Dialogue: October 2023

October 30, 2023

Good morning,

It was such an honor to host the Intentional Endowments Network (IEN) Fall Forum, which took place at Virginia Wesleyan University last Wednesday. The Intentional Endowments Network is a nationally recognized organization dedicated to promoting the adoption of sustainable and responsible investing practices within the higher education sector. IEN works with colleges and universities, endowments, and other stakeholders to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into investment decision-making, aligning endowment investments with institutional values and mission. Their Fall Forum is a gathering of experts and leaders in sustainable investing and endowment management.

I was proud to serve on the panel discussion titled "Building Consensus & Establishing the Investment Policy." The panel also featured Ali Bayler, VWU Portfolio Manager, Brown Advisory; VWU Trustee Gary Bonnewell '79, H’16, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, Family Wealth Director, Morgan Stanley; and VWU Batten Honors College scholar Rowan Stuart. Our panel shared valuable insights into aligning investments with institutional values, a complex task faced by many attending the forum.

Georges Dyer, Executive Director of the Intentional Endowments Network, has a long and distinguished history of working in environmental activism. I have had the privilege of knowing Georges for 17 years, first during his tenure as Vice President at Second Nature and now in his role with IEN. Our longstanding relationship underscores VWU’s commitment to sustainable and responsible investing.

Other notable guests at the forum included Ruth Shaber, President of the Tara Health Foundation and co-author of "The XX Edge: Unlocking High Returns and Lower Risk." Her discussion on gender-lens investing and its financial impact was thought-provoking and added depth to the ESG discourse. We were also delighted to host the IEN Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) lunch. This event provided an opportunity for meaningful conversations about justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in endowment management. Paris Prince, Head of JEDI at the Intentional Endowment Network, joined us for this important dialogue.

Virginia Wesleyan University continues to be recognized as a national leader in ESG investing. Hosting the IEN Fall Forum at our campus reaffirms our dedication to sustainable endowment management.

We look forward to ongoing collaboration, learning, and growth within our community. Together, we're working toward a more sustainable and responsible future for higher education and beyond.

Veterans Day is observed every year on November 11, commemorating the end of the First World War. The day has always had special meaning for me as my father served in the Second World War. With so many veterans in the Coastal Virginia community, honoring Veterans Day is a small way that we can thank those who have given so much.

I am honored to share that our distinguished speaker for our 2023 commemoration of Veterans Day is Sam Jones. Sam joined the Virginia Wesleyan University family in the spring of 2018 as a volunteer Assistant Men’s Lacrosse Coach.

Sam comes to Virginia Wesleyan by way of the United States Naval Academy. While there, he was a prolific starter for the Midshipmen, becoming one of the men’s lacrosse program's top attackmen. Over his career, Jones registered over 100 points, making him the 31st member of the program to reach that milestone.

Following graduation, Sam served our country as a Navy SEAL, a distinction that exemplifies his extraordinary dedication and resilience. He served our country with honor, undertaking some of the most demanding responsibilities and missions required of the armed forces. His experiences as a Navy SEAL have shaped his character and instilled in him the values of teamwork, leadership, and unwavering dedication to a cause greater than oneself.

We look forward to Sam’s remarks as we honor veterans on our campus and around the world during our ceremony at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 10 (Veterans Day Observed) on Godwin Lawn by our Veterans Memorial.

The VWU Military Honor Tree will be on display November 6-11 in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. We invite you to come and tie a ribbon on the tree to show your heartfelt thanks and appreciation for our troops.

ET CETERA

As we recently celebrated the historic success of our "Transformation Now!" Campaign, which brought in an astounding $210 million, we are propelled by the momentum to embark on a new journey. A journey that will solidify our commitment to excellence, inclusivity, innovation, and environmental responsibility. As such, the Board unanimously approved the "Renaissance 2028” capital campaign during the Fall Business Meeting a few weeks ago. The new campaign will be a five-year effort with a goal of $100 million for capital projects, the endowment, and operations.

First, our picturesque 300-acre campus is the bedrock of the Virginia Wesleyan experience. To further our commitment to environmental stewardship and academic brilliance, “Renaissance 2028” aims to raise $50 million in funds to be channeled into sustainable, infrastructural projects. New state-of-the-art facilities for research, arts, and community engagement will not only reflect our dedication to excellence but will also be a testament to our respect for the environment.

Second, our endowment is not just a financial reserve; it's a testament to our dedication to the future. An endowment enhanced by $40 million ensures that our commitment to academic rigor, research, and environmental guiding principles remain unwavering. This investment secures reduced tuition dependencies, bolsters financial aid packages, and promotes innovative academic programs.

Finally, operational excellence is the lifeblood of any institution. “Renaissance 2028” will raise $10 million in operational funds to ensure that the daily activities of Virginia Wesleyan, from academic programs to community outreach, are executed seamlessly. It guarantees the continued enhancement of our curriculum, faculty development, and the overall Virginia Wesleyan experience for our students.

Virginia Wesleyan University stands at a critical juncture, one where the past meets the future. The "Renaissance 2028" campaign is more than just a fundraising endeavor. It's a call to all stakeholders - alumni, faculty, staff, students, and the broader community - to join hands in sculpting the next chapter of Virginia Wesleyan's illustrious journey.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Honoring Athletic Hall of Fame Benefactor Bill Shelhorse

We were proud to present our Athletic Hall of Fame Benefactor Award to Bill Shelhorse, Trustee Emeritus and member of the Class of 1970. Bill was unable to join us for the induction ceremony earlier this month, but we were delighted to honor him last week. Joining me for the presentation was Andrea Hoover-Erbig, Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics.

Student Involvement in CBF Oyster Gardening Program

Virginia Wesleyan University students, immersed in both academic pursuits and civic duties, have rolled up their sleeves to make a difference, extending their engagement beyond the confines of the classroom and into the vital waters of the bay. Their involvement in the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Oyster Gardening Program isn't merely an activity; it’s a testament to their commitment towards environmental stewardship. Read the full story.

2023 VFIC Women’s Leadership Development Summit

The 2023 Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges’ Women's Leadership Development Summit proved to be an inspiring and transformative experience for the group of students in attendance, including Kaitlyn Duswalt, Kimberly Koscinski, Dominique Tatum, Abigail Villacrusis, and Jessica Wilson. This event provided a unique platform for these young women to engage with accomplished leaders from various fields, fostering their personal and professional growth. Throughout the summit, they had the opportunity to participate in insightful workshops, engaging panel discussions, and meaningful networking sessions. The event empowered them to hone their leadership skills, gain valuable insights into diverse career paths, and forge lasting connections with like-minded individuals. We thank the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges for this wonderful opportunity for our students.

Speaking of the VFIC, you can find their 2023 annual report here.

TowneBank Tip-Off

The VWU men’s basketball team look to start their 2023-24 campaign with the TowneBank Tip-Off on November 10 and 11. The tournament features institutions like Salisbury University and Randolph-Macon College. We thank TowneBank for their generous support of this tournament and VWU Athletics.

A Visit with VWU’s Army ROTC Liaison

Always nice to visit with our Army ROTC liaison Lt. Col. Brandon Shah. VWU is proud to have welcomed Army ROTC as a part of our campus offerings for many years. Through elective classes and field training, students in this program receive valuable tools, training, and leadership experiences that lead to military service and are assets in any career field. VWU’s Army ROTC office for the Marlin Company is conveniently located on the first floor of Godwin Hall across from the University’s Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs offices.

Book Signing Recognizes Alumna’s Advocacy

It was wonderful to celebrate VWU alumna and autism advocate Meghan Ashburn ‘08 and co-author Jules Edwards during their book signing of “I Will Die On This Hill: Autistic Adults, Autism, Parents, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World” in Brock Commons earlier this month. Meghan (center right), Jules (center left), and I are pictured with Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Susan Larkin.

Marlin Business Conference: November 13-16

The Marlin Business Conference is a bi-annual event that connects students with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to network, learn, and gain valuable insights into the ever-changing business landscape. This year's theme of “Creating Opportunities through Technical Innovation” will emphasize the use of cutting-edge technologies in business. We are excited to have Dr. Angela Reddix, an accomplished entrepreneur, philanthropist, and inspirational speaker, serve as the opening ceremony’s keynote speaker on November 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the Joan P. Brock Room of Brock Commons.

VWU Benefits Fair: Tuesday, November 7

Please save the date for the benefits fair on November 7 from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. in the Joan P. Brock Room of Brock Commons. This is the perfect time to stop by and receive assistance with benefit elections in Oracle. Representatives from most of the benefit vendors will be on-site, offering attendees an opportunity to learn more about available benefits and inquire about plan specifics. The event will also feature refreshments, music, freebies, and an exciting raffle with fantastic giveaways.

Regionalization is Already (Partly) Here

In United Methodist Church news, the word “regionalization” has been used more frequently in recent months as legislation to put The United Methodist Church’s different geographic regions on equal footing heads to General Conference.

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