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HomeCommunitySchoolsUVI Parade to Celebrate Emerald Jubilee, Enters Float in Centennial Commemoration

UVI Parade to Celebrate Emerald Jubilee, Enters Float in Centennial Commemoration

The University of the Virgin Islands will celebrate its 55th birthday, the Emerald Jubilee, with a float presentation called “A Toast to the Emerald Celebration for the Centennial Commemoration!”  The float will honor the significant intellectual nourishment that UVI has given to the people of the Virgin Islands through 47 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its five colleges and schools. The float will be part of the Adults Parade on April 29.

Founded in 1962, UVI is a public, co-ed, land-grant HBCU (Historically Black College and University) in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Approximately 2,500 students are enrolled on the two campuses: Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix and St. Thomas Campus.

UVI will toast its past presidents for their visionary intelligence and steadfastness in cultivating this outstanding institution of higher learning.  Dr. Lawrence C. Wanlass was the university’s first president, serving from 1962-1980.  Dr. Arthur A. Richards was the second president, serving from 1980-1990.  Dr. Orville E. Kean was UVI’s third president, who served from 1990-2002. Dr. LaVerne E. Ragster, UVI’s fourth president, served from 2002-2009. The current and fifth president is Dr. David Hall.

On the float will be:

  • Miss University of the Virgin Islands Angelique Flemming, a 19-year-old sophomore psychology major. She was born on St. Croix and is attending UVI on the Albert A. Sheen Campus. Her philosophy on life is “with God, anything is possible.”
  • Miss Emerald Jubilee 2017 Cherie Wheatley, a long-term employee, was selected by the student body for this title.
  • Dr. David Hall, president of UVI, and wife Dr. Marilyn Brathwaite-Hall will be on the float.

UVI Troupe: Mocko Jumbies will be celebrating, adorned in festive colorful costumes, depicting the joyful spirit of Carnival and merriment over UVI’s 55th birthday recognition.

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