August 31, 2026
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Founders Day is one of our most enduring traditions, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends at the opening of each academic year to honor our history and celebrate the people whose leadership and service continue to shape our University. This year’s observance carries special significance as we gather for our first Founders Day as Batten University on Thursday, September 3, at 12:00 p.m. in the Joan and Macon Brock Theatre of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center.
We are pleased to welcome J. Andrew “Andy” Edwards ’98, Project Editor at the University of Virginia Press, as our keynote speaker. Andy will reflect on his journey and the enduring influence of his Batten University experience. During the Convocation, he will also be presented with The Beacon Award, recognizing alumni who exemplify the University’s values through their character, service, and commitment to community.
A centerpiece of Founders Day is the presentation of the annual Alumni Awards, bestowed by the Alumni Council upon graduates whose professional accomplishments, leadership, and service bring distinction to Batten University. We proudly congratulate our 2026 honorees:
Tassos J. Paphites ’79 — Distinguished Alumnus Award Julie H. Kissell ’82 — Alumni Service Award Stephanie Gorham MBA ’23 — Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award
As we celebrate our first Founders Day as Batten University, we honor both the legacy that brought us to this historic moment and the alumni who carry the University’s values into their professions and communities. Their accomplishments are part of our story and an inspiration to the generations of Marlins who follow.
We look forward to gathering as a community to celebrate our heritage, recognize our distinguished alumni, and mark this important milestone in the life of Batten University.
Watch Founders Day Convocation on the Batten University Digital Broadcasting Network |
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We enjoyed a special evening at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art at Batten University for the Surf & Sounds concert honoring Jane Batten and her extraordinary impact on education, the arts, and our community.
Hosted by Jane’s longtime friend John H. Tucker Jr., former Headmaster of Norfolk Academy, the evening brought together friends and community leaders for a memorable musical tribute. John reflected on his longtime friendship with Jane and the many ways her vision, leadership, and philanthropy have strengthened institutions and enriched lives throughout Coastal Virginia.
It was especially fitting to celebrate Jane at Virginia MOCA, where her commitment to the arts and education is so meaningfully reflected. Her impact can be seen throughout our University and across the region, and it was wonderful to gather with so many friends who share our admiration and gratitude for all she has done.
My thanks to John for bringing us together for such a thoughtful tribute and to the Surf & Sounds musicians for making the evening so memorable. Read News Brief. |
It was wonderful to welcome our newest Marlins to campus as we begin the first academic year as Batten University. This fall is especially meaningful as we welcome our first class under our new name, including students in newly acquired programs offered through Sentara College of Health Sciences, while also welcoming back our returning students.
Move-In Day and Marlin Nation Orientation brought tremendous energy to campus, with activities and programs designed to help students make connections, become familiar with University resources, and find their place in our community.
Fall 2026 marks an important milestone in the life of our institution, bringing together new students, expanded academic opportunities, and a growing Marlin community. To all of our new and returning students, welcome. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the year ahead.
Learn More | View Photo Gallery |
AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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Charging Ahead: New EV Stations Coming to Campus Installation began last week for six new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the David R. Goode Arts Complex. The stations are owned and operated by EnviroSpark Energy Solutions. Founded in 2014, EnviroSpark operates more than 10,000 EV charger stations across the United States and Canada, including numerous colleges and universities throughout the Southeast. Batten University community members will receive a discounted charging rate when they register using their Batten email address. The addition of these charging stations is another meaningful step in Batten University’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, while providing our community with greater access to clean-energy transportation options. |
Inaugural VFIC Presidential Scholar: Eleanor VanDuyne ’29 I enjoyed meeting with Eleanor VanDuyne, a sophomore double major in Political Science and International Studies, to discuss her selection as Batten University’s inaugural recipient of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges Presidential Scholars Program. Chief of Staff and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Kelly Cordova joined us for the meeting and photo.
One of just 17 students statewide selected, Eleanor will receive scholarship support, presidential mentorship, leadership development, and funding for experiential learning. She is an outstanding representative of Batten University, and I look forward to working with her through this opportunity. |
Project SEED Cultivates Future Scientists Batten University once again partnered with Old Dominion University and William & Mary to provide high school students with hands-on chemistry research through Project SEED, a grant-funded summer program of the American Chemical Society. Batten’s Dr. Kevin Kittredge joined regional faculty in mentoring four students during the intensive 10-week experience. The program culminated with a poster session in the Greer Environmental Sciences Center, where students presented their research to faculty, mentors, and members of the chemistry community. Project SEED introduces young scientists to advanced research while building confidence, encouraging curiosity, and opening doors to future opportunities in STEM. Learn More. |
Lifelong Learning at Westminster-Canterbury: Fall Schedule Available The Fall 2026 schedule is now available for the Batten University Lifelong Learning Institute at Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay. Through this distinctive academic partnership, Batten University faculty bring university-level learning to Westminster-Canterbury residents, with courses spanning art, history, political science, psychology, religion, popular culture, and more. This fall’s 10-course lineup ranges from the Supreme Court and artificial intelligence in cinema to European architecture, classical composers, and the Reformation. The Institute is part of Batten University Global Campus, with programming coordinated by Dr. Ben Fraser in collaboration with the Robert Nusbaum Center. Read More. |
A New Addition to the Tassos Paphites Soccer Complex A beautiful new patio area is now complete at the Tassos Paphites Soccer Complex, adding another enhancement to this outstanding athletics facility. Located between the stands and perimeter field fence, the new space was made possible through the continued support of Trustee Emeritus Tassos J. Paphites ’79. We are grateful for Tassos’ longstanding generosity and commitment to Batten University and Marlin Athletics. It is especially fitting that he will also be honored as the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Alumnus Award as part of this year’s Founders Day celebration. |
2026 Homecoming & Family Weekend Schedule Make plans to return to campus October 2-4 and join alumni, families, students, and friends for a weekend of traditions, athletic competitions, and opportunities to celebrate the Marlin community.
See the full schedule here. |
25th Annual Joanne Renn Golf Outing: Register Now Registration is now open for the 25th Annual Joanne Renn Golf Outing on Friday, October 2, at Cypress Point Country Club. As part of Homecoming and Family Weekend, this longstanding Batten University Athletics tradition supports our baseball, softball, and men’s and women’s lacrosse programs while bringing alumni, friends, and supporters together for a day on the course.
A variety of sponsorship opportunities are also available. Register your foursome or become a sponsor at batten.edu/golfouting. |
2026 ODAC Hall of Fame Selects Two Marlin Greats The Old Dominion Athletic Conference has announced its second Hall of Fame class, recognizing 36 outstanding student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and contributors. Among the 2026 inductees are two Batten University standouts: Gary W. DePalma, Men’s Soccer (1994–97), and Laura E. Wallace ’06, Women’s Lacrosse (2002–06). DePalma was inducted into the Marlins Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017, and Wallace was inducted in 2016. Congratulations to Gary and Laura on this well-deserved recognition and their continued place among the greats of Marlin Athletics. |
A Full-Circle Moment for Marlin Artist Mark Butts ’79 Virginia MOCA has selected Marlin alumnus Mark Butts, Class of 1979, as the Featured Artist for the 70th Annual Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show, presented by Atlantic Union Bank October 9-11. The honor is a full-circle moment for Mark, whose first art show after earning his B.A. in Art Education was the Boardwalk Art Show.
A retired Virginia Beach City Public Schools educator, coach, artist, and mentor, Mark was also a Marlin men’s basketball standout and was inducted into the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010. His distinctive “building portraits” combine pop art influences with architectural forms and vibrant geometric shapes.
Virginia MOCA will host a free Featured Artist Talk with Mark on September 30 from 6:00–8:00 p.m., exploring his career, artistic practice, and Boardwalk Seventy, created specifically for the 70th anniversary show. Registration is encouraged. |
President to President: Reframing AI in Higher Education I’m excited to introduce the 2026-2027 edition of President to President, a groundbreaking higher education thought leadership series featuring insights from renowned college and university presidents. Now in its 23rd year, this year’s series, titled “Reframing AI in Higher Education: Perspectives from University Presidents,” explores the many dimensions of AI’s impact, as well as the essential role of presidential leadership in ensuring AI serves the core mission of higher education by engaging with it intentionally rather than reactively.
We invite you to delve into this important topic over the course of 10 chapters, each authored by a visionary higher education leader who recognizes that AI is not simply a technology decision, but a cultural and ethical one. We will publish a new chapter online each month, featuring firsthand experiences and insightful perspectives about a technological development that is changing the nature of higher education and creating questions and opportunities that demand agile, thoughtful leadership.
The first chapter, written by Northeastern University President Joseph E. Aoun, Ph.D., will arrive in your inbox in early September. Until then, learn more about this fascinating topic by reading this year’s foreword, written by John O’Brien, Ph.D., President and CEO of EDUCAUSE. |
Timbaland Brings CreatorVerse to Batten University CreatorVerse, a festival celebrating youth innovation, creativity, and live music, will take place Saturday, October 24, across Batten University, including the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art.
Created by Grammy Award-winning producer and Virginia Beach native Timbaland and his nonprofit Timbaland Way Cares, in partnership with Access College Foundation and Batten University, the festival will bring students and community members from across the region to explore emerging technologies, the creative economy, and future career pathways. Timbaland will be showcased in discussions at the Goode Center in addition to a ticketed event at Virginia MOCA. Learn More | WTKR News Most events are free and open to students and the public, but registration is required. |
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS A Batten University Community |
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