It
is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of another
member of the Virginia Wesleyan community. Over the weekend, we lost a
Virginia Wesleyan graduate and a long-time, beloved member of our staff,
Lena Johnson.
Lena’s ties to Virginia Wesleyan span nearly 30
years. She arrived on campus as a first-year student 1988 and later
enrolled as a non-traditional student in the Adult Studies Program. She
completed her undergraduate degree in December 2001 and went on to earn a
master’s degree in Humanities and Social Science from Australia’s La
Trobe University.
Lena began working for Virginia Wesleyan in
July 2003, initially as a part-time Outreach Coordinator for the Adult
Studies Program, and later as a full-time Outreach Coordinator and
Academic Advisor. In 2005, she became the Director of the Office of
International and Intercultural Programs, which would later become the
Study Away Program within The Lighthouse: Center for Exploration and
Discovery. After an association of 28 years, Lena left Virginia Wesleyan
in January 2016. The Lena Johnson Inclusive Community Award was
established in her honor as part of The Bobbies: Student Leadership
Awards. A description of the award speaks to Lena’s spirit and the
legacy she will leave at Virginia Wesleyan:
“The Lena E. Johnson
Inclusive Community Award recognizes students who demonstrate advocacy
for and commitment to an inclusive Virginia Wesleyan…Lena Johnson, known
to many students as ‘Momma Lena,’ provided not only guidance on study
abroad travel, but hospitality beyond measure to everyone, creating a
welcoming climate for respectful examination of differing thoughts and
opinions, and tirelessly advocating for cross-cultural education and
understanding.”
This is a sad day for our community, as I know
many of you—students, staff and faculty alike—hold Lena very close to
your hearts. Memorial service details have not yet been determined, but
we will be sure to share this information once the family has made
arrangements.
Please keep Lena’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
