College Buildings Renamed for Wheatleys
H Lavity Stout Community College will rename its main campus building for veteran educator Dr Charles Wheatley and its Virgin Islands Studies Institute for his late wife, Jennie Wheatley. The announcement was made by Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley during HLSCC’s 33rd graduation on June 11, at which more than 200 students received diplomas.
H Lavity Stout Community College (HLSCC) will rename two of its facilities in honour of long-serving Virgin Islands educators Dr Charles Wheatley and the late Jennie Wheatley, college officials announced during the institution’s 33rd graduation ceremony on June 11. Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley, speaking at the ceremony where more than 200 students graduated from various programmes, said the Board of Governors approved naming the main campus building after Dr Charles Wheatley to recognise his contributions to the college’s development. “The building that we all know as the main building that you approach when you are driving into the college… will very soon bear the name of someone who’s made a marvellous contribution to the college.
And I want you to stand and to give applause to Dr Charles Wheatley,” the Premier told graduates and guests. In addition, the Premier announced that the Virgin Islands Studies Institute will be renamed the Jennie Wheatley Virgin Islands Studies Institute. He described Jennie Wheatley as “one of the greatest daughters of the Virgin Islands” and said the honour is particularly poignant because she is not alive to witness it. “I know that it is even more special for him, the next person, who I’m regretful is not here with us today to be able to witness this honour, but is fully deserving.
Because she, along with her husband, nurtured this institution like it was a child of theirs,” Premier Wheatley said. The recognition adds to HLSCC’s ongoing efforts to expand its offerings and mark new milestones as the college grows. College leaders say the namings are intended to cement the Wheatleys’ legacy within the institution and to signal the value the Territory places on education and those who shape it.
For BVI residents, the dedications are a reminder of the role local educators have played in building post-secondary education options at home and creating pathways for young people who otherwise might leave the islands to study. The college said the new names will take effect soon, with further details about formal unveiling ceremonies to be announced.
As HLSCC looks ahead, officials said the move underlines a commitment to honouring community leaders and to inspiring future generations of students to contribute to the Territory’s social and cultural development.
Primary source: BVI News