Members of the media are invited to cover and photograph the University of the Virgin Islands 60th Commencement Exercises on Thursday, May 9, at 1 p.m.in the Eldridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center on the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas and on Friday, May 10, at 1 p.m. on the grounds of the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix.
The event's keynote speaker is former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who previously served as senior advisor and director of the White House Office of Engagement. Lance Bottoms’ unique background includes serving in all three branches of government: as a judge, city councilmember, and mayor marking a first in Atlanta’s history. During her leadership, Lance Bottoms delivered four years of balanced budgets without increasing property taxes, laying off city employees, or implementing furloughs, maintaining city reserves at $181 million. Her administration was marked by significant achievements in enhancing Atlanta’s resilience and economic growth despite the economic downturn during the pandemic era.
The University will also bestow an honorary doctorate to Theron Thomas and Timothy Thomas, siblings and recording industry celebrities known professionally as “Rock City” for their contributions to music in Caribbean influences with hip hop, rap and R & B. The St. Thomas natives topped charts in 2015 with their debut album, “What Dreams Are Made Of,” and catapulted them into the spotlight. Theron Thomas received a Grammy Award at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in February of 2024.
At the Albert A. Sheen Campus, Caroline Fawkes, Supervisor of the Virgin Islands Election System will also be presented with an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters degree, honoring her trailblazing accomplishments as an aviator and the role she plays as a mentor and inspiration to the Territory’s youth. The St. Croix native made history as the first female pilot of the U.S. Army’s C23 Sherpa airplane and the first female state aviation officer in the army National Guard. She has served as the Supervisor of the Election System since 2013, administering and regulating the elections of the Virgin Islands Territory.
Admission to the commencement exercises on both campuses is by ticket only. Media partners interested in attending the ceremonies must confirm their attendance no later than Friday, April 26, by emailing pr@uvi.edu.
What: UVI 60th Commencement Ceremony
When: May 9, 2024
Time: 1 p.m.
Where: Elridge W. Blake Sports & Fitness Center – Orville E. Kean Campus – St. Thomas
What: UVI 60th Commencement Ceremony
When: May 10, 2024
Time: 1 p.m.
Where: Grounds of the Albert A. Sheen Campus – St. Croix
Contact: UVI Public Relations Office (340) 693-1059