Danny Glover, award-winning actor, producer, political activist, and humanitarian will be the keynote speaker at the University of the Virgin Islands 2018 commencement ceremonies. The ceremony will first take place on the St. Thomas Campus on May 17, 2018, then on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St Croix on May 18. Both ceremonies will begin promptly at 1: 30 pm.
“Our graduating class and the entire community should be thrilled to have someone of Mr. Danny Glover’s stature, talent and social commitment to join us for this special event,” said UVI President David Hall.
Born in 1946, Glover’s commanding presence on screen, stage, and television spans over 35 years, distinguishing him as one of the greatest actors of his time. Most recognized for his role in “Lethal Weapon” film series, “The Color Purple” (1985), “To Sleep with Anger” (1990),” Predator 2” (1990), and “Angels in the Outfield” (1994) among others, Glover has become a household name.
Glover won awards from the NAACP, Black Entertainment Television (BET) and Screen Actors Guild (SAG), Glover has also received several Emmy nominations for his work in such television hits as “Lonesome Dove”.
Athniel C. (Addie) Ottley
Athniel C. ‘Addie’ Ottley was born on Nov. l9, 1941. As a teenager, Ottley learned the ropes at WIVI of St. Croix operating on St. Thomas, via an FM link. He became an active participant in the broadcast business when Lee Carle, put him on the air with "Addie at Night".
Ottley built and operated his own ham radio station, KV4BW becoming the first teenager to be granted such a license in the Virgin Islands.
He returned to St. Thomas in 1965 and went to work at WSTA as assistant manager, until 1968 when he was promoted to manager. During this period, Ottley started his widely respected and much listened to "Morning Show."
Ottley launched his political career by successfully running for a seat in the Virgin Islands Legislature first in 1970 and again in 1972. In 1973, he was appointed Lieutenant Governor in the administration of the late Gov. Melvin H. Evans upon the resignation of then Lt. Governor David E. Maas.
Holland Redfield
Holland Redfield has consistently said the difference between a statesman and a politician, is that a politician works for the next election and a statesman works for the next generation. This philosophy has guided him throughout his political career.
St. Croix has been his home for over 40 years and he is accepted as a Virgin Islander, although he was born in Syracuse, NY on April 10, 1943. He served as a Republican senator in the VI Legislature for six terms and continues to be singled out by numerous Virgin Islanders as a government negotiator, political advisor, and economic development specialist. Most recently, the former senator has been the Radio Talk Show Host of “Straight Talk with Redfield" on 93.5 WVVI-FM.
Redfield has been an active part of the community since his arrival in St. Croix in 1969. As a realtor broker, he was owner and operator of Redfield and Associates, real estate investment and trust. Redfield earned the distinction of Realtor of the Year in 1978. He was recognized nationally and earned a reputation for helping first-time homebuyers purchase land with innovative financing plans that up until that time, had not been available to them.
More information is available in a news release on the Media Section of the UVI website – http://www.uvi.edu/ - and from this direct link.