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dateline: UVI July 18, 2006, vol xii, number 7 Events Calendar July 20 CELL Business After Hours STX July 21 Constitution ‘08 Press Conference STT July 27 Science Programs Presentations STT The monthly newsletter of The University of the Virgin Islands Most students look forward to the end of a semester. But as 11 students ended their summer ses- sion at UVI they were all sad and teary-eyed. The students were par- ticipants in an English immersion program on UVI’s St. Thomas campus. Through a memorandum of un- derstanding between UVI and the University of Turabo in Puerto Rico, the students spent six weeks at UVI immersing themselves in the language and culture of the Virgin Islands. All ingoing freshmen at the University of Turabo, the courses at UVI were their first at univer- sity level. They will start college at the University of Turabo in the fall. After presenting their final project in the Intercultural Com- munications class, taught by Dr. Beverly Jensen, the students spoke about what they learned over the six weeks. “I think I am more fluent in English now,” said Antonio Rodriquez. But becoming fluent was just one of the benefits of the program. “When we came here we were all lost because we’re from different places and we didn’t know each other,” said Eimylin Achang. From different high schools throughout Puerto Rico, the students were selected by their counselors at the University of Turabo to participate in the program. For many it was the first time being away from their parents. Together they learned a new language and a new place. Everyone came in at a differ- ent level, explained Humanities Pro- fessor Mary Jo Caruso, who taught the English as a Second Language (ESL) course. “I try to teach them the grammar that Americans use,” Prof. Caruso said at their last class on July 7. Along with the ESL and Intercultural Communications courses they also took a Virgin Is- lands Culture course, taught by Prof. Gene Emanuel. Outside of the classroom the students went to Coki Point Beach, Tutu Park Mall and St. John’s July 4th Festival, among other places. “You’re in a new country, with a new language and a new culture,” Dr. Jensen said in their final class. “You had a lot of things coming at you and you succeeded.” Plans are being made for UVI students to attend a Span- ish immersion program at the University of Turabo, said UVI’s Vice Provost for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Angela McGhee, who orchestrated the agreement. University of Turabo student participants in an En- glish immersion program at UVI pose with Professors Mary Jo Caruso, far left, and Dr. Beverly Jensen, cen- ter, on their final day of class. Puerto Rico Students ‘Immerse’ in VI Culture Mango Melee and More . . . Participants challenge each other in the mango eating contest at the Mango Melee and Tropical Fruit Festival held on July 2 at the St. George Botanical Garden on St. Croix. UVI’s Cooperative Ex- tension Service and Agricultural Experiment Station are sponsors of the event. 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 Nereida C. Washington has been named Associate Campus Adminis- trator for Operations for the Univer- sity of the Virgin Islands’ St. Croix campus. Dr. Monique Guillory, St. Croix campus executive administra- tor, said the appointment was effec- tive July 3. Washington, a 16-year UVI em- ployee, has filled the operations posi- tion in an acting capacity since September of 2005. Dr. Guillory said she applauds Mrs. Washington’s ongoing commitment to the UVI community. In the position, Washington will be involved in the design and implementation of campus-based capital projects. She will oversee the management of all business and facilities ser- vices for the St. Croix campus, including the business office, the campus bookstore, security, physical plant operations, fa- cilities renovations, housekeeping and grounds operations, and emergency preparedness. Washington is a native of St. Thomas and graduate of Eudora Kean High School. She holds AA, BA and MBA de- grees in business administration from UVI. She began her UVI work career in 1989 as an administrative assistant. From 1999 to 2005 she worked as program coordinator/assistant to the chancellor of the St. Croix campus. Washington is also a part-time UVI instructor, most recently teaching classes in Business Strategy and Freshman Development. Washington sees her responsibility as providing a safe, comfortable atmosphere in which students can excel in aca- demics and employees and staff can provide the necessary professional support. “We’re the service department for the institution,” she said. Washington is married to UVI Associate Professor of Accounting Aubrey Washington, the current chair of UVI’s Business Division. They have three children. Washington Named to Leadership Post on St. Croix Campus Nereida Washington Despite the inclement weather, the UVI Alumni Association St. Croix Chapter’s recent cocktail reception was a joyous event filled with music, food, laughter, prizes and information. Alumni from different generations gathered at the UVI St. Croix cam- pus Cafetorium on June 28, to learn about the St. Croix Chapter and the benefits of becoming a member. Chapter President Marthious Clavier (‘02), stated the chapter’s mission in his opening remarks, encouraging all alumni to become active members. He also mentioned that several mem- bers have volunteered their time to assist with the UVI Celebrity Golf Classic and the Seasoned Alumni Program. “The time, money and efforts of the St. Croix Chapter’s active members don’t go unrewarded,” chapter Vice-President Nestor F. Ramon Jr. (‘05), said in his remarks. He discussed the chapter’s importance, objectives and benefits, noting that the benefits of lifetime membership include a ten percent discount on fuel prices at participating service stations, ten percent dis- count on a pair of tickets for Reichhold Center sponsored events and eligibility to apply for the UVI/VISA/FirstBank credit card. The chapter is also in the process of establishing a scholarship program for UVI juniors and seniors, Ramon said. The evening was topped off with door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. Entertainment was provided by UVI Alum Mark Jones. Alumni Meet, Mingle and Network at Reception