June 30, 2004 – Magdalene Bryan, who played key roles in the financial operations of the executive and legislative branches of the V.I. government, as well as in educating students to assume leadership roles in such areas, died on Tuesday, June 29, following a long illness.
Bryan, of St. Thomas, was the territory's budget director during the administrations of Governors Ralph Paiewonsky and Melvin Evans. She also served as post auditor of the Legislature.
And for nearly two decades she was on the Business Administration Division faculty of the College/University of the Virgin Islands. She joined CVI in 1975 and was an associate professor of management and finance when she retired from UVI in 1993.
Following her retirement she remained active in community organizations, in recent years serving as a campaign volunteer for the United Way of St. Thomas/St. John and on the board of Family Resource Center.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull in extending condolences praised Bryan as "a civil servant extraordinaire who served the people of the Virgin Islands with great distinction."
Gwen-Marie Moolenaar, UVI provost, cited Bryan's "many contributions to the university, especially in the area of business," adding that "many of her former colleagues and her many friends left behind are saddened by her passing."
Dr. Solomon Sentongo-Kabuka, a professor of business on the UVI St. Thomas campus, recalled her as a faculty colleague "who served enthusiastically and with admirable commitment" as a management professor and division chair. "She contributed so much to the education and general social welfare of so many people in the Virgin Islands and beyond," he added.