Aug. 30, 2001 – Frank Rinehart's teaching legacy at the University of the Virgin Islands goes back to when it was still the College of the Virgin Islands, but after 24 years, he is moving on.
He has taken a post as the dean of Science, Health and Business at Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York, and leaves Saturday for his new home.
His wife, Elena Vimercati, said she will continue her work as a web designer and will continue to service her Virgin Islands clients from Rochester.
Rinehart described himself as a chemist. He has taught sciences at UVI and served a stint as chair of the Division of Science and Mathematics.
He said he is grateful for the professional experience he had at UVI and that the staff and administration there are supportive of his decision.
"There's time for a change in everyone's life," he said.
"We're going to freeze this winter, but we'll have a beautiful fall first," he said, adding that Rochester offers a variety of cultural events and opportunities.
He's also excited about Monroe, saying "It's probably one of the 30 best community colleges in the U.S."
Vimercati, a native of Italy, has fewer years in the Virgin Islands, but also made a mark on the community. She was a charter broker for three years before going into web page design. And for several years she acted as interpreter and facilitator for Italian tourists visiting Caneel Bay in August.
Some parting advice from Rinehart: Two institutions in the Virgin Islands that are particularly worthy and in need of support from the community are United Way and UVI.
A past president of United Way, he served on the board for six years. He said the organization has set an ambitious challenge this year, raising its annual fund-raising goal from $500,000 to $650,000. It will need the entire community pulling together to meet the goal, he said.
The university also needs financial support, he said. "Faculty salaries have slipped," especially those for junior faculty, he said.
