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NYASHA MUTUNHU CROWNED MISS UVI

Oct. 29, 2001 – Nyasha Mutunhu, a junior psychology major on the St. Thomas campus of the University of the Virgin Islands, is the new Miss UVI 2001-2002. Mutunhu, 26, was crowned Saturday night, at the culmination of the Miss UVI Queen and Ambassadorial Pageant 2001 at the Reichhold Center for the Arts.
In addition to the Miss UVI crown, Mutunhu claimed the titles "Miss Photogenic," "Miss Intellect" and "Best Talent," for an original poem she performed.
Anika Nicholas, 22, a sophomore biology major on UVI's St. Croix campus, was selected as first runner-up and also won "Best Ambassadorial Presentation" and "Best Evening Wear."
Elementary education major Shanee King, 19, was named "Miss Popularity" and Owanna Lans, 20, a junior political science major, was awarded the "Miss Congeniality" title.
During the 3 hour-long pageant, Mutunhu, who was born in Wisconsin and raised in Zimbabwe, passionately expressed her views on topics ranging from discrimination to HIV/AIDS and America's response to the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Mutunhu has worked as an HIV/AIDS educator and was one of the youngest delegates to the International AIDS Conference last year in South Africa. She is chair of UVI's African Heritage Committee and was a resident coordinator for Upward Bound's summer program.
"I believe it is important that we, as UVI students, become as informed as possible about events taking place not only here in the territory, but around the world," Mutunhu said. "I feel honored to have been given the opportunity to represent the university at this time."
Mutunhu's academic adviser, UVI Associate Professor of Psychology Agatha Nelson has come to know not only Nyasha the student, but Nyasha the person.
"She's extremely gentle, thoughtful and intellectual," Nelson said. "She is very aware of what's going on around her and she's dedicated to making a difference."
As Miss UVI, Mutunhu will receive free tuition, room and board for the two semesters of her reign.

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