Virginia Wesleyan College held its first meeting of the new Corporate
Leaders Council (CLC) on March 16. The CLC is comprised of business
leaders from Coastal Virginia who embrace, embody, and similarly align
with the College’s vision and values in their management practices.
Their personal and professional influence and support ensures that our
students are strategically positioned to participate in opportunities
that will prepare them for a meaningful life and career.
It is
our vision to connect our Corporate Leaders to our students through
several channels. First and foremost is to foster the relationship
between our Corporate Leaders, The Lighthouse and Mollie Robertson
Dunmyer to develop experiential learning opportunities for our students
like internships, externships, mentoring, mock interviews, resume
advising, participation in VWC career fairs, and more. We will also look
to our Corporate Leaders to engage with students in the classroom by
serving as guest speakers or "Shark Tank" panelists during the Marlin
Prestige Business Conference. Finally, our Corporate Leaders are in
positions of influence to positively project the quality and versatility
of a liberal arts education at Virginia Wesleyan, which increases the
value and name recognition of a VWC degree as new graduates enter the
workforce.
During our meeting, we were honored to welcome Joe
Ruddy '83, Chief Innovation Officer at The Port of Virginia, as our
guest speaker. In a presentation called "The Power of Interns," Joe gave
the CLC a high-level overview of the Port and its future and how
interns from Virginia Wesleyan College are helping to shape that future.
We then heard from VWC senior Amanda Baxter, who spoke about her
internship at the Port of Virginia. Amanda explained how her time at the
Port helped her grow professionally and feel ready for what comes next
after graduation. Senior Amber Gaines spoke about her internship at the
Pentagon, where she learned the value of proving yourself and networking
to gain opportunities. Amber looks forward to starting a full-time
position in Washington, D.C. after Commencement.
Thank you to
our Corporate Leaders Council, listed below, for taking time out of
their busy schedules to connect with the College and our students in
such an important way. We are grateful for their support and special
leadership as we build bridges for students to help inspire and prepare
them to become impactful citizens in the global community.
Julie R. Anderson '96, TowneBank
John S. Burton, Esq. '95, J.S. Burton, P.L.C.
Dr. Samantha Coleman '98, Chiropractic Solution Center
Karen Corrigan Cowherd '97, Corrigan Partners, LLC
Rob W. Gillikin II '00, Rutter Mills
Kaddy Hamilton ’85, WC Carpenter Commercial & Residential Floor Coverings
Joe Harris '94, Equity Prime Mortgage NMLS
Lynette Harris ‘78, TowneBank
Kevin Hughes '01, Seventh Point
Mark E. Jones, Jones Printing Service, Inc.
Tracy Keller '04, Girl Scout Council of Colonial Coast
Daniel Mason '88, Nationwide Insurance
Eli Miller '00, Exit Realty
Mavis McKenley '11, AMG National Trust Bank
Joe Ruddy '83, The Port of Virginia
Karen Thomas '88, Southern States Cooperative
