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August 18, 2025
Good morning,
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In just two days, we will come together for a truly historic State of the University—an occasion that not only marks the close of my tenth year as president, but also celebrates The Batten Legacy and its profound impact on Virginia Wesleyan. This milestone event will honor visionary philanthropist Jane Batten—widely regarded as the most transformative figure in our University’s history—and her extraordinary family.
While the campus community and invited guests will join us in person, I warmly invite alumni, parents, students, and friends to tune in virtually. The program livestream will begin promptly at 12:15 p.m. on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network and will feature one of the most memorable milestones in our University’s journey.
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Congratulations once again to longtime Virginia Wesleyan University Trustees and benefactors Jane Batten (not pictured) and Joan Brock on being named Virginia Beach Champions for the Arts by the City’s Arts and Humanities Commission. We were pleased to join their family and friends at the Sandler Center for Performing Arts in Town Center to celebrate this well-deserved honor.
We thank Jane and Joan for their unwavering commitment to the arts in our city, including tremendous support for the new Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art at Virginia Wesleyan University—a transformative 35,000-square-foot facility set for completion in December and opening in February 2026. Their visionary philanthropy continues to shape the future of our campus and the greater community.
Pictured with honoree Joan Brock and Alison Byrne, Executive Director of Virginia MOCA. Learn more here.
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We are delighted to welcome Kristina "Tina" Raines as Executive Director of Marketing and Communications. Tina joins the university with 10 years of higher educational experience and an extensive background in not-for-profit marketing and management. She earned her BA in Journalism from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and her MA in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University. Welcome, Tina!
| AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS | | |
Grow Your Skills with VWU Global Campus
Participation in VWU Global Campus talent development courses—offered at no cost through our partnership with the City of Virginia Beach and Virginia Beach Economic Development—grew 63.8% from 2024 to 2025. These self-paced, non-degree professional development workshops are designed to help you expand your skills and advance your career.
Learn more about growing your future with VWU Global Campus.
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World Affairs Council
We are proud to have the World Affairs Council–Hampton Roads as a campus Partner in Progress. I was pleased to stop by their annual board retreat as they plan for another outstanding year of programming.
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Engaging the Next Generation of Marlin Alumni
Third-year student and immediate past President of the Student Government Association Miles Pifer will collaborate with University leaders to create an alumni undergraduate association—a student-led effort to help graduating Marlins stay connected to the Virginia Wesleyan community. We’re eager to see the impact of his leadership in advancing this important initiative.
Read more here.
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24th Annual VWU Golf Outing: Registration Open
Join us for the 24th Annual VWU Golf Outing at Cypress Point Golf Course on Friday, October 3, 2025, to support VWU softball, baseball, and men's lacrosse. Start your Homecoming and Family Weekend on the greens, then head to campus to celebrate all things Virginia Wesleyan with Marlin Nation throughout the weekend!
Visit vwu.edu/golfouting for registration and sponsorship information.
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Homecoming and Family Weekend: October 3-4
Alumni, parents, students, and friends—mark your calendars for Homecoming and Family Weekend, October 3-4, 2025! It will be a special time to reconnect, celebrate, and experience all that makes VWU vibrant.
Watch for the full schedule of events coming soon!
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Rudee Loop Park Plan Could Move Forward This Month
Virginia Beach City Council may soon greenlight plans to transform Rudee Loop at the Oceanfront into an eight-acre park, with potential completion by 2028. The $50 million project would feature trails, overlooks, a water plaza, and preserved fishing areas.
To offset costs, the city is exploring private funding options, including naming rights for sections of the park, which could bring in $5–15 million. Council will discuss the plan on August 19, with the current recommendation favoring a surface parking-only design over a parking garage to reduce costs and allow for event staging flexibility.
Read more via WHRO here.
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Atlantic Park Surf Lagoon Now Open
Virginia Beach’s highly anticipated Atlantic Park Surf Lagoon officially opened to the public on August 16. Powered by the Wavegarden Cove—an energy-efficient system producing up to 1,000 waves per hour—the lagoon is the first of its kind in North America.
Part of the $350 million Atlantic Park development, the year-round surf park will offer 55-minute sessions averaging 12 waves per person, with rates ranging from $91 to $161 depending on the season. Limited Surf Club memberships are also available.
Read more via Virginia Business here.
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS
A Virginia Wesleyan University Community
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