FREDERIKSTED ― Governor Kenneth Mapp reiterated his call for the University of the Virgin Islands Class of 2018 to consider helping with the territory’s recovery effort.
During his remarks at the Albert Sheen Campus Friday on St. Croix, he reminded the graduates that there are presently numerous job opportunities with the local Government.
“When I view the list of degrees being handed out today, you are the folks we are looking for and want to hire now to be a part of the reconstruction and rebuilding of the U.S. Virgin Islands,” Mapp said.
The territory has been given direct access to billions of dollars in federal assistance and disaster grants for its recovery, the governor said. His administration will also meet the legally required May 30, 2018 budget deadline to the Legislature, which will allow increases to government salaries.
Class speaker Jaecena Howell shared a powerful message as she reminded her classmates about the strength they displayed in light of two Category 5 hurricanes.
“The hurricanes did not deter us from achieving our goals. In fact, all of the challenges strengthened our abilities that were dormant due to the luxuries we grew used to and took for granted,” Howell said.
The commencement ceremony was one of first, especially for St. Croix as Nursing students were conferred with Bachelor of Science degrees for the first time ever.
Graduates were also conferred with doctorate degrees in Creative Leadership for Innovation and Change for the first time in the history of the campus.
The University of the Virgin Islands, formerly the College of the Virgin Islands, Class of 1968 was recognized in celebration of its 50th anniversary.