The University of the Virgin Islands will host a series of events throughout March
to commemorate 64 years of service and excellence in higher education in the Virgin
Islands.
Charter Month celebrates the University’s founding on March 16, 1962, and highlights
its continued commitment to academic excellence, cultural enrichment and community
engagement. This year’s theme, “In Pursuit of Dreams: Celebrating Leadership and Virgin
Islands Excellence,” reflects UVI’s enduring mission to empower students and strengthen
the region.
“Charter Month is a celebration of our history, our impact and our future,” said UVI
President Dr. Safiya George. “For 64 years, UVI has helped generations of Virgin Islanders
pursue their dreams through education, leadership and service. As we celebrate this
milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to excellence and to expanding opportunity for
our students and our community.”
Charter Month activities will include musical performances, community events and athletic
competitions designed to engage students, alumni and the broader community. Highlights
of the 2026 Charter Month observance include:
- UVI Charter Day Celebration, St. Thomas (Orville E. Kean Campus, LaVerne E. Ragster
ACC Building) — Friday, March 13, 2026, at 11 am. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends
of the University are invited to commemorate UVI’s 64th Charter anniversary featuring
guest speaker Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory. The celebration will highlight leadership,
culture and excellence in the Virgin Islands community through entertainment, cultural
presentations and reflection on UVI’s legacy and future.
- UVI Charter Day Concert — Saturday, March 14, at 6:30 pm at Prior Jollek Hall at Antilles School. Presented by the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences’ Communication and Performing
Arts Department, the concert will feature the Concert Choir, Jazz Ensemble, Steel
Pan Ensemble and other talented UVI students and faculty. Tickets are available at
the UVI Bookstore and at the door.
- Afternoon on the Green — Sunday, March 15, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Herman E. Moore Golf Course on the
Orville E. Kean Campus. The family-friendly event will include performances by Klimaxx Band, the Jairay Petty
Quintet and UVI dancers, along with activities for children and a tasting competition
featuring local cooks and chefs. Proceeds benefit the Edward E. Thomas Scholarship
Fund. For more information, visit uvi.edu.
- UVI Bucs Pickleball Tournament — Sunday, March 15, from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Fenella A. Cooper Tennis Complex on the
Orville E. Kean Campus. Check-in begins at 4 p.m. The tournament is open to all ages
and skill levels and will include a cash bar. Registration is available at UVI Bucs Pickleball Tournament - Events Calendar.
- UVI Charter Day Celebration, St. Croix (Albert A. Sheen Campus, Great Hall) — Monday, March 16, 2026, at 11 am. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and members
of the UVI community are invited to attend a special Charter Day observance featuring
guest speaker Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett. The program will showcase the strength
and vibrancy of the Virgin Islands through dynamic entertainment and cultural presentations,
while also honoring UVI’s enduring legacy and vision for the future.
- RCA Sessions: On the Floor — Saturday, March 21, at the Elridge Blake Sports & Fitness Center on the Orville
E. Kean Campus. Cocktail hour begins at 7 p.m., followed by the concert at 8 p.m.
The event will feature the 18-piece Jairay Petty Big Band, with musicians from St.
Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, celebrating big band music with bold horns and high-energy
rhythms. Tickets are available at RCA Sessions: Season 3.
Throughout Charter Month, UVI invites the community to join in celebrating the University’s
legacy and its continued pursuit of excellence in education, leadership and service.
For a full schedule of Charter Month activities and additional information, visit
Charter Month.
