On Tuesday, Dec. 18, the first president of the University of the Virgin Islands, Dr. Lawrence Wanlass, passed away in California, UVI has announced. He is survived by his wife, Anita, and their four children. UVI did not provide Dr. Lawrence’s age at time of death.<\/p>\n
For nearly two decades \u2013 from 1962 to 1980 \u2013 Dr. Wanlass worked to establish the then College of the Virgin Islands and to create a world-class curriculum for its students.<\/p>\n
UVI President Dr. David Hall, on the behalf of the entire University family \u2013 the Board of Trustees, foundation boards, faculty, staff, students and alumni \u2013 extends his sincerest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Dr. Wanlass.<\/p>\n
\u201cDr. Wanlass was a true visionary whose tireless work laid the groundwork for the first rank educational institution that the University of the Virgin Islands has become,\u201d said UVI Board of Trustees Chairman Henry Smock. \u201cI know that he followed the development of the University over the years and was very proud of all of its many accomplishments.\u201d<\/p>\n
Under Dr. Wanlass\u2019 leadership, the institution was designated with land-grant status and a large endowment was bestowed on the College through federal legislation.\u00a0 During his tenure, Hubert Sugden donated his St. Croix home, which would become UVI\u2019s Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix and the institution received an endowment for the establishment of the Reichhold Center for the Arts.<\/p>\n
\u201cPresident Wanlass was such an important anchor for this University,\u201d said President Hall. \u201cDuring my time as president he would consistently send me notes of encouragement and generosity. He was always proud of what this special institution was able to accomplish. Though I never was able to meet him, I still feel his loss and pray for his family during this difficult time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Wanlass was instrumental in the establishment of CVI\u2019s initially offering two-year transfer programs in humanities, social sciences, physical science and mathematics, business administration, engineering and teacher education, as well as occupational programs in business management, accounting, executive secretarial studies, hotel and resort operation and management, electrical technology and construction technology. Later he was instrumental in the establishment of four-year academic programs and in the accreditation of the College for five years by the Middle States Association.<\/p>\n
Malcom Kirwan, a CVI alumnus who worked closely with Dr. Wanlass, remembers him well. \u201cI have always been deeply grateful for the opportunity he extended to me to serve the College of the Virgin Islands during his presidency, for teaching me the meaning of compassionate leadership, and for showing me, by his fine example, what it meant to be a leader who serves with sincerity, integrity and honor,\u201d Kirwan said. \u201cIn many ways, perhaps without knowing it, he was the father to me I never had.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDr. Wanlass was a true visionary whose tireless work laid the groundwork for the first-\u00adrank educational institution that the University of the Virgin Islands has become,\u201d said Kirwan, former UVI vice president of Administration and Finance and chief financial officer. \u201cI know that he followed the development of the University over the years and was very proud of all of its many accomplishments.\u201d<\/p>\n
In 1980, upon Dr. Wanlass\u2019 retirement, in honor of his accomplishments, leadership and impact that he had on the development of the College, was conferred the status of President Emeritus. For more information on Dr. Wanlass visit www.uvi.edu<\/a> or see this direct link: President Emeritus Dr. Lawrence Wanlass<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" On Tuesday, Dec. 18, the first president of the University of the Virgin Islands, Dr. Lawrence Wanlass, passed away in California, UVI has announced. He is survived by his wife, Anita, and their four children. UVI did not provide Dr. Lawrence’s age at time of death. For nearly two decades \u2013 from 1962 to 1980 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":70061,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1078,191,147],"tags":[9195],"yoast_head":"\n