The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) will confer an honorary degree upon distinguished media leader and community advocate Rena Brodhurst during its 2026 Commencement Ceremony on St. Croix, which will be held this year at the Island Center.
Brodhurst will receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to journalism, civic engagement, and the preservation of the Virgin Islands’ historical and cultural narrative.
For more than four decades, Brodhurst served as publisher and editor of The St. Croix Avis, the longest continuously published newspaper in the history of the Virgin Islands for 180 years, leading the publication for approximately 44 years following her father’s passing in 1980. Under her stewardship, the newspaper chronicled the Territory’s most defining moments—from the devastation of Hurricane Hugo to periods of economic change and political transition—while remaining a steadfast voice for accountability, transparency, and community engagement. Through her leadership, The St. Croix Avis evolved beyond a daily publication into a trusted civic institution, preserving the historical record of the Virgin Islands and upholding the enduring principles of free speech and a free press.
This legacy is deeply rooted in her family’s historic defense of press freedom. In 1944, her father, Canute A. Brodhurst Sr., was sentenced to imprisonment following the publication of an article that drew objection from the court. His conviction was later overturned on appeal in the landmark case People of the Virgin Islands v. Brodhurst, in which the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed critical protections for freedom of the press in the Virgin Islands. This defining moment not only secured an important legal precedent but also cemented the Brodhurst family’s enduring role in advancing First Amendment principles within the Territory. Rena Brodhurst carried this legacy forward with distinction, ensuring that The St. Croix Avis remained a vigilant guardian of truth, public discourse, and democratic values.
Beyond journalism, Brodhurst has made a lasting impact through her civic and philanthropic work. In partnership with Leon Hess of the then Hess Oil Refinery, she helped generate significant philanthropic support for the Queen Louise Home for Children. Her efforts have also supported educational initiatives including the University of the Virgin Islands’ Caribbean Writer through the Canute A. Brodhurst Prize for Short Fiction, and various cultural programs and community organizations, reflecting a lifelong commitment to service and the betterment of the Territory. Her leadership following the devastation of Hurricane Hugo exemplifies this dedication, as she helped mobilize community resources to support vulnerable populations, including children in need.
“Rena Brodhurst’s legacy is one of service, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the people of the Virgin Islands,” said UVI President Dr. Safiya George. “Through her leadership in journalism and her deep community engagement, she has helped shape the narrative of our Territory and preserve its history. We are proud to honor her as part of this year’s commencement.”
The 2026 Commencement exercises will take place on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center on the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas, and on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Island Center of St. Croix. The ceremonies will celebrate the accomplishments of the University’s graduates while recognizing individuals whose lives and work reflect the values of UVI and its mission of service to the community.
The University will also honor Adam O’Neal, known professionally as Adam O., with the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) in recognition of his contributions to music, entrepreneurship, and community impact. O’Neal will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Commencement exercises on both campuses.
For more information about UVI’s 2026 Commencement ceremonies, including schedules and event details, visit: https://www.uvi.edu/commencement/.
About the University of the Virgin Islands
The University of the Virgin Islands is a historically American, uniquely Caribbean, and globally interactive institution dedicated to student success, research, and community engagement. With campuses on St. Thomas and St. Croix, UVI offers a broad range of academic and professional programs designed to prepare students to lead and serve in a diverse and evolving world.
