The University of the Virgin Islands will host radio personality and philanthropist Tom Joyner as he and passengers from his annual Fantastic Voyage cruise disembark in St. Thomas on Thursday, May 22. The Tom Joyner Foundation's Fantastic Voyage cruise raises money for Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) like the University of the Virgin Islands. Among the entertainers scheduled to perform on the cruise are the legendary Chaka Khan, R&B greats Erykah Badu, Charlie Wilson and John Legend, along with comedians DL Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer and Sheryl Underwood.

UVI has had the's "School of the Month" twice -- in May, 2002 and May, 2006 -- resulting in local and national publicity that assisted the University in receiving donations that directly benefitted UVI students. The 2002 and 2006 Tom Joyner Foundation campaigns raised approximately $462,074 in support of scholarship assistance and/or computers for UVI students.

The University's Buccaneer Beach Party, a "party with a purpose," starts at 11 a.m. Thursday and continues until 3 p.m. on the lawn of the Reichhold Center for the Arts and Brewer's Bay Beach, with Cool Sessions Brass providing the music. Food and drinks will be on sale. The entire community is invited to extend their lunch time to come out and party with Tom Joyner and the crew.

Sponsors for the event are Ackley Media Group Stations, Bellows International, Lew Henley's Sewage Disposal, Friendly Trucking, Innovative Communications and Texas Pit BBQ.

In the Virgin Islands the "Tom Joyner Morning Show" is broadcast weekday mornings on WWKS-101.3 FM.

For more information about the Buccaneer Beach Party call the UVI Public Relations Office at 693-1059.