University Of The Virgin Islands
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
May 14, 2009 (CUOPM)
St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas is the keynote speaker at the 45th Graduating Classes on the St. Thomas and St. Croix campuses of the University of the Virgin Islands.
Dr. Douglas will address the Commencement Exercise at the St. Thomas Campus on Monday 18th May at 7 p.m. and at the St. Croix Campus on Tuesday 19th May at 6:00 p.m.
“Our commencement exercises are important events that allow graduates to hear from accomplished professional about the opportunities and challenges awaiting them on the local, regional and global levels and about the value of education to a full life,” said outgoing University of Virgin Islands (UVI) President Dr. LaVerne Ragster.
During the ceremonies at both campuses, the Welcome remarks will be delivered by UVI President, Dr. Ragster; and addresses by the Governor of the United States Virgin Islands, the Honourable John de Jong; Virgin Islands delegate to Congress, the Hon. Donna M. Christian; President of the United States Virgin Islands Legislature, the Hon. Louis Patrick Hill and Chairman of the UVI Board of Trustees, Alexander Moorehead.
The UVI has an enrolment of 2,500, including several students from St. Kitts and Nevis under an arrangement which affords locals getting associate degrees from the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College to complete their Bachelor’s degree at the UVI.
Under a joint programme, a Video Conference Centre was opened at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College, that allows local students who are pursuing a Master’s degree programme to sit in on lectures from the UVI St. Thomas or St. Croix Campuses or students at the St. Thomas and St. Croix Campuses to sit in on lectures from the CFBC in St. Kitts.
The University of the Virgin Islands changed its name from the College of the Virgin Islands in 1986 to reflect the growth and diversification of its academic curriculum, research programmes and regional community services.
UVI offers 30 undergraduate degree programmes, three masters degree programmes, and two unaccredited professional degree programmes in business and education.