The University of the Virgin Islands will celebrate its founding with a Charter Day ceremony on March 15. The ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will be video conferenced from the first-floor conference room of the Administration and Conference Center on UVI's St. Thomas campus and the North West Wing of UVI's Great Hall on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix.
This year's theme is "Our Journey to Greatness." UVI will mark the occasion with an inter-island panel discussion featuring five successful UVI alumni who will share how UVI influenced their careers and their insights into the University's future.
The panelists are Attorney and UVI Rhodes Scholar Quincy Quinlan, Arthur Richards Junior High School Principal Kurt Vialet, UVI Data Specialist Aimee Sanchez and Deputy U.S. Marshall Kwesi Howard.
"The panel will discuss the positive foundation they gained from UVI, how that foundation transferred to success in their present positions and achievements, and the role each of us can take to help UVI on 'Our Journey to Greatness,' said UVI Assistant Professor of Chemistry Dr. Bernard Castillo, Charter Day committee co-chair. "The panel will focus on building upon UVI's solid foundation, developed over the past 50 years, which has positioned the institution to expand its commitment to enhancing the lives of the people of the Virgin Islands and wider Caribbean."
"This year's celebration marks the beginning of the next half century of 'Our Journey to Greatness'," said UVI Associate Professor of Nursing Dr. Gloria Callwood, Charter Day Committee co-chair. "It is fitting for the University community to pause and reflect on the impact we have had in the Virgin Islands community and beyond, and look to where we are headed on our journey to greatness."
The Charter Day celebration will also include displays of the scholarly activities of students and faculty, and the work of various components of the University. The displays will be available at 9 a.m. In addition, there will be presentations on the Historical Publication and Time Capsules as a culmination of the 50th Anniversary Golden Jubilee celebration.
UVI's Charter Day celebration will be preceded by the 12th Annual Queen Mary Walk/Run at 6 a.m. from Sunshine Mall in Frederiksted to UVI's Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix. The event is open to walkers and runners of all performance levels. The first 100 pre-registered participants will receive commemorative T-shirts. Breakfast will be provided at the end of the walk/run. Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third overall male and female participants. The first male and female UVI alumni, UVI student, UVI staff and UVI faculty walker /runner will also receive awards. Parking will be available at Sunshine Mall and transportation will be provided from UVI to Sunshine Mall after the race.
UVI was chartered by the Fourth Legislature on March 16, 1962.