Dear Daily News Editorial Staff:
As part of the Halos & Pitchforks commentary in the March 19, 2018, edition of the newspaper, you made a negative reference to a postcard calendar which the University developed and distributed. The UVI postcard calendar shared this year is part of the University’s ongoing efforts to develop and nurture relationships with donors and friends. This effort, which you criticized, only cost the University $650.00. UVI donors, including our alumni, donate in excess of $1.5 million dollars annually which help fund student scholarships and other critical programs. The postcard calendar is a small way to thank donors for their support and keep UVI in front of them throughout the year.
You also raised concerns about the loan the University secured to create an endowment for the School of Medicine, implying that this was a financially unwise decision. For the two and a half years since the loan was secured, the University has made all payments in a timely manner from the interest earned by the endowment. In addition, as planned, the endowment has grown and presently exceeds the balance due on the loan. The construction of the buildings for the UVI School of Medicine has resumed since the recent hurricanes. Despite various setbacks, the University remains committed to this important project which can greatly improve the quality of healthcare and stimulate the economy in the Virgin Islands.
UVI continues to be a thoughtful caretaker of the funds allotted to it by the Government of the Virgin Islands and private donors. As the Territory plans for its revitalization, the University must play an even more central role in preparing students and the public for the new Virgin Islands.
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