Theron Thomas (left) and Timothy Thomas (center) form the dynamic music duo known as R. City. Caroline Fawkes, the Supervisor of Elections, is pictured on the right.
The University of the Virgin Islands has announced it will confer honorary degrees on renowned music duo Theron and Timothy Thomas, known as R. City, and aviation trailblazer Caroline Fawkes during its 60th Commencement Ceremonies. The events are scheduled for May 9 and 10 at UVI's St. Thomas and St. Croix campuses, respectively.
Theron and Timothy Thomas, the St. Thomas-born siblings behind the international music sensation R. City, will receive honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees. Their careers, highlighted by collaborations with top artists and multiple Grammy nominations, have brought Caribbean rhythmic influences to the global music scene. Theron, recently named Songwriter of the Year at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, and his brother Timothy, have remained connected to their roots, promoting the U.S. Virgin Islands' culture worldwide.
Their career highlights include writing the chart-topping hits “Pour It Up” for Rihanna, “Run Away Love” for Justin Bieber, and “We Can’t Stop” for Miley Cyrus. Their debut album, “What Dreams Are Made Of,” features the platinum single “Locked Away” with Adam Levine. Theron Thomas also received seven Grammy nominations and won the title of Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.
Caroline Fawkes will be honored at the ceremony on the St. Croix campus. Fawkes, a trailblazer in aviation, was the first woman to pilot the U.S. Army’s C23 Sherpa and served as the state’s first female aviation officer in the Army National Guard. With over 4,400 hours of accident-free flight time and notable service during deployments to Guantanamo Bay, her military career has been marked by high honors, including the Legion of Merit and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal signed by President Barack Obama. After retiring from the military, Fawkes has continued to impact her community as the Supervisor of the Election System of the Virgin Islands, overseeing the administration and regulation of election laws.
Her extensive contributions to aviation and her role as a mentor for young women in the field have earned her an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.The UVI
Commencement Ceremonies will take place at the Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center on the Orville E. Kean Campus in St. Thomas and on the grounds of the Albert A. Sheen Campus in St. Croix. Both ceremonies will begin at 1:00 p.m.
