Lisa M. Lewis, Ph.D, University of the Virgin Islands Dean, School of Nursing
Beyond grateful that the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) School of Nursing has received a generous gift of $44,000 from the Bennie and Martha Benjamin Foundation in support of our initiative, “Strengthening BSN Education in the U.S. Virgin Islands through Technology and Leadership.”
David and Tina, thank you for coming to campus, spending time with our students and faculty, and personally delivering the check. It was also a pleasure to meet Elana for the first time. Having three generations connected to this legacy in the room made the moment even more meaningful.
Standing in the lab, surrounded by Luna and Ares, the high-fidelity simulators funded by the Foundation, reminded me that your early investment allowed us to establish advanced simulation capacity at an important stage in our program’s development. That support positioned us to offer high-quality experiential learning earlier than we otherwise could have, and it continues to benefit every cohort that comes through our doors.
During this visit, David shared the story of Bennie Benjamin. All of our faculty and staff; and some of our students knew the name. Fewer understood the full journey from St. Croix to international acclaim, and the intentional commitment to giving back to the Territory through his estate. That history adds depth to this partnership and reminds us that this support is part of a much larger legacy.
In the U.S. Virgin Islands, many of the most complex cases are flown off island for care. Virtual reality expands access to critical clinical experiences that geography sometimes limits and strengthens preparation without requiring our students to leave the Territory, strengthening clinical judgment and confidence in a psychologically safe learning environment.
This $44,000 investment will allow us to integrate SimX virtual reality simulation into our BSN curriculum. Our students will practice high acuity scenarios such as pediatric asthma emergencies, cardiac arrest, acute myocardial infarction, and mental health crises in an immersive and structured setting.
The gift will also launch our Voices in Nursing Leadership Speaker Series. Each semester, national and global nurse leaders will engage with our students through an informal meal and a public dialogue led by a student facilitator. It is important to me that our students not only develop strong clinical skills but also see leadership modeled in ways that feel accessible and attainable.
Receiving this gift during Black History Month adds another layer of meaning. Bennie Benjamin was a proud son of St. Croix who rose to international acclaim as a songwriter while remaining connected to his Virgin Islands roots. For more than 30 years, his estate has supported healthcare initiatives across the Territory. Through the Beales’ stewardship, that legacy continues to invest directly in our students and in the future of healthcare in the Virgin Islands through the stewardship of the Beales. David, Tina, and Elana, thank you for your partnership, your stewardship, and your belief in our UVI BSN students.
