Debra Thompson is VI SBDC State Star

The University of the Virgin Islands congratulates Debra Thompson - the 2011 State Star of the VI Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Thompson was chosen by the VI SBDC for being an outstanding performer, making a major contribution to the VI SBDC program, and showing a strong commitment to the growth of the network. She was recently honored at a special awards reception honoring the America Small Business Development Center’s 2011 State Stars on Friday, September 6, 2011, in San Diego, California. Pictured left to right: ASBDC President Charles "Tee" Rowe; Constant Contact Director of Regional Development Annie Powell; VI SBDC State Star Debra Thompson; VI SBDC State Director Leonor D. Dottin; and Associate Deputy Administrator of the SBA Michael Chodos. For more information on starting or maintaining a small business in the Virgin Islands, visit the VI SBDC website at: http://www.sbdcvi.org/

UVI Honors Outgoing CFO Vincent Samuel

Members of the UVI community gathered Tuesday, Aug. 30, to share their gratitude for outgoing Vice President for Administration and Finance and Chief Financial Officer Vincent Samuel, who has decided to return to the University’s faculty, teaching in the School of Business. Samuel’s almost 30 years of association with UVI – from student, to faculty, to administrator – were recalled with humor and deep thanks by current and former administrators, as well as members of the UVI staff. Retired long-time UVI administrator Malcolm Kirwan, above right, elicited some of the broadest laughter from Samuel, who is flanked by former UVI President Dr. LaVerne Ragster. Dr. Ragster hosted the ceremony. UVI President Emeritus Dr. Orville Kean and President Dr. David Hall, along with a number of UVI trustees, were also among the speakers who recalled the critical roles Samuel has played over the years at the University. Finally, Samuels explained that his great concern for the young people of the territory was a key factor in his decision to try to make a more direct impact on their lives through teaching.

Phonathon III Slated for Aug. 29 to Sept. 1

UVI Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Affairs Linda I. Smith ('98, '03), left, welcomes a few of the many volunteers who will take to the phone lines for UVI's Special Alumni Phonathon III on Aug. 29 through Sept. 1. Present for the early orientation session were, from left, Dr. Xuri Maurice Allen, Toriefa Alexander ('08), Peggy Fahie ('92) and Dr. Maude Jacobs ('78, 84). They will be reaching out to UVI's special alumni - those who attended the University for 12 months or more but did not graduate from UVI - to update contact information, share the institution's latest news and seek financial support for UVI students.

Follow the links below for a look back at the Phonathon II action.

Day One Day Two Day Three

Cruzan VIRIL Adds $40,000 to Support UVI Scholarships

On hand for the check presentation were, from left, Cruzan General Manager Dennis P. Potter, Cruzan Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Marvin L. Pickering (UVI '85), Cruzan President and Chief Executive Officer Gary C. Nelthropp, UVI President Dr. David Hall, UVI Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dionne V. Jackson, Cruzan Accounting Assistant Narissa T. Mapp (UVI '07) and Cruzan Assistant Office Manager Magdalen Joseph (UVI '98).

A $40,000 contribution in support of student scholarships was presented by long-time University of the Virgin Islands supporter Cruzan VIRIL Ltd. at a check presentation on Thursday, Aug. 11, at the Cruzan Rum distillery on St. Croix.

Cruzan VIRIL Ltd. President and Chief Executive Officer Gary C. Nelthropp and Chief Financial Officer Marvin L. Pickering were on hand to make the presentation to UVI President Dr. David Hall and Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dionne V. Jackson. The gift brings the total Cruzan donation to the University, since 1987, to $655,000.

“In these fiscally tight times in the territory, this gift from Cruzan Rum is even more important than in past years,” said President Hall. “The University has fewer resources to operate with now than in the past. Therefore we need the generosity of the private sector in order to support our students in their quest for academic excellence. This gift goes to the heart of UVI and comes from the heart of Cruzan Rum."

A full news release is available from the UVI website - http://www.uvi.edu/ - and from this direct link.

Budding Scientists Display Results of Summer Research

Twenty UVI science students presented posters displaying the results of research they have conducted in the Virgin Islands this summer at the annual Summer Science Symposium on Friday, July 29, at the UVI Administration and Conference Center on the St. Thomas campus. Their research was conducted while participating in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience and the Sophomore Summer Research Institute programs. The symposium is a part of UVI's continuing effort to promote excellence in learning by fostering student research and improving their communication skills in science and mathematics. Click here to read a news release on the symposium.

UVI applied mathematics majors Tyriq Isles, left, and Kyle Williams explain their project – exploring ways to better assign ship berthing positions at commercial docks – to UVI Eastern Caribbean Center research analyst Ayishih Bellew. The team based their study on St. Thomas' Yacht Haven cruise ship dock. Their project mentor was Dr. Marc Boumedine. Bellew was among many interested individuals who turned out to hear the students explain their work.

Lavida Brooks, left, and Gemel Joseph explain their project involving DNA extractions from white mangroves to UVI President Dr. David Hall. Dr. Alice Stanford served as their mentor.

Upward Bound 2011 Summer Program Theme: Transporting Students to the Next Level

St. Croix 2011 Upward Bound students (click image to enlarge)

Twenty-three students from the St. Thomas/St. John District and 24 from the St. Croix District are participating in six-week Upward Bound college preparatory programs on UVI’s campuses. The residential portion of the programs began Sunday, June 19, and concludes today, Friday, July 22, with open houses and awards banquets. Next week, students in the program will take a college tour, visiting nine colleges and universities in Florida and Georgia. While there they will explore their future plans and career choices with admissions and financial aid representatives.

During the on-campus portion of the program, the students stayed in UVI’s residence halls and attended daily classes in English composition, literature, SAT prep courses, geometry, pre-calculus, biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics and Spanish. The students also participated in a wide variety of cultural enrichment, and social and recreational activities.

Upward Bound is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Its goal is to motivate high school students from low-income families and those who are potential first-generation college students. Applications are accepted year-round, on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information visit the Upward Bound section of the UVI website – www.uvi.edu – or call (340) 693-1130 on St. Thomas or (340) 693-4182 on St. Croix.



St. Thomas/St. John 2011 Upward Bound students and faculty (click to enlarge)

The UVI College Business Residency Program Closes with Awards Ceremony

Top: Participants of the UVI College Business Residency Program are joined by two representatives of International Capital and Management Company at the far left, and five program administrators at the far right. Bottom: “Most Outstanding Student” Kareem Edwards with Program Director Ricardo Caldwell.

The UVI College Business Residency Program held its closing ceremony on Thursday, July 14, on the St. Thomas campus. The program’s 27 students from high schools throughout the territory spent three weeks studying ethics, business etiquette and business management. At the end they were divided into groups of four and tasked with creating a business plan for a new product or service. The groups presented their business plans at the closing ceremony. A panel of judges selected Candy Colorz Inc., an airbrushing company, as the winning business. Each student received a certificate of participation. Some students were selected for special awards. Kareem Edwards was named “Most Outstanding Student.” Scholastic Awards were given to Brenon Joseph (first place), Veronique Joseph (second place) and Jelani Thomas (third place). Me’khael Miller received the “Most Cooperative” award.

“We are so proud of you all. Our hearts are jumping with joy,” said Ricardo Caldwell, the program’s director and a UVI professor, noting the students’ growth over the three weeks.

The UVI College Business Residency Program is made possible through the support of International Capital and Management Company.

Alumni Meet Oliver Samuels

It was all smiles as UVI alumni and guests met renowned comedian Oliver Samuels, after his performance of the play “Midnight at Puss Creek” at UVI’s Reichhold Center for the Arts on July 9. Reserved tickets to the performance were won by alumna Colleen Williams (’83, ’97), for submitting the winning entry in a contest to name the upcoming alumni e-newsletter. A panel of judges, which included Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dionne V. Jackson, Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Affairs Linda I. Smith(’98, ’03), and Public Relations Specialist Nanyamka Farrelly (’99, ’06) reviewed the contest’s 367 entries. “The UVI Alumni Chronicles,” was selected as the winning entry. Williams, a principal at the Ricardo Richards Elementary School on St. Croix, could not attend the showing and donated her tickets to Andrea Francis and Cherlyn Wattley. Francis, Wattley, Smith, the first Miss College of the Virgin Islands 1965-66 Averricia Williams (’66, ’68) and six-time alumna Claudette Georges (88, ‘86, ‘91, ‘04 (2), ’06) had the opportunity to meet Samuels. Pictured top, from left to right are: Georges, Francis, Samuels, Wattley, Averricia Williams and Smith. Colleen Williams is pictured at the left.

The Caribbean Writer Dedicates Anniversary Issue to Ayiti/Haiti

The 25th anniversary issue of UVI's "The Caribbean Writer" has been published and is available in bookstores in the Virgin Islands - including the UVI Bookstores on St. Croix and St. Thomas. The issue - Volume 25 - focuses on Ayiti/Haiti. For more information, see this UVI News Release.

Cover art by Pasko Merisier

Learning to Sea - The USVI

The first installment of the new video feature "Learning to Sea - The USVI" will be broadcast during today's (Wednesday, July 6) 7 p.m. newscast on the territory's CBS affiliate TV2. Each three-minute episode of the 13-week series will feature a marine animal in its natural habitat. Filmmaker Ziggy Livnat and a UVI research team captured the unique footage. See a complete newsrelease at this direct link.

Learning to Sea in the USVI Promo clip from For The Sea Productions on Vimeo.