April 8, 2024
Good morning, |
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Spring Alumni Weekend has long been one of my favorite events here at Virginia Wesleyan, and this past weekend’s celebration proved to be a wonderful experience for all. Marlin alumni, parents, and friends enjoyed good food, exciting games, and fascinating panel discussions and lectures.
We also welcomed members of the classes of 1974 and 1999 who added their signatures to the University Scroll in commemoration of their 25th and 50th commencement anniversaries. Following the scroll signing, we recognized professors retiring in 2024 - Clay Drees, Patrick Goold, Larry Hultgren and Sharon Swift.
On Friday night, we celebrated the 5th anniversary of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, where we formally announced the David R. Goode Arts Complex-- the Goode Center, Susan T. Beverly Hall, Louise Eggleston Hall, and the upcoming Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. The celebration was followed by one of the four terrific performances of “Anastasia: The Musical." I congratulate all the faculty and staff who were involved in the production.
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Among the many exciting events of Spring Alumni Weekend was the opportunity to honor Dr. Larry Hultgren as he approaches the end of his 55th and final year teaching at VWU. On Saturday morning, we officially dedicated the "Lawrence D. Hultgren Atrium" in Blocker Hall, followed by a highly-stimulating lecture by Dr. Hultgren in Blocker Auditorium, “Reflections on Philosophy: 55 Years in the Making, Part 2.”
And it’s not just VWU celebrating the esteemed career of Dr. Hultgren. Last week, I was honored to join Larry and Mary Lou Hultgren at the Virginia Beach City Council meeting as Mayor Bobby Dyer and the City Council proclaimed April 2 “Dr. Larry Hultgren Day in Virginia Beach” in recognition of his 55 years on the faculty at Virginia Wesleyan University. |
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We are thrilled to announce that Jody Wagner will be joining our Board of Trustees on July 1. She brings a wealth of expertise in finance, government, and community leadership to the university.Her extensive professional background includes serving as Secretary of Finance for the Commonwealth of Virginia, where she played a pivotal role in managing the state's finances, overseeing budget development, and maintaining Virginia's AAA bond rating.
Jody has been actively involved in numerous civic and community organizations, many focused on education, which will certainly add to the impressive collection of expertise we rely upon from our Board of Trustees. She holds a Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Northwestern University. |
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If you’re looking to get your career off to a great start, I encourage you to attend this week’s Marlin Business Conference, a bi-annual event hosted by students for students. With its upcoming edition themed "Building Careers," the conference promises to be a transformative event where attendees can forge new connections, explore emerging technologies, and gain invaluable insights that could shape the trajectory of their professional journeys.
A special feature of the conference this year is the session on the sustainability-focused PRME Program relationship VWU has with the UN. This workshop is for everyone - staff, students, faculty, and community members - and will be held on Thursday, April 11 at 1:00 p.m. in Brock Commons.
Also, you won’t want to miss my friend Yvonne Allmond, Executive Vice President and Community Financial Engagement Officer at TowneBank, who will be delivering the keynote address at Brock Commons beginning at 7:00 p.m. tonight. Read more. |
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We’re ready to party with Bob Marlin next week – are you? Virginia Wesleyan’s Spring Day of Giving is next Friday, April 19, but we will be partying all week long! Bob’s Birthday Week will kick off on Monday, April 15 recognizing World Arts Day. Join us for a week of celebration and philanthropy as we come together to honor Bob Marlin’s 63rd Birthday and take his party coast to coast!
We are hoping to secure a gift for Bob from every single state, so help us spread the word! Everyone who helps make Bob’s day extra special by giving $6.30 or more will be entered to win Bob’s party favors including Virginia Wesleyan Swag, a one-year park pass to the U.S. National Parks, a month membership to Barbox, a Blackcard membership to Planet Fitness for one year, and more!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates on the celebrations filled with joy, camaraderie, and the opportunity to contribute to the continued success of our institution -- and don’t forget the epic party favors! |
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AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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VWU to Establish Center for Career Development and Neurodiversity I am pleased to announce that VWU has been awarded a grant to establish the Center for Career Development and Neurodiversity, which will offer targeted assistance and opportunities for individuals with autism. Through diagnostic assessments, academic and social support, clinical assistance, work opportunities, and job placement assistance, the center aims to empower participants to transition successfully into the workforce. Many thanks to Dr. David Black for spearheading this grant and Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine for supporting our grant application. Read more. |
GESC Honored Once Again VWU received the 2024 Virginia Community Leadership-Climate Champion Award, presented by the U.S. Green Building Council, for the Greer Environmental Sciences Center. The award was presented "for a project that demonstrates exceptional and unique solutions that address carbon neutrality and the climate crisis." It’s another great award for this incredible facility that sets VWU apart. I’m pictured with Bart Dexter, Vice President of Hourigan Hampton Roads. Hourigan constructed the facility in 2016-17. |
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A Visit with Representatives from Virginia DOE We had a delightful lunch with Virginia Deputy Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent and Special Assistant for the Virginia Secretary of Education Aly Buckner. We discussed FAFSA, lab schools, dual enrollment, VTAG, private college representation on SCHEV, our campus in Japan, and more. We’re pictured with Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Sue Larkin and Chief of Staff/ Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Kelly Cordova. |
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Celebrating NCAA Division III Week Last week was #D3Week, which celebrates our NCAA Division III athletic programs and student-athletes. We commemorated the week with the signing of a special resolution with members of the VWU Athletics Management Council: students Julia Hathaway and Alex Moody, Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Andrea Hoover-Erbig, and Faculty Athletics Representatives Larry Hultgren and Jill Sturts. |
VWU Trustee Bob Aston Inducted into Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame Congratulations to our good friend and VWU Board member Bob Aston for his induction into the Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame. Congressman Bobby Scott and I had the opportunity to visit with him at the reception before the Youth of the Year Gala.
Daffodil Day at VWU We were delighted to host the Garden Club of Virginia’s annual Daffodil Day once again. The beautiful blooms transformed the Jane P. Batten Student Center and Brock Commons. Our thanks to Debbie Bonnewell, Daffodil Day Chair, and Debbie Lewis, President of the GCV, for choosing Virginia Wesleyan. Read the story from The Virginian-Pilot. |
Returning Citizens Career & Wellness Fair I am proud to share that VWU Global Campus will be joining the Urban League of Hampton Roads, the Office of Attorney General, and Revive Community of Virginia at the Returning Citizen Career & Wellness Fair on April 13, providing a second chance for educational and career opportunities for returning citizens.
VFIC Maurice L. Mednick Memorial Fund Congratulations to Kevin Kittredge, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, recipient of the 2024 Mednick Fellowship Award from the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges. The award encourages the professional development of VFIC teachers and improves their academic competence through fellowships for research and advanced study. Learn more. |
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All Water Has a Perfect Memory Students from Virginia Wesleyan, along with ODU and NSU, will exhibit original artwork for the inaugural "all water has a perfect memory" exhibition at the Elizabeth River Project's Ryan Resilience Lab. The theme, taken from a Toni Morrison passage, reflects on ways that the waters of the Elizabeth River have changed, and will change over the centuries. The exhibit aims to explore the poetics of the river’s return and the resilience of communities in its path. The show opens on Thursday, April 18. |
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Exploring Collaborative Opportunities with DOMA Technologies We had an enjoyable meeting with Pat Feliciano, President and Founder of DOMA Technologies, where collaboration was the topic of the day. Our thanks to City Council member Sabrina Wooten and her aide Mabinty Scott (center left) for arranging the meeting that also included Chris Hutchinson, Chief Operating Officer of DOMA; Alice Jones, VWU Director of Career Development; and Loren Marquez, VWU Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. |
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Volunteer Resource Manager of the Year Congratulations to our friend Diane Hotaling, who was named the City of Virginia Beach Volunteer Resource Manager of the Year. Diane served Virginia Wesleyan for many years before leading a robust volunteer program at the Housing Resource Center. Her latest endeavor helps promote community engagement and increase staff support for the Housing & Neighborhood Preservation’s Homeless Services Division. Kudos to her!
New Leadership at Kaufman & Canoles I am pleased to share that Jason Davis is the new President and CEO of Kaufman & Canoles. Jason and I serve on The Norfolk Forum Board of Directors together, a Board that he chairs. Kaufman & Canoles is the Outsourced General Counsel firm of VWU. Learn more. |
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President to President: Social Action in Higher Education Chapter nine of the 2023-2024 President to President thought leadership series is now available. In “Seeing All People More Clearly,” University of Southern Indiana President Ronald S. Rochon, Ph.D., explores pervasive social issues, such as housing insecurity and financial struggles, and their impacts on members of marginalized communities. He discusses how higher education leaders can help address these issues by raising awareness, preparing students to advocate for change, and urging collective action.
I have been honored to serve as Executive Editor of this series for the last 20 years.
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Delayed 18 Months According to WHRO, the Virginia Department of Transportation says the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel expansion project will now be completed in 2027. The $3.9 billion effort was originally planned to be done by the end of 2025 but now faces at least 18 months in delays. |
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COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP NEWS |
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It’s a total eclipse!
Sincerely, |
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