UVI: Breaking Down Barriers

(Fom left to right) Janelle Saruaw, Michele Weichman, and Dr. Patricia Rhymer pose
for a group photo after a panel discussion on the diversity in sexual orientation.

UVI’s Counseling and Career Services Department, the UVI Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, and the Psychology and Brothers with a Cause student organizations hosted a panel discussion about breaking down barriers on the topic of diversity in sexual orientation. There were four panelists, including Pastor Beltane Harrigan, founder of the Way of the Cross Baptist Church, Dr. Patricia Rhymer, a professor of psychology, and two persons living the diverse lifestyle, Janelle Sarauw and Michele Weichman.


The first round of questions were primarily focused on how the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) debate is affecting the community. The questions that followed asked about specific details from the panelists’ lives. Both Sarauw and Weichman divulged details on “coming out” to their friends and loved ones for the first time. They talked about moments in their lives when they understood they were different from most of the people around them. Another question inquired about the existence of gender roles in same-sex relationships.


The final round of questions came from members of the audience, most of whom directed their questions to Pastor Harrigan. Throughout the discussion, Harrigan was continuously asked about his interpretation of the Bible’s role and viewpoint in regards to the LGBT community and sexual diversity.


The audience was left with a better understanding of the struggles that the LGBT community faces and in turn, members of the LGBT community were given the opportunity to share their stories in an open environment.

Students Play a UVI Version of Jeopardy

UVI students play a game of Jeopardy to test their knowledge of UVI's academic procedures, registration and advisement.

“Where do you go to receive your on-campus parking permit?”

“Which degree program offers an opportunity to partner with Columbia University and the University of Florida?"

In celebration of UVI Pride Week, the Center for Student Success hosted Jeopardy games at various locations around campus, including the library courtyard, the UVI Bookstore, and the Classroom Administration Building (CAB).

The final Jeopardy round was played with the winning teams from Monday’s and Wednesday’s games. The event, held outside the CAB, was attended by several students who seemed eager to play, learn, and of course, win prizes that included several $30 gift certificates from the UVI Bookstore. The top prize was a $50 gift certificate, also compliments from the Bookstore.

The competition was not just for fun as it proved to be very informative. The questions asked were about academic procedures, registration, advisement, and other tidbits of useful information. Students seemed actively engaged while the information was being presented to them. They were laughing, singing, and willingly working together towards a common goal…a new hoodie from the Bookstore.