Dr. Safiya George (center), UVI President, and Jeff Charles (center right), OPT COO, with students, UVI faculty, and Ocean Point representatives. Photo: UVI

A check presentation ceremony took place on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at the Research and Technology Park, located on UVI's Albert A. Sheen Campus in St. Croix. The contribution represents Ocean Point's ongoing annual commitment to bolster education, training, and workforce development at the university, UVI said.

Ocean Point Terminals Chief Operating Officer Jeffrey Charles, who presented the check to UVI President Dr. Safiya George, spoke about the company's partnership with UVI. “We are very excited to continue this partnership with UVI. This program is very important to us as we are able to invest in the education of process technology students at UVI and have many of those students return to us as some of the best operators and professionals,” Charles said. He added that renewing this commitment for the eighth consecutive year has been a rewarding experience for the company.

Donation to support 11 courses

UVI said the donation will specifically support 11 courses within the Process Technology Program, which provides students with the skills and knowledge needed for careers in the field of process technology. Students and faculty members attended the event, where George expressed appreciation for the generous contribution. "We are very grateful for the generosity that Ocean Point Terminals has shown to the Process Technology Program,” she said. “We know that our students will continue to benefit immensely from your investment in them, as they continue their educational journey to become accomplished process technology professionals.”

UVI’s Process Technology Program offers an associate of applied science degree, with graduates pursuing various career paths, including roles with local and international companies. Many program alumni also go on to earn advanced degrees in fields such as chemistry, engineering, computer science, business, and medicine.