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ST. CROIX Thursday, the Eleventh of May Two Thousand and Twenty-Three One O’clock in the Afternoon Albert A. Sheen Campus St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands ST. THOMAS Friday, the Twelfth of May Two Thousand and Twenty-Three One O’clock in the Afternoon Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center Orville E. Kean Campus St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands Fifty-Ninth Annual Commencement In this 61st year since the founding of the University of the Virgin Islands, we gather to celebrate our greatest achievement of each year, which is the completion of our students’ rigorous course of study. This Commencement recognizes their achievements but also celebrates all those who played a role in our students’ success. This is also a celebration of the University for remaining true to its original mission by supporting and graduating individuals who can contribute to the growth and prosperity of the Virgin Islands and the world. We have assembled leading elected officials who will encourage our graduates and let them know how critical they are to the future of this Territory. We have invited one of the most outstanding authors, orator and creative word smith, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, who through his words and presence will place the lives and challenges of our students within the proper social, political, and spiritual context of the day. Our honorary degree recipients are two individuals who are models of service for our students to emulate. Mr. Edward Thomas, Sr. and Ms. Clema Williams-Lewis are individuals in our community who exemplify the best values our society and nation need at this critical time in history. Our graduates have invited the people who are most important in their lives and we welcome each one of you. Without you, our graduates would not be embracing this moment, and because of your presence, this moment will be one that they will always carry with them. Commencement is a time to put away our fears and embrace our power. It is a time to reflect upon how far we have come and to chart an even brighter future. It is one of those rare moments when all is right with the world and we can bathe in the waters of achievement and success. As President of this unique and outstanding University, I welcome and celebrate each person in attendance. Each of you has a part in the drama that is unfolding today and I ask you to take an authentic bow as we applaud your success. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the entire University Community, we commend the Class of 2023 on your accomplishments and wish you Godspeed. As you move forward in your careers and personal lives, we hope that the education and experiences you gained at UVI will serve as a strong foundation for your future success. We have no doubt that you will continue to make us proud and positively impact the world around you. We encourage you to also remain engaged with your alma mater and remember that you will always be ambassadors for the University of the Virgin Islands. It is with a divine joy and personal pride that I welcome everyone to these Commencement Ceremonies and wish nothing but blessings for these celebrations and our collective futures. Sincerely, President’s Message David Hall, S.J.D. David Hall, S.J.D., President Dr. Michael Eric Dyson is the Centennial Chair at Vanderbilt University and serves as University Distinguished Professor of African American and Diaspora Studies in the College of Arts and Science and University Distinguished Professor of Ethics and Society in the Divinity School. He is also a New York Times contributing opinion writer, and a contributing editor of The New Republic, and of ESPN’s The Undefeated website. His rise from humble roots in Detroit to his present perch as a world class intellectual, noted author of 21 books, prominent leader and national media fixture testify to his extraordinary talent. Dyson has also taught at other elite universities like Georgetown University as a sociology professor, Brown University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Columbia University and The University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Dyson has won many prestigious honors, including an American Book Award and two NAACP Image Awards. Ebony magazine cited him as one of the 100 most influential African Americans, and as one of the 150 most powerful blacks in the nation. Dyson’s influence has spread far beyond the academy in his roles of renowned orator, highly sought-after lecturer, and ordained Baptist minister. For the last quarter of a century, Dyson has also enlivened public debate across the media landscape on every major television and radio show in the country, from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to Real Time with Bill Maher, from Good Morning America to The Today Show, from NPR’s All Things Considered to its Talk of the Nation, from the Tavis Smiley Show to Def Poetry Jam, from This Week with George Stephanopoulos to Meet the Press, and Face the Nation - and several programs on ESPN. Dyson’s pioneering scholarship has had a profound effect on American ideas. His 1994 book Making Malcolm: The Myth and Meaning of Malcolm X, was named one of the most important African American books of the 20th century and was also named a “Notable Book of the Year” by the New York Times. According to book industry bible Publisher’s Weekly, Dyson’s 2001 book, Holler if You Hear Me: Searching for Tupac Shakur, helped to make books on hip hop commercially viable. Dyson’s recent book, Entertaining Race: Performing Blackness in America, is a testament to Dyson’s consistent celebration of the outsized impact of African American culture and politics on this country. His other book, JAY-Z: Made in America, was named one of Washington Post’s 50 notable works of nonfiction in 2019. Dyson shares the impact Jay-Z has on America with his rapping and how he used his poetic talent to weave politics in his music, making important statements on race and social injustice. Dyson’s eloquent writing has inspired Vanity Fair magazine to describe him as “one of the most graceful and lucid intellectuals writing on race and politics today.” And Dyson’s 2005 New York Times bestseller Is Bill Cosby Right? Or Has the Black Middle Class Lost Its Mind? helped to jump start a national conversation on the black poor. Dyson’s book, the critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller The Black Presidency: Barack Obama and the Politics of Race in America, has been described by The New York Times as “an interpretive miracle.” It was a finalist for the prestigious 2016 Kirkus Prize. Dyson’s book, the widely praised New York Times bestseller Tears We Cannot Stop: A Sermon to White America, has been described by the New York Times as “One of the most frank and searing discussions on race ... a deeply serious, urgent book, which should take its place in the tradition of Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time and King’s Why We Can’t Wait.” Dyson’s other book, What Truth Sounds Like: RFK, James Baldwin and Our Unfinished Conversation About Race in America, has been called by Kirkus “an incisive look at the roles of politicians, artists, intellectuals, and activists in confronting racial injustice and effecting change,” and an “eloquent response to an urgent – and still-unresolved – dilemma.” Dyson’s legendary ascent – from welfare father to Princeton Ph.D., from church pastor to college professor, from a factory worker who didn’t start college until he was 21 — may help explain why writer Naomi Wolf terms him “the ideal public intellectual of our time.” Prolific Author, Majestic Orator, Penetrating and Wise Social and Political Critic Keynote Speaker: Michael Eric Dyson Michael Eric Dyson, Ph.D. UVI HISTORY The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) was chartered on March 16, 1962, as the College of the Virgin Islands (CVI) – a publicly funded, coeducational, liberal arts institution – by Act No. 852 of the Fourth Legislature of the U.S. Virgin Islands. According to that law, UVI’s cornerstone objective is to provide for “.... the stimulation and utilization of the intellectual resources of the people of the Virgin Islands and the development of a center of higher learning whereby and wherefrom the benefits of culture and education may be extended throughout the Virgin Islands.” The first campus opened on St. Thomas in July 1963, on 175 acres donated by the federal government. The first Board of Trustees took office in August 1963. In 1964, the college founded a campus on St. Croix, on 130 acres also donated by the federal government. At a ceremony on March 24, 2011, the St. Croix campus was named in honor of the late Albert A. Sheen, Sr. Also in March of 2011, UVI opened the St. John Academic Center in Cruz Bay, with interactive classrooms and computer facilities. In 2015, UVI entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of St. Martin (USM) to establish an extension campus of UVI to be located on the campus of USM and to be called “UVI at USM” to offer quality academic and career education that will provide students from St. Maarten/ St. Martin and other locations across the region and around the world the opportunity to build a solid foundation to enter the workforce in their homeland, across the wider Caribbean or abroad. UVI offers 62 degree programs including 37 undergraduate degrees and nine graduate degrees through six schools and colleges: Agriculture, Business, Education, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Nursing, and Science and Mathematics. Six new degree programs began in Fall 2016: PhD in Creative Leadership for Innovation & Change, now housed under the School of Graduate Studies, BBA in Accounting, BBA in Management, BBA in Marketing, Master of Accounting, and Executive Master of Business Administration. In Spring 2018, UVI launched its new Online Division and offers 15 online degree programs nationwide. Four undergraduate certificates are also available: Entrepreneurship, Music Industry, Psychology, and Teaching English as a Second Language. In addition, there are four special programs: Honors Program, Secondary Teacher Preparation Program, Early Medical School Selection Program at Boston University School of Medicine, and Senior Reserve Officers Training Corps (SROTC). Classes are offered in the fall, spring, and summer. Academic advising and learning assistance including tutoring and supplemental instruction are available in UVI’s Center for Student Success. In 1972, the College of the Virgin Islands was awarded land grant status by the U.S. Congress. This allowed for the establishment of an Agricultural Experiment Station and a Cooperative Extension Service. Since then, many other programs and services have been added. These include the Reichhold Center for the Arts, the Eastern Caribbean Center, the William P. MacLean Marine Science Center and the UVI Sports & Fitness Center, among others. In 1986, the College of the Virgin Islands was renamed the University of the Virgin Islands to reflect the growth and diversification of its academic curricula, community and regional services, and research programs. That same year, the U.S. Congress named UVI one of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). It is the only HBCU outside the continental U.S., and the first to offer an undergraduate degree in marine biology. Dr. David Hall began his tenure as president of the University of the Virgin Islands on August 1, 2009. He succeeded Dr. LaVerne E. Ragster, who was named president in 2002. Dr. Orville Kean was named president in 1990, succeeding Dr. Arthur A. Richards, who became president in 1980. Lawrence C. Wanlass served as the first president of the College of the Virgin Islands from 1963 until 1980. Today, UVI enrolls approximately 1,800 full-time and part-time students on its two campuses. It continues to offer a high-quality, affordable liberal arts education in a culturally diverse environment. The University boasts more than 10,400 alumni who have gone on to excel as doctors, lawyers, judges, university and government administrators, teachers and other professionals including the present governor of the US Virgin Islands, Albert Bryan Jr. Among the many accomplished alumni are two Rhodes Scholars, the winner of a Pulitzer Prize for Journalism and the Premier of Nevis. The National Student Exchange (NSE) program operates on both the St. Thomas and St. Croix campuses. Each semester approximately 25 students from the U.S. mainland enroll through NSE. In addition, UVI continues to admit students via memoranda of understanding with the State University of New York at New Paltz, the College of Charleston, Emory University, Savannah State University (social work completion), Columbia University and Washington University in St. Louis (engineering), UNINTER (Universidad Internacional de Cuernavaca, Mexico) and the UNICA Caribbean Exchange Program. The University of the Virgin Islands is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation. Because of its dedication to educational excellence and improvement through peer evaluation and accreditation, UVI schools also hold accreditation with the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN), the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). UVI also has Community Engagement Classification status from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. This prestigious national designation is an evidence -based documentation of deep community engagement and the University’s commitment to improving teaching and learning, producing research that makes a difference in communities, and revitalizing its civic and academic missions. UVI also has Memoranda of Understanding with several other institutions, including The Council of Community Colleges of Jamaica; Buffalo State University; Fielding Graduate University; Nantong University; Yangzhou University; Anguilla Community College; H. Lavity Stoutt Community College; T. A. Marryshow Community College; Sir Arthur Lewis Community College; University of Puerto Rico System; St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College; and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Existing Memoranda of Understanding continues with the University of St. Martin; Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College; Nevis Sixth Form College; and Dominica State College. Additionally, there are transfer programs in pre-engineering, pre-pharmacy and pre-medical technology for students who wish to begin their studies in these fields at the University of the Virgin Islands before transferring to a specialized institution to complete their degrees. In 2021, the St. Thomas Campus was named the Orville E. Kean Campus, in honor of UVI’s third president of the same name. In 2022, the Administration and Conference Center was renamed the LaVerne E. Ragster Administration and Conference Center in honor of UVI’s fourth president of the same name. Specialization Tracks The Ph.D. in Creative Leadership for Innovation and Change requires that all admitted students enroll in an approved specialization track. Creativity and Leadership for Change (CLC) Track Graduates receive a Ph.D. from the University of the Virgin Islands and a graduate certificate from Buffalo State University. Organizational Development and Leadership (ODL) Track Graduates receive a Ph.D. from the University of the Virgin Islands and a graduate certificate from Fielding Graduate University. Educational/Academic Leadership for Change (ELC) Track Graduates receive a Ph.D. from the University of the Virgin Islands. Ph.D. in Creative Leadership for Innovation and Change The University of the Virgin Islands’ first Ph.D. program launched in Fall 2016. Fifty doctoral candidates were a part of the first cohort who embarked on their journey to earn their Ph.D. in Creative Leadership for Innovation and Change. The candidates were a diverse group of life-long Virgin Islanders, U.S. mainlanders, international students from around the Caribbean and beyond. UVI President David Hall and the Board of Trustees had already determined that the creation of a Ph.D. program was inevitable for the University; but in what area? After attending a powerful conference on creative leadership, Dr. Hall became convinced that – given the territory’s need for a new generation of strong and insightful leaders who possessed the skills to drive positive social and economic change – creative leadership would be the perfect interdisciplinary field for UVI’s first Ph.D. program in which not just one, but all departments could participate. Dr. Hall met with UVI Provost Dr. Camille McKayle, who received the idea with great enthusiasm. She then recruited Dr. James Maddirala who gladly stepped up to become the primary architect of the program. Together, Dr. McKayle and Dr. Maddirala reached out to other institutions, eventually finding partners in Buffalo State University and Fielding Graduate University for the first Ph.D. of its kind. A substantial portion of the degree requirements for UVI’s doctoral program is completed at a distance, but residencies are required each semester. The program is unique in that traditional classrooms and lectures have been replaced with flexible workstations and master practitioners who will work with adult learners as peers. During the weeklong residency sessions, students connect with the game-changers of a global world to jointly explore possible futures and exciting ideas. The Ph.D. program, accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, will prepare learners in the field of leadership by offering an extensive study of relevant leadership knowledge. College of the Virgin Islands Class of 1973 Celebrating 50th Anniversary Legend: † = Deceased BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE College of the Virgin Islands Karen Andrews† O John Archibald† O Eustace Arrindell O Juana Baa Jeanette Smith-Barry O Lucia Woods-Benjamin O Sheila Bowry Verne Callwood O Bruce Campbell O Pauline Canton O Winifred Carrington Hugo Carty O Cletis Clendinen, Jr. O Jeannine Comma O Candida De Augstin Vernelle DeLagarde O Evadney Donohue O Filimon Duran, Jr. Gloria Etienne O Myrtle Farrington O Marlene Fortune O Roy Fortune Eric Freeman† O Diane Georges O Ina Georges O Plummer Hamilton Sandra Harrigan O Jeanell Hendricks O Yvonne Hendricks O Clayton Heliger O Rita Howard O Winston Huggins O Wishburne Hunte O Elaine Jacobs Bernard Jones O Eileen Julian O Madeline LaFranque O Heather Lewis Lawrence Lewis O Sandra Lindo O Judith Molloy O Claudius Moore Miguel Navarro O Darwin Newton O George Newton Marilyn Nibbs O Cobina Nicholas O Irenee O’Reilly O Terry Paetzold Joan Paulus O Irose Payne-Chalon O Cynthia Perry-Richards O Marion Peterson Jeanne Quetel O Claude Richards, Jr. O Manuelita Robles Gloria David-Rodgers O Thelma Sewer O Carmen Simmonds Desmond Skeete O Sheila Springette O Merle Stephey, Jr. O Arche Swanston Paul Sylvester O Arthurlyn Thomas O Audrey Thomas O Dolores Todman O Unah Trunbull O Maria Van Wonterghem Atalanta Walcott† O Helen Walters O Yvonne Wells O Stylish Willis ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE College of the Virgin Islands Roger Andrews O Augustin Ayala O Sherril Brown O Laura Daniel Constance Estrill† O Franklin Ferdinand† O Lydia Harley† O Adelma Harrigan Elroy Hill O Carol Hodge O Monica Hodge O Beverly Lanisquot Ruth Leonard O Enid Lettsome O Claudet Maharaj O Rudolph Milligan† Ethelyn Molyneaux† O Marie Nicholson O Sonia Phipps Faustina Sargeant-Richardson O Hulswit Rogers O Ina Steele† Daisy Stout O Eunice Todman O Utha Williams O Eszart Wynter PROGRAM - Albert A. Sheen Campus - St. Croix Valerie Combie, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English COMMENCEMENT MARSHAL *PROCESSIONAL..........................................................................................“Pomp and Circumstance” (Elgar) UVI Concert Band, Erick Willie *INVOCATION..................................................................................................Dominique Galiber, Class of 2023 *NATIONAL ANTHEM..........................................................................................“Star Spangled Banner” (Key) UVI Concert Band *VIRGIN ISLANDS MARCH..............................................................................“Virgin Islands March” (Adams) UVI Concert Band WELCOME.....................................................................................................................David Hall, S.J.D., President KEYNOTE ADDRESS.....................................................................................................Michael Eric Dyson, Ph.D. AWARDING OF HONORARY DEGREES.......................................................................................President Hall 2023 HONOREES.....................................................Michael Eric Dyson, Ph.D. and Clema Williams-Lewis MUSICAL SELECTION.................................................................................Voices of Praise Community Choir Josephine Thomas-Lewis ADDRESS........................................................................................................................Michael Bell, Class of 2023 REMARKS...........................................................................................................................................Oran C. Roebuck Vice Chair, UVI Board of Trustees The Honorable Novelle E. Francis, Jr. President of the 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands The Honorable Stacey Plaskett Virgin Islands Delegate to Congress The Honorable Albert Bryan Jr. Governor, United States Virgin Islands MUSICAL SELECTION.................................................................................Voices of Praise Community Choir, PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES.........................................................Camille A. McKayle, Ph.D., Provost CONFERRING OF DEGREES Doctor of Philosophy in Creative Leadership for Innovation and Change Master of Accounting • Master of Arts Educational Leadership Master of Business Administration • Master of Public Administration Bachelor of Arts • Bachelor of Business Administration Bachelor of Science • Associate of Applied Science • Associate of Arts INDUCTION INTO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION........................................................................Mitchell A. Neaves Vice President for Institutional Advancement *ALMA MATER..............................................................................................“Alma Mater by the Sea” (LaMotta) Voices of Praise Community Choir *BENEDICTION.......................................................................................................Ariel A. Joseph, Class of 2023 *RECESSIONAL.................................................................................................“Ceremonial Procession” (Elgar) UVI Concert Band *Audience is required to stand. Every effort is made to ensure that this program is accurate; circumstances beyond our control may have resulted in unintentional errors. PROGRAM - Orville E. Kean Campus - St. Thomas Siobhan Lyons, Ph.D., Visiting Instructor of Communication COMMENCEMENT MARSHAL *PROCESSIONAL..........................................................................................“Pomp and Circumstance” (Elgar) UVI Concert Band, Dionne R. Donadelle *INVOCATION.............................................................................................................J’Mari Clarke, Class of 2023 *NATIONAL ANTHEM..........................................................................................“Star Spangled Banner” (Key) Arranged by John Clayton UVI Concert Band, Dionne R. Donadelle *VIRGIN ISLANDS MARCH...............................................................................”Virgin Islands March”(Adams) Conducted by She’coy Jones, Music Education Major OFFICIAL WELCOME................................................................................................David Hall, S.J.D., President KEYNOTE ADDRESS.....................................................................................................Michael Eric Dyson, Ph.D. AWARDING OF HONORARY DEGREES.......................................................................................President Hall 2023 HONOREES..........................................................Michael Eric Dyson, Ph.D and Edward Thomas, Sr. MUSICAL SELECTION....................................................................... “Thankful”(Sager, D. Foster & R. Page) Arranged by R. Dilworth UVI Concert Choir, Jeanette Rhymer ADDRESS.........................................................................................................................Kaylor Bass, Class of 2023 MUSICAL SELECTION.................................................... “Bless Me” (Kirk Franklin & Maverick City Music) Featuring Omari Auguste, Music Education Major UVI Concert Choir, Dionne R. Donadelle REMARKS..................................................................................................................................Henry C. Smock, Esq. Chairman, UVI Board of Trustees The Honorable Novelle E. Francis, Jr. President of the 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands The Honorable Stacey Plaskett Virgin Islands Delegate to Congress The Honorable Albert Bryan Jr. Governor, United States Virgin Islands MUSICAL SELECTION......................................................................................... “Never Alone” Anthon Brown UVI Concert Choir PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES.........................................................Camille A. McKayle, Ph.D., Provost CONFERRING OF DEGREES Doctor of Philosophy in Creative Leadership for Innovation and Change • Master of Business Administration Master of Arts Accounting • Master of Arts in Education • Master of Arts Educational Leadership Master of Arts Leadership • Master of Arts in Psychology • Master of Public Administration Master of Marine and Environmental Sciences • Master of Arts in School Counseling • Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Business Administration • Bachelor of Science • Associate of Applied Science Associate of Arts • Associate of Science U.S. ARMY OATH OF OFFICE............................................................................CPT Nancy Romos-Rivera CPT Augustus Laurencin INDUCTION INTO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION........................................................................Mitchell A. Neaves Vice President for Institutional Advancement *ALMA MATER..............................................................................................“Alma Mater by the Sea” (LaMotta) UVI Concert Choir *BENEDICTION.....................................................................................................S’niyah Roberts, Class of 2023 *RECESSIONAL.................................................................................................“Ceremonial Procession” (Elgar) UVI Concert Band *Audience is required to stand. Every effort is made to ensure that this program is accurate; circumstances beyond our control may have resulted in unintentional errors. Martin Luther King Jr. stated that “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Clema S. Lewis is a woman who has chosen to live her life in the pursuit of justice for those marginalized in society through word and action. As a social worker, she has touched the lives of those she helped to heal including victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. Her life’s work for justice does not only pertain to victims of violent crimes but also to workers. She has served as the Union Representative for Steel Workers of America and as the Building Representative for the American Federation of Teachers. Lewis’ interest in justice issues can be traced back to her undergraduate days at Illinois State University where she pursued a major in Criminal Justice. Upon completing her Bachelor of Science degree, Lewis relocated to St. Croix in 1979 and assumed the responsibility as the first female social worker with the Youth Services Administration at the Youth Rehabilitation Center. Upon completing her Master of Arts degree from the University of Phoenix in Counselor Education, Lewis served as a counselor for the Day Adult Education Program and for ten years worked as the guidance counselor at Evelyn Williams Elementary School. While working at Evelyn Williams, Lewis began volunteering at the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix (WCSC). She was attracted to the WCSC because of the organization’s position on fighting all forms of oppression including physical abuse, sexual assault, racism, and prejudice. Initially, she volunteered as an advocate and then assumed the positions of Chairperson of Advocates, Coordinator of Training and Support Groups, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, Supervisor of the Summer Staff, Co-Director, and presently as Executive Director. In addition to work-related responsibilities, Lewis is an active volunteer in community groups that are close to her heart including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council, the St. Croix Child Abuse and Neglect Task Force, and the St. Croix Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Team. Additionally, she serves on the boards of VI Interstate Compact for Juveniles, and the USVI Commission on Aging and has been a member of Altona Baptist Church for over 30 years. With a background working with children, Lewis was adamant about getting the Territory to pass the Child Protection Act, which was passed in 2002. She believes strongly that adults must care for children and be their voice. As a social worker, Lewis values the critical importance of the family in raising children who are productive members of society. As a mother, she believes that her greatest achievement is raising two young men with the skills necessary for a smooth transition into adulthood. She is proud of her family – son Jamil and his wife Brandi and their son, Miles; and son Onaje and his wife Kesha, and their daughters, Adaya and Esmerie. Lewis is grateful for her fiancé, Desmond Hicks, for his unending support and love. Lewis is known for her love of elephants. She believes that elephants depict a sign of strength, knowledge, endurance, and intelligence. In many ways, Lewis embodies those same characteristics. Her 41 years of service in the Virgin Islands to various causes that promote equality and justice, coupled with numerous awards and recognitions, are testimony to her valuable contributions to the community. In particular, she was inducted in the VI Women’s Hall of Fame, was named Activist for Justice by the St. Croix Avis, and received the Stanley and The Ten Sleepless Knights’ 7 Women 7 Purposes (Justice) award. She is proud to call St. Croix her home and Crucians her people. Clema Lewis is truly a better person because of the lives she has touched and changed on St. Croix. Our community is truly a better place because of her commitment and advocacy. Clema S. Williams-Lewis Inspiring Protector of the Vulnerable, Profound Servant of Justice, Peace and Healing Doctor of Humane Letters Clema Williams-Lewis Born and raised on St. Thomas, Edward Elroy Thomas, Sr. is best known in the community for his prominent roles as Director of the Internal Revenue Bureau (IRB) and President, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board Chairman of The West Indian Company, Limited (WICO). Thomas graduated from Charlotte Amalie High School in 1961 and attended Inter-American University in San German, Puerto Rico where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Business in 1966. Long intrigued by numbers and analytics, Thomas began his career as an IRB agent with the Tax Division of the Department of Finance where he moved up the ranks to become the Reviewer-Classifier after completing the Revenue Service Appeals Manager training. In 1991, Thomas was nominated by Governor Alexander A. Farrelly, confirmed by the Legislature, and sworn into office as the Director of the IRB. As Director, he reformed the Stop Tax Evasion Program, fully automated the tax processing capabilities to include an automated billing system and secured agreements to have the IRB and IRS coordinate their efforts in the “cover-over” procedures. In 1992, Thomas was appointed by Governor Farrelly to chair a team tasked with concluding negotiations with the East Islandia Corporation for the acquisition of its shares in WICO. After arduous negotiations, the Legislature of the Virgin Islands passed the acquisition bill and on Transfer Day 1993, Governor Farrelly signed the Bill into law as Act No. 5826. The final chapter of this series of historical events took place on June 30, 1993. As a result, the VI Government took possession of WICO, the Government Employees Retirement System purchased the Havensight Mall, and any rights that the Danish Company had to develop the Charlotte Amalie Harbor were extinguished. In 1994, Thomas entered into an initial five-year contract with WICO to serve as its President, CEO and Board Chairman. His tenure lasted an impressive 17 years. Under Thomas’ leadership, the WICO underwent a significant transformation including expanding its operations, attracting major cruise lines to the Territory, and solidifying the U.S. Virgin Islands as a major player in the Caribbean tourism industry. His vision and strategic planning were instrumental in making the Havensight complex the number one cruise destination in the Eastern Caribbean. Of particular importance, Thomas also completed negotiations with Andrew Farkas and the IGY Marinas group to lease them significant acreage to construct retail shops, apartments, and dining facilities to complement the overall redevelopment of the world class Yacht Haven Grande facility, which serves as an impressive array of the world’s finest mega yachts as well as sailing, sport fishing, and pleasure crafts in St. Thomas. Equally notable is Thomas’ long record of community service, having shared his expertise on numerous Boards throughout his distinguished career, to include serving on the Foundation for the University of the Virgin Islands. He also served on the Investment and Development committees until August of 2009 when he was confirmed as a member of the UVI Board of Trustees, serving as Finance Committee Chair for several years. He is currently a Trustee Emeritus. In June of 2016, Governor Kenneth Mapp appointed Thomas to the UVI Research and Technology Park Board where he currently serves as Chairman. Thomas has also served on the boards of the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce and the Community Foundation of the VI and is currently an Honorary Director of the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association Board. In 1994, he was named “Person of the Year” by the Rotary Club of St. Thomas II. In 2001 he was a Chamber of Commerce “Community Service Award Recipient” and in 2010 he was inducted in to the Charlotte Amalie High School “Wall of Fame”. Thomas is an active member of the Memorial Moravian Church assisting the church with financial management while serving on the Board of Stewards. He is married to Lucia A. Martin-Thomas, and they are the proud parents of Dr. Edward Thomas, Jr., Dr. Lia A. Thomas and Denise Thomas-Ford; and grandparents of Edward Gary Thomas, Maya Thomas and Lilah and Zoe Levesque. Edward E. Thomas, Sr. Edward E. Thomas, Sr. Exemplary Public Servant, Outstanding Business Leader and Anchor for Economic Development Doctor of Humane Letters UVI Schools & Colleges Academic Deans School of Agriculture Usman Adamu, Ph.D. School of Business Kendra Harris, Ph.D. School of Education Karen Brown, Ph.D. College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Kimarie Engerman, Ph.D. School of Nursing M. Beverley A. Lansiquot, RN, DNP College of Science and Mathematics Sandra L. Romano, Ph.D. Dr. Camille A. McKayle Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Shirley Lake-King Vice President for Administration and Finance and Chief Financial Officer Mitchell A. Neaves Vice President for Institutional Advancement Sharlene Harris Vice President for Information Services and Institutional Assessment Nereida Washington Associate Vice President for Operations and Business Services Albert A. Sheen Campus Dr. Pamela Moolenaar-Wirsiy Interim Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Dean of Innovation and Student Success Dr. Richard Nader Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Studies Dr. Leslyn Tonge Interim Dean of Student Affairs Orville E. Kean Campus Una C. Dyer Director of Presidential Operations President’s Cabinet Alfred O. Heath, M.D. Roy D. Jackson, Sr., CPA Howard L. Jones, Ph.D. Alexander A. Moorhead, M.A.† Jennifer Nugent-Hill, M.P.A. Bernard H. Paiewonsky, Ph.D. † Auguste E. Rimpel, Jr., Ph.D. Sylvia Ross Talbot, Ed.D. Edward E. Thomas, B.A. Ruth E. Thomas, M.A., Ed.S † Yvonne E. L. Thraen, Ph.D. Patrick N. Williams, M.A. † Lawrence C. Wanlass, Ph.D. † Arthur A. Richards, Ed.D. † Orville E. Kean, Ph.D. LaVerne E. Ragster, Ph.D. Emeriti Trustees Attorney Henry C. Smock Chair St. Thomas, Virgin Islands Dr. David Hall - ex-officio Board Secretary President of the University Dr. Dionne Wells-Hedrington Commissioner Department of Education St. Thomas, Virgin Islands Dr. Kyza A. Callwood - ex-officio Chair - V.I. Board of Education St. Thomas, Virgin Islands Nisha Clavier Alumni Association Representative St. Croix, Virgin Islands Erica Johnson Creamer Washington, D.C. Oran C. Roebuck Vice Chair St. Croix, Virgin Islands Nashanta-Lindsey Farrell Student Representative St. Croix, Virgin Islands Lois Hassell Habtes St. Thomas, Virgin Islands John P. de Jongh, Jr. St. Thomas, Virgin Islands Dr. Sharon Albert-Honore Faculty Representative St. Thomas, Virgin Islands Dr. John A. Quelch Miami, Florida Reginald Vigilant St. Croix, Virgin Islands University of the Virgin Islands Board of Trustees The Honorable Albert Bryan Jr. Honorary Chairman Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands Emeriti Presidents Legend: † = Deceased Commencement Committees Class of 2023 Officers Enperatriz Delgadillo President Alexanne Carr Vice President Class Adjectives - V.I.P. - Vivacious. Iconic. Profound. Class Adjectives - Ambitious, Resilient, and Unstoppable. St. Croix St. Croix St. Thomas St. Thomas Janan Camsell Vice President Kristina Brooks Secretary Nichel Daniel Treasurer Donna Andrews O Kristina Brooks George Francis O Theodore Glasford Denise Humphrey O Ira Mactavious Cheryl Mingo O Henville Pole O Monifa Potter Lois Rivera O Dahlia Stridiron-Felix Mervin Taylor O Tamika Thomas Williams Astrid Tuitt O Wilmund Wattley O Una Dyer Gail Steele (Chair) Jana Austrie O Una Dyer O Joyce Edwards Anayah Ferris O Paul Flemming (Co-chair) O Zeldon Hicks Caira Isaac O Judy James O Sophia Johnson Anyha Lord-Jerris O Luis Perez O Shanta Roberts Melissa Rosario O Tamika Thomas Williams Nereida Washington (Chair) O Janna Yusuf S’niyah Roberts Public Relations Officer The Mace Academic Regalia The mace of the University of the Virgin Islands is the symbol both of presidential responsibilities and authority. Carved on the island of St. Croix from the wood of a local mahogany tree, one of God’s most enduring symbols of life, the mace says that the responsibilities of the president are without end. It also says that the president cannot discharge those responsibilities without authority. The mace is a 3-foot-long mahogany cylinder 1.5 inches in diameter topped by a four-inch mahogany ball into which a sterling silver reproduction of the University logo is set. The sterling silver logo was crafted on the island of St. Thomas. The wearing of caps, gowns and hoods at graduation exercises is one of the oldest and most democratic of collegiate customs. It originated in the Middle Ages when the first universities were founded as clerical institutions. Besides distinguishing the wearers from laymen, the costume served a very practical purpose in the unheated churches and cloisters of the time. It often added grace to the individuals and impressiveness to the ceremonies in which they took part. Its chief virtue, however, was that it eliminated undemocratic differences in dress which might otherwise have marred an essentially democratic occasion. Under the intercollegiate system adopted in 1893, the Oxford cap or “mortarboard” is worn for all degrees, but the doctor is entitled to a gold tassel and optional velvet cap. The sleeve of the master’s gown is distinguished from the bachelor’s by a half-moon cut at the end. The doctor’s gown has faced-down fronts, and round bell sleeves with bars of velvet. The master’s degree hood is longer than the bachelor’s and the doctor’s is longer than the master’s. All hoods are lined with silk showing the official colors of the institution that conferred the degree. The doctoral, bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates at the University of the Virgin Islands wear hoods lined with Caribbean blue and white, the school colors. The hoods are also trimmed with the various colors outlined below to signify the degrees earned and areas of study. According to the Academic Costume Code, at most U.S. institutions the color of velvet trim indicates the following academic disciplines: agriculture/ maize; economics/ copper; education/ light blue; engineering/orange; fine arts/brown; home economics/ maroon; law/purple; library science/ lemon; music/pink; nursing/ apricot; philosophy/dark blue; physical education/sage green; public administration/peacock blue; public health/salmon pink; science/golden yellow; social science/cream; social work/citron; speech/silver gray. Hail to thee, dear Alma Mater Beside the blue Caribbean calm Hail to thee, dear Alma Mater ‘neath sunny skies and whisp’ring palm Proud we are to tread thy ways Loud and true we voice our praise Open door thy every portal ‘mid sand and sea and golden days Long the ties that will endure Strong in heart and memory Faithfully we’ll always honor Our Alma Mater by the sea Hail to thee, dear Alma Mater For guiding stars so brightly shown Hail to thee, dear Alma Mater How wide the bound’ries we have flown Sing we now of bright tomorrows Yesterday we never knew Walking down thy halls of wisdom The towerin’ heights are all in view Here to us on islands famed Dear to us thy name will be University of the Virgin Islands Our Alma Mater by the sea. Alma Mater By the Sea Words & Music by Wilbur “Bill” LaMotta Ph.D. in CREATIVE LEADERSHIP FOR INNOVATION AND CHANGE Fall Semester 2022 Cynthia Anyima Botchway Gregory Alan Buschman David A. Cannonier Lorenzo A. Donastorg Leslyn J. Tonge Spring Semester 2023 Yadira Boston David A Cannonier Correen J. Celestine Asiah I. Clendinen Thomas M. Fahey Gabriele V. Haynes Jennifer C. Palmer Crawford Delroy Pierre Monifa J. Potter Desha S. Powell Joanne M. Walters Neville N. Williams SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Master of Accounting Fall Semester 2022 Stephanie M. George Levanyah L. I. Liburd Spring Semester 2023 Vincia Jno Baptiste Lineek Williams Master of Business Administration Fall Semester 2022 Carlen N. Adams Josiah Michael Acheim Angol Jessica P. Grell Spring Semester 2023 Nestra Lawrence Laniesha A. Mayers LaQuan L. K. Perez Bachelor of Arts Fall Semester 2022 Shania M. Grell*** Crystal K. King Naomi R. Laing Carla T. Samuel Spring Semester 2023 Chubelkis Avila Guzman* Chanester E. Crawford Gisha D. Dorelien Stanisha H. Mason Faith V. Prosper*** Caleisha Elizabeth Simon*** Serita S. R. Somersalle* Johanna Weekes Bachelor of Business Administration Fall Semester 2022 Nneka Ayana Byron** Najae D. Harris Stephen A. Horsford Deanna E. Jeffers Shaquancia Ketara Leadeatte* Kabisa E. Smith* Chioma Felicia Warner*** Spring Semester 2023 Denise Y. C. Blanchette Kristina M. Brooks Jahkyra S. Carrington* Alira D. Christopher* J’Mari O. Clarke** Kisha M. Coulanges** Nichel Daniel** Lateefa Edna Evans* Laverne L. Francis*** Janique A. Frett*** Denisian L. Hodge Kelsee R. Hodge Shieda D. James*** Jossica L. Jeffers O’Cena Liburd* Alysha’ Z. Marks** Rachel C. Marshall** Maya M. Matthew Ty-Shana Jada Maximea* Elizabeth Dwane’ McClean*** Nadia V. Moorehead Deanna Daneth Richardson** Ceara L. Roberts* Shaune A. Saunders Senique N. Smith Clinisha D. Todman*** Moriex M. Webster** SCHOOL OF EDUCATION Master of Arts Education Spring Semester 2023 Ellen M. Blyden-VanBeverhoudt Shayla S. Solomon Master of Arts Educational Leadership Fall Semester 2022 Ojuwa N. Lewis Spring Semester 2023 Dara N. Battiste Celiana Matthew Chari Richards-Meade Darlene Malissa Richardson-Paul Adecia S. Rutherford Jessica M. Sibilly Pethronella Wilkins Master of Arts Leadership Fall Semester 2022 Ervin C. Dorsett Jr. Tamara Johnson Solomon Master of Arts School Counseling Spring Semester 2023 Allina L. Josiah Sherritza J. Peterson Bachelor of Arts Fall Semester 2022 Marguerite A. Bell Ingrid Isy Rogers Nicolas* K’Nesha S. Thomas*** Spring Semester 2023 Terice Audrena Audain** Michelle A. Emmanuel-Fortune Chelsia R. Fontenelle* Raeann C. Ford Ahyofeh Lewis Williams Marie Clauda Omeus Hyacinth L. Pemberton-Geroge Sonia E. Salmon-Lindsay Catharine A. Seabrookes*** Lateefah S. Thomas Judith A. Woods Associate of Arts Nzingah B. Emanuel ***summa cum laude **magna cum laude *cum laude Summa Cum Laude - “With the Highest Praise” - an honor added to a diploma or degree for work that is considered to be of the highest quality. Grade Point Average - 3.75 - 4.0 Magna Cum Laude - “With Great Praise” - an honor added to a diploma or degree for work considered to be of much higher quality than average. Grade Point Average - 3.50 - 3.74 Cum Laude - “With Praise” - an honor added to a diploma or degree for work that is above average. Grade Point Average - 3.25 - 3.49 Please note that this is not an offi cial listing of graduates. Th e names of students listed originate from applications for graduation. For offi cial verifi cation of graduates please contact the University’s Registrar Offi ce. We apologize for any inconvenience. St. Th omas: (340) 693-1160 | St. Croix: (340) 692-4103 ORVILLE E. KEAN CAMPUS - ST. THOMAS COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES Master of Public Administration Fall Semester 2022 Deja J. Smith Spring Semester 2023 Anya Stuart Master of Arts In Psychology Spring Semester 2023 Lynette R. Gumbs Master of Arts in Social Work Spring Semester 2023 Janan K. Camsell Bachelor of Science Spring Semester 2023 Ashuan M. Alexander Teh’Rhon K. Rabsatt* Bachelor of Arts Fall Semester 2022 Indira D. Daniels J’Nise A. Gifft Symra Nichole Hendrickson Mendali Lettsome Spring Semester 2023 Kaylor A. Bass*** Tiffani A. Buchanan Tahlani L. Bussue Anthony Lee-Herbert Goss Keanu C. Jacobs* Catherine Jules* S’niyah Y. Roberts Edwin K. Victor Associate of Arts Shantele M. Walter Associate of Applied Science Fall Semester 2022 Racquel K. Dover Ajahni A. Phillips Spring Semester 2023 Kayah J. Henderson SCHOOL OF NURSING Bachelor of Science Spring Semester 2023 Kishanna J. C. Anselm* Aaliyah K. Babrow Bonika M. Bartlette* E’Yonna Leah Crooke* Candice O. Ennis Alancia Estime Ketura C. Harringan Elka Nadia James* Michelle T. Laudat** Dalissa A. Lettsome Jessica M. Pena** Jamisha M. Pigott Shania P. Querrard* Earl C. Rabsatt Ea Aniqua Chaere Shoy Elesha A. Turnbull Tashema A. Walwyn COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS Master of Marine and Environmental Science Fall Semester 2022 Jendahye K. Antoine Katie A. Ayres Arelys Alejandra Chaparro Danielle A. Olive Spring Semester 2023 Natasha G. Bestrom Taylor Brunson Jenna C. E. Cheramie Lindsay M. Dade Allison J. Holevoet Nicole M. Kramptiz Reagan E. Mason Andrew J. McGregor Race C. Stryker Bachelor of Science Fall Semester 2022 Aisha K. Aaron K’Monique A Bonelli Khyesha A. Jean-Baptiste Kailen H. King Kiandre T. Rogers Tomy F. Romero LeeAnn Sheets** Kera T. Smith Kiwanee K. Smith Shamir E. Smith* Spring Semester 2023 Brittney F. Anderson*** Taquanna C. Baron Amanda Gabriella Boissiere Janae A. Bruce*** VerNele T. Callwood Chloe Solynarah Camacho** Lensey Casmir Briana M. Cromwell* Delreese M. Gifft Johnathan A. Henry Timoya Hodge** Deanna A.M. Hunt** Juchara C. Margetson** Michael James Niemeyer Davindra E. O’Neal Kahlifah K. Powell* Sheldon O. Richards** Derrick E. Thomas Jahreem R. Thompson Destinee Princess Turnbull** Ellaina A. Wyllis*** Bachelor of Arts Fall Semester 2022 Shachyah A. Lewis Anelia A. Austrie Spring Semester 2023 Cequoyah A. George Associate of Science Spring Semester 2023 Le’Quinn D. Anthony Kailen H. King Deon Reu-El St Jules ORVILLE E. KEAN CAMPUS - ST. THOMAS *Please note that this is not an offi cial listing of graduates. Th e names of students listed originate from applications for graduation. For offi cial verifi cation of graduates please contact the University’s Registrar Offi ce. We apologize for any inconvenience. St. Th omas: (340) 693-1160 | St. Croix: (340) 692-4103 Legend: † = Deceased