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dateline: UVI April 25, 2006, vol xii, number 4 April 28 Children’s Parade STT April 29 Adult’s Parade STT May 15 Commencement STT May 16 Commencement STX May 20 Parson’s Dance Co. STT The monthly newsletter of The University of the Virgin Islands Outraged by the brutal killing of University of the Virgin Islands junior Sherett James, the UVI family and the commu- nity came together for a “Vigil for Nonviolence” on the St. Thomas campus’ Golf Course on April 12. More than 150 people attended the event to speak out against violence in the community. Described as “emotional” and “moving,” members of James’ family, the families of other homicide victims and victims themselves took turns speaking at the event. Andrea Hamm, St. Thomas campus Counseling and Placement supervisor, who helped to organize the event, said she was pleased with the community’s response. She has asked the UVI family to make suggestions of “where do we go from here?” Attendees at the Vigil for Nonviolence listen to speak- ers, left, and light candles, right, in mem- ory of victims of violence at the event on UVI’s St. Thomas campus. Photos by Dale Morton The Community Rallies Together Against Violence Dedication – it is the very reason that so many University of the Virgin Islands em- ployees have stayed at UVI, Lt. Gov. Vargrave Richards said at the St. Thomas campus 32nd Annual Service Awards on April 20. “Dedica- tion, commitment, passion – these are all things we can’t pay for,” he said. The keynote speaker at the ceremony that rec- ognizes employees in five-year intervals, Lt. Gov. Richards said that the employees are the “true building blocks” of UVI. “I know how important it is to recognize individuals who have done outstanding work,” Lt. Gov. Richards said. “The more involvement and appreciation we show is a direct corre- lation with their input.” Dedication. The word was mentioned again as the em- ployee of the year selection was made. Janice Henley, who was recognized for her 25 years of service to UVI, was named Employee of the Year. Henley sat in shock as her name was called for the honor. UVI Employees Recognized for ‘Dedication’ at Service Awards “The University of the Virgin Islands pays almost 700 people a month, and Janice is the person who is responsible to make sure everyone gets paid and is happy,” said Henley’s supervisor Vincent Samuel, the vice president for Administration and Finance. “There were times when we didn’t have electricity . . . or even a place to sit, and Service Awards continued on next page Events Calendar Left, UVI Payroll Supervisor Janice Henley reacts to being named St. Thomas campus em- ployee of the Year. Right, Ann- Merrie Hendrickson, reacts to being named the St. Croix cam- pus employee of the year. 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 There were only six contestants but the talents were plenty at the UVI “Apollo Style” Talent Show held on March 31 on the St. Croix campus. All kinds of talents were on display – from singing to instrumentals to dancing to a martial arts performance. In the end UVI sophomore Russell Thomas, who goes by the stage name Indulgence, won the contest. Thomas’ prize was $139.50, half of fees collected at the door. The other half goes to- wards the TJF School of the Month ini- tiative. Thomas won with an a capella rendition of “I Wanna Know” by R&B sensation Joe. The other performers were Will- iam “Spike” Davis, Jael “Empress Jay” Browne, Archie Corbitt III and Cap- tain Garett “Big Easy” Bell. The dance group 2 Hot 2 Handle was made up of Ebony Odom, Evonette Nathaniel and Lydia Gomes. In true Apollo style there was a “Kiki Sheppard” and a “Sand Man.” About 75 people attended the UVI Tom Joyner Foundation Committee spon- sored event. Tionee Veira playing “Kiki Shepard” an- nounces Russell “Indulgence” Thomas as the winner of the UVI “Apollo Style” Talent Show. ‘Indulgence’ Woos the Crowd to Win Talent Show St. Thomas campus Student Employee of the Year Jennifa Mohammed is congratulated by her supervisor, Carlos Robles, at the Student Employees Awards Ceremony held on April 21. Candidates for the Student Employee of the Year award are nominated by thier supervisors, then selected by a committe. They are judged on reliability, initiative, quality of work, dis- position and contribution to employer. Student Employees Work Hard Too . . . everyone at the University was paid.” Walking to the podium, still in obvious surprise at the honor, Henley thanked everyone for their support. “In the Accounting Department we’re truly a family, which makes it easy,” she said. “I’d like to say thank you, thank you.” The St. Croix campus Employee of the Year is Ann-Merrie Hendrickson, the administrative assistant for nursing, science and mathematics. Her selection was announced at the St. Croix campus Service Awards ceremony held on April 19. Hendrickson was also recognized for her 20 years of service at UVI. UVI President Dr. LaVerne E. Ragster was recognized at both ceremonies for her 25 years of service to UVI. Service Awards Continued