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Honorary Doctorate Stanley Jacobs For over 40 years, Mr. Jacobs, affectionately known as "Stanley" to thousands of Virgin Islanders and his merry band of Sleepless Knights, has enchanted us with the sweet sounds of Quelbe music. Mr. Jacobs was born in Vieques, Puerto Rico but St. Croix claims him as their native son. The Virgin Islands can also duly claim him as a Master Musi- cian, Maestro, Historian, and Preservationist for preserving its culture at home and promulgating Quelbe music, the Territory's indigenous musical art form, throughout the world. Like throngs of people who dance in the streets behind Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights on Christmas foreday morning, Mr. Jacobs' VI roots run deep. He spent his formative years in Gallows Bay and attended Christiansted High School. Mr. Jacobs graduated from Lincoln University with a Bachelor of Arts, with a major in psychology in 1963. With a deep love and commitment for his islands, Mr. Jacobs returned to St. Croix after serving in the US Stanley Jacobs Army as a medic and became a social worker at the Herbert Grigg Home for the Aged. Although he started playing instruments at a young age, it was at Herbert Grigg Home where he would receive his greatest education from the residents who imparted knowl- edge of Quadrille and Quelbe music, many of whom were musical icons of their times. In the late 1960's, Mr. Jacobs formed a band with his childhood friends; and in the 1970's they assumed the moniker "Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights." It is said that the name came from Pierpont Petersen, who was the eldest of the group. When members of the band would tease him about his age, Petersen would say "don't mess with me because I have spent ten sleepless nights," a veiled reference to the ten children that he had. Thus, the name for the band was born and a leader was christened. Since that time and many albums later, Stanley's dance card has been full with numerous events and festivities both locally and abroad. Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights hold true to the belief that they have a responsibility to showcase the beautiful rhythms of the Virgin Islands. Internationally, he serves as an ambassador both stoking interest in the Territory and stirring others with his sounds. But no matter how full his dance card might be, Mr. Jacobs has always seen it fit to give back to his community. In addi- tion to performing at and exposing new generations to music through appearances at public and private schools, Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights sponsors a Quelbe Education Program at the St. Croix Educational Complex. The band, holding strong for 45 years and counting, is often referred to as the "Kings of Quelbe" or "the premiere Quelbe band in the world," and "a Virgin Islands Treasure." The group awards scholar- ships to deserving Virgin Islands students pursuing a degree in the music arts. Their goal is to preserve Virgin Islands indigenous music and teach its historical and cultural significance. They also provide funding so that indigent persons with mental illness can receive needed services and medication. Mr. Jacobs' reputation defies the boundaries of the Virgin Islands. He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his outstanding public service and impactful contributions to folkloric local music and culture. Because of his musical passion and leadership, in 2003, the 25th Legislature of the Virgin Islands passed Bill No. 25-0056, which designates Quelbe as the official music of the Virgin Islands and requires that it be taught in the public schools ensuring that our history and culture will live on for generations to come. Mr. Jacobs is a true Virgin Islands music ambassador and icon. He continues to give his time, energy and musical talents for the enjoyment and benefit of the people of the Virgin Islands. Fifty-Third Annual Commencement ST. CROIX Thursday, the Eleventh of May Two Thousand and Seventeen Half after One O'clock in the Afternoon Campus Grounds St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands ST. THOMAS Friday, the Twelfth of May Two Thousand and Seventeen Half after One O'clock in the Afternoon Sports and Fitness Center St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands