The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) will commemorate the 60th anniversary of its founding with a series of special events all year long. March 16, marks the day the University, formerly known as the College of the Virgin Islands, was officially created by the V.I. Legislature in 1962.
The University’s annual Charter Day Ceremony will take place on March 31, beginning at 10 a.m. in the Administration and Conference Center Building on the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas. Former Morehouse College President Dr. Robert Franklin Jr., author of “Moral Leadership: Integrity, Courage, Imagination,” will be the keynote speaker, addressing themes of moral leadership and the role and history of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU).
“While every Charter Day commemoration is notable, this year’s 60th anniversary, which highlights our resilience and innovation, takes on even greater significance when we consider the unprecedented events in our world today. Amidst great uncertainty and turmoil, UVI’s continued excellence in fulfilling our mission over six decades is an incredible testimony to the foresight and fortitude of our founders as well as our dedicated faculty, staff, alumni and an exemplary Board of Trustees,” said UVI President Dr. David Hall.
“Reaching this milestone is the result of our unfailing vision, consistent labor, and collective perseverance, and I am immensely proud of the achievements of our students and alumni, not only within the walls of the University but also on the world stage,” President Hall stated. “It is an honor to witness UVI’s growth and evolution, even as we dare to dream of bigger and grander accomplishments in the years to come,” he added.
During the year-long observance of UVI’s diamond anniversary, UVI will unveil a new childcare center, a new dance studio, and the official opening of the Medical Simulation Center on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix. The University will also launch a newly designed website, host the Afternoon on the Green online and more.
Among the first celebrations, are the online social media contest and a student party planned on the
Albert A. Sheen Campus on March 16th. Additional details are available on UVI’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/UVI.edu). Members of the UVI community have been invited to create mini celebration videos and posts for sharing on the University’s social media pages.
UVI’s Charter Day Ceremony on March 31. will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. To view the event remotely, visitwww.uvi.edu or https://www.facebook.com/UVI.edu.
For more information, contact pr@uvi.edu.