An enjoyable meeting with our Finance Office staff today—my kind of meeting!

An enjoyable meeting with our Finance Office staff today—my kind of meeting! Plenty of good conversation, important updates, and, of course, lots of Chick-fil-A. I’m grateful for this dedicated team and the important work they do every day to support the University’s mission and success.

It has been a pleasure to serve on the Board of Directors of The Norfolk Forum

It has been a pleasure to serve on the Board of Directors of The Norfolk Forum, now the oldest publicly subscribed speakers’ forum in the nation. I attended my final board meeting this evening and leave with great appreciation for the organization’s impact on our region. Special thanks to Blythe Scott, President, and Maura Murchake, Executive Director, for their exceptional leadership and dedication. We recently unveiled an outstanding lineup of speakers for the upcoming season, and I look forward to seeing The Norfolk Forum continue to thrive.

A productive meeting of the Virginia Beach Vision Board of Directors Executive Committee at Runnymede in Virginia Beach

A productive meeting of the Virginia Beach Vision Board of Directors Executive Committee at Runnymede in Virginia Beach. Discussions focused on business development, community visioning, housing, resort development, and education—issues that are shaping the future of our city and region. It is a privilege to serve alongside such an accomplished group of business and community leaders dedicated to advancing Virginia Beach.

As a member of the Hampton Roads Chamber Board of Directors, it was an honor to attend the Chamber’s Military Recognition Event at Nauticus

As a member of the Hampton Roads Chamber Board of Directors, it was an honor to attend the Chamber’s Military Recognition Event at Nauticus. My thanks to Bryan K. Stephens, President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Chamber, and keynote speaker Roosevelt Mercer, Jr., CEO of the Virginia Spaceport Authority, for an inspiring program celebrating the service, leadership, and contributions of our military community. Congratulations to the special honorees whose dedication continues to strengthen Hampton Roads and our nation.

An enjoyable lunch at the Glass Light Hotel & Gallery in Norfolk with our friends from Brown Advisory

An enjoyable lunch at the Glass Light Hotel & Gallery in Norfolk with our friends from Brown Advisory. Martin Ouimet and Amy Seto led a thoughtful discussion on the growing role of artificial intelligence in philanthropy. Joining us were VWU Trustee Emeritus George Birdsong and Suzanne Savage, Vice President of ACCESS College Foundation, a valued Marlin partner. The gathering was especially meaningful as the Glass Light occupies the historic Royster Building—the founding location of Virginia Wesleyan in 1961 and home to the historical marker commemorating the University’s beginnings.

Thanks to David Ropp and the Chesapeake Alliance for hosting this morning’s breakfast meeting at the Chesapeake Conference Center

Thanks to David Ropp and the Chesapeake Alliance for hosting this morning’s breakfast meeting at the Chesapeake Conference Center with community leaders focused on the impact and opportunities created by the growth of data centers in our region. It was an informative discussion featuring insights from friends and partners at Hourigan, McGuireWoods Consulting, and Dominion Energy. Conversations like these help strengthen collaboration and position Coastal Virginia for continued economic growth and innovation.

The University was proud to support our friends at Westminster-Canterbury on the Chesapeake Bay during their annual Golf Classic!

The University was proud to support our friends at Westminster-Canterbury on the Chesapeake Bay during their annual Golf Classic! We are grateful for our continued partnership and the opportunity to collaborate through our Lifelong Learning Program, which brings engaging educational experiences to residents and strengthens meaningful community connections. Pictured: Ben Unkle, CEO of Westminster-Canterbury; Heather Campbell, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success; Jason Seward, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Enterprise Strategy; and Dr. Jill Sturts, Assistant Dean of the Jane P. Batten Honors College.

Productive meeting of the Hampton Roads Caucus with regional business leaders today at Amazon’s new ORF4 Fulfillment Center in Virginia Beach

Productive meeting of the Hampton Roads Caucus with regional business leaders today at Amazon’s new ORF4 Fulfillment Center in Virginia Beach. Thanks to Delegate Cliff Hayes for leading an important discussion on regional planning, flooding, infrastructure, energy, and transportation—and to Lindsay Winter and the Amazon team for hosting us at this impressive new facility.

Today’s Chat ’N Chew at DeFord Manor

Today’s Chat ’N Chew at DeFord Manor with our Aramark Higher Education team provided an opportunity not only to discuss recent developments across the University, but also to celebrate special milestones. Anthony Daniels was recognized for an extraordinary 30 years of service to the University, Steve Watson for 10 years of dedicated service, and we also celebrated Bernice Bledsoe’s birthday. We thank our Aramark team for continuing to provide outstanding service and support to the University community.

Special thanks to Matthew Hughes, President, World Affairs Council of America, for visiting today

Special thanks to Matthew Hughes, President, World Affairs Council of America, for visiting today. We’re proud to host the World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads and so much of their excellent programming on our campus. Pictured with WACHR outgoing president Susan Bore, incoming president Gary Bonnewell ‘79 and board member & VWU VP Kelly Cordova.