Though University of the Virgin Islands alumni are getting close to setting a historic record, Alumni Affairs officials are feverishly drumming up additional alumni support as the deadline nears.

In January, UVI President Dr. David Hall challenged alumni to raise their giving rate to 50 percent in honor of the institution’s 50th anniversary, in what he named the “50 for 50 Campaign.” Now nearing a 35 percent alumni giving rate, UVI needs more donations before the Sept 30 deadline.

If UVI achieves its goal, it will be the first Historically Black College and University to have a 50 percent alumni giving rate, Dr. Hall said.

UVI alumni have responded well, and now the director of Annual Giving and Alumni Affairs said, “We need the financial support, in any amount, from an additional 1,121 alums.” Linda I. Smith said she is optimistic about UVI reaching its goal, as she and a dedicated team of staff and volunteers – which include fellow alumni, current students and friends – continue to reach out to the community for support.

“There is not one day that we don’t reach out to alumni – and that includes weekends and holidays,” Smith said. “And there is not one day that we run into an alum who doesn’t want to give,” she added. “Our alumni pride is evident in everything that we do.”

She expressed gratitude to those who have already made a gift. “This historic campaign continues to receive overwhelming support of both alumni and friends. Everyone is excited about our hometown university becoming the first HBCU to have 50 percent participation,” she said, noting again that alumni must take action to make it possible.

Alumni may make donations online at UVI’s website, www.uvi.edu, or on the UVI Alumni Network Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/uvialumninetwork.

For more information or to make a donation via the telephone, contact the Alumni Affairs Office on St. Croix at 692-4231 or on St. Thomas at 693-1044. All donations are tax deductible.