The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is hosting a series of events to honor
the historic inauguration of its sixth president, Dr. Safiya George, and celebrate
the 63rd anniversary of its charter. Community members, alumni, friends and supporters are
encouraged to participate in the celebrations, which will culminate with the official
investiture ceremony on March 17. In honor of the occasion, the University is also
launching a special fundraising campaign to support key initiatives that advance its
mission.
“Serving as president of this university is a tremendous honor and responsibility,
and I am deeply grateful for the support of the UVI community,” said President George.
“We are building something truly special at UVI, and I invite everyone to participate
in the inaugural activities and be a part of this journey.”
Events taking place across both St. Thomas and St. Croix include:
Friday, March 14, 2025
- Charter Day Ceremony & Campus Social – A Crucian Breakfast at 9:30 a.m., official ceremony at 11 a.m. and social to follow
in the Great Hall, Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix. On the Orville E. Kean Campus
on St. Thomas, guests are invited to gather at the LaVerne E. Ragster Administration
& Conference Center to watch the livestream at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow
in the courtyard. Open to the UVI community and invited guests.
- Reichhold Center for the Arts Concert & Fundraiser – “RCA Sessions- Passport Edition” presents Ky-Mani Marley live in concert with performances
by local artists, Lourdes & the Switch and DubLab Reggae Band. Doors open at 7 p.m.
at the Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center, Orville E. Kean Campus, St. Thomas.
Tickets available at https://www.uvi.edu/reichhold/rca-sessions.html. Proceeds to benefit the rebuilding of the Reichhold Center for the Arts.
Saturday, March 15, 2025
- President's Pickleball Social – Hosted by President Safiya George at 8 a.m. on the UVI Tennis Courts, Orville E.
Kean Campus, St. Thomas.
- Alumni & Friends Luncheon – By invitation only, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Medical Research and Training Center,
Orville E. Kean Campus, St. Thomas. All UVI alumni are invited to attend, and an RSVP
is required by March 13. For more information, email alumni@uvi.edu.
- Annual Charter Day Concert – Hosted by the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Communication and Performing
Arts Department at 6:30 p.m. at Prior Jollek Hall, Antilles School, St. Thomas. For
more information, visit the Events Calendar.
Sunday, March 16, 2025
- Afternoon on the Green – UVI’s annual “friendraiser” featuring food, family fun, and entertainment from
noon to 5 p.m. at the Herman E. Moore Golf Course on the Orville E. Kean Campus, St.
Thomas. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Edward E. Thomas, Sr. Volunteer Scholarship
Fund. For more information, visit aog.uvi.edu.
Monday, March 17, 2025
- Investiture Ceremony – The formal ceremony welcoming Dr. Safiya George as UVI President at 10 a.m. at
the Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center, St. Thomas. A watch party will be
held at the Great Hall, St. Croix, and the event will be live-streamed on UVI’s social
media. Advance registration is required for in-person attendance by March 14.
To celebrate this important milestone in UVI history, the University has also launched
a special fundraising campaign to support key initiatives. Led by the Office of Institutional
Advancement, the fundraising campaign provides an opportunity for alumni, community
members, and supporters of UVI to contribute to the future growth and success of the
institution. By contributing to the campaign, supporters will have the opportunity
to join distinct “giving clubs” based on the level of giving.
The campaign features two key funds:
- The President’s Excellence Fund – Supporting priority projects and initiatives that align with UVI’s mission and
strategic vision.
- The President George Courageous Caring Leadership Fund – Providing resources for student- and employee-led projects that demonstrate bold,
compassionate leadership in advancing UVI’s mission. President George has personally
contributed to this fund and invites others to join in this meaningful effort.
As UVI embarks on this new chapter, President George encourages the community to actively
participate in shaping the University's future. “Contributions to the fundraising
campaign will directly support initiatives that foster innovation, student success,
and institutional excellence. Together, we can create lasting opportunities for future
generations,” said President George.
For more information on the campaign and upcoming inauguration events, visit https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/UVIPres and www.uvi.edu/inauguration.
For more information, contact pr@uvi.edu.
