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dateline: UVI The monthly newsletter of The University of the Virgin Islands June 25, 2004 vol x, number 6 Events Calendar June 26 Relay for Life STT July 2 Emancipation Day Observed July 5 Independence Day Observed July 19-23 Annual CFCS Meeting STJ Students at the Summer Institute for Future Global Lead- ers in the Caribbean listen as a colleague presents his leadership prospectus. The intense two-week institute hosted by the University of the Virgin Islands aims to pre- pare university juniors, seniors and first-year graduates for global leadership roles. The annual institute, held in May, celebrated its 10-year anniversary this year. The small size of the Virgin Islands has no bearing on the greatness that can be accomplished by its people. That was the message commence- ment keynote speaker Dr. Len Ishmael deliv- ered to the 338 gradu- ates of the University of the Virgin Islands at commencement cer- emonies held on both islands. Dr. Ishmael, director general of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, told the graduates that they can have an im- pact on the entire world, despite com- ing from a small territory. “The notion of smallness is a fea- ture of everyday life,” said Dr. Ishmael. She reminded graduates that while they go on to conquer the world, they can still be of value to the Caribbean region. “Talent that flies away is no longer lost,” she said, explaining that globalization and technology allow West Indians to remain connected to their home no matter where they go. “The opportunity to con- tribute to the world around is boundless,” Dr. Ishmael said. “Where you live no longer has to be where you work.” “For this generation of graduates, the world is your oyster as never before.” Wilma Espinosa was the class speaker of the St. Thomas campus ceremony held on May 22 at the Sports and Fitness Center. Rainy weather forced the May 23 ceremony to be held at the St. Croix Educational Complex. Jonell Johnson was the class speaker on the St. Croix campus. The first group of graduates from the recently established Associate of Applied Science process technology degree pro- gram on the St. Croix campus is now employed by HOVENSA, which collaborated with UVI to offer the pro- gram. On the St. Thomas campus, 18 of the 29 Master of Arts in Education degrees were conferred upon students in the British Virgin Islands who participated in the collaboration pro- gram between UVI and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community Col- lege on Tortola. “The World is Your Oyster” Graduates are Told Students on the St. Thomas campus, left, and students on the St. Croix campus, celebrate at the respective commencement ceremonies. Below, students await their degrees. 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 It was 1995 during the af- termath of Hur- ricane Marilyn and a distraught Dr. Alex Randall, a new resident to the territory, was listening to WSTA Radio when he heard the then V.I. Governor Roy Schneider say, “Job lost everything but not his faith.” Upon hearing that, Dr. Randall headed down to the station and asked owner “Addie” Ottley for a job. He was hired on the spot and told to take the microphone, go on the air and say something positive, something people wanted to hear. That was the birth of the “Good News” on WSTA. Dr. Randall, who still does the “Good News,” focuses on what is going right in the community. He was honored by the University of the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center at the SBDC and U.S. Small Business Administration 2004 National Small Business Week Awards Program. Dr. Randall received the SBDC’s Citizen Award for being the V.I. Commu- nity Advocate of the Year. Dr. Randall said his mission is to emphasize “what’s going right and how do we make more of it happen.” The Citizen’s Award is a new recognition that the SBDC plans to continue annually. Other award recipients included small business owners. “We take pride in having a little to do with the success of these entre- preneurs,” SBDC Director Warren Bush said at the ceremony. Ceremonies on St. Thomas and St. Croix were held in May. Ceremony Honors Outstanding Small Business Owners St. Thomas/St. John Award Recipients SBDC Small Business Persons of the Year Mariel, Akinyemi and Felicia Blake of Ital Ase Jason Budsan of Caribbean Herbals and Candles Ulysess and Ulric Pilgrim of Pilgrim’s Terrace SBDC Citizen Award: V.I. Community Advocate of the Year Dr. Alexander “Alex” Randall V SBDC Corporate V.I. Advocate of the Year Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority FirstBank V.I. SBA Small Business Persons of the Year Allison and Beverly Petrus SBA V.I. Bank of the Year Banco Popular de Puerto Rico St. CroixAward Recipients SBDC Small Business Persons of the Year Gertrude Gumbs of Gertrude’s Restaurant Elsworth Jones of Two Plus Two Night Club and Restaurant, Inc. Beatrice Ramos of Wild Orchid Gift and Flowers SBDC Business Advocate of the Year Angela East Weber, professional keynote and motivational speaker SBDC Entrepreneurial Success Michelle Pugh of Dive Experience SBA Small Business Persons of the Year Anton and Kelly Kuipers of Frederiksted Hotel SBA Bank of the Year Banco Popular de Puerto Rico The Blakes accept thier“Small Business Per- sons of the Year” award.