Aug. 24, 2005 — Two $3,000 scholarships for freshman students enrolling in the University of the Virgin Islands' Process Technology program have been provided by VWNA Caribbean, the company contracted by the V.I. government to design, build and operate new wastewater treatment plants on St. Croix and St. Thomas.
The scholarships — one each for students from St. Croix and St. Thomas — reflect VWNA Caribbean's commitment to the V.I. community, according to Mark Vanagel, the company's area manager.
"We're here for the long haul," Vanagel said, noting that the contract calls for VWNA to operate the new plants for 20 years. "We have to work hand in hand," he said.
UVI Director of Annual Giving Mitchell Neaves, who accepted the VWNA checks, said the university planned to award the scholarships in the spring of 2006. Students interested in applying for scholarships should contact UVI's Office of Institutional Advancement at 693-1040.
Neaves also pointed out that individuals and corporations interested in providing financial support to the university have until September 30 to make contributions toward the current annual giving year.
Vanagel said the plants at Lindbergh Bay on St. Thomas and at the Anguilla wastewater station on St. Croix would employ approximately 15 persons when they go into operation in early 2007. "We are extremely conscious of the Virgin Islands' environmental concerns," Vanagel said, noting that plants would be state-of-the-art facilities, built with the latest environmental safeguards.
"Our intent is to hire all local employees," Vanagel added. That's why VWNA is providing support for UVI's Process Technology Program, which is offered on the St. Croix campus in collaboration with the HOVENSA oil refinery.
The Process Technology Program was initiated in the fall of 2002 and produced its first seven graduates with associate of applied science degrees in 2004. As of spring 2005, the program has produced a total of 15 graduates, 13 of whom have been hired by HOVENSA, according to program manager Eric Douglas. One graduate has been hired by WAPA and another is pursuing further education.
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