Mapp awarded first class honours degree in Architectural Technology

A Vincentian student at the University of Bolton in the United Kingdom has been awarded a Bachelor of Science degree with first class honours in Architectural Technology.{{more}}

In addition to his first class honours degree, Vondolson Mapp has also amassed an impressive array of additional prizes. He received a Governor’s prize and a Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) certificate of excellence for his academic achievements during his studies.

Mapp, the son of Ruby Mapp of Calder, formerly of La Croix, completed his primary and secondary education at the Richland Park Seventh Day Adventist School and Mountain View Adventist Academy respectively. He then attended the St. Vincent Technical College.

Mapp said that during his formative years, he attended the Calder Seventh Day Adventist Church, where he established a strong belief in and dependence upon God.

“In those early years, I never dreamt of becoming a specialist within the construction industry, but two years studying Building Construction at the St. Vincent Technical College whet my appetite. Upon completion, I worked with Bigger Trucking and Blocks Construction Ltd as a Production Supervisor for some three and a half years,” Mapp explained.

When the oppurtunity came for him to further his studies in Architecture at the University of Bolton, Mapp said he grabbed it. He identified two of the main driving forces behind his choice as his uncles Joseph Mapp, former dean of the St. Vincent Technical College, and Pastor Federick Mapp, resident in Lancashire, England.

Describing his journey, Mapp said: “In Oct 2008, I enrolled on an architectural programme at the University of Bolton, Lancashire. The journey towards the completion of my programme was very challenging, but I was able to complete my degree successfully. I was awarded a BSc first class Honours Degree in Architectural Technology: a certificate of excellence from the Chartered Institute of Building; a Governor’s award (the highest Award) and I was selected to do a presentation to various invited guests from around England, including the Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, on behalf of the University.”

While a student at Bolton, he designed the interior of a restaurant and bar, as well as a mosque. He was also selected to produce 3D rendering on the £31 million Bolton One Project – Health Leisure and Research Centre. He said he was also one of the top two students for the Built Environment.

Vondolson’s goal in the future is to become a consultant within the construction industry and help St. Vincent and the Grenadines during natural disasters.

Adding to his list of achievements, Vondolson was recently awarded the Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship from the University of Salford, to pursue his Master’s degree in Urban Design. In addition, he has already received confirmation from both Salford and Bolton to read for his PhD in Capacity Development for Disaster Mitigation and Reconstruction.

“All my achievement came from praying and trusting in God. I must express my thanks to my mother Ruby and aunts in St. Vincent and the United Kingdom – Beulah Samuels and Cythia Mapp. Overall I must say a big thank you to God for blessing my family with in various ways towards my degree,” Mapp stated.