Yesterday we held our annual luncheon to recognize members of The
Lambuth M. and Alice A. Clarke Heritage Society, a special group of
Virginia Wesleyan supporters who have chosen to include the College in
their estate plans.
We were so pleased to have Alice Clarke and
her daughter, Virginia Hitch, with us for the event. This is the first
convening of the Heritage Society since it was renamed in honor of Alice
and her late husband, Lambuth, who had a distinguished record of
service as President of Virginia Wesleyan from 1966 to 1992.
One
of the College’s foundational establishments, The Heritage Society was
formed many years ago by Wesleyan friends and family with the Clarkes
among the inaugural founders. The Clarke name has long stood for
admirable values and extraordinary service, and we thank the family for
their continued commitment and pride in Virginia Wesleyan’s progress.
I
had the privilege during the event of recognizing Clarke Heritage
Society members Charles and Viola Kessler. Their names may be familiar
to some of you, as they have a long history with the College—Charles,
now retired, was a beloved religious studies professor at VWC.
Unfortunately, Charles and Viola were unable to join us, but their dear
friend Dr. Stephen Mansfield, College Archivist, accepted a keepsake
clock on their behalf as a token of our appreciation.
Our lunch
guests also had a special “taste” of this weekend’s forthcoming choral
program, “A Wesleyan Christmas.” Dr. Bryson Mortensen, Director of
Choral Music, led the Wesleyan Chorale in a series of holiday musical
selections. Their performance was truly stunning, and I applaud Dr.
Mortensen and his students for their excellent presentation.
My
wife Annie and I are grateful every day for the opportunity to continue
the tradition of leadership initiated by our predecessors. Virginia
Wesleyan is an extraordinary place because of the leadership, devotion,
and good will preceding us.
On behalf of all of us at the
College, we thank each of our Clarke Heritage Society members and wish
them a very joyous holiday season.
