The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is celebrating the 59th anniversary of its charter with a wide range of events including a formal Charter Day Ceremony marking the occasion when the University, formerly known as the College of the Virgin Islands, was officially created by the V.I. Legislature in 1962.
Themed “UVI: Charting New Directions for the People of the Virgin Islands,” the ceremony will be livestreamed for public viewing on Tuesday, March 16, at 10 a.m. from the newly renamed Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas. The event will recognize the legacy of UVI President Emeritus, Dr. Orville E. Kean, who served as the University’s president from 1990 to 2002. V.I. Delegate to Congress Stacey E. Plaskett will be the keynote speaker.
“Each year when we celebrate this important occasion is an opportunity to reflect on the bold vision of our founders who understood the formidable impact an institution of higher learning would have on improving the lives of Virgin Islanders and fostering greater economic development for the Territory,” said Dr. David Hall, UVI president. “Through the collective work of my predecessors, a dedicated board, faculty and staff, I am so proud of how far we have come, how UVI has grown, how we have risen to the many challenges, and how we continue to improve, innovate and lead in our community,” stated Dr. Hall. “Above all, I am proud of the achievements of our students and alumni who represent the fulfillment of our mission.”
In addition to words from President Hall, Dr. Kean, and Delegate Plaskett, viewers will hear remarks from V.I. Governor Albert Bryan, and other dignitaries while enjoying musical interludes from Dion Parson. To view the Charter Day, Ceremony, visit. www.uvi.edu or https://www.facebook.com/UVI.edu.
The Charter Day Ceremony is one of many events commemorating the week-long observance of UVI’s charter. Other events include virtual presentations from UVI’s Schools and
Colleges; the Reichhold Center for the Art’s debut of RCA Sessions, featuring a virtual performance by local band, Dub Lab, on Thursday, March 18; and the 30th Annual Afternoon on the Green fundraiser, which brings lively entertainment, cooking demonstrations, children’s activities and more to the community virtually on Sunday, March 21. For a full schedule of events, visit www.uvi.edu.