Founding Dean of the Shields School of Business, traveled to Grand Cayman during the University's Fall Break as part of the Shields School of Business's Beyond Our Borders international educational program.
The inaugural Grand Cayman International Finance and Banking trip provided students with a unique opportunity to explore the complexities of offshore banking, international financial markets, regulatory oversight, and global business practices through interactions with university faculty, financial professionals, and industry leaders.
The educational program was developed in collaboration with the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) and its Dean of Business, Dr. Belinda Blessitt Vincent, a longtime professional colleague of Dr. Frye. The collaboration established a foundation for a promising educational partnership between Saint Francis University and UCCI.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
A central feature of the trip was a series of lectures and professional presentations designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the Cayman Islands' role as a major international financial center.
At UCCI, students participated in three educational presentations:
Offshore Banking: Realities and Myths — Mr. Gordon C. Goss, Director and Investment Advisor at Shorecrest Capital, offered insights into the offshore banking industry, its economic importance, and common misconceptions surrounding international financial services.
Internal Auditing — Ms. Jennifer Norris of the Cayman Islands Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors examined the importance of internal controls, risk management, corporate governance, and professional accountability.
The History of the Cayman Islands — Dr. Chris Williams, a history professor at UCCI, explored the islands' rich historical and cultural heritage, including early European encounters dating to Christopher Columbus's arrival in 1503.
Students also visited the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), the jurisdiction's principal financial regulatory authority, where they attended four presentations examining the regulation and oversight of the Cayman Islands' financial services industry. These sessions provided valuable perspectives on the responsibilities and challenges associated with maintaining a respected international financial center.
Another highlight was an afternoon visit to KPMG's Cayman Islands headquarters, where students engaged with professionals representing several of the firm's service areas. Presentations focused on auditing, taxation, and management advisory services, offering firsthand exposure to career opportunities and professional practices within a global accounting and consulting organization.
The academic experience also included an opportunity to attend an investments class at UCCI. This classroom exchange allowed Saint Francis students to interact with Caymanian business students, compare educational experiences, and gain additional perspectives on international finance and investment management.
Cultural Exploration and International Engagement
Beyond the academic and professional activities, the group participated in an island tour that introduced students to the Cayman Islands' distinctive geography, culture, and economy. Among the highlights was a visit to the Cayman Turtle Centre.
These experiences complemented the formal educational program by providing students with a broader appreciation of the relationship between a nation's history, culture, economic development, and international business environment.
Student Participants
The thirteen students participating in the inaugural trip represented undergraduate and graduate programs at Saint Francis University.
MBA candidates: Sadie Davison and Alexis Roth.
Undergraduate business students: Madelyn Lieb, Elizabeth “Mae” Schmidt, Ashlyn Harrison, Erin Golding, Evan Johnson, Thomas Bernard, David Farabaugh, Ian Conway, Dylan Andrews, and John Golden.
Communications student: Jelana Boldizar, Editor-in-Chief of The Troubadour, Saint Francis University's student newspaper.
The cost of the international educational experience was partially subsidized through the Dr. Albert A. Zanzuccki Endowment in Business Administration, helping make this distinctive experiential learning opportunity more accessible to participating students.
A Foundation for Future International Partnerships
Dr. Frye expressed his appreciation to Dr. John Miko, Dean of the Shields School of Business, and Dr. Angela Seidel Chair of the Business Administration Department, for their enthusiastic support of the initiative. He also acknowledged the valuable assistance of Nidhi Bhutani, Director of the Office of International Education, whose efforts in planning and coordinating the trip contributed significantly to its success.
Special appreciation was extended to Dr. Belinda Blessitt Vincent and the faculty and staff of UCCI for their hospitality, academic collaboration, and commitment to providing an enriching educational experience for Saint Francis students.
The inaugural Grand Cayman trip represents another important step in the Shields School of Business's commitment to experiential learning and international business education. Through its Beyond Our Borders program, the School seeks to extend learning beyond the traditional classroom, expose students to different economic and cultural environments, and strengthen their preparation for careers in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
The collaboration between Saint Francis University and the University College of the Cayman Islands also provides a promising foundation for future academic exchanges and international educational opportunities.
About the Shields School of Business
The Shields School of Business at Saint Francis University is committed to preparing students for professional success and responsible leadership through academic excellence, experiential learning, ethical decision-making, and the integration of Catholic and Franciscan values. Its Beyond Our Borders educational program provides students with opportunities to experience international business environments firsthand, broaden their global perspectives, and develop the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in today's interconnected world.