The University of the Virgin Islands will host its 17th Annual Summer Institute for Future Global Leaders in the Caribbean from May 16 to June 1, on the University's St.Thomas campus. Approximately 35 junior, senior and graduate college students from the Virgin Islands, the U.S. mainland and throughout the Caribbean are expected to participate in the intensive, two-week leadership development course that aims to broaden student knowledge of the impact global forces of technology, commerce, and communication have on the Caribbean.
The
theme for this year's institute is: "Global Leadership in Times of
Diminishing Resources." Students will participate in a variety of
lectures, workshops and other learning experiences to nurture their
aspirations for global leadership. The guest speaker at the opening
ceremony is the Honorable Cheryl Benton, the deputy assistant
secretary of Bureau of Public Affairs at the United States
Department of State. She will speak during the Summer Institute's
official opening session at 9 a.m. in Chase Auditorium (B-110) on
Tuesday, May 17.
Benton, who was appointed in 2009, leads the State Department's outreach and strategic planning effort, including utilizing the department's assets in outreach to national and international media outlets. In 2008, Benton worked with the Hillary Clinton for President Campaign co-chairing Women of Color for Clinton. She holds a BBA in Finance from the University of Houston.
UVI's Summer Institute has distinguished itself as a premier program for nurturing future leaders with a global perspective, according to Acting Coordinator Dr. Ron E. Harrigan. Since its inception, over 500 outstanding students from French, Spanish, Dutch, and English-speaking communities across the Caribbean, as well as students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities on the U.S. mainland, and universities in Canada and Europe have completed the program.
An integral part of the Institute is the opportunity afforded
students to learn about the governmental structure of the U.S.
Virgin Islands. As a highlight of this learning experience,
students are given tours of the Virgin Islands Senate Building,
Government House and the Superior Court. They also have the
opportunity to meet with member of the local government including
the Governor, the President of the Legislature and the Chief Judge
of the Virgin Islands Superior Court.
Visit the Summer Institute
Website for more information.