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The University of the Virgin Islands Homecoming Planning Committee is inviting alumni, students, families, and the community to join in celebrating Homecoming 2025 this weekend on St. Thomas and St. Croix, showcasing Buccaneer pride, Virgin Islands culture, and meaningful connections across both campuses. “As we welcome our alumni, students, families, and the community to our campuses, Homecoming 2025 is about renewed connection, celebrating UVI’s legacy, and engaging everyone in our ‘Grand Momentum’ blueprint for the future,” said UVI President Safiya George, who is also a UVI alumna. “We invite everyone to join us for a weekend of celebration that embodies the heart and soul of UVI.” “Homecoming 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience,” said Michael Morsberger, UVI vice president for Institutional Advancement. “We’ve planned an exciting lineup of events that will appeal to everyone — from children and families to food lovers, culture bearers, alumni philanthropists, partygoers, and sports fans. We welcome the entire community to come out and enjoy festivities on both our St. Thomas and St. Croix campuses.” This year’s celebration started Thursday with a vibrant Homecoming Kick-Off Parade and Beach Bash on the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas. Homecoming 2025 will also feature a variety of other signature events, including the Halloween Trunk or Treat, Homecoming Games, and Ultimate Wet Fete; Alumni Marketplace Showout, and Alumni/Students/Staff/Divine Nine Basketball Battles; and the Soca and Sunrise Breakfast Sail. “Homecoming will conclude on a high note with its very first ‘Homecoming on the Yard 2025’ on the Albert A. Sheen Campus,” on St. Croix, Sophia Johnson, UVI homecoming committee chair and alumni affairs director, said. “It’s a family friendly festival that truly captures the UVI spirit — filled with food vendors, music, a children’s play zone, alumni vendors, and Greek life showcases. We are truly excited to bring generations of Buccaneers together to celebrate our shared legacy, reconnect, and experience the energy of our UVI community.” The schedule of events: • 4:30 p.m. – Halloween Trunk or Treat at the Elridge W. Blake Sports & Fitness Center: Children in costumes, treats, families will participate in a safe, festive Halloween celebration on campus. Free until 5:30 p.m. • 6 p.m. – Homecoming Games: Cheer on the Men’s & Women’s basketball teams to Homecoming victory. Tickets are $5. • 6 p.m. – Alumni Marketplace Showout: Support your Buccaneers and shop alumni vendors for exclusive merch. • 10 p.m. – The Ultimate Halloween Wet Fete: Dance the night away at the Ultimate Halloween Wet Fete — a neon, water-soaked celebration of island energy. Tickets are $20. • 5 p.m. – Homecoming 2025 Basketball Battle: Students, alumni, and staff will compete in a spirited showdown. • 9 p.m. – The Ultimate Wet Fete: The excitement continues with DJs, water fun, and vibrant entertainment on campus. Tickets are $20. • 8 a.m. – Soca & Sunrise Breakfast Sail: Start the day aboard a scenic sail with soca rhythms, sunrise views, and Buccaneer spirit. Departing from Frederiksted Pier. Tickets are $50, spots are limited. • 1 p.m. – Homecoming on the Yard 2025: A family friendly festival featuring food trucks, live music, children’s play zone, alumni vendors, and Greek life showcases. • Throughout the Day – Alumni Marketplace & Class Year Challenge: Shop local crafts, fashion, and cuisine while alumni classes compete for Buccaneer bragging rights in the Battle of the Class Years.
