May 7, 2008 — The first ever set of master's degrees in mathematics for secondary teachers will be awarded during the University of the Virgin Islands' 44th annual commencement ceremonies, scheduled for Monday on St. Thomas and Tuesday on St. Croix.
The ceremony on St. Thomas will feature class speaker Athaliah Edwards and will begin at 7 p.m. in the Sports and Fitness Center. Ceremonies on St. Croix will begin at 6 p.m. on the campus grounds, according to a recent news release. Class speakers on St. Croix will be Carl A. Christopher and Vanessa S. Hamilton.
The keynote speaker for both events is Dwayne Ashley, president and chief executive officer of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Under Ashley's guidance, the organization has raised more than $80 million for scholarships and programs for historically black colleges and universities throughout the mainland, including the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands, according to a news release issued Wednesday by the organization.
"The University of the Virgin Islands provides its students extensive training in the fields of business, education, humanities and nursing to become the future leaders of our nation," Ashley said in the release. "I'm excited to participate in the commencement as the scholars transition into their respective fields."
Ashley holds a bachelor of science degree from Wiley College in Texas and a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania's Fels Institute of Government. Ashley is a native of Houston, Texas. He currently lives in New Jersey.
Admission to St. Thomas' commencement ceremonies is by ticket only. In a show of respect to all of the graduates, their families and friends, the use of air horns, whistles and other noisemakers will not be permitted at either ceremony, according to the release.
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