Greetings from Wesleyan Drive! Summer has
arrived, and with it comes brighter days, longer evenings, and a
positive, optimistic energy on campus.
We've just completed a successful New Student Orientation, which
acclimated our incoming Class of 2021 to campus through engaging
information sessions and activities (view photos).
In recent years we have built an enrollment model that supports the
University's long-term goals, and I am proud to report that for the
2017-18 academic year we anticipate 500 new students-400 freshmen, 100
transfers and non-traditional students.
I am confident that we are well on our way toward meeting our
enrollment goals set forth in the 10-year Campus Master Plan, increasing
on-campus residential students from 850 to 1,000, increasing full-time
students from 1,300 to 1,500, and increasing headcount enrollment from
1,500 to 1,700. These numbers do not include the growth anticipated
through programs for graduate students, online students and new
degree-completion programs, for which we are also garnering tremendous
interest.
Our transition to Virginia Wesleyan University is full-steam ahead,
and our VWU presence is coming to life both virtually and physically.
Just last week, "University" lettering was placed on the stone landmark
at the entrance to campus. This original marker dates back to the
institution's founding, made possible by Frank E. Brown, a Richmond
businessman and philanthropist. Mr. Brown also donated the funds for our
campus bell tower, or campanile, which stands near Monumental Chapel. I
enjoy sharing these historic components that make our campus what it is
today, and I am proud to carry these elements forward as Virginia
Wesleyan continues to grow and flourish.
# # #
We have much to be proud of here at Virginia Wesleyan University. Additional developments from the last month include:
Continued celebration for our NCAA Division III Softball Champions:
We had a great turnout for the "Cheers with Champs" alumni gathering in
June as graduates and friends came out to meet the team and have their
photo taken with the championship trophy. Members of the softball team
will travel to Richmond on July 27
to meet Governor Terry McAuliffe at the Executive Mansion. Be on the
lookout for information about an alumni gathering in Richmond that
evening.
Student Health Center managed by Sentara Medical Group:
This academic year, we will begin offering medical care to our students
through an on-campus Student Health Center managed by Sentara Medical
Group. All students will be entitled to first aid and general
healthcare, routine testing, and lab work through the Center, which will
be staffed by an advanced medical practitioner and a medical assistant
from Sentara Medical Group. A physician will also be appointed by
Sentara to serve as medical director and will be available to advise the
advanced practitioner as needed during business hours. Students
requiring a higher level of care (or care outside of normal hours of
operation) will have full access to Sentara Family Medicine Physicians
located on Wesleyan Drive. We have built a strong partnership with
Sentara on a variety of issues and services, and we are grateful for
this relationship.
# # #
I end this month's letter with an invitation to several upcoming events. Mark your calendar for Wesleyan Wednesday on August 16 at Chick's Oyster Bar in Virginia Beach, and come back to campus September 7 for Founders Day, an all-day celebration featuring our annual Alumni Awards, Founders Day Convocation, dedication of the Batten Honors College, and a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Greer Environmental Sciences Center. Finally, Homecoming and Family Weekend has been set for October 6-8. I'm told this year's event will include an inaugural chili cook off.
