​Dr. William Hrudey

​Dr. William Hrudey moved to Grand Cayman from Canada in 1997 after a successful medical career.
With a life-long interest in science and, as an amateur astronomer in his teens, Dr. Hrudey now had the time to build his "dream" telescope. Though hurricane Ivan destroyed most of the first version in 2004, it was rebuilt and offered to the University College of Cayman Islands (UCCI). It is housed along with a fleet of smaller telescopes at the UCCI Dr. William Hrudey Observatory, located on the campus. Dr. Hrudey was the Observatory Director, rendering the observatory capable of both solar and night sky CCD imaging. Hundreds of school students toured the Observatory in order to inspire them towards science. The observatory was to serve as a catalyst for many Astronomy and thereafter STEM related activities. Dr. Hrudey had been involved heavily in the Rotary Science Fairs but truly, his landmark effort came with the STEM Carib conferences that were his brainchild. The first one was held in 2012 and it has been held annually since growing from strength to strength. So, it was a well deserved honour when at STEM Carib 2017 Dr. Hrudey was presented with the Faculty Award 2017 bestowed by The International Association of University Presidents in recognition of his contribution with the building of the observatory, the running of Astronomy courses and notably the STEM Carib conferences – the first of its kind in the Grand Cayman. For the first time students had an opportunity to meet scientists from around the world and listen to cutting edge talks on science.
The highest honour came with the announcement from her Royal Highness the Queen who bestowed upon Dr. William Hrudey, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E, for services for promoting Science Education in the Cayman Islands. This speaks volumes for the contribution that Dr. Hrudey had made to his second home, through his vision, his foresight, and tireless efforts to make the world a scientifically better educated place. He changed the trajectory of the many many lives he touched and left his indelible mark on science in the Grand Cayman. He will forever be missed.
Dr William Hrudey (March 18, 1941 – February 22, 2018)