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dateline: UVI The monthly newsletter of The University of the Virgin Islands May 23, 2003 vol ix, number 5 May 20-31 Future Global Leaders STT May 23 WNET Roundtable Meeting STX May 24, 25 STARfest 9 STT May 28 SBDC Workshop STX May 30 Safe Diving Workshop STT UVI Graduates Ready to Make a Difference (left to right) Graduates on UVI’s St. Croix campus pledge allegiance at the commencement ceremony held on May 18. St. Thomas campus Chancellor John Leipzig congratulates a graduate at the commencement ceremony held on May 17. The University of the Virgin Islands conferred 292 de- grees in its 39th annual commencement exercises on May 17 and 18 on the St. Thomas and St. Croix campuses, respec- tively. On St. Thomas, 188 degrees were presented and on St. Croix 104 degrees were awarded. The exercises were historic for Dr. Laverne Ragster, fourth president of the university, because they were her first com- mencement exercises as president. “This academic year has been a time of great activity, accomplishment and challenges at UVI,” President Ragster stated. She spoke about her first academic year in office and thanked local politicians, the Board of Trustees, businesses, and organizations for their support of the University’s efforts. As she addressed the “dynamic and determined” class of 2003, she spoke about their accomplishments both academically and personally. President Ragster concluded by giving the class final words of encouragement. “For you, the dynamic and determined class of 2003, I wish the self-discipline you learned brings to life your dreams and the inner strengths to make all challenges that you meet become opportunities for success and growth.” The St. Thomas class, hailed as “dynamic and determined” by UVI administrators, local politicians and various speakers, were reminded that they should not only be dynamic and de- termined for now, but continue the trend forever. Class speaker Cira Burke, who graduated magna cum laude, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary educa- tion, stressed that the Class of 2003 has been, currently is, and will always be a dynamic and determined set of individu- als. As she delivered her speech, she reminded her fellow classmates that they can accomplish just about anything, once their mind is put to the challenge. “To find a cure for AIDS or eliminate world hunger, de- cide what you’re willing to sacrifice for it,” she said. “Re- ceiving a college diploma does not impact the world, but it is what you do with it that makes the difference,” she said dur- ing her high-energy address. The St. Croix class faced many challenges, but the Class of 2003 is now prepared to face many more, according to St. Croix class speaker Ellenor Paul, who graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary educa- tion. “My classmates and I are ready to reimburse the terri- tory through service for the dollars that have been invested in their education,” said Paul. “We are ready to use our buoyant and dauntless characteristics to benefit the U.S. Virgin Is- lands and our global community. We encourage you to em- Events Calendar Commencement continued on next page dateline:UVI 2 John Brewer’s Bay St. Thomas, VI 00802 GET CONNECTED TO UVI news, activities and accomplishments at . . . www.uvi.edu dateline:UVI is a production of the UVI Public Relations Office. Contact us by telephone at (340) 693-1056 FAX: (340) 693-1055 GET CONNECTED TO UVI news, activities and accomplishments at . . . www.uvi.edu UVI Participates and Wins for Carnival 2003 With another set of winning entries in the 2003 St. Thomas Car- nival, the University of the Virgin Islands is well on its way to be- coming a mainstay in local celebra- tions. The Cooperative Extension Service 4-H Program entry in the Junior King and Queen of the Band competition started the winning streak. Ten-year-old Shiraine Stephens, who portrayed the “Empress Prin- cess Moon Child,” won the Junior Queen of the Band title. Her cos- tume, a circular piece, was deco- rated with pink and blue feathers. The 4-H Junior King of the Band contender Kelvin “KJ” Pickering, depicting the “Prince of Music,” was the first runner-up. His costume, which created a half circle around him, was decorated with musical notes. UVI’s 4-H went on to win second place in the “troupe of 50 or more” category in the Children’s Parade, held on May 2. UVI’s Laura Daniel, a pro- gram specialist in the Registrar’s Office on the St. Thomas campus, was Grand Marshall of the Children’s Parade. Daniel is a long- time carnival participant. Also participating in the Children’s Parade was the UVI Family Life Center steel band. In the Adult’s Parade, UVI’s float entry titled “A Mas of Knowl- edge,” won second place. The float was beautifully decorated in shades of blue and white. At the center of the float a huge gold lamp of learn- ing sat atop a stack of books. UVI’s President LaVerne Ragster walked up the parade route alongside the float, while UVI’s Queen Alba Harrigan and other members of the UVI family rode on the float. ploy us so that you too can be a collaborative partner in our further development.” Donald E. Thompson, division director for the National Science Foundation, made mention of his own college gradu- ation years ago. Thompson’s message simply reminded gradu- ates that their future belongs to no one else but them. “A degree is just the beginning,” he said, “but the best is yet to come. For some of you this is the first of many aca- demic pursuits; you may take advantage of future education on this island, mainland United States or in other countries. After that academic sojourn, you should look again to your island as one of the places in the world to help shape the future. This is a glorious place with so much to offer.” Many other dignitaries spoke at both ceremonies. Gov- ernor Charles Turnbull spoke about the many challenges that the Virgin Islands government and the society face, such as the financial crisis and the lack of unity as a people. Although the government faces such problems, both Governor Turnbull and Senate President David Jones promised the graduates, family, friends and President Ragster, that appropriations will be made shortly to begin construction this year on the Re- search and Technology Park on St. Croix. Commencement continued Shiraine Stephens of UVI’s 4-H Program portrays the “Em- press Princess Moon Child,” in the 2003 Children’s Pa- rade.