The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) will celebrate the 63rd anniversary of its charter with events on St. Croix and St. Thomas commemorating the University’s founding in 1962 and its remarkable achievements over the years. Adrianne Todman, former Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will keynote the 63rd Charter Day Ceremony which will take place on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 11 a.m. in the Great Hall on the Albert A. Sheen Campus, St. Croix.
The event will be livestreamed for the public on UVI’s Facebook and YouTube pages. Additional viewing will be available via livestream in the first-floor conference room of the LaVerne E. Ragster Administration and Conference Center (ACC) Building on the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas. This year’s Charter Day celebrations are particularly significant as they coincide with the historic inauguration of Dr. George as UVI’s sixth president.
“I am honored to preside over this year’s Charter Day Ceremony, my first as president, and to pay homage to our founders and all those who contributed to making UVI the distinguished institution it is today,” said UVI President, Dr. Safiya George. “We are delighted to have the Honorable Adrianne Todman as our keynote speaker and to hear her insights on the importance of education and community development. Her career is a testament to her commitment to public service and her passion for improving the lives of others,” added Dr. George.
Todman, a distinguished housing policy leader and advocate for affordable housing, community development and public policy, brings a wealth of experience. She has held prominent roles as HUD Deputy Secretary (2021–2025) and assumed the role of Acting Secretary in 2024. A native of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Todman has remained committed to advancing opportunities for underserved communities.
The Charter Day Ceremony will be marked by presentations featuring UVI students, faculty and staff including musical performances, a dance tribute, a poetry reading and remarks.
The Charter Day celebrations include a Crucian Breakfast on Friday, March 14, at 9:30 a.m. on the Albert A. Sheen Campus, and a Charter Day Social immediately following the ceremony in the Great Hall on St. Croix and in the ACC Courtyard on St. Thomas.
On Saturday evening, the community is invited to the Annual Charter Day Concert hosted by the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Communication and Performing Arts Department in the Prior Jollek Hall on the Antilles School campus, St. Thomas. The concert will showcase the talents of UVI students and faculty, reflecting the university’s commitment to artistic excellence and cultural enrichment.
The UVI community and the public are invited to participate in several events throughout the weekend. Updates and event details can be found on the official Inauguration Celebration webpage at https://www.uvi.edu/Inauguration.
For more information, contact pr@uvi.edu.
