When WAS Utila "a party island"? I did my time on Utila 13 years ago, and despite there being a lot of young backpackers, I didn't perceive it as being like those places in Thailand. Utila seemed to be all about the diving, and my recollection was that although people liked to have a beer in the evening, there was little partying that went on into the wee hours because everyone was going diving the next day. Pretty much everyone I met was either taking a course or teaching. There were a couple of lively places--most not in the heart of town--but even then, they were not hopping every night of the week (or even open every night of the week). So, I guess it was the "still" in your question that caught my attention. A question for the old-timers: just when WAS Utila such a party island? Was it before my time there? From what I understand, they didn't even have 24-hour electricity until shortly before then. I have read about this party reputation many times, but it doesn't jibe with what I experienced.
I can't speak to the tec program, which may not even have been underway when I was there, but Andy Phillips sure has been there a long time. UDC seemed as professional as could be to me. They must be doing something right.