Last
Saturday, during Homecoming and Family Weekend, a dedication ceremony
and ribbon cutting was held to celebrate Virginia Wesleyan University’s
new Betty S. Rogers Track and Field Center. Our program, led by Coaches
Mat and Krista Littleton, now has a home of its own—a state-of-the-art
facility made possible by generous gift support.
Located at the
northeast corner of campus near the intersection of Wesleyan Drive and
Baker Road, the new 400-meter track and field center is a significant
addition to our athletic facilities. The eight-lane track, in accordance
with NCAA regulations, will include a rubber athletic surface. The
facility will also feature discus and hammer throw, high jump, long
jump/triple jump, pole vault, shot put, and steeplechase.
Two
primary donors made this facility possible. One prefers to remain
anonymous, and the second was able to join us for Saturday’s
ceremony—Virginia Wesleyan Trustee and alumnus of the Class of 1970,
Bill S. Shelhorse. Together with his company, Chesapeake Bay
Contractors, Bill provided substantial financial and in-kind support for
the construction and soon-to-be-completed track and field named in
memory of his late sister, Betty.
Betty was a junior in college
when Bill was born, and served as a strong figure in his life. She was a
lifelong educator who nurtured the growth and development of many other
young people in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools, where she
taught English and physical education for nearly a quarter-century
before retiring.
When we asked Bill if he wished to have this new
center named for him, he humbly declined in favor of honoring his
beloved sister. In her memory and with deep gratitude to Bill and his
firm, we proudly dedicated the Betty S. Rogers Track and Field Center.
We were also pleased and proud to announce during the ceremony that the
road leading to this new facility will be named Shelhorse Lane.
Thank
you to the enthusiastic crowd of Trustees—including Bill Shelhorse, his
wife Sally, and his brother John—alumni, parents, student-athletes and
friends who joined us for
the
dedication. The Betty S. Rogers Track and Field Center demonstrates
again the importance of philanthropy. Thank you to all who contribute to
the support and success of Virginia Wesleyan University.
Please enjoy photos from the dedication ceremony on the Virginia Wesleyan Flickr page.
