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a t t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f t h e V i r g i n I s l a n d s w w w . u v i . e d u caption UVIAlumni Chronicles 1 d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 2 N o . 2 UVI Alumni Donate at Historic Rate The University of the Virgin Islands celebrated the 50th an- niversary of its founding this year in grand style. There were Gold- en Jubilee galas, receptions and inspirational lectures, but it was UVI’s alumni that made history. In celebration of this mile- stone anniversary, UVI President David Hall issued a challenge to all alumni. He launched the “50 for 50 Challenge” campaign to motivate alumni to increase their contributions to their alma mater by raising the alumni giving rate to 50 percent – which will be a historical first for any Histori- cally Black College or University (HBCU). Through the “50 for 50 Chal- lenge,” UVI’s alumni giving rate skyrocketed to a record-setting 42 percent. Dr. Hall noted that in a three- year period UVI’s alumni giv- ing rate went from a low of six percent to a high of 42 percent. “That is a trajectory that you can- not ignore,” he said. “It is worth us praising and understanding how rare this really is.” “The result of this arduous challenge would not be possible without the enthusiastic response and support of our alumni,” said UVI Alumni Af- fairs and Annual Giving Director Linda I. Smith (’93, ’03). “Our alumni pride is clear, even in these tough economic times. I thank all of our alumni – near and far, local and abroad – who have contributed.” Dr. Hall was moved by the ef- forts of UVI’s alumni. “We are just very apprecia- tive of the response our alums showed to this particular cam- paign,” President Hall said, call- ing the challenge to raise the alumni giving rate to 50 percent, “a tremendous stretch.” UVI Vice President of Institu- tional Advancement Dionne Jack- son echoed the same sentiments. “I am extremely proud of this impressive show of alumni sup- port for our institution,” said Jack- son. “This sends a strong message of alumni satisfaction to prospec- tive students who are consider- ing attending UVI and to major donors who are contemplating funding university initiatives.” Although UVI’s alumni nar- rowly missed their donation goal, they still accomplished what very few of the 105 HBCU’s in the nation have ever accomplished. President Hall compared UVI’s Alumni donations in 2012 to 20 universities with the high- est alumni giving rate at a recent UVI Board of Trustees Meeting. “Of these institutions that are in the top 20, very few of them are above the mark that we’ve reached,” Dr. Hall said. Vice President Jackson said that President Hall; attorney Well done, Buccaneers! Throughout this Golden Jubilee year, thousands of alumni came together and attended celebra- tory receptions, concerts, ceremonies, and events showcasing institutional pride. University of the Virgin Islands President David Hall’s historic “50 for 50 Challenge” has re- sulted in record-breaking results gaining UVI terri- torial, national and global recognition. This spirited campaign achieved an alumni participation rate of 42 percent! This chal- lenge showcases alumni pride like that of the 50 for 50 Class Rep Chal- lenge where class leaders from 47 graduation class- es came together to bol- ster the challenge efforts. Congratulations Class of 1979 and leaders attor- ney R. Oliver David and U V I niversity irgin slands of the “We are just very appreciative of the response our alums showed to this particular campaign.” continued on next page continued on next page - President Hall University of the Virgin Islands Alumni Affairs and An- nual Giving Director Linda Smith (second from the right) is surrounded by UVI Volunteers at a ‘50 for 50 Challenge’ campaign fundraiser in the British Virgin Islands. (from left to right) UVI students Iyanna Jones, Joshua and UVI Queen Ivory Carter assisted with the campaign. Congratulations Alumni, You’ve Made History! 2 Alumni Spotlight: Golden Jubilee Alumnus’ steady stride to success In 2012, the University of the Virgin Islands celebrated its 50th Anniversary Golden Jubilee and held commencement exercises for the graduating class. Graduates of the Class of 2012 were propelled into the world for the first time as UVI alumni. For each graduate, the road to profes- sional and personal success begins somewhere. For one member of this class, Recaldo Richardson, it began with a choice to attend the University of the Virgin Islands. Richardson chose UVI because of its reputation. “I spoke with numerous indi- viduals and they assured me that it was a great University,” said Rich- ardson, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in market- ing. He added that it was close to home and it was very affordable. Richardson’s roots lay in the Caribbean. He was born on Tortola, raised on St. Kitts, and Samuel Hall, (’68) the Chair of the “50 for 50 Challenge” Com- mittee; Smith, and the cadre of alumni and student volunteers promoted this challenge with such enthusiasm, that alumni were eager to help the University achieve this goal. “Our alumni fully embraced the ‘50 for 50 Challenge’,” she said. UVI alumnus Terrell Alexan- dre (’12), a graduate student on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix, was the first to make a donation as part of the “50 for 50 Challenge.” Alexandre was extremely pleased to hear of the campaign’s success and was hopeful that pro- spective students would be able to have more scholarship oppor- tunities to attend UVI. He said that UVI alumni contributions should be more than monetary. “It is very important for alum- ni to encourage prospective stu- dents to go to UVI,” he said. Alexandre added that alumni should not make this the last year that they donate at a 42 percent level, but that they needed to keep the momentum going. Smith thanked all of the alum- ni for their hard work in meet- ing this challenge, but noted that UVI’s alumni must continue. “Fellow alumni, we cannot stop here,” said Smith. “Our sup- port for our alma mater must continue. We have made history, we have set a record, but our con- tinued support is necessary. UVI will be as strong as its alumni.” Smith said that the campaign continues during 2013 where the team looks forward to claiming the number one slot. To make your gift count today, visit the UVI website at www.uvi.edu and click on the UVI “Donate Now” button to open a secure giving page. Alumni Donate at Historic Rate continued Recaldo Richardson Lily Mae Durante on be- ing the class to raise the highest dollars and gain recognition throughout all campuses for the next year! The historic Class of 2012 did not leave cam- pus without first paying it forward; with a cumula- tive total class participa- tion rate of 71percent. The challenge contin- ues during FY 2012-13 with the launch of UVI’s “First to 50” challenge. Congratulations and well done! Happy, blessed and prosperous New Year! Linda I. Smith, ‘98, ‘03 Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Affairs ALUMNI Update your CONTACT Information link continued from pg.1 Continued on next page The University of the Virgin Islands’ South Atlantic Region Alumni Chapter held a Fourth of July barbecue in Georgia to celebrate UVI’s 50th Anniversary Golden Jubilee. 3 Top 10: Classes with the Largest Gifts Class Year...............................Dollars 1979................................................$5,817.00 1968................................................$5,582.00 2012................................................$5,446.69 1988................................................$4,640.00 1985................................................$4,598.00 1996................................................$4,060.50 1982................................................$3,751.00 1980................................................$3,521.00 1992................................................$3,415.00 1984................................................$3,371.00 Top 10: Classes with the Highest Giving Rate Year................................................GR 2012......................................................... 71% 2011......................................................... 41% 2004......................................................... 36% 1998......................................................... 35% 1967......................................................... 29% 2007......................................................... 29% 1965......................................................... 27% 1992......................................................... 26% 2002 ........................................................ 26% 2005* 25% 2006* 25% *Tied for 10th place now lives and works on Tortola. He embraced these roots and en- joyed his time at UVI by keeping busy. He was a member of UVI’s Ad Club and was also a member of the St. Kitts-Nevis Association. He also studied hard and learned many valuable life lessons. “Making friends while at school can help to open doors and make vital connections after the journey is over,” Richardson said. He add- ed that the more time and effort you put into a task the bigger and more gratifying the reward. Richardson is currently work- ing as an internal marketing co- ordinator and brand manager trainee at Roadtown Wholesale Trading Ltd. He plans to use the knowledge and skills he acquired at UVI to propel himself further up the professional ladder within the company. Richardson does have some in- terests outside of work. He is an active member of the Lions Club and an avid amateur photogra- pher. While at UVI, he discovered a passion for photography. Since graduating, he has continued to hone his skill and plans to some- day have his own photography business. Richardson also plans to continue his education and hopes to complete his master’s degree sometime in the future. Alumni Spotlight: continued from pg.2 The University of the Virgin Islands’ 50th Anniversary Gold- en Jubilee brought many oppor- tunities for alumni to show their school spirit. As part of the “50 for 50 Challenge,” which began in January 2012, UVI graduat- ing classes competed to see who could raise the most donations through the Class Reps Chal- lenge. The Class of 1979, led by Attorney R. Oliver David, on St. Croix, and Lily Mae Durante, on St. Thomas, won first place, with the largest total class gift. However, the Golden Jubilee Class of 2012, passionately led by St. Croix representative De- siree Golden, and St. Thomas representative Damian Audain, set a record with the highest class participation in UVI’s history-a whopping 71 percent. Here are the top 10 winners based on the amounts raised and giving results. Best of the Best: Class Gift Challenge “I spoke with numerous individuals and they assured me that it was a great University.” -Recaldo Richardson 4 UVI Alumni Chronicles aT the University of the Virgin Islands 2 John Brewers Bay St. Thomas, VI 00802 This iconic picture taken at the University of the Virgin Islands depicts someone painting a sign. Do you know who is in the photograph and when it was taken? Please send responses with your contact information to pr@uvi.edu. Where are They Now? Visit www.uvi.edu or Contact us at (340) 693-1040 or (340) 692-4231 with any questions. Support UVI DONATE NOW secure site Did You Know Did you know that in May four UVI students won a total of $60,000 cash to use start-up funds for their businesses? They received the prizes as winners of the first 13D Student Entrepreneur- ship Competition. Patricia Rogers took the top prize of $30,000 for her Virgin Fresh Egg Farm business plan. Ghadeer Taha and Heba Abdallah took the $20,000 second-place award for their Lab Equipment Rental busi- ness. Shoshana Pemberton won third place and $10,000 for her 360 Skate Center business. A $5 million gift to UVI from investment strategist and entrepreneur Kiril Sokoloff funds the competition, the endowed Kiril Sokol- off Distinguished Professorship and an Entrepreneurial Speaker Series.