Congressman Robert B. Aderholt to Deliver Keynote Address During America 250 Commemoration Event

The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), in partnership with the Office of the Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, will host the Inaugural Alexander Hamilton Distinguished Lecture Series on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Medical Research and Training Center on the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas.

The inaugural event, themed “From the U.S. Virgin Islands to the Founding of a Nation: Honoring Alexander Hamilton’s Legacy Through Education, Leadership, Innovation, and Economic Opportunity,” will celebrate the Virgin Islands’ historic connection to one of America’s founding leaders while commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America (America 250).

The lecture series will feature keynote remarks from Robert B. Aderholt, U.S. Representative (Alabama–R), Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and member of the House Committees on Appropriations, Agriculture and Defense.

The Alexander Hamilton Distinguished Lecture Series is designed to examine the enduring influence of Alexander Hamilton while highlighting the significant role the Virgin Islands played in shaping one of the nation’s most influential founding leaders. Hamilton spent formative years on St. Croix, where his experiences in trade, commerce and governance helped shape the ideas that later informed his contributions to the founding of the United States and the development of its financial system.

“This inaugural lecture series presents a unique opportunity to highlight the important role the Virgin Islands played in shaping one of America’s founding leaders while inspiring meaningful conversations about education, leadership, public service and economic opportunity,” said Dr. Safiya George, president of the University of the Virgin Islands. “At UVI, we are proud to convene students, educators, policymakers and community members to reflect on our Territory’s contributions to the American story and the transformative power of education in shaping the future.”

“As our nation prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary, the Virgin Islands has an important story to tell," said Governor Albert Bryan Jr. “Alexander Hamilton's connection to our Territory reminds us that the Virgin Islands has long been linked to the broader American experience. This lecture series helps ensure that our history, our people and our contributions are recognized as part of the national America 250 celebration.”

“The Virgin Islands has always been part of the American story — and the Inaugural Alexander Hamilton Distinguished Lecture Series is a powerful reminder of that truth,” said Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett. “I commend President George and the University of the Virgin Islands, in partnership with the Office of the Governor, for bringing this important initiative to life. As someone who has long been an avid student of Alexander Hamilton's life and extraordinary accomplishments, from his formative years on St. Croix to his pivotal role in founding this nation, I know firsthand how powerful and instructive his story is, and how deeply it is rooted in the soil of the Virgin Islands.”

The lecture series is envisioned as an ongoing educational and civic engagement initiative that will inspire students, educators, policymakers, business leaders and community members through dialogue focused on leadership, public service, workforce development, innovation and economic opportunity. Through distinguished speakers and educational programming, the initiative seeks to deepen understanding of the Virgin Islands’ contributions to American history while fostering meaningful civic engagement throughout the Territory.

As the Territory’s public university, land-grant institution and historically Black college and university (HBCU), UVI is uniquely positioned to convene discussions that strengthen educational opportunity, civic literacy and leadership development while expanding awareness of the Virgin Islands’ place in the broader American experience. The initiative also supports the Territory’s participation in the national America 250 commemoration by elevating the stories, contributions and historical significance of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

 Students, educators, government officials, business leaders, civic organizations and community members are encouraged to attend.

Event Details”

What: Inaugural Alexander Hamilton Distinguished Lecture Series
Theme: From the U.S. Virgin Islands to the Founding of a Nation: Honoring Alexander Hamilton’s Legacy Through Education, Leadership, Innovation, and Economic Opportunity
 Featuring: Keynote Speaker Congressman Robert B. Aderholt
 Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
 Time: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
 Location: Medical Research and Training Center, Orville E. Kean Campus, University of the Virgin Islands, No. 2 John Brewers Bay, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

For more information, contact the University of the Virgin Islands Office of Public Relations at pr@uvi.edu or call (340) 693-1059.