【Article by Han Pham】
Two decades ago, Gilroy Hughdonald Middleton graduated from NCCU's IMBA class of 2002, one of only two Belizean students to pursue an education in this distant land. Today, due to his influence and advocacy, nearly 50 Belizean students arrive in Taiwan each year, eager to embrace the possibilities that international education can bring. During his recent campus visit on June 11 as the recipient of the 4th Distinguished Taiwan Alumni Award, an award by the Taiwan Ministry of Education that recognizes the outstanding achievements of foreigners who have studied in Taiwan, enhances international exchanges, and inspires international students, Dr. Middleton shared his remarkable journey and the principles guiding him throughout his multifaceted career, including planning in three key areas: academics, career, and family.
As the room started to fill with students coming to hear about the sharing, Professor Jason Tsai, IMBA Director, was honored to introduce Gilroy Hughdonald Middleton. Hailing from Belize, a country located on Central America’s northeastern coast, Dr. Middleton arrived in Taiwan as a second-generation ICDF scholarship recipient. His journey began with curiosity and courage. Rather than following the path of many seeking education in the United States, he was drawn to Taiwan, fascinated by its academic rigor, vibrant culture, reputation for excellence in health care, welcoming community, and exceptional cuisine. During his time at NCCU, despite the language barrier, as his IMBA cohort consisted of 50% Taiwanese and 50% international students, the supportive environment in Taiwan made a lasting impression on Dr.Middleton. One particularly memorable moment came during the Lunar New Year when professors gave red envelopes to international students, a gesture that helped him connect more deeply with Taiwan’s cultural traditions. Upon returning to campus, he unexpectedly had a heartfelt reunion with an employee who had worked at NCCU for the past twenty years.
At NCCU's IMBA program, Dr. Middleton gained specialized knowledge that advanced his career and inspired him to contribute to the education system in his home country. Clarifying his aspiration to educate and inspire future leaders, he has played a vital role in the University of Belize's expansion, developing the MBA program and transforming undergraduate programs into specialized business fields, including accounting, business administration, finance, marketing, economics, and entrepreneurship. Moreover, he is working on a Master of Public Sector Management program to enhance his country's educational landscape further.
However, Dr. Middleton's time in Taiwan was not just an educational experience but a transformative journey that instilled in him a mindset of "never giving up." His encounter with SARS in Taiwan highlighted the importance of preparedness and adaptability—values he later applied at the University of Belize during the COVID-19 crisis. His studies in Taiwan taught him the power of perseverance and resilience, shaping his belief that everyone, regardless of their background, has the potential to make a positive impact. As Dr. Middleton shared, "I feel like I could do anything. The Taiwanese never give up, which inspired me to believe I could change the world."
In this spirit, Dr. Middleton joined the government’s efforts to tackle corruption and reform the country’s immigration system. "We developed and introduced the electronic passport system, which significantly improved security," he explains. This work was not only technical improvement but rooted in humanitarian efforts, including helping refugees and addressing migration issues in Central America. Dr. Middleton has also been deeply involved with the Refugee Eligibility Committee, processing amnesty applications for thousands of undocumented individuals and ensuring Belize remains a safe and welcoming destination. Under his leadership, Belize served as the interim chair of the Regional Migration Conference, where he collaborated with representatives from North and Central America to address migration and refugee protection challenges. Additionally, Dr. Middleton has been pivotal in advancing government sustainability initiatives in recent years, such as introducing electric buses to Belize City. This project underscores his ability to connect innovation with environmental responsibility, a value he embraced in Taiwan, where he witnessed firsthand the effectiveness of green technologies.
Taiwan's community-oriented mindset also profoundly shaped Middleton’s service and volunteerism approach. Inspired by volunteering at a bird park in Taiwan, Dr. Middleton has been actively involved with organizations in Belize, including the World Pediatric Project and the Belize Diabetes Association. This experience taught him the importance of giving back to society and nurturing future generations. His family has also inspired his work, as he strives to provide his children with the opportunities and resources he lacked growing up. His commitment to building generational wealth through land and sustainable agriculture reflects his dedication to creating long-term opportunities for his family.
Marking the end of his speech, Dr. Middleton encouraged students to approach their study abroad journey with a clear plan and an open mind. He again emphasized the importance of long-term and meticulous planning for every aspect of life. "Make the right choices and make sure you have your plan." he shared. "It's wonderful to come back after 20 years,". When bidding farewell to NCCU President Tsai-Yen Li, Dr. Middleton expressed his hope to return and promised potential collaboration opportunities between NCCU and the University of Belize.
