The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) will hold a candlelight vigil for beloved College of Science and Mathematics Freshman Kareem L. Pinney on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 5:30 p.m. in the East Residence Hall Lobby on the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas.
Pinney, 17, was tragically killed on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in the early morning hours near his family home. "The University community was shocked by his sudden passing,” said UVI Dean of Students on St. Thomas, Dr. Leslyn Tonge. “We ask that UVI students come to the vigil to mourn his passing and share moments of reflection.”
Students can also place tributes in a memorial space that has been set up in the lobby of East Residence Hall, where Pinney lived while staying on campus.
On Friday, Nov. 8, at 8 p.m. there will be a moment of silence for Pinney at a UVI Bucs Basketball Game being held in his honor in the Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center.
“I offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Kareem,” said Dr. Tonge. “The Office of Student Affairs is working to ensure our student’s mental health and wellbeing are fully addressed during this time of mourning.”
The University’s Office of Counseling and Placement is available in the Student Affairs Building (Rouppe House) for those needing assistance processing this loss. Dahlia Stridiron is the Director of Counseling Services on St. Thomas and can be reached at (340) 693-1136 or dstridi@uvi.edu.
Additionally, Patricia Towal LPC, director of Counseling and Career Services, will lead virtual sessions for those who may prefer to meet online. For more information, contact Towal (340) 692-4187, via Microsoft Teams or ptowal@uvi.edu.
The University will continue to share information in the days ahead on our website (https://uvi.edu.com) and social media pages - https://www.instagram.com/uvi_edu/ and https://www.facebook.com/UVI.edu).
For media inquiries, please contact the Office of Public Relations at pr@uvi.edu.
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