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Phailanthropy & YOU | vr AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Males Across the Territory ‘Man Up’ VI Departments of Lottery and Human Services Make it Possible Actors perform “Real Men Talking” at the 2nd Annual Man Up Male Empowerment Conference. | VI President Dr. David Hall knows that bright, strong, committed young men will make a difference in the territory. He also knows that having an education is a key to making that differ- ence. Early in his tenure as president Dr. Hall formed the UVI Male Initiative. It seeks to attract more young men to the University, and to promote the success of male students at UVI and in the larger Virgin Islands commu- nity. The signature product of the Male Initiative is the Man Up Male Empower- ment Conference. Now in its second year, the conference brings thousands of young men from middle and senior high schools to the University’s campuses for a day of motiva- tion and enlightenment. “We know that college will make your life better,” Dr. Hall said at the 2nd An- nual Man Up Conference in February 2012. “Our mes- sage is that college is within your reach,” he said. “You are at home. This University belongs to you.” The theme of this year’s conference was “Realize Your Potential — Celebrating Responsible Manhood.” The enormous task of pre- paring an impactful program and hosting young men in sev- enth through twelfth grades at the University takes con- siderable resources. This year an evening session was added for adult males and families. “The Man Up Conference is quite an undertaking. It requires the coordination of some 10-12 subcommittees,” said Dr. Haldane Davies, spe- cial assistant to the president. “The financial support of the Virgin Islands Lottery’s Youth Enrichment Initiative Pro- gram in 2011 and this year from the VI Department of Human Services gave us the extra boost to move forward,” Dr. Davies said. VI Lottery Executive Di- rector Conrad Francois said after meeting with Dr. Hall it was clear why the conference Students on St. Croix react to the Man Up Male Empowerment Conference. needed to take place. “Presi- dent Hall clearly recognizes the issues that are facing our young men within our com- munity and the sense of ur- gency needed to be taken to address the need for these young men to transition suc- cessfully from lower level continued on next page rsity V irgin J slands of the WWW.UVI.EDU the Throughout country, charitable giving is becoming increasingly critical for the fi- nancial health and long-term stability of organizations. The same is true for this University. That is why we are so deeply grateful for the support that is given to UVI. As the only ac- credited higher educational in- stitution in the Territory, UVI meets the educational needs of the local population and pre- vents the brain drain that has plagued our community. Even in this most difficult eco- nomic period of our genera- tion, UVI remains committed to fulfilling its promise to pro- vide quality education and do- ing its part to cultivate an edu- cated class in the Virgin Islands and the region. To continue its role as an edu- cational resource, we need your continued support. If you've given a gift to UVI, please re- new your commitment today. If you’ve never made a contri- bution to this institution, this is the time to do so. Your sup- port will make the difference as UVI continues on its “Pathway to Greatness.” Onward and Upward, Dionne V. Jackson Vice-President for Institutional Advancement Kirwin Hodge Creates a Recipe for Success IT Psychology major Kirwin Hodge has dis- covered what it takes for perpetual academic success: working hard to keep his grades high and continu- ally seeking scholarships. Do- ing those two things, in that particular order, has landed Hodge several scholarships. “T try to make sure that my grades are up to standard,” Hodge said. For the Spring 2011 semester he excelled by earning a perfect grade point average (GPA) of 4.0. Hodge, one of the Golden Eagle Financial Scholar- ship recipients for 2011, said his scholarship has not only helped him to stay in college, but to excel in his academics. “If I didn’t get scholarships my grades would be affected,” Hodge said, affirming that he would have to get a job. Di- verting his attention and en- ergy away from his academics by working outside of school would consequently result in lower grades, he noted. If his grades were low, he would not qualify for scholarships. “T’ve seen a lot of good stu- dents, but their grades drop because they are fatigued from working,” Hodge com- mented. He is grateful that the Golden Eagle Finan- cial Scholarship has allowed him to focus on one thing — his academics. Golden Eagle Financial, LLP (GEF) recognizes the need to provide scholar- ships for deserving students. “Scholarships provide a direct vehicle to positively impact the educational outcomes of students attending the Uni- versity,” said GEF’s Chief Operating Officer Yasmine Haynes. “I have encountered high school seniors who weren't even thinking about college because ‘it cost too much;’ however, once they know of all their options, including scholarship op- portunities at UVI as well as schools on the mainland, the possibility of attending col- lege is more attainable.” Without the worry of where his next tuition pay- ment is coming from, Hodge obsesses on his grades, know- ing that his next scholarship very well depends on_ his Kirwin Hodge maintaining a high GPA. That has created a life- cycle of success. “Golden Eagle Finan- cial, LLLP is committed to supporting and en- hancing education in the Virgin Islands,” Haynes said. “We have to pre- pare our young men and women to enter the workforce (locally and abroad) and a college ed- ucation provides a com- petitive advantage. GEF is proud to be a supporter of the University of the Virgin Islands.”