UVI Class of 2020 Overcomes Overwhelming Odds With Over 300 Degrees Conferred

  • Staff Consortium
  • May 15, 2020
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UVI's Albert A. Sheen Campus

On May 12, the University of the Virgin Islands Office of the Registrar certified over 300 degrees for the Class of 2020, the institution of higher learning announced late Thursday. As a result of the Coronavirus, commencement ceremonies originally slated for May 2020 have been postponed. UVI’s Class of 2020 will walk across the stage and celebrate their Commencement in December 2020.  Currently, students who have earned their degrees will receive their diplomas in the mail. 

“The Class of 2020 is the most unique and resilient class to ever graduate from UVI,” said UVI President David Hall. “They have obtained their academic dreams despite having to endure two category five hurricanes, a pandemic, and numerous personal and financial challenges.”

Dr. Hall continued, “They have endured forces which would have stopped others from achieving their dreams. I am extremely proud of each graduate and appreciate how they made UVI a better place in the process.”

Among the graduating class will be three students of the first cohort of students enrolled in the University’s online program. Another eight students of the Creative Leadership for Innovation and Change (CLIC) doctoral program will receive their degrees as well.

UVI has invited the public to take part in a virtual graduation celebration for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) titled #ShowMeYourWalk – HBCU Edition. The event, sponsored by JPMorgan Chase, will be held on Saturday, May 16, at 2 p.m. ET. The all-star lineup will feature speakers and musical guests with President Barack Obama as the featured honored guest.  

UVI and its Class of 2020 are amongst the almost 80 or so participating HBCUs that will be recognized nationally at this event.   There is expected to be celebrity guests and musical performances as well as an acknowledgment of the history of HBCUs, valedictorians and Black Greek Life.  Join this livestream event on Chase YouTube, Chase Twitter, HBCU Connect Facebook or Essence Studios.

UVI’s Class of 2020’s commencement ceremonies will take place at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec.10, at the Sports and Fitness Center on the St. Thomas Campus and on Friday, Dec. 11, on the campus grounds of the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix.

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