UVI alumni have responded well and now Alumni Affairs officials are feverishly drumming up additional alumni support as the deadline nears.
"We need the financial support, in any amount, from an additional 1,121 alums," said UVI's Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Affairs Linda I. Smith ('98, '03).
Smith said she is optimistic about UVI reaching its goal, as she and a dedicated team of staff and volunteers - which include fellow alumni, current students and friends - continue to reach out to the community for support. "There is not one day that we don't reach out to alumni - and that includes weekends and holidays," Smith said. "And there is not one day that we run into an alum who doesn't want to give," she added. "Our alumni pride is evident in everything that we do."
She expressed gratitude to those who have already made a gift. "This historic campaign continues to receive overwhelming support of both alumni and friends. Everyone is excited about our hometown university becoming the first HBCU to have 50 percent participation," she said. Still, Smith noted, alumni must take action to make it possible.
Contributions must be made by Sept. 30, to be counted toward the 50 for 50 Campaign. Alumni may make donations securely on-line by clicking the "Support UVI, Donate Now" button on the homepage of UVI's website www.uvi.edu or via the UVI Alumni Network Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/uvialumninetwork. For more information or to make a donation via the telephone, contact the Alumni Affairs Office on St. Croix at (340) 692-4231 or on St. Thomas at (340) 693-1044. All donations made to UVI are tax-deductible.