UVI students, faculty and staff gather at the St. Thomas campus Dining Pavilion on Jan. 20 to view the inauguration of President Barack Obama. There were three inauguration watch areas on the St. Thomas campus and one on the St. Croix campus. All areas were filled with spectators. Some spectators recorded the historic event.
Playing Ring, an original Reichhold Center production, is a favorite with Virgin Islands audiences. Through recreations of the old Virgin Islands "yard," the evening pays homage to the artists and performers whose creativity helped fuel the passions of Quelbe music. The musical extravaganza features performances from Milo and the Kings, Stanley and the 10 Sleepless Knights, and the Lashing Dogs of Tortola. For details or to order tickets, visit the Reichhold Center home page.
The Caribbean Writer has extended the submissions deadline for its 23rd edition. The deadline for submissions is now Jan. 30, 2009. The Caribbean Writer is an annual anthology produced by the University of the Virgin Islands. As usual, the Caribbean should be central to any submitted work or the work should reflect a Caribbean heritage, experience or perspective.
About 60 students from music programs at the University of the Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie High School, Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, Addelita Cancryn Junior High School and Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School attended a clinic and lecture conducted by jazz great Branford Marsalis on Friday, Nov. 14. The students sat silently and listened to Marsalis as he spoke about his talent and career, many with their instruments resting in their laps. The workshop gave the students a rare opportunity to hear a top-notch, professional musician up-close and personal. Marsalis sat comfortably and listened intently as students posed questions to him. One group of student musicians had an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and obtain pointers from Marsalis, who took out his saxophone and played with them. The session was held in the Music Suite on UVI's St. Thomas campus. The music clinic was sponsored by The Reichhold Center for the Arts, in conjunction with the V.I. Council on the Arts, and the University of the Virgin Islands Music Department.
Jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis entertains at UVI's Richhold Center for the Arts at 8 p.m on Saturday, Nov. 15. A member of the distinguished New Orleans jazz family, Marsalis' music traverses the jazz landscape, from traditional to modern to innovative. Tickets are available from the Richhold Box office at 693-1559.
World Food Day activities on Sunday, Nov. 2, on UVI's St. Croix campus, helped to raise awareness of the plight of the hungry in the territory and the world. The day's events were hosted by the UVI's Cooperative Extension Service and Agriculture Experiment Station in partnership with the V.I. Department of Agriculture.
The University of the Virgin Islands officially launched a Service Charter program for 11 components and departments at a ceremony held simultaneously on both campuses on Friday, Sept. 19. Personnel from all UVI departments and components were joined at the sessions by a number of representatives from the Virgin Islands government, including Senate President Usie R. Richards, Sen. Louis Patrick Hill, Director of the V.I. Division of Personnel Kenneth Hermon, Commissioner of the Department of Labor Albert Bryan, Jr., Administrator for St. Thomas and St. John Barbara Petersen, Director of the Motor Vehicle Bureau Jerris Brown and V.I. National Guard Adjutant General Renaldo Rivera.
Scores of dedicated volunteers – students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends - spent the last week of August seeking the financial support of UVI alumni during the 2008 Alumni Phone-A-Thon. The goal is $25,000. Funds raised will be used to benefit many areas of the University, including several academic and enrichment programs. Dr. Henry Smith, UVI’s Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement, expressed his profound thanks to the volunteers who participated and to the alumni who pledged their support to the University. Individuals who wish to participate can still make a pledge by calling (340) 693-1040.