With a weekend of leadership and professional development workshops, cultural programming and community service, the Florida Caribbean Students Association (FCSA) and Caribbean Students Association at The University of Tampa (“UT CSA”) will honor renowned Caribbean DJ Private Ryan Alexander with its Distinguished Alumni Award at the 42nd Annual Conference, April 9, 2016, at the University of Tampa in Tampa, Florida.
The theme for this year’s Conference will be “Many Shores, Waters Meet – One Land Under Our Feet”.
A native of Trinidad & Tobago, Ryan Alexander has redefined the profession of DJ and entrepreneurship in the Caribbean region and around the world. At eighteen he embarked onto the airwaves being scheduled at a primetime spot on the nation’s then number one Saturday morning primetime programme on 96.1 WEFM.
In 2005 he started his international foray as a college undergrad at Florida International University (FIU). He soon realized that there was a dearth of new soca releases available to Caribbean students and was determined to address this void. This provided him with the opportunity to introduce his own brand, DJ Private Ryan. As a consequence of overload, the initial website was unable to handle the traffic, which led him to register www.djprivateryan.libsyn.com facilitating multiple free downloads simultaneously.
In 2009 after graduating from college with a degree in Business Administration and certification in Marketing Accounting and Financial Analysis he combined his marketing knowledge with his enhanced practical experience and focused on expanding his appeal and marketing his unique brand. With his signature Soca Brainwash mixes and themed event, Private Ryan has elevated the economic success of Caribbean music, culture, and entertainment lifestyle.
“As a graduate of one of our largest member schools at Florida International University and a musical architect of our organization’s history, Ryan is a true reflection of our Association’s commitment to academic excellence, entrepreneurial innovation, and passion for our culture,” stated Ashley McHayle, president, Florida Caribbean Students Association.
“We look forward to recognizing him for his professional career and contributions to FCSA and welcoming him to the turntables of our annual Conference party on the weeken d,” she noted.
