The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) will initiate its
Annual Fund campaign for fiscal year 2012 with a personalized
mailing sent to all UVI alumni and potential donors during
the week of Dec. 5, 2011. For the first time, the mailing will
utilize a re-usable, eco-friendly, full-color envelope made of
recycled paper to reach potential donors. The envelope will enable
recipients to return their donation in the same envelope that
contained the solicitation letter.
"This new approach will enable UVI to reduce the costs of outreach, while reaching twice as many individuals," said UVI Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dionne V. Jackson. "It will help us save money, while preserving natural resources."
This eco-friendly mailing supports UVI's Going Green initiative and President David Hall's commitment to encourage the University community to adopt practices that improve the environmental health and viability of the Virgin Islands.
The envelopes have been endorsed by the Forest Stewardship
Council, an organization 
that
promotes the use of recycled paper, which generates less trash
while reducing energy costs and decreasing air and water
pollution.
Monies raised through UVI's Annual Fund help provide deserving students with scholarship support to pursue their studies. This year's letter will feature the personal story of Nathalie Fenton ('14), a nursing student whose academic journey would not have been possible without the financial support of caring UVI donors. Fenton, a graduate of Central High School on St. Croix, is pursuing her academic dream on UVI's Albert A. Sheen campus on St. Croix.
According to Nathalie, "I am especially grateful for the
scholarship support I receive from UVI; my education would not be
possible without it."
The UVI Annual Fund goal for the 2011-2012 fiscal year is $2.5
million. Last year's Annual Fund kick-off mailing featured a
special appeal by UVI student Denelle Baptiste. That appeal, along
with other fundraising initiatives, helped secure a record $94,000
from UVI alumni.
"We are so very appreciative of the community's generosity towards UVI and its students," said Jackson. "We are counting on everyone's continued support. An investment in UVI and its students pays dividends for generations to come."