Common Read Author Addresses Freshmen

Michele Young-Stone, author of "Above Us Only Sky"—Virginia Wesleyan's 2017 freshman common read—addressed students and shared her inspiration for the book this morning in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. Pictured with Ms. Young-Stone, Dr. Rebecca Hooker, Director of First Year Experience, and Dr. Timothy O'Rourke, Provost and Vice President.

 

Conversation with the Chronicle

Great conversation with Amanda Archer '18, news editor for the Marlin Chronicle student newspaper, who stopped by the President's Office this morning to discuss campus construction projects and expansion.

 

Nota Bene: Virginia Wesleyan Welcomes Large, Talented Class

Virginia Wesleyan University had a banner recruitment year thanks to the leadership of David Waggoner, Vice President for Enrollment, and his team. 

On August 28, the University welcomed to campus 424 new freshmen—the Class of 2021 is one of the largest and most academically talented in its history. An additional 95 transfer students reported for class on Monday. 

Virginia Wesleyan’s new University College, announced at my State of the University address last week, welcomed 33 students to the inaugural online Master of Business Administration cohort. An additional 25 students enrolled in UC’s Evening and Weekend Program, and 25 students are enrolled in the American Culture and Tourism Management Program. Total new student enrollment (602) in all programs is the largest in Virginia Wesleyan University history. 

The traditional students, from an applicant pool of 2,557 and admitted group of 1,742 (with a 68 percent acceptance rate), traveled from 26 states and Washington, D.C. They hold passports from 10 countries, including Australia, Brazil, China, France, Mexico, United Kingdom, Germany, Turkey, Ukraine and Canada. The new freshman class has a cumulative SAT of 1063.

They are scholars, leaders, athletes and volunteers—51 percent are from underrepresented populations including 29 percent students of color. Among the Class of 2021 are National Merit semi-finalists, AP scholars, National Honor Society members, and all-star athletes. Over 180 of our new students are athletes.

The 40 students enrolled in the initial cohort of the Batten Honors College have an impressive collective grade point average of 4.03 on a 4.0 scale, an average SAT score of 1344, and an average ACT score of 29.

Overall enrollment this year is expected to be approximately 1,500 students in undergraduate, graduate, and online programs.

Virginia Wesleyan University is on an upward trajectory, positioned well as Coastal Virginia's premier university of the liberal arts and sciences. Our beautiful 300-acre, park-like campus benefits from being located in Virginia Beach with educational and extracurricular amenities attractive to top students.

First and foremost, however, we are a welcoming, inclusive campus community with an outstanding, nationally prominent academic reputation. As we continue to attract top students to VWU, let us all work toward fostering the kinds of values and traditions that will make every student proud to have chosen us for their career and life success.

Open House: Batten Honors College

Enjoyed stopping by the open house for the new offices of the Batten Honors College at Virginia Wesleyan University. Located on the south end of Blocker Hall adjacent to the Greer Environmental Sciences Center and Honors Village, the office suite will be a focal point for academic and co-curricular activities. Pictured with Steve Pinto, Director of Enrollment for the Batten Honors College, Molly Delmont '21 from Glen Allen, Virginia, and Dr. Joyce Easter, Dean of the Batten Honors College.

 

Thank you to "Environmental Chemistry" Students

Thank you to students in Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm's "Environmental Chemistry" course who helped install plantings this afternoon on the green roof of the Greer Environmental Sciences Center. These trays are filled with sedum plants for the vegetative area and were originally grown at a nursery in New York. The green roof is a part of 145,000-square-feet of native plants at the GESC.

 

Marlin Men's Basketball is #HoustonStrong

Kudos to Virginia Wesleyan Men's Basketball for sending supplies and spirit to those affected by Hurricane Harvey. #HoustonStrong

Fencing Progress Along Wesleyan Drive and Baker Road

Decorative black fencing has arrived at the staging area adjacent to the Trinder Center. The fencing will be installed along Wesleyan Drive and Baker Road between now and Homecoming and Family Weekend. Masons are currently completing work on the brick columns along Wesleyan Drive.

 

Going Green

The plantings have arrived from New York for the Greer Environmental Sciences Center green roof—one of the many strategically-placed sustainable features that will be accessible to students and faculty.

Collaborative Opportunities with Washington College

Wonderful discussing partnership opportunities yesterday with our colleagues at Washington College in Maryland and learning more about their Center for Environment & Society. Pictured from Washington College: Dr. John Seidel, Director of the Center for Environment & Society (far left), President Kurt Landgraf, and Mike Hardesty, Associate Director of the Center for Environment & Society (far right). Joining me from Wesleyan: Maynard Schaus, Associate Provost, and Suzanne Savage, Associate Vice President for Advancement and Board Relations.

 

Nota Bene: 2017-18 Undergraduate Catalog

As the new academic year begins, I write to share the 2017-18 version of our Undergraduate Catalog. In an effort to be respectful of our environment, we have printed fewer copies, electing instead to provide two easy-access electronic versions. This practice is consistent with that at many institutions around the country, as the academic catalog becomes less a student-recruitment tool and more a reference document.

2017-18 Undergraduate Catalog
PDF Version
Flipbook Version

The Online Degree Completion and Graduate Programs Catalog may be viewed at www.vwu.edu/gradonline.

The catalog reflects the strength and integrity of our academic enterprise, as well as initiatives that broaden our curricular offerings. Welcome to the new academic year that the catalog symbolizes.

Photo Gallery: Marlin Days New Student Orientation

The Class of 2021 officially arrived on the Virginia Wesleyan University campus August 23. View the photo gallery at: https://flic.kr/s/aHsm2TEkex

Welcome back, Marlins!

Wishing all Virginia Wesleyan University students, faculty and staff a productive and fulfilling semester.

Nota Bene: First Day of Classes for Fall 2017 Semester

As we begin the first day of fall classes at Virginia Wesleyan University, I wish all students, faculty and staff a great start to what I hope will be an enjoyable and productive semester.

Special welcome to our freshmen and new students as they experience their very first day of classes on our campus. I encourage our upperclassmen, as well as all faculty and staff, to help ensure that their experience is meaningful and successful. Please support and assist them in any way you can—today and every day. To our returning students, we hope that you are as glad to be back on campus as we are to have you.

Best wishes to all for a wonderful fall semester and academic year.

Nota Bene: Title IX

On April 4, 2011, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights issued the "Dear Colleague Letter" to every institution of higher education defining our responsibilities under Title IX. Whether we are a member of the student body, faculty or staff, understanding our roles in matters involving Title IX is a priority for each of us.

Mandatory training related to Title IX is being provided to our campus community. The following topics associated with Title IX are addressed:

1. What is Title IX?
2. Sexual Misconduct Offenses
3. Reporting Incidents
4. Consent
5. Bystander Intervention
6. Q&A Session (Please contact one of our Title IX Coordinators provided below.)

Following your review of the attached presentation, ALL students, faculty and staff are required to complete our online Title IX test by visiting WebAdvisor.

Please review the presentation materials and complete the online test no later than Friday, September 15, 2017.

Thank you for your time and attention. Should you have any questions directly related to your responsibilities under Title IX, you may contact:

Mrs. Karla Rasmussen
Director of Human Resources
Title IX Coordinator
757.455.3316
krasmussen@vwu.edu

Ms. Sarah Hammill
Assistant Director of Residence Life
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
757.233.8869
shammill@vwu.edu

Mr. Jason Seward
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
757.455.2124
jseward@vwu.edu

Ms. Kate Griffin
Director of Student Activities
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
757.233.8785
kgriffin@vwu.edu

Mr. Brandon Elliott
Head Women's Softball Coach
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
757.455.3307
belliott@vwu.edu

Media Spotlight: Marissa Coombs

 

Great article on track star Marissa Coombs, a three-time NCAA Division III All-American at Virginia Wesleyan University: http://www.njherald.com/20170824/after-late-start-kittatinny-grad-coombs-is-3-time-all-American

VWU Welcomes Largest Class in 17 Years

It was a pleasure this week to welcome the Virginia Wesleyan University Class of 2021 (middle picture). More than 525 traditional new students are joining us at VWU including 100 transfer students (bottom picture) and the inaugural class of the Batten Honors College (top picture). The University has welcomed its largest class in 17 years! An additional 80 new students will enroll this coming week in our new University College -- serving evening, weekend, and online learners.

Virginia Beach College Success Scholarship

We are proud to partner with Tidewater Community College to offer a $10,000 scholarship to Virginia Beach residents. Read more about the new partnership in this recent Inside Business article: https://pilotonline.com/inside-business/tcc-virginia-wesleyan-partner-on-scholarship-for-virginia-beach-residents/article_00ba57d0-bcb8-5da9-b2d7-cee8d2a61454.html

New Student Welcome

With Vice President for Student Affairs Keith Moore welcoming over 100 transfer students joining the Virginia Wesleyan University​ family this fall. The University has welcomed its largest class of freshmen and transfers in 17 years.

Getting to Know New Faculty and Academic Staff

Enjoyed getting to know new faculty and academic staff at dinner last night in the Princess Anne Room in Boyd Dining Center. Pictured with (from left) Michelle Vachris, Professor of Management, Business, and Economics, Maggie Henderson, Research Librarian, Lauren Frantz, University Advising Coordinator, Katrina Henry, Assistant Professor of Physics and Earth and Environmental Sciences.

Nota Bene: Retirement of Rob Levinsky

As we start a new academic year, I'm writing to share with you that Director of Physical Plant Operations Robert Levinsky will be retiring on December 31, 2017. All Physical Plant operations—including grounds work, housekeeping, and maintenance functions—are contracted services with Aramark, our longstanding facilities service provider.

Please join me in congratulating Rob on his retirement. He has worked closely with us during one of the most exciting periods in our history. We thank him for his dedication to Virginia Wesleyan University and wish him the best.

Aramark will collaborate with us on the selection of a new director in the coming months. As we continue working through the recommendations of the Campus Master Plan, we are grateful for our relationship with Aramark and their professional management of our beautiful facilities.

Conversations on the Commonwealth

Talked education, the environment, business and other Commonwealth topics today with Justin Fairfax, prominent Northern Virginia lawyer and candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia.

Nota Bene: GESC and Batten Honors College in the News

In Tuesday's State of the University Address, I announced that Virginia Wesleyan University opens the academic year with two new additions that have brought us national distinction—the Greer Environmental Sciences Center and the Batten Honors College.  Both have attracted significant media attention.

This recent feature about the Greer Environmental Sciences Center appeared in Inside Business and the Virginian-Pilot:
New building at Virginia Wesleyan more instructional than most
https://pilotonline.com/inside-business/news/continuing-education-work-development/new-building-at-virginia-wesleyan-more-instructional-than-most/article_6b3dec30-4387-5399-83dd-d34b5088ef21.html

The University also received great coverage this week on the Batten Honors College, which welcomed its inaugural class to campus Sunday with a Matriculation Ceremony:

Virginia Wesleyan University welcomes the 1st class of the Batten Honors College:https://pilotonline.com/news/local/education/higher-education/virginia-wesleyan-university-welcomes-the-st-class-of-the-batten/article_146fee39-cc10-505e-94bb-337b462e18d0.html

I hope you enjoy these articles, and I look forward to seeing you at the dedication of the Greer Environmental Sciences Center on Founders Day, September 7.

Welcome to Wesleyan!

It was a pleasure to welcome our Class of 2021 to campus today—more than 525 new students will be joining us at Virginia Wesleyan University this fall!

Nice to Meet Student Reporter Brianna Clarkson '18

Great to visit today with senior political science major Brianna Clarkson, who is writing an article about the State of the University for The Marlin Chronicle student newspaper. You can watch a video of Tuesday's address or read the speech in its entirety on the President's webpage at: http://www.vwu.edu/about-us/president-and-leadership/state-of-the-university.php

Nota Bene: State of the University Address Celebrates Success, Announces Initiatives

Thank you to all who joined us yesterday for the State of the University address in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. Since I became your president in 2015, we have transitioned from an aspiring college to an inspiring university. We have built an outstanding academic reputation, we have forged new partnerships, developed innovative programs, and enhanced our leadership within Hampton Roads, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the nation. I am grateful to each of you for the role you’ve played in bringing us to this point in our history.

Though I shared many points of pride during the address, I was especially pleased to note that we will begin our new academic year with two new nationally prominent additions that speak to our innovative spirit, an understanding of our enrollment potential, and the power of philanthropy. With the opening of the Batten Honors College and the completion of the Greer Environmental Sciences Center, we have expanded our teaching, research, and service toward the vital goals of studying and preserving the natural environment.

Additional accomplishments highlighted during the address include:

• Our transition from Virginia Wesleyan College to Virginia Wesleyan University.

• Approval by our institutional accrediting body to become a graduate-level institution with two new graduate programs—online Master of Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Education (2018)—and an extensive online program at the undergraduate level.

• Implementation of a comprehensive enrollment model, including new international partnerships and addition of early- and dual-enrollment programs.

• Initiation of the highly selective Batten Honors College, a competitive academic program that will provide a transformative experience for high-achieving students.

• Academic updates from the University’s three schools—the Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities, the Joan P. Brock School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and the Birdsong School of Social Science—and a special announcement on the 2017-2018 launch of “University College,” which encompasses the operation of all for-credit programs outside of the traditional undergraduate program as well as non-credit, continuing-education offerings.

• Overview of the recently completed 10-Year Campus Master Plan and updates on major improvements to campus infrastructure, including:

• Completion of the state-of-the-art Greer Environmental Sciences Center, a world-class facility that will provide unprecedented opportunities for students while fostering regional collaboration with organizations such as the Brock Environmental Sciences Center/Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Virginia Aquarium and Marine Sciences Center, and the Virginia Institute for Marine Science.
• Completion of the Frank Blocker Youth Center, a cooperative facility to be used during the academic year by Tidewater Collegiate Academy and in the summer months by the YMCA Camp Red Feather.
• Construction of the Betty S. Rogers Track and Field Center (to be completed this fall), and plans for the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center (to be completed in late 2018) and Oxford Village (to be constructed in 2018).

• Continued collaboration with on-campus partners, Volunteer Hampton Roads, Chesapeake Bay Academy, and with the YMCA of South Hampton Roads.

• The winning of the NCAA Division III National Championship in softball, among many other successes in the University’s athletic program.

Thank you again to those who joined us and also to our event sponsors: The Bonnewell Group at Morgan Stanley, represented in attendance by Trustee Gary Bonnewell ’79; The Franklin Johnston Group, represented by President and COO Taylor Franklin ’04; Hourigan Construction, represented by Executive Vice President Chris Brandt; Sentara, and President/CEO and VWU Trustee Howard Kern; and SunTrust, and South Hampton Roads President Charity Volman.

The State of the University address may be viewed in its entirety at: https://boxcast.tv/view/state-of-the-university-address-llh1l9n8utvzqisl7m8b

In Honor and Memory of Dennie Allen '70

Today, we were honored to name Village II in honor of Dennie Allen who passed away on September 1, 2016. Since his name began with "A," he was first in line at our very first Commencement in 1970, a distinction he would relish for the rest of his life.

But Dennie’s devotion to Virginia Wesleyan didn’t end with his passing. His will directed that his entire estate be given as a bequest to his alma mater—we remain humbled by this magnificent gesture for which we are very grateful.

In Dennie’s honor and memory, we gathered this afternoon to name Village II as Allen Village. It’s a fitting expression of our gratitude to him, our remembrance of him as our first graduate in our first graduating class, and our hopes that students who live and study here will be inspired by what he termed his “happiest day” when he received his diploma. Joining us were Dennie's executor, Jo-Ann Robbins, and friend, Alan Haverson. Also pictured is Archivist Steve Mansfield.

 

Nota Bene: ​Virginia Wesleyan Recognized by Princeton Review and Colleges of Distinction

I am pleased to share that Virginia Wesleyan University has received recognition in two significant national ratings. VWU is included in The Princeton Review’s 2018 edition of “The Best 382 Colleges” and has again been named among the country's "Colleges of Distinction."

Only 15 percent of America’s 2,500 four-year colleges are profiled in The Princeton Review's annual guide. Rankings of the "Best 382 Colleges" are based on surveys of administrators at several hundred four-year colleges, over 137,000 surveys from students, and rating scores in categories compiled from institutional data from the 2016-17 year.

VWU has also been named among the nation's "Colleges of Distinction," a national guide that highlights innovative learning opportunities at top schools. The guide is used by more than 40,000 guidance counselors and thousands of parents and students across the country as they decide where to go to college.

To be named a College of Distinction, schools must demonstrate results across the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community and Successful Outcomes. High school counselors and educators make nominations, and each school is evaluated on key indicators, including student engagement, student empowerment and curricular innovation.

As Virginia Wesleyan plans for another outstanding year of teaching, experiential learning and community engagement, these publications provide important external recognition and validation of our hard work throughout the entire year. This is exciting news as we welcome our incoming and returning students in the coming weeks.

Photo Gallery: Batten Honors College Matriculation Ceremony

View photos from the Batten Honors College Matriculation Ceremony on the Virginia Wesleyan Flickr page: https://flic.kr/s/aHsm38gUqN

Pilot Covers the Batten Honors College

Great coverage by the Virginian-Pilot on the Batten Honors College Matriculation Ceremony: https://pilotonline.com/news/local/education/higher-education/virginia-wesleyan-university-welcomes-the-st-class-of-the-batten/article_146fee39-cc10-505e-94bb-337b462e18d0.html

(Photo by Bill Tiernan)

Inaugural Batten Honors College Class

Introducing the inaugural class of the Batten Honors College at Virginia Wesleyan University!

 

Welcome, Batten Fellows and Shumadine Scholars

Proud to welcome our first class of Batten Honors College students, who we celebrated this afternoon with a Matriculation Ceremony in the beautiful Greer Environmental Sciences Center. Collectively, these 40 students have a grade point average of 4.03 on a 4.0 scale, an average SAT score of 1340, and an average ACT score of 29. Their potential for success is unlimited, and Virginia Wesleyan University is the place to achieve it.

Preparing for the Processional

Preparing to process with our new Batten Honors College students in this afternoon's Matriculation Ceremony held in the Greer Environmental Sciences Center. These 40 students have come from all over the world, from as close as Virginia Beach and North Carolina to as far away as Australia, France, and China.

Nota Bene: Batten Honors College Matriculation Ceremony

Today we welcome to campus the first cohort of the Batten Honors College with a Matriculation Ceremony at the new Greer Environmental Sciences Center. The ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. with a processional from the Honors Village (Village IV). Though the event was originally scheduled to take place on the front steps of the building, it will now be held indoors due to high temperatures and possible rain. An ice cream social will follow. If you are unable to attend, the event will be live streamed at: https://boxcast.tv/view/batten-honors-college-matriculation-ceremony-ubuogdei6mdibd3fzgeh

A new tradition at Virginia Wesleyan, the ceremony will include music, welcoming remarks, and the signing of a Batten Honors College Matriculation Book that will serve as a permanent record of each entering cohort of this program for exceptional students.

These impressive students have a collective grade point average of 4.03 on a 4.0 scale, an average SAT score of 1340, and an average ACT score of 29.

I am pleased to announce our first Batten Fellows and Shumadine Scholars:

Batten Fellows   
Audrey Bally             Tourrettes sur loup, France
Matthew Bavuso       Weems, Virginia
Marie Bazile              Norfolk, Virginia
Mia Bevilacqua         Sellersville, Pennsylvania
Allaina Boggs           Williamsburg, Virginia
Shannon Bradley      Keyport, New Jersey
Aleah Brinn               Belhaven, North Carolina
Jason Brugman        Spotsylvania, Virginia
McKayla Calapp       Herriman, Utah
Qi Chen                    Yinzhou District/Ningbo, China
Jenah Creecy           Virginia Beach, Virginia
Hunter Draut             New Bern, North Carolina
Mallory Langford       Highfields Qld, Australia
Alexander Leonard   Apex, North Carolina
Skylar Mao               Hua Yuan, China
Max Peters               Vienna, Virginia
Alex Powers              Collegeville, Pennsylvania
Asha Richards          Silver Spring, Maryland
Brianna Sandy          Chesapeake, Virginia
Jennifer Vega           Chesapeake, Virginia
Jenna Whitener        Clemmons, North Carolina
    
Shumadine Scholars   
Alexi Baumgardner   Emmitsburg, Maryland
Hope Burleson          Montpelier, Virginia
Tatiana Crawl            Bowie, Maryland
Molly Delmont           Glen Allen, Virginia
Robert Eley               South Prince George, Virginia
Rose Ernst                Fredericksburg, Virginia
Kitana Finley             Fredericksburg, Virginia
Tyler Jenkins             Portsmouth, Virginia
Miah Kurtz                Topton, Pennsylvania
Zachary Lubick          Gibsonia, Pennsylvania
Lindsey Lykins           Moyock, North Carolina
Zachary Masalski       Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Kayleen Meinen         Virginia Beach, Virginia
Quinton Nace             New Oxford, Pennsylvania
Sarah Ramsey           Roanoke, Virginia
Andrew Taylor             Swansboro, North Carolina
Hayden Thornbrugh   Chester, Virginia
Anthony Wilson          Lynchburg, Virginia
James Wyatt              St. Stephens Church, Virginia

The Batten Honors College is gratefully named for Virginia Wesleyan Trustee Emerita Jane P. Batten and her late husband, Frank Batten, Sr. For nearly 40 years, Mrs. Batten has made Virginia Wesleyan a priority in so many different ways, the latest of which is the development of the Batten Honors College. She has been a force for change, improvement, and empowerment, and she believes deeply that students of the highest academic ability will flourish through this innovative program. We are endlessly grateful for her passion for knowledge and her enduring support.

Please join me in welcoming this tremendous group of students to our campus. We look forward to walking beside them in this journey, and we wish them the very best in their academic pursuits.

Safe and Secure with VWU Officers

I thoroughly enjoyed visiting this morning with our outstanding campus security officers. After updating the security team on campus progress, officers were presented their new Virginia Wesleyan University badges. Pictured with Jerry Mance, Director of Security, and Keith Moore, Vice President for Student Affairs.

Summer Athletics Retreat

Provided updates on exciting campus projects and initiatives today at the Virginia Wesleyan Athletics Department's summer retreat. The meeting was held in the interactive video classroom on the second floor of the new Greer Environmental Sciences Center.

 

Great to Visit with 1971 Graduates

Several members of the Class of 1971, including Karen Hughes (pictured), attended our Wesleyan Wednesday gathering last night at Chicks Oyster Bar. Thank you to all alumni and friends who came out for this special occasion. Also pictured: Keith Moore, Vice President for Student Affairs.

Welcome, Dr. Michelle Vachris!

Great visiting with a new member of the Wesleyan family, Dr. Michelle Vachris, Professor of Management, Business, and Economics, at the Wesleyan Wednesday gathering at Chicks Oyster Bar. Dr. Vachris has served on the faculty of Christopher Newport University for over 20 years. Joining us for the picture: Dr. Keith Moore, Vice President for Student Affairs, and David Waggoner, Vice President for Enrollment.

Wesleyan Wednesday Brings Alumni, Faculty and Friends

I enjoyed visiting with Mavis McKenley, Chair of the Virginia Wesleyan University Alumni Council, and Professor Linda Ferguson at the Wesleyan Wednesday gathering at Chicks Oyster Bar. Linda has been named recently as the new Dean of the VWU Birdsong School of Social Science.

Congratulations to Trustee Emerita Jane Batten

Congratulations to Virginia Wesleyan University Trustee Emerita Jane Batten on the launch of the Batten Environmental Education Initiative. We're honored to be a part of this powerful effort to educate and develop Virginia's environmental stewards of tomorrow. Learn more at whro.org/environment.

 

Meet our Director of Living Landscapes

Great running into Brian O’Neil today in the Greer Environmental Sciences Center. Brian has been appointed by the Norfolk Botanical Garden to serve as Director of Living Landscapes at Virginia Wesleyan. He will work with faculty, staff and students to provide guidance and proper care of all landscaping and horticultural initiatives on campus, particularly the area surrounding the GESC. Also pictured: Maynard Schaus, Associate Provost and Professor of Biology.

ODAC Commissioner Brad Bankston

Great to host Brad Bankston, Commissioner of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), on campus today. Virginia Wesleyan is one of 15 member schools in the ODAC, the second-largest multi-sport NCAA Division III conference in the country. Also pictured is Joanne Renn, Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics.

Nota Bene: Naming Ceremony for Allen Village

With the start of the 2017-18 Academic Year, Village II will become Allen Village, named for the late Dennie Allen ’70. Next Tuesday, August 22, following my State of the University address, a naming ceremony will be held at the entrance to Allen Village. Please join us at 1:15 p.m. to commemorate Mr. Allen's legacy and celebrate this special occasion.

By virtue of his place in the alphabet, Dennie Allen received Virginia Wesleyan's first diploma at our first Commencement in 1970. He passed away last fall on September 1, just one week before our inaugural Founders Day. His obituary described the day he graduated as “the happiest of his life,” and said that he “loved to tell people that he was the very first person to receive a diploma" from Virginia Wesleyan. On his death, Dennie left his estate to the University.

We are so grateful for Mr. Allen's generosity and proud to honor our first graduate in this most fitting way.

All Set for Swimming at VWU

The new scoreboard was installed today in the natatorium of the Jane P. Batten Student Center in preparation for the first season of men's and women's swimming at Virginia Wesleyan University.

Stay Tuned: TCC Signing Ceremony

Pleased to have leadership from Tidewater Community College on campus today for a signing ceremony, lunch and tour of our facilities. Stay tuned for the announcement of a new cooperative agreement in coming weeks. Pictured with Dr. Edna Baehre-Kolovani, TCC President, Dr. Daniel DeMarte (back right), Executive Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs, and David Waggoner, Vice President for Enrollment at Virginia Wesleyan.

With Governor McAuliffe and Patrice Glover '18

With Governor Terry McAuliffe and Virginia Wesleyan senior Patrice Glover at this morning's launch of the Batten Environmental Educational Initiative at Norview High School. Patrice, a music major, is a presidential intern at WHRO for the summer. Her mother, Dr. Linda Thomas-Glover, is president of Eastern Shore Community College and a member of our Board of Trustees.

Meeting for the Batten Environmental Educational Initiative

At a meeting for the Batten Environmental Educational Initiative with Bert Schmidt, President and Chief Executive Officer of WHRO, and rising Virginia Wesleyan senior Patrice Glover. The initiative aims to develop Virginia's future environmental stewards through a wide-range of educational products that instill positive environmental habits at an early age (grades 3-5). Learn more at environment.whro.org.

Nota Bene: Founders Day Schedule

Virginia Wesleyan was founded in 1961 on principles of higher learning, social responsibility and ethical conduct rooted in United Methodist heritage. We will honor these values, celebrate our history, and look toward our promising future during our annual Founders Day on Thursday, September 7.

Visit the VWU website for the schedule of this year’s full-day Founders Day celebration. Events include:

• Founders Day Breakfast Reception*
• Founders Day Alumni Awards Program*, honoring Douglas Wilson ’86, Taylor Franklin ’04, and Sydney Covey ’16
• Founders Day Convocation, with featured speaker Dr. Janet L. Adams ’90
• Batten Honors College Recognition Ceremony (By invitation only)
• Beech Forest Sign Unveiling
• Environmental Service Project on Campus
• Tours of the Greer Environmental Sciences Center
• Wesleyan Ecofestival
• Chesapeake Bay-Themed Student Dinner
• Greer Environmental Sciences Center Ribbon Cutting
• Greer Environmental Sciences Center Dedication Reception and Dinner (By invitation only)

*RSVP required

If you're unable to join us in person, we hope you'll tune in for the live broadcast of the Founders Day Convocation. Webcast details will be forthcoming.

Now Welcoming you at Norfolk International Airport

 

Marlin SportSplash

A call for Athletic Hall of Fame nominations (due August 31), the 2016-17 ODAC Sportsmanship Teams, and a list of upcoming athletics events in our latest edition of Marlin SportSplash: http://conta.cc/2hGakPX

Congratulations to Amanda Gerni '19!

So proud of rising Virginia Wesleyan junior Amanda Gerni, a political science and environmental studies major who interned this summer in Congressman Pete Sessions' D.C. office serving the constituents of Texas' 32nd Congressional District. Congressman Sessions recently sent this photo of he and Amanda along with a letter praising her tremendous work in his office:

"[Amanda] exhibited a diligent work ethic and energy that was contagious around the office. Her insatiable desire to learn is one of her greatest attributes, as evidenced by her extra research and attendance at committee hearings involving a large range of topics, such as healthcare and international arm deals...Amanda is a dedicated and intelligent person of high moral character and a team player who I know will continue to succeed in any career she chooses."

This Week's Wesleyan Review

Virginia Wesleyan University named one of the nation's best by The Princeton Review, an introduction to the 2017 Alumni Awards recipients, our Homecoming and Family Weekend schedule, and more in this week's Wesleyan Review: http://conta.cc/2hOQguI

 

Thank You and Best Wishes to Diane Hotaling

Today we celebrated the retirement of Diane Hotaling after 32 years of dedicated service to Virginia Wesleyan. Although she has held several important positions over the last three decades, she is perhaps best known for her role as director of community service, the title she took on in April 1998. A large gathering of faculty, staff, alumni, family and friends gathered to wish Diane well this afternoon in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. Pictured with Diane and Keith Moore, Vice President for Student Affairs.

Nota Bene: Student Health Center: Sentara Staff

As I shared with you earlier this summer, we will begin offering medical care to our students this academic year through a Student Health Center managed by Sentara Medical Group. I had the opportunity this week to tour the on-campus site and meet Sentara employees Dr. George Wong and Mrs. Katie Bush (view photo). Below I’ve included information about the new faces you will see on campus as part of this new partnership:

Dr. George Wong, Supervising Medical Doctor
Dr. George Wong will serve as the supervising medical doctor in the Student Health Center, and will be available to advise the nurse practitioner as needed during business hours. He earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond in 1978 after receiving his Bachelor of Science from Virginia Tech in 1974. As a family medicine physician, Dr. Wong provides continued comprehensive health care to individuals of all ages, and has special interests in pediatrics, women’s health care issues and sports medicine.

Hillary Carrier, Nurse Practitioner
Mrs. Hillary Carrier earned her Master of Science in Nursing from East Carolina University in 2011. She earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing from University of North Carolina—Wilmington in 2005. Prior to joining Sentara Medical Group in 2017, Mrs. Carrier worked as a nurse practitioner at family medicine groups in Virginia and Hawaii. She completed extensive training at Carteret General Hospital in the pediatrics unit. Mrs. Carrier specializes in patient education and aiding patients in leading healthy lifestyles.

Heather Warren, Medical Assistant
Ms. Heather Warren will assist the nurse practitioner in the Student Health Center. She is a registered medical assistant who graduated from Centura College in Norfolk.

Katie Bush, Practice Manager
Mrs. Katie Bush will serve as the practice manager for the Sentara Medical Group site at Virginia Wesleyan. She earned her Master of Healthcare Administration from Ohio University in 2017. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Management from Regent University in 2011. She is the manager for three Sentara sites in Virginia Beach.

The Student Health Center will continue to be housed in Allen Village (Village II) and will provide first aid and general healthcare Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All Virginia Wesleyan students will be entitled to the benefits of the Student Health Center, including appointments and walk-in care for minor illnesses and common ailments. The Center will also offer routine testing and lab work as well as educational resources for our student population. 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.

Please join me in welcoming Sentara Medical Group to our campus. Special thanks to Dr. Keith Moore, Vice President for Student Affairs, for his leadership in bringing this valuable student benefit to Virginia Wesleyan University.

Photo Gallery: VWU Softball and Gov. Terry McAuliffe

Additional images from Virginia Wesleyan Softball's recent visit to the Virginia State Capitol can be viewed on Governor Terry McAuliffe's Flickr page at https://flic.kr/s/aHsm1JK27H

Visiting With Friends from Paul D. Camp Community College

Nice to see our friends from Paul D. Camp Community College and show them around campus today, including a visit to the Chesapeake Bay Aquatics Lab in the new Greer Environmental Sciences Center. Pictured with David Waggoner, Vice President for Enrollment, Dan Lufkin, PDCCC President, Maynard Schaus, Associate Provost, Tara Atkins-Brady, PDCCC Vice President of Academic and Student Development, and Debbie Hicks, Assistant Provost.

Student Health Center/Sentara Medical Group

This academic year we will begin offering medical care to our students through a Student Health Center managed by Sentara Medical Group. Today I visited the on-campus practice, located in Allen Village, and met Sentara staff members Katie Bush, Practice Manager, and Dr. George Wong, Supervising MD. Also pictured: Dr. Keith Moore, Vice President for Student Affairs.

 

Great Visit with Norfolk Academy Leadership

Great to visit with our neighbors from Norfolk Academy today and show off our beautiful campus and current construction projects. Pictured in the Greer Environmental Sciences Center: Patty McLaughlin, Director of the Lower School, Stewart Howard, Director of Building & Grounds, Jeff Martin, Assistant Headmaster for Business and Auxiliary Operations, and Dennis Manning, Headmaster. Following our Wesleyan tour, we visited Norfolk Academy and its new Massey Leadership Center.

Marlins Aren't Afraid to Get Wet

A little rain didn't slow down Virginia Wesleyan baseball today as they hosted a Blue Marlin Prospect Camp for players in grades 6-10. Great teamwork from our physical plant staff, who helped roll out the tarp at Kenneth R. Perry Field.

 

Khory Moore '17 Recognized by Norfolk Sports Club

Had a wonderful time at today's Norfolk Sports Club luncheon, where recent basketball alumnus Khory Moore was recognized for his status as Virginia Wesleyan's top senior athlete for 2016-2017. Khory received the annual "Norfolk Sports Club" award in May, after finishing his Marlin basketball career as one of the top players in Virginia Wesleyan and ODAC history. Pictured: Joanne Renn, Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Dave Macedo, Head Men's Basketball Coach, Khory Moore '17, and Vicki Trexler, President of the Norfolk Sports Club.