Land Grant 50th Anniversary

The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Land-Grant University status on June 22, in the Great Hall on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix. The formal opening ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. and will be followed by an open house with vibrant farm to table food demonstrations, educational agricultural displays, entertainment, and wonderful prizes.  

The public is invited to attend. To enter the event all persons are strongly encouraged to wear masks, present their vaccination card or present a negative COVID-19 test 24 prior to the celebration. 

“I am thrilled that UVI is celebrating this momentous anniversary, marking our past accomplishments and setting forth a path of achievement and service to the community for the future,” said UVI President Dr. David Hall. “The UVI School of Agriculture’s creation is a testament of the University’s commitment to its land-grant mission and to the people of the Territory.” 

The mission of the School of Agriculture is to provideinnovative and cutting-edge research, teaching, and extension programs that respond to the educational, social, economic, and environmental needs of the people of the Virgin Islands as well as Caribbean region. 

“The 50th Land-Grant Anniversary is an important milestone that presents an opportunity for the School of Agriculture to reflect on our research, extension, and teaching mission over the past 50 years and rededicate ourselves to that tripartite mission for the next 50 years for the main purpose of improving the quality of lives of the people of the Virgin Islands,” said Dr. Usman Adamu, dean, and director of the School of Agriculture.  

First signed into law in 1862 by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, the Morrill Land-Grant Acts allowed for the creation of land-grant colleges in the U.S. states to focus on teaching practical agriculture, science, military science, and engineering. In 1972, by an act of congress, the then College of the Virgin Islands was designated as a Land-Grant Institution and full-time academic programs were initiated on St. Croix and on St Thomas in 1975.  

The university invites everyone to come and experience the University of the Virgin Islands School of Agriculture at its best. Persons attending the event in person must follow the general guidelines on the COVID-19 protocols for attending on campus events and activities. 

COVID-19 Protocol for UVI In-Person Ceremonies: 

  1. FACE MASKS- The use of face masks is not mandatory but strongly encouraged. Please be diligent and protect yourselves, as necessary. Where possible, please also maintain some degree of social distancing, sit with your group and practice good hand-hygiene. 
  2. PROOF OF COVID-19 VACCINATION- Participants and attendees will have to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entry. If you are unable to show proof of vaccination or forget your vaccination card at home, there is no way to verify onsite your status. As a result, you will have to instead present a 24-hour negative COVID- l9 rapid antigen or PCR test result from a valid lab, physician, or V.1. Department of Health together with a valid 1.0. No self or home test results will be accepted. Tests outside of the 24-hour window will not be accepted. 
  3. UNVACCINATED ATTENDEES- Any unvaccinated participants must present a 24-hour negative COVID-19 rapid antigen or PCR test result from a valid lab, physician, or V.1. Department of Health ty with a valid I.D. No self or home test results will be accepted. Tests outside of the 24-hour window will not be accepted. 

 

For more information, contact Marthious Clavier at (340) 692-4090, or via email at mclavie@live.uvi.edu. Visit http://soa.uvi.edu.  

 
The UVI School of Agriculture is an equal opportunity provider. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, and American Sign Language) should contact the UVI School of Agriculture at (340) 692-4090.