2025 UVI graduates. Photo: UVI

2025 UVI graduates. Photo: UVI

University President Dr. Safiya George awarded the St. Thomas class of 2025 the epithet “lit”, an acronym of “Limitless,” “Innovative,” and “Tenacious,” which is how the graduates described themselves. “You're the next generation of leaders at the nexus between educational preparation and implementation for greater impact and economic development right here at home,” George said.

Keynote speaker Hill Harper challenged graduates with the admission that “my generation has really screwed up this work, and the charge is on your generation to actually have to fix it.” The class of 2025 and their agemates are capable of this monumental task, he argued, “because you’ve already come through hurricanes, you've come through a global pandemic, you've come through economic uncertainty and geopolitical uncertainty, and now you're entering and continuing to fight in a world that you need to shape and change.”

He urged the students to take conscious control over their future. “You are active architects of your own life,” Mr. Harper said.

Protect & cherish your integrity- Senate President Milton Potter

Class speaker Joleen Buchanan responded positively to George's promise during her remarks that UVI was actively working on enhancing student experience in a number of ways. Ms. Buchanan called for improved conditions in the dining area, and “just better vibes” overall, as part of the improvement efforts.

In his remarks to the graduates, Senate President Milton Potter exhorted them to protect and cherish their integrity as they move through the world. 

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach, speaking on behalf of Governor Albert Bryan Jr., repeated an anecdote he told the day before to the 2025 graduating class on St. Croix. Emphasising the importance of authentic voices in telling local stories.