Wednesday, May 31, 2017
A Visit with VFIC President Ken Ruscio
Wonderful to visit this afternoon and tour the Greer Environmental Sciences Center with Dr. Ken Ruscio, recently appointed President of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges and former President of Washington and Lee University. Also pictured: Suzanne Savage, Associate Vice President for Advancement and Board Relations, and Eric Harrison of Hourigan Construction.
Hull Named Most Outstanding Player
Virginia Wesleyan University pitcher Hanna Hull was recognized as the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA National Championship. Only a freshman, she emerged as the top pitcher in the country this year with a 32-3 record and five saves, striking out 372 in 220 innings. She is pictured with her parents -- Nate and Kelley -- and brother, Jace, after closing out the NCAA Championship.
The King and His Catcher
With Joanne Renn, Virginia Wesleyan University Athletic Director, Charlie Dobbins (currently serves as the Atlantic Region Representative to the NCAA Division III National Softball Committee), at the post-game celebration following the championship game in Oklahoma City. He is head coach at William Peace University. Charlie was the catcher for softball legend Eddie "The King" Feigner -- "The King and His Court" -- for 18 years.
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
A Homecoming Celebration
The Virginia Wesleyan community gathered outside the Jane P. Batten Student Center this afternoon to welcome back our NCAA Division III National Softball Champions! We are so proud to celebrate these women, an impressive group of scholar-athletes who are true leaders on and off the field.
Nota Bene: Marlins Claim National Softball Championship
I’ve said it before, and I’ll
say it many, many times again: It’s a great day to be a Marlin!
Congratulations to the Virginia Wesleyan University softball team for
winning their first-ever NCAA Division III National Championship Sunday
with a 1-0 victory over St. John Fisher. Freshman pitchers Courtney
Wright and Hanna Hull combined to hold the Cardinals scoreless in 14
innings between the two games. Our entire campus community is proud to
celebrate these women, an impressive group of scholar-athletes who are
true leaders on and off the field:
LeAnn Adkins ’19 Hanna Hull ’20
Amanda Archer ’18 Lauren Irvin ’18
Liz Bailey ’17 Amy Large ’18
Teresa Cardamone ’18 Jessica Lindsay ’19
Kaylah Duplain ’20 Megan Meindl ’18
Beth Ford ’19 Kasey Newcomb ’17
Madison Glaubke ’20 Alana Peters ’18
Blake Henderson ’17 Kiersten Richardson ’18
Cassetty Howerin ’18 Courtney Wright ’20
Head Coach: Brandon Elliott ’03
Head Assistant Coach: Jim Inzana
Director of Softball Operations: Jim Quinn
Assistant Coach: Josh Freeman
Student Manager: Alexis Smith
The softball team has earned many accolades this season in addition to the championship. Left-handed pitcher Hanna Hull earned 2017 Schutt Sports/NFCA Division III National Freshman of the Year in addition to First Team All-American honors. Junior first baseman Cassetty Howerin earned First Team All-American honors after garnering ODAC Player of the Year. She was also named to the All-American First Team last year, becoming the fourth Marlin to be named an All-American more than once. Junior Kiersten Richardson was a Third Team All-American. Head Coach Brandon Elliott, who has led the team for 10 seasons, was named ODAC Coach of the Year in a vote of his peers.
This is the first team championship for Virginia Wesleyan since men’s basketball claimed the crown in the 2005-06 season. Evan Cox of men's golf won an individual national championship last year. Read more about the national championship softball tournament at vwuathletics.com and on the NCAA website.
It has been an incredible season for the Marlins, and we are thrilled to see their hard work, dedication and talent rewarded with a national title. Division III allows student-athletes to “follow their passions and develop their potential,” combining competitive sports with rigorous academics and extensive opportunity for campus and community involvement. Thanks to all of our student-athletes, coaches, athletic department staff, faculty-team advisors, and others on campus who demonstrate that spirit daily and make our program so successful.
Special thanks, also, to the parents and friends who supported the team in Oklahoma City and beyond. Please keep the momentum going and join us this afternoon as we welcome our national champions back to campus. The team will arrive in two separate groups in front of the Jane P. Batten Student Center at 12:30 p.m. and 2:20 p.m.
Go Marlins!
LeAnn Adkins ’19 Hanna Hull ’20
Amanda Archer ’18 Lauren Irvin ’18
Liz Bailey ’17 Amy Large ’18
Teresa Cardamone ’18 Jessica Lindsay ’19
Kaylah Duplain ’20 Megan Meindl ’18
Beth Ford ’19 Kasey Newcomb ’17
Madison Glaubke ’20 Alana Peters ’18
Blake Henderson ’17 Kiersten Richardson ’18
Cassetty Howerin ’18 Courtney Wright ’20
Head Coach: Brandon Elliott ’03
Head Assistant Coach: Jim Inzana
Director of Softball Operations: Jim Quinn
Assistant Coach: Josh Freeman
Student Manager: Alexis Smith
The softball team has earned many accolades this season in addition to the championship. Left-handed pitcher Hanna Hull earned 2017 Schutt Sports/NFCA Division III National Freshman of the Year in addition to First Team All-American honors. Junior first baseman Cassetty Howerin earned First Team All-American honors after garnering ODAC Player of the Year. She was also named to the All-American First Team last year, becoming the fourth Marlin to be named an All-American more than once. Junior Kiersten Richardson was a Third Team All-American. Head Coach Brandon Elliott, who has led the team for 10 seasons, was named ODAC Coach of the Year in a vote of his peers.
This is the first team championship for Virginia Wesleyan since men’s basketball claimed the crown in the 2005-06 season. Evan Cox of men's golf won an individual national championship last year. Read more about the national championship softball tournament at vwuathletics.com and on the NCAA website.
It has been an incredible season for the Marlins, and we are thrilled to see their hard work, dedication and talent rewarded with a national title. Division III allows student-athletes to “follow their passions and develop their potential,” combining competitive sports with rigorous academics and extensive opportunity for campus and community involvement. Thanks to all of our student-athletes, coaches, athletic department staff, faculty-team advisors, and others on campus who demonstrate that spirit daily and make our program so successful.
Special thanks, also, to the parents and friends who supported the team in Oklahoma City and beyond. Please keep the momentum going and join us this afternoon as we welcome our national champions back to campus. The team will arrive in two separate groups in front of the Jane P. Batten Student Center at 12:30 p.m. and 2:20 p.m.
Go Marlins!
Monday, May 29, 2017
Go Marlins!
Virginia Wesleyan University sweeps St. John Fisher College to capture the NCAA DIII Softball National Championship!
National Championship Trophy
With Coach Brandon Elliott, his staff, AD Joanne Renn, and the 2017 NCAA Division III National Championship Trophy!
The Hendersons' Home-Run Ball
Janice and Michael Henderson pictured with Blake's home-run ball in game one.
One Win Away
Proud mother Becky Howerin. Pictured with Cassetty Howerin's two-run home run ball in game one. Virginia Wesleyan University is one win away from an NCAA National Championship with a 5-0 win in game one.
Record-Setting Win
With yesterday's win, Virginia Wesleyan University set the single-season NCAA Division III record for wins (52)!
Latest Edition of The Wesleyan Review
Commencement coverage and photos, retiring faculty, Marlin softball in the national spotlight, Summer Session and more in our most recent "Wesleyan Review" newsletter: http://conta.cc/2s0ed2p
Today's Line Up
Virginia Wesleyan University (52-3) will face St. John Fisher College
(44-6) today (Monday) at 2 p.m. (Eastern) in a best two-of-three series
for the NCAA Division III National Championship.
Sunday, May 28, 2017
Eve of the Championship
Dinner with the Virginia Wesleyan University softball team the night before the NCAA Division III National Championship!
Great Day to be a Marlin
Heading to the NCAA Division III National Championship tomorrow against St. John Fisher.
Superstar Pitchers
Our two superstar pitchers -- Freshmen Courtney Wright and Hanna Hull. Courtney (17-0) won two games today and gets the game ball. Hanna is 31-3 and worked out of a jam to get the save.
Fear the Fish!
It will be #1 Virginia Wesleyan University against the reigning champs at 6 p.m. (Eastern) today. The winner will play the winner of Williams College/St. John Fisher College for the NCAA National Championship!
Freshman Courtney Wright
Freshman Courtney Wright moved to 16-0 on the season with a complete game two hitter. Virginia Wesleyan will play at 6 p.m. (Eastern). A win puts the Marlins in the championship game.
Proud Mother Linda Cardamone
With a proud mother -- Linda Cardamone. She's holding the ball that her daughter Teresa hit for a three-run homer to put Virginia Wesleyan University within one win of advancing to the NCAA championship.
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Wesleyan Pride
The NCAA Softball College World Series Final Four is set with #1 Virginia Wesleyan University, Williams College, St. John Fisher College, and University of Texas, Tyler. So proud of Coach Brandon Elliott & AD Joanne Renn for building such a successful program. The Marlins, 50-3, play UT,T in Oklahoma City tomorrow.
VWU Takes On Defending NCAA National Champs
No. 1-ranked Virginia Wesleyan University against defending NCAA National Champion University of Texas, Tyler, tomorrow in the NCAA College World Series Final Four.
Our Three-time All-American
Runner up at NCAA Nationals -- our three-time All-American -- junior Marissa Coombs (left)!
Congrats to All-American Marissa Coombs
Congrats to our three time track (2 indoor & 1 outdoor) All-American Marissa Coombs!
Start of the NCAA College World Series
With Coach Brandon Elliott & AD Joanne Renn at start of the NCAA College World Series game between Virginia Wesleyan and Illinois Wesleyan.
Friday, May 26, 2017
Sporting University Gear
David Kidd '11, the first to sport the new Virginia Wesleyan University gear, shared with alumni at the Norfolk gathering hosted by Anne Shumadine at the World Trade Center this week (available in the bookstore soon).
Thank You to Norfolk Collegiate
I enjoyed visiting with the graduates and their families and delivering the Commencement Address at Norfolk Collegiate tonight. Pictured with Trustees of NC: William King, Taylor Franklin (Chair of the Board), and Gary Bonnewell. Taylor '04 and Gary '79 are both Virginia Wesleyan University grads. Gary is past Chair of the Board of both Virginia Wesleyan and Norfolk Collegiate.
Virginia Wesleyan Alumni News
Read up on the latest news and events for Virginia Wesleyan grads in this week's alumni newsletter: http://conta.cc/2s1Ncvg
Nota Bene: Summer at Virginia Wesleyan
The past couple weeks have been a wonderful whirlwind here on campus. We
had a productive spring meeting with the Virginia Wesleyan Board of
Trustees last Wednesday, followed by a beautiful Baccalaureate Service
and Commencement Ceremony for our Class of 2017 over the weekend. We
also watched as the No. 1-ranked Marlin softball team won the Virginia
Beach Super Regional and advanced to the NCAA Division III College World
Series, a first in program history.
Though school is out and summer break has arrived on campus, it is anything but slow paced on Wesleyan Drive. This week we ramped up our transition to Virginia Wesleyan University. Visitors to our website, which is now www.vwu.edu, will see our newly branded logo and name proudly displayed throughout. Faculty and staff emails have also been updated to the new domain and our new contact information is being shared accordingly. Shortly you will begin to see new VWU signage popping up around campus. This will be a gradual transition, to which we all play a very important part. I thank each of you for your continued patience and support.
We also began our Summer Session courses this week. With affordable pricing and multiple sessions, students can earn up to 12 credits in course work, independent research or internship credit (while staying close to the beach!). To accommodate busy schedules, our Summer Session is offered in three terms: May 23-June 30; May 23-August 23; and July 10-August 16. Interested students should speak to their academic advisors if they would like to participate. Additional information and a list of course offerings is available at www.vwu.edu/summersession.
Soon we will begin rolling out additional information about our new online programs for the fall semester. We are so delighted with the response we have seen already without any formal advertising. Word of our new master’s programs has spread quickly in our community and among our nearly 10,000 alumni, many of whom are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in business or education from Virginia Wesleyan University.
Adding to the excitement of the season is the nearing completion of the Greer Environmental Sciences Center as well as the Frank Blocker Youth Center, which will be ready for use this summer by YMCA Camp Red Feather. We look forward to their opening in the coming months and to an official celebration on Founders Day this September.
I’m also pleased to announce the Spring 2017 President’s List. Congratulations to the following students for achieving a 4.0 grade point average for the fall semester. A reception will be held in the fall to celebrate the accomplishments of these students:
Erin C. Abbott Lynne G. Fetter Travon D. Nimmo
Sydnie E. Allen Melissa P. Fisher Brooke L. Novkovic
Sarah C. Antozzi Amber R. Gaines Tyler S. Ostrovecky
Seth S. Antozzi Shae E. Geary Connor T. Pederson
Kollin R. Baer Tiffani N. Gregory Kathleen M. Peloquin
Kelly J. Bateman Erin V. Harris
Alexander V. Benevento Shana L. Harrison Emily E. Powers
Elizabeth M. Brisson Mathew C. Hasty Mickella J. Rast
Katie C. Brooks Spencer A. Hawver Stephanie M. Reidell
Brianna J. Brunk Allison R. Heitsman Kelsi P. Robins
Lauren E. Bryant Nicholas G. Hipple Sierra M. Rothenberger
James L. Butler Carmen W. Hitt Dillon E. Rudiger
Emilee K. Caldbeck Abigail L. Horgan Joshua G. Shuman
LeMar Callaway Sierra C. Howard Samuel J. Smart
Jordan A. Chambers Katy J. Kopaskey Joi L. Snowden
Jacklyn A. Cheely Jordan N. Latvis Carissa J. Stevens
Andreas J. Combos Jordan T. Louk Jake Q. Stokke
Rachel A. Connolly Tabitha L. Lowell Lauren C. Topper
Austin G. Davis Morgan E. Lucas Joy S. Vernon
Allyce L. DeSimone Trevor J. Maloney Timothy A. Webster
Stacie A. Doughtie Taylor L. Marshall Tayler L. Wilson
Taylor R. Erby Getzani Moguel Sara A. Wiltshire
Christopher D. Fegan Ashley A. Neudecker
Finally, as you know, it has been my tradition to move my daily messages to a weekly format during the summer months. Beginning this week and continuing through mid-August, I will send one Nota Bene each week, on Fridays, with a recap of the week at Virginia Wesleyan.
Whether you are on campus for the summer or reading from afar, I wish you the best for an enjoyable few months. It will continue, indeed, to be a wonderful whirlwind here on campus.
Though school is out and summer break has arrived on campus, it is anything but slow paced on Wesleyan Drive. This week we ramped up our transition to Virginia Wesleyan University. Visitors to our website, which is now www.vwu.edu, will see our newly branded logo and name proudly displayed throughout. Faculty and staff emails have also been updated to the new domain and our new contact information is being shared accordingly. Shortly you will begin to see new VWU signage popping up around campus. This will be a gradual transition, to which we all play a very important part. I thank each of you for your continued patience and support.
We also began our Summer Session courses this week. With affordable pricing and multiple sessions, students can earn up to 12 credits in course work, independent research or internship credit (while staying close to the beach!). To accommodate busy schedules, our Summer Session is offered in three terms: May 23-June 30; May 23-August 23; and July 10-August 16. Interested students should speak to their academic advisors if they would like to participate. Additional information and a list of course offerings is available at www.vwu.edu/summersession.
Soon we will begin rolling out additional information about our new online programs for the fall semester. We are so delighted with the response we have seen already without any formal advertising. Word of our new master’s programs has spread quickly in our community and among our nearly 10,000 alumni, many of whom are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in business or education from Virginia Wesleyan University.
Adding to the excitement of the season is the nearing completion of the Greer Environmental Sciences Center as well as the Frank Blocker Youth Center, which will be ready for use this summer by YMCA Camp Red Feather. We look forward to their opening in the coming months and to an official celebration on Founders Day this September.
I’m also pleased to announce the Spring 2017 President’s List. Congratulations to the following students for achieving a 4.0 grade point average for the fall semester. A reception will be held in the fall to celebrate the accomplishments of these students:
Erin C. Abbott Lynne G. Fetter Travon D. Nimmo
Sydnie E. Allen Melissa P. Fisher Brooke L. Novkovic
Sarah C. Antozzi Amber R. Gaines Tyler S. Ostrovecky
Seth S. Antozzi Shae E. Geary Connor T. Pederson
Kollin R. Baer Tiffani N. Gregory Kathleen M. Peloquin
Kelly J. Bateman Erin V. Harris
Alexander V. Benevento Shana L. Harrison Emily E. Powers
Elizabeth M. Brisson Mathew C. Hasty Mickella J. Rast
Katie C. Brooks Spencer A. Hawver Stephanie M. Reidell
Brianna J. Brunk Allison R. Heitsman Kelsi P. Robins
Lauren E. Bryant Nicholas G. Hipple Sierra M. Rothenberger
James L. Butler Carmen W. Hitt Dillon E. Rudiger
Emilee K. Caldbeck Abigail L. Horgan Joshua G. Shuman
LeMar Callaway Sierra C. Howard Samuel J. Smart
Jordan A. Chambers Katy J. Kopaskey Joi L. Snowden
Jacklyn A. Cheely Jordan N. Latvis Carissa J. Stevens
Andreas J. Combos Jordan T. Louk Jake Q. Stokke
Rachel A. Connolly Tabitha L. Lowell Lauren C. Topper
Austin G. Davis Morgan E. Lucas Joy S. Vernon
Allyce L. DeSimone Trevor J. Maloney Timothy A. Webster
Stacie A. Doughtie Taylor L. Marshall Tayler L. Wilson
Taylor R. Erby Getzani Moguel Sara A. Wiltshire
Christopher D. Fegan Ashley A. Neudecker
Finally, as you know, it has been my tradition to move my daily messages to a weekly format during the summer months. Beginning this week and continuing through mid-August, I will send one Nota Bene each week, on Fridays, with a recap of the week at Virginia Wesleyan.
Whether you are on campus for the summer or reading from afar, I wish you the best for an enjoyable few months. It will continue, indeed, to be a wonderful whirlwind here on campus.
Thursday, May 25, 2017
ACCESS College Foundation Alumni Gathering
Thanks to Trustee Anne Shumadine and Signature Family Wealth Advisors for hosting an alumni breakfast today at the World Trade Center for Virginia Wesleyan University alumni working at the ACCESS College Foundation. I enjoyed sharing the current status of the University and plans for the future. Pictured seated are Jordan Brown '03, Kyle Williams '08, David Kidd '11, Cheryl Jones '05, and Sara Gastler '97. And standing are Adria Phillips '05, Jennifer Hechtkopf '02, Rachal Weaver '13, Devin Allen '04, Megan Ulanich-Overbey '04, Bonnie Sutton '99, and David Waggoner, VWU Vice President for Enrollment. Over 28 years, ACCESS has helped more than 50,000 students from South Hampton Roads go to college, while leveraging $500 million in financial aid and scholarships to make their educational paths possible. The guidance, mentoring and financial aid invested in these students has been paid back exponentially to Hampton Roads.
Live Now: Virginia Wesleyan in the Softball World Series
Live now (2:45 p.m.) -- Virginia Wesleyan University in the NCAA Division III Softball World Series! Watch live online.
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Hosting Friends from SunTrust Bank
Enjoyed hosting friends from SunTrust Bank for a tour of the Greer Environmental Sciences Center today.
Hull Named National Freshman of the Year as All-American Teams are Announced
Freshman Hanna Hull garnered several major accolades Wednesday night at the NCAA Division III Softball Championship banquet at the Sheraton Hotel Downtown in Oklahoma City.
Hull earned 2017 Schutt Sports/NFCA Division III National Freshman of the Year in addition to First Team All-American honors. Junior first baseman Cassetty Howerin was also placed on the All-American First Team while Kiersten Richardson was a third team selection.
This is the second-straight year the Marlins have claimed the National Freshman of the Year as pitcher Kandis Kresinske took home the honor last season. The Marlins also tied a program best with three All-Americans.
Hull, a left-handed pitcher from Chesterfield, Va., heads into the NCAA Division III Championship in Oklahoma City with a 29-2 record as part of a lethal 1-2 punch in the circle with fellow freshman Courtney Wright (15-0, 1.36 ERA) for the top-ranked (48-2) Marlins this season. She has 13 shutouts, 326 strikeouts and has allowed just 48 walks and 12 earned runs in 189.1 innings this season. Her 29 victories lead Division III and her hits allowed per seven innings (2.77), strikeouts, strikeouts per seven innings (12.1) and earned-run average (0.44) all rank second nationally behind fellow NCAA Division III Championship competitor Lindsey Thayer of St. John Fisher.
Howerin earned First Team All-American honors after garnering ODAC Player of the Year honors. She was also named to the All-American First Team last year, becoming the fourth Marlin to be named an All-American more than once. Howerin has been a threat across the board this year, batting .441 with 11 home runs, 48 RBI, 44 runs, and 25 stolen bases.
Richardson is an All-American for the first time in her career, earning third-team acknowledgment for her strong season. She leads the nation with 60 stolen bases on the year and paces the Marlins with 62 runs scored to go with five home runs.
The Schutt Sports/NFCA Division III Freshman of the Year and the NFCA Division III All-America softball teams were selected by eight NCAA Division III head coaches representing each of the eight NCAA regions. Those earning first team All-Region recognition were eligible to move forward to be considered to be chosen by the committee as All-Americans. NFCA member coaches nominate and vote for the Association's All-Region teams. Schutt Sports sponsors Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year awards in the NFCA's member divisions.
The Schutt Sports/NFCA Division III Player of the Year honoree will be chosen following the completion of the NCAA Championship next week.
Hull earned 2017 Schutt Sports/NFCA Division III National Freshman of the Year in addition to First Team All-American honors. Junior first baseman Cassetty Howerin was also placed on the All-American First Team while Kiersten Richardson was a third team selection.
This is the second-straight year the Marlins have claimed the National Freshman of the Year as pitcher Kandis Kresinske took home the honor last season. The Marlins also tied a program best with three All-Americans.
Hull, a left-handed pitcher from Chesterfield, Va., heads into the NCAA Division III Championship in Oklahoma City with a 29-2 record as part of a lethal 1-2 punch in the circle with fellow freshman Courtney Wright (15-0, 1.36 ERA) for the top-ranked (48-2) Marlins this season. She has 13 shutouts, 326 strikeouts and has allowed just 48 walks and 12 earned runs in 189.1 innings this season. Her 29 victories lead Division III and her hits allowed per seven innings (2.77), strikeouts, strikeouts per seven innings (12.1) and earned-run average (0.44) all rank second nationally behind fellow NCAA Division III Championship competitor Lindsey Thayer of St. John Fisher.
Howerin earned First Team All-American honors after garnering ODAC Player of the Year honors. She was also named to the All-American First Team last year, becoming the fourth Marlin to be named an All-American more than once. Howerin has been a threat across the board this year, batting .441 with 11 home runs, 48 RBI, 44 runs, and 25 stolen bases.
Richardson is an All-American for the first time in her career, earning third-team acknowledgment for her strong season. She leads the nation with 60 stolen bases on the year and paces the Marlins with 62 runs scored to go with five home runs.
The Schutt Sports/NFCA Division III Freshman of the Year and the NFCA Division III All-America softball teams were selected by eight NCAA Division III head coaches representing each of the eight NCAA regions. Those earning first team All-Region recognition were eligible to move forward to be considered to be chosen by the committee as All-Americans. NFCA member coaches nominate and vote for the Association's All-Region teams. Schutt Sports sponsors Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year awards in the NFCA's member divisions.
The Schutt Sports/NFCA Division III Player of the Year honoree will be chosen following the completion of the NCAA Championship next week.
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Vote Brandon Elliott Coach of the Year
48 wins, 2 losses...Top-ranked team NCAA Division III team in the country...be sure and VOTE: hro.io/2qdvsga
Catching Up With Old Friends
Great to catch up with long-time Virginia Wesleyan Trustee George Birdsong and Diane Nelms of the Obici Healthcare Foundation at today's Suffolk State of the City. George and his family have been generous benefactors of the University since its founding in 1961. Birdsong Hall, Birdsong Field, Birdsong Presidential Suite in Godwin Hall, and the Birdsong School of Social Science are among the many campus tributes to the family. Diane and I were classmates together at West Virginia Wesleyan College (many, many years ago).
Suffolk State of the City Address
Good to visit with Linda Andrus, Ethicom360, and Bernie Niemeier, President and Publisher of Virginia Business, at today's Suffolk State of the City Address.
Monday, May 22, 2017
Next up in the NCAA Division III College World Series
Marlins take on defending National Champion Texas Tyler at 2:30 EST (1:30 OKC time) on Thursday!
Sunday, May 21, 2017
Congratulations to Retiring Faculty
Congratulations to retiring Virginia Wesleyan faculty, Dr. Cheul Kang (Professor of Management, Business and Economics - 32 years of service) and Dr. Garry Noe (Associate Professor of Physics - 29 years of service)!
Saturday, May 20, 2017
Behind the Marlins' Success
Two really special people that are the main drivers in our 48-2, top-ranked in the NCAA Division III Virginia Wesleyan softball team -- head coach Brandon Elliott (347-99 in 10 years as head coach) and freshman pitcher Hanna Hull. Hanna is a remarkable 29-2 with 3 saves and a .44 earned run average. She has struck out a remarkable 326 batters in 189 innings this season and is probably the best pitcher in the nation -- as a freshman.
Hanna Hull Named NCAA Super-Regional Outstanding Pitcher
Celebrating Virginia Wesleyan's berth in the NCAA softball World Series with freshman Hanna Hull, her parents -- Nate and Kelley -- and brother Jace, after Hanna shutout Kean University for the second day in a row to earn NCAA Super-Regional Outstanding Pitcher. For the season, Hanna is a remarkable 29-2 with 3 saves and a .44 earned run average. She has struck out 326 batters in 189 innings this season. The Marlins are 48-2 and ranked number 1 in the country.
Friday, May 19, 2017
2017 Baccalaureate Platform Party
Dr. Keith Moore, Vice President for Student Affairs, Rev. Greg West, College Chaplain, Dr. Terry Lindvall, C.S. Lewis Endowed Chair in Communication and Christian Thought, Baccalaureate Speaker Rev. Susan Pendleton Jones '80, Senior Fellow of the Institute for Faith and Learning at Baylor University, Dr. Timothy O'Rourke, Provost and Vice President, Dr. Mort Gamble, Senior Vice President, and David Waggoner, Vice President for Enrollment.
"Grace Sufficient"
Baccalaureate speaker Rev. Susan Pendleton Jones, Virginia Wesleyan College Class of 1980, addressing graduates and guests on "Grace Sufficient."
Baccalaureate and Blessings
Beautiful evening celebrating our graduates and sending them off with a blessing during the Baccalaureate Service at Haygood United Methodist Church.
Virginia Tech/Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center
Great to discuss potential partnerships today with representatives from the Virginia Tech/Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center (AREC). Pictured in the Aquatics Lab in the Greer Environmental Sciences Center: Dr. David Sample, Associate Professor of Biological Systems Engineering (AREC); Dr. Peter Schultz, Professor of Entomology and AREC Director; Dr. Maynard Schaus, Associate Provost, Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm, Professor of Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences; and Dr. Jim Owen, Assistant Professor of Horticulture (AREC).
Nota Bene: Summer Transition to University
Beginning
next Tuesday, May 23, Virginia Wesleyan will begin transitioning to
university operation. The timeline for effecting the transition will run
from May 23 until approximately August 1.
During this period, the major areas of concentration will include the University's graphic identity and branding of all publications and materials; website redesign and review of content; introduction of the IT portal; campus directional signage; athletic uniforms and signage; and product merchandising via the bookstore.
As we reported to the Board of Trustees at its meeting this week, a comprehensive transition is moving ahead; some activity areas, including development of the new website, may extend beyond the summer transition period.
We ask for your patience as we complete this process. A full status report will be presented at the 2017 State of the University address on August 22. In the meantime, please watch your email for additional updates and direct any questions to our University Transition Team leadership, Senior Vice President Mort Gamble and Chief Information Officer Robert Leitgeb.
During this period, the major areas of concentration will include the University's graphic identity and branding of all publications and materials; website redesign and review of content; introduction of the IT portal; campus directional signage; athletic uniforms and signage; and product merchandising via the bookstore.
As we reported to the Board of Trustees at its meeting this week, a comprehensive transition is moving ahead; some activity areas, including development of the new website, may extend beyond the summer transition period.
We ask for your patience as we complete this process. A full status report will be presented at the 2017 State of the University address on August 22. In the meantime, please watch your email for additional updates and direct any questions to our University Transition Team leadership, Senior Vice President Mort Gamble and Chief Information Officer Robert Leitgeb.
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Virginia Beach Rotary Club Scholars Recognition Dinner
I so enjoyed serving as the speaker and visiting with the honorees and their families at the Virginia Beach Rotary Club Scholars Recognition Dinner in Town Center. Pictured with Dan Edwards, Vice Chair of the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Board, Scholarship Chair & Past President, and Michael Summers, Provost at Tidewater Community College, and Past President of the Virginia Beach Rotary Club.
Hampton Roads Chamber Military Recognition Reception
I was proud to be among and say thank you to many of our local military heroes this afternoon during the Hampton Roads Chamber Military Recognition Reception at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). Pictured with Hampton Roads Chamber President and CEO Bryan Stephens.
Preparing for Baccalaureate
We had a wonderful rehearsal this afternoon for the 2017 Baccalaureate Service, a significant part of our Commencement weekend. Baccalaureate will take place tomorrow evening, May 19, just minutes from campus at Haygood United Methodist Church (4713 Haygood Rd., Virginia Beach). Dr. Bryson Mortensen will lead the Virginia Wesleyan Chorale in a preludial concert at 5:30 p.m., and the service will begin at 6:00 p.m. Serving as the Baccalaureate speaker will be Rev. Susan Pendleton Jones, a 1980 VWC graduate and senior fellow of the Institute for Faith and Learning at Baylor University. New this year will be the Presentation of Tassels, at which time graduating seniors will come forward to accept their academic tassel for use during the Commencement Ceremony. Professor Terry Lindvall will deliver the invocation. Looking forward to seeing the Class of 2017, their families, friends and guests!
Virginia Wesleyan Honored at 2017 Hampton Roads Sports Awards
It was a big night for Virginia Wesleyan at the 2017 Hampton Roads Sports Awards, sponsored by the Hampton Roads Sports Commission. Our softball team, led by Head Coach Brandon Elliott, took home the award for Best Collegiate/Professional Team, and Dr. Larry Hultgren, our Faculty Athletic Representative, received the Hometown Hero Award. Congratulations!
Nota Bene: Dedication of Mastracco Hall
Since my arrival as president nearly two years ago, I have consistently
heard complimentary, admiring, and respectful comments about Virginia
Wesleyan Trustee Vince Mastracco and his wife, Suzanne.
In their honor and in appreciation for their many contributions not only to the College but also to the Hampton Roads/Coastal Virginia region, we dedicated on Wednesday a residential facility in Honors Village as Mastracco Hall.
A member of the Board of Trustees for more than 20 years, and now serving as chair of our Advancement Committee, Vince is known throughout Coastal Virginia as a man of integrity, duty, and loyalty. He has been extraordinarily helpful in providing counsel for various initiatives we have undertaken, notably the Campus Master Plan. He has been working, quietly but diligently, to make it possible for us to move forward on the residential development planned for the area across Wesleyan Drive—to be known as Oxford Village—and he has been enormously helpful to our senior administrative team, and me personally, in matters of fundraising, community engagement, marketing and rebranding, and other areas that have enhanced our visibility, leadership, and effectiveness as Coastal Virginia’s premier institution of the liberal arts and sciences.
His community service has included active participation on the Greater Norfolk Corporation and the Hampton Roads Community Foundation. Not surprisingly, a profile of him last year in Inside Business opened with the statement, “If you want something done in Hampton Roads, you call Vincent Mastracco, Jr.”
We thank Mr. Mastracco for his service to Virginia Wesleyan, his willingness and readiness to offer professional assistance whenever it is needed, and his wider role as an influential, conscientious, and gracious citizen in our community.
We are grateful, as well, for Suzanne Mastracco’s contributions to our region. Her commitment to the arts in Hampton Roads and in the Commonwealth has enriched all of our lives. Her service on the board of trustees of the Chrysler Museum of Art, as well as her many contributions to the Virginia Arts Festival, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, all speak to her devotion to a world of beauty, inspiration, and creativity.
No list of the region’s most important leaders throughout its history would be complete without both Vince and Suzanne’s names. It is fitting to remember that in 2007, Volunteer Hampton Roads honored both of them with its Lenora Mathews Lifetime Achievement Award as exemplary volunteers and caring citizens, and they received the 2012 Darden Award for Regional Leadership.
I hope that in some meaningful way, Mastracco Hall will remind our current and future students of their obligations as community servants and stewards of this soon-to-be University and our society.
May they follow the Mastraccos’ humble example for the benefit of our campus, our state, and nation for generations to come.
In their honor and in appreciation for their many contributions not only to the College but also to the Hampton Roads/Coastal Virginia region, we dedicated on Wednesday a residential facility in Honors Village as Mastracco Hall.
A member of the Board of Trustees for more than 20 years, and now serving as chair of our Advancement Committee, Vince is known throughout Coastal Virginia as a man of integrity, duty, and loyalty. He has been extraordinarily helpful in providing counsel for various initiatives we have undertaken, notably the Campus Master Plan. He has been working, quietly but diligently, to make it possible for us to move forward on the residential development planned for the area across Wesleyan Drive—to be known as Oxford Village—and he has been enormously helpful to our senior administrative team, and me personally, in matters of fundraising, community engagement, marketing and rebranding, and other areas that have enhanced our visibility, leadership, and effectiveness as Coastal Virginia’s premier institution of the liberal arts and sciences.
His community service has included active participation on the Greater Norfolk Corporation and the Hampton Roads Community Foundation. Not surprisingly, a profile of him last year in Inside Business opened with the statement, “If you want something done in Hampton Roads, you call Vincent Mastracco, Jr.”
We thank Mr. Mastracco for his service to Virginia Wesleyan, his willingness and readiness to offer professional assistance whenever it is needed, and his wider role as an influential, conscientious, and gracious citizen in our community.
We are grateful, as well, for Suzanne Mastracco’s contributions to our region. Her commitment to the arts in Hampton Roads and in the Commonwealth has enriched all of our lives. Her service on the board of trustees of the Chrysler Museum of Art, as well as her many contributions to the Virginia Arts Festival, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, all speak to her devotion to a world of beauty, inspiration, and creativity.
No list of the region’s most important leaders throughout its history would be complete without both Vince and Suzanne’s names. It is fitting to remember that in 2007, Volunteer Hampton Roads honored both of them with its Lenora Mathews Lifetime Achievement Award as exemplary volunteers and caring citizens, and they received the 2012 Darden Award for Regional Leadership.
I hope that in some meaningful way, Mastracco Hall will remind our current and future students of their obligations as community servants and stewards of this soon-to-be University and our society.
May they follow the Mastraccos’ humble example for the benefit of our campus, our state, and nation for generations to come.
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Alpha Sigma Lambda Induction Ceremony
It was an honor to welcome students and their guests to Monumental Chapel for the induction ceremony for Alpha Sigma Lambda, the national honor society celebrating the scholarship and leadership of adult students. Congratulations to the eight new members: Paul Atkinson, Jr., Eben Brumfield, Nicholas Halda, Dawn Holmes-Schalow, Robbin Moran, Kimberlee Santos, Earl Toler, David Welling, and honorary faculty inductee Dr. Maynard Schaus (Associate Provost and Professor of Biology).
An Important Reminder
Virginia Wesleyan Board members, senior staff, friends, and Kaufman & Canoles colleagues joined Vince and Suzanne Mastracco this afternoon for the dedication of Mastracco Hall. We hope this facility will remind our current and future students of their obligations as community servants and stewards of this soon-to-be University and our society.
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