l2r: Dean Harris, Shania Farrington, Nikaya Nibbs, Shenique Sealey, Kalina Kennedy, Ibrahim E. Torres, and Dr. Austin (Professor/Interim Director HTM Program) Photo Credit: UVI
Two students in the University of the Virgin Islands’ Hospitality and Tourism Management program were awarded scholarships from Wyndham Destinations, the parent company of Margaritaville Vacation Club St. Thomas, during an award ceremony held earlier this month, UVI made known via release this week.
The university said Nikaya Nibbs and Shenique Sealey each received a scholarship of $10,000 to help defray the costs of pursuing their studies.
Ibrahim Torres, Caribbean Region Human Resources Manager for Wyndham Destinations and Kalina Kennedy, General Manager, Margaritaville, St. Thomas made the scholarship presentations.
“We are extremely proud to be able to partner with UVI’s Hospitality program to offer these scholarships,” said Ibrahim Torres, HR manager for the Caribbean at Wyndham Destinations. “Speaking from personal experience, I know of the importance and value scholarships play in helping students obtain an education. We are grateful for the opportunity to support them and look forward to their contributions to our industry."
Currently in her freshman year at UVI, Nibbs graduated with honors from Charlotte Amalie High School in St. Thomas. “I have a passion for traveling and aspire to become a flight attendant,” she said, thanking Wyndham for its support of her educational goals.
Sealey, who is from St. Croix, enrolled in the Hospitality and Tourism Management program to help reach her goal of opening a restaurant. “I would like to thank Wyndham Destinations for this opportunity so that I can continue to apply my abilities to realizing my dreams,” she stated.
According to the release, Wyndham has been a supporter of UVI’s hospitality program since 2014. In addition to the scholarships, UVI students and graduates have benefited from internship and employment opportunities at the popular beachside resort located on the eastern end of St. Thomas.
“The University is deeply grateful to Wyndham Destinations and Margaritaville for their longstanding, steadfast commitment to supporting our Hospitality & Tourism Management students. The company’s scholarships, internships and employment opportunities have had a significant and tangible impact on our students’ experiences both in and out of the classroom,” said UVI’s Dean of the School of Business, Dr. Kendra Harris.
Representatives from Wyndham Destinations and the University of the Virgin Islands joined family members of the students at the award ceremony.
