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:UVI The monthly newsletter of The University of the Virgin Islands It wasn’t the palm trees, blue seas or island breezes that made the first impression on Aminata Sagdoune, an exchange student studying at the University of the Virgin Islands from South Dakota State University. It was good ole’ island hospitality. “When the two gentlemen picked me up from the airport they said ‘good afternoon,’” the nursing major said. She was not accustomed to those salutations. New to the island, learning has taken place inside and outside of UVI. “I think the people are so respectful here,” Sagdoune said. “That’s one of the first things that amazed me.” A native of the African country of Niger, she is one of two National Student Exchange (NSE) students on UVI’s St. March 25, 2002 vol. viii, number 3 The University of the Virgin Islands celebrated its birthday during Charter Day weekend in grand splendor with a 5K walk-run on the St. Croix campus, an alumni dinner on St. John and After- noon on the Green on the St. Thomas campus. On St. Croix, the route from Sunshine Mall to UVI was trailed by 80 people who participated in the walk-run. Former Ter- ritorial Court Judge Alphonso Andrews won the race and came in first in the men’s category. Earthla Augustine-Arthur came in second overall and first in the women’s category. Each participant received a certificate of appreciation, a T-shirt and a water bottle. The sold-out alumni dinner was another suc- cess. More than 200 at- tended the dinner at UVI Attracts, Intrigues National Exchange Students (NSE continued on Page 2)
   Apil 1-7 Humanities Festival For more info visit the 40th Anniversary Calendar @ www.uvi.edu Walk-a-thon, Alumni Dinner and Afternoon on the Green Highlight Charter Day Weekend Aminata Sagdoune Caneel Bay Resort for a night of “Remem- brance, Renewal and Revelry.” At Afternoon on the Green hundreds of people milled in and out sampling food prepared by the Virgin Islands’ finest cooks, enjoying the music performed by the Sea Breeze band and mingling with friends. An overcast morning turned into a hot and sunny afternoon, setting the perfect mood for the children who ran about playing games. UVI Diving Instructor Steve Prosterman, masquerading as a fire-juggling clown, was a big hit with the children. Children and adults cooled down with St. Thomas Dair- ies ice cream. The St. Thomas Carni- val Queen contestants were among the many attendees. The fun went on until dusk - and even then people didn’t want to leave! (Clockwise) A female participant at the walk-run on St. Croix crosses the finish line. UVI President Dr. Orville Kean and President-elect Dr. LaVerne Ragster blow out the birthday candles at the alumni dinner on St. John. A food handler at Afternoon on the Green serves up red peas soup.   
 2 John Brewer’s Bay St. Thomas, VI 00802 GET CONNECTED TO UVI news, activities and accomplishments at . . . www.uvi.edu GET CONNECTED TO UVI news, activities and accomplishments at . . . www.uvi.edu   
 is a production of the UVI Public Relations Office. Contact us by telephone at (340) 693-1056 FAX: (340) 693-1055 The University of the Virgin Islands Carnival Troupe is in full swing, pre- paring for what promises to be a spectacular entry. And you still have time to join. The troupe is open to ev- eryone – students, faculty, staff, friends, family, alumni and supporters. Members meet and practice at 4:30 p.m. every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday until Carnival. This year, the troupe cel- ebrates the 40th anniver- sary of UVI as depicted in the theme, “40 Years of Cel- ebrating Learning.” The costumes depict areas of academics, including music education and nursing. Cherie Wheatley, organizer of the troupe, encouraged, “all to come out together and support the University in a cultural activity especially with it being the 50th anniversary of St. Tho- mas Carnival.” The cost for participation is $100 for students and $160 for all others. Faculty and staff who do not want to be in the parade can sponsor a student or make donations to the Provost’s Commu- nity Engagement Committee, which oversees the troupe. For more information or to sign up call 693-1541 or 693-1200. Croix campus, which enrolled 12 NSE students for the 2001- 2002 academic year. The St. Thomas campus enrolled 40 NSE students in the Fall and 16 this Spring. The NSE enables sophomores and juniors to study for up to one year at one of the 171 colleges and universities throughout the world. All of the participating institutions are accredited and many are flagship institutions. The University of the Virgin Islands has been part of NSE since 1982. More than 175 of UVI’s students have studied abroad through NSE. Three students from the St. Thomas campus and one from the St. Croix campus are studying abroad through NSE. The program allows UVI students to see other parts of the world, meet people from different cultures and network in preparation for graduate schools. Ura Jones, director of counseling placement, which coordinates UVI’s NSE program, said the number of exchange students attending the University increases each year. Jones believes that students are initially attracted to the warm weather and beauty of the islands. They are equally attracted to the curriculum, she said. Although students from the St. Croix campus have studied abroad through NSE, that program only recently expanded to host incoming students. Miriam Osborne-Elliott, counseling and placement supervisor on the St. Croix campus, said the students integrate well. “The students have come here and have gotten very involved in student activities,” she said. Some have taken on leadership roles in those activities, Osborne- Elliott said, noting Sagdoune, who is chairperson of the Social and Cultural Committee. “For her, this has been a major experience.” Osborne- Elliot said. NSE . . . Carnival Troupe Gearing Up - Join Now Costume sample