With pride, promise, and a spirit of resilience, the University of the Virgin Islands celebrated the achievements of its Class of 2025 during the 61st Annual Commencement Ceremony held Thursday at the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix.
The ceremony honored academic excellence and perseverance, as degrees were distributed to graduates. A total of 280 degrees are expected to be distributed from both the St. Croix and St. Thomas campuses. Acting on behalf of Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. at the event was Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach, who joined university leadership, faculty, family, and friends in recognizing the students’ accomplishments.
For UVI President Safiya George, it was her first commencement since taking office. A native of St. Croix and a proud UVI alumna, she expressed gratitude and emotion when addressing the graduating class. “I’m happy to be here today at my alma mater with my people, my Buccaneer family, my fellow Virgin Islanders, and all friends of UVI,” George said. Reflecting on her own upbringing and academic journey in nursing and education, she added, “For some of you, UVI is about to become your alma mater too.”
The 2025 commencement held particular significance with several historic milestones. The university celebrated the inaugural graduating class of its School of Agriculture and the first cohort to complete its MBA program. Also recognized were the first Virgin Islands couple to simultaneously earn doctoral degrees from UVI and Labor Commissioner Gary Molloy, who was among the graduates.
Two distinguished individuals were awarded honorary degrees. Hill Harper, humanitarian, award-winning actor, bestselling author, and entrepreneur, was the keynote speaker and received an honorary degree for his contributions to arts, education, and public service. Retired Brigadier General Deborah Y. Howell was also honored for her exemplary military service and lasting contributions to the Virgin Islands. Howell, a trailblazer in the Virgin Islands National Guard, made history as the first woman to serve as adjutant general.
In his keynote address, Harper delivered a message of purpose and legacy. “You are here not by coincidence. You are not a mistake. You are a walking answer to someone’s prayer — a dream spoken in the dark, a hope whispered in bondage on this very island,” he told graduates. He referenced the enduring historical structures around the island, urging students to find inspiration in their ancestors’ resilience. “If you look closely at the bricks, you will see fingerprints left behind — fingerprints literally pressed into the stone. What fingerprints are you willing to leave?”
Among the graduates was Kira Edwards, an international student and accounting scholar who made her mark as a six-time dean’s list recipient and the 2024 White House HBCU Scholar for the Virgin Islands. Edwards, the first in her family to earn a college degree, delivered a heartfelt reflection on her journey. “When I first came to UVI, I did not come with a cheerleading squad or a family legacy,” she said. “I came with luggage, grit, determination, and the unwavering love of a family that didn’t have much to give but gave everything that mattered. They never once told me to dream less, so I dreamed more.”
The celebration continues Friday with the St. Thomas commencement, to be held at the Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center on the Orville E. Kean Campus.
The full ceremony from the St. Croix campus is available for viewing online at: https://www.facebook.com/UVI.edu/videos/1037366817834907
