Two University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) Hospitality and Tourism Management students received a scholarship award of $10,000 each that will propel their future educational and career goals. Last month, Mekeisha Milfred and Judah Frett were awarded the 2025-2026 Margaritaville Vacation Club Scholarship from local vacation club resort Margaritaville Vacation Club – St. Thomas, which is part of Travel + Leisure Co., a leading vacation ownership and membership travel company.
"At Margaritaville Vacation Club, we want to play an integral part in shaping the landscape of the hospitality industry by investing in the education of our hospitality students,” said Kalina Kennedy, general manager of Margaritaville Vacation Club – St. Thomas. “This isn’t just about supporting the academic journey of these students, it’s about nurturing the future leaders of our industry and sowing seeds of excellence that will flourish within the industry and beyond.”
Expressing her gratitude, Milfred who is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management said, "With this support, I am one step closer to achieving my dreams and making meaningful contributions to the field of tourism. This scholarship will provide me with the financial assistance needed to focus on my studies while actively engaging in campus life. I am now in my second year and excited about the opportunities ahead in the tourism industry”.
Thankful for the opportunity Frett said, “It has been an honor being the recipient of the Margaritaville Vacation Club Scholarship. Majoring in hospitality and tourism allows me to give back to my community greatly. This field allows me to connect with people from all over the world which will help me assist in bettering the Virgin Islands.”
The University of the Virgin Islands Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Mike Morsberger, stated, “I extend my gratitude to Margaritaville Vacation Club and Travel + Leisure Co. for investing in UVI students and our Hospitality and Tourism programs. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of such scholarships enabling students to pursue their educational goals and contribute to the thriving hospitality industry.”
“The Margaritaville Vacation Club Scholarships for UVI Hospitality and Tourism majors have not only recognized the exceptional talents of Mekeisha Milfred and Judah Frett but have also provided them with the financial support necessary to continue their education,” said Dr. Paul Flemming, interim dean of the School of Business. “We are thankful to Margaritaville Vacation Club and Travel + Leisure Co. for their dedicated partnership with UVI.”
Since 2014, the resort and its global parent company have supported UVI's hospitality program by providing direct financial support to students through scholarships, valuable internships, and employment opportunities.
For more information, contact pr@uvi.edu.3
