VWU’s Batten Center Refresh

Improvements to the Commuter Lounge in the Jane P. Batten Student Center.

View from the the VWU Entrance

A look from the main entrance of VWU, to the clubhouse at Coastal 61 at Oxford Village, our public-private partnership with The Franklin Johnston Group. Coastal 61 will consist of 244-luxury apartments featuring one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans ranging from 833-1395 square feet. There will be eight separate three and four-story residential buildings with an additional two-story luxurious clubhouse and resort-class swimming pool. Learn more about the complex at www.Coastal61.com.

Progress on Coastal 61 at Oxford Village

Good progress on Coastal 61 at Oxford Village, our public-private partnership with The Franklin Johnston Group on the north side of campus. Learn more about the eight-building, 244 unit apartment complex here: www.Coastal61.com.

Congrats to VWU Men's Basketball

Congratulations to the Virginia Wesleyan men's basketball team on their win against the Cavaliers of Cabrini College in the opening game of the Crowne Plaza Holiday Tournament hosted by Albright College. Read more here.

Enroll Today: VWU Online

There is still time to enroll in one of our online programs for the upcoming  semester. Visit vwuonline.com for more information.

Kudos to Head Coach Hoover-Erbig

Congratulations to Virginia Wesleyan’s Coach Andrea Hoover-Erbig on being named the Women’s Volleyball Coach of the Year by Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID)! Read more: http://www.vwuathletics.com/x/7vr7a

Merry Christmas from Virginia Wesleyan

Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year from Annie and me, and the Virginia Wesleyan University family. Sending peace and love to warm your heart this holiday season. I hope you enjoy this festive performance from VWU's Vox Vera chamber ensemble: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC3q59Q_pfc&feature=youtu.be

'Twas the Night Before Christmas: My Letter to Santa

Good morning, Santa. As you know, for the past few years I've used my annual Christmas letter to the North Pole to update you on the state of higher education-and to underscore how we'd invite you to be helpful to us.

Here's my list for the holidays, Santa. As always, though, thank you for the many gifts we received last year. One of the most important-although not the most desirable-was a great big box filled with reality checks about the state of higher education. When we tore off the wrappings, we pulled out enrollment trends showing continued decline in eligible college-aged students. Next to that was rising costs of operation, from building maintenance to technology. In one corner of the box was a long list of competitors for those of us offering the traditional undergraduate experience. Toward the bottom was an envelope marked "presidential days off/personal time." There was nothing in that.

First, light up our trees with ideas to maintain affordability. Today's student consumer has many options on the education menu, from choosing a traditional campus experience to taking online courses to avoiding college altogether. Those who choose the latter ignore the economic and social benefits of a post-secondary degree; they may not see the value of investing in four or even two years of college. And if the problem is cost or the perception of cost, which it often can be, we need as many good ideas as possible about keeping our doors open.

Next, place some new, creative partnerships in our stockings. It is becoming increasingly difficult for any single institution to be all things to all constituents. Granted, higher education can be resistant to collaboration, but there are hopeful signs, such as making it easier to transfer from two-year to four-year campuses, or expanding academic and co-curricular cooperative programs between institutions. Virginia Wesleyan has dual-degree and early-enrollment partnerships with a variety of colleges, universities, and academies-providing clear benefit to students, saving them time and money, while efficiently expanding our curricular offerings and enrollment appeal.

Christmas trees are beautiful to behold, especially when they represent sustainability and recycling. I make my annual appeal for a healthy environment. The Washington Post in its November 26, 2019, coverage of the ongoing climate crisis notes that "it remains unclear whether world leaders can summon the political will to take the ambitious action scientists say is essential" to ward off "an ever-intensifying cascade of consequences" of global warming. It's time for your intervention, Santa, for no greater gift can be handed down to our children than an environment that will sustain all life on our planet. 

Finally, how about a gift of hope to all of higher education that we remain valued and viable? Our industry is changing rapidly, and we presidents are continually making the case that we are vital to the betterment of society. The public is increasingly skeptical, however, that we're worth it. Sadly, some colleges and universities will not survive, yet post-secondary education remains one of our nation's best investments. 

I like a parallel used by Michael Crow, president of Arizona State University, when he addresses the cost of higher education. He says that no student should graduate borrowing more than the cost of a fully equipped Honda Civic-which is $29,000. His suggestion is that a $29,000 car depreciates the second it leaves the lot-whereas a college degree with a $29,000 investment will appreciate over a lifetime.

Speaking of vehicles, Santa, I hope that your sleigh remains air-worthy, and will not transition to self-driving technology; that your elves have all had positive performance evaluations this year; and that you have a safe journey across the skies on Christmas Eve.

I close with one suggestion: despite the popularity of "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday," please don't worry that you will be nudged out of our lives. Retail has its ups and downs, but the world will always need you. Your reputation and conduct are, quite simply, unimpeachable.

Photo Gallery: Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

We've had a festive month at Virginia Wesleyan! For some added holiday cheer, I'm sharing the photo gallery from our annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony that took place in early December: flic.kr/s/aHsmJUTruF

Special Annual Report Edition of the VWU Magazine

The special Annual Report edition of the Virginia Wesleyan University Magazine is now available! View it here: bit.ly/2SdnMeM

"Christmas wishes for higher ed"

"Good morning, Santa. As you know, for the past few years I’ve used my annual Christmas letter to the North Pole to update you on the state of higher education — and to underscore how we’d invite you to be helpful to us. Here’s my list for the holidays, Santa. As always, though, thank you for the many gifts we received last year. One of the most important — although not the most desirable — was a great big box filled with reality checks about the state of higher education." 

Read more in my annual Christmas letter to Santa in The Virginian-Pilot.

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

I write to wish all of you a joyous holiday season, much rest and relaxation, and meaningful times with family and friends. The semester has come to a close, and our students have made their way home for the holidays. I wish all who are traveling during this time a safe journey.

 

I'd like again to share my appreciation for everyone's positive attitudes and good teamwork during the cyber-attack situation. A special thanks to the staff members who are working to catch up over the holiday break as we recover from the interruption. We will share updates as they are known. In the meantime, we have worked hard to continue operations during these challenges, and below are some other recent highlights and items of note.

ET CETERA

Tidewater Community College 69th Commencement Exercises 

It was an honor to deliver remarks at the 69th Tidewater Community College Commencement Ceremony at Chartway Arena this week. Thank you to Dr. Greg DeCinque, President of TCC, for the invitation. It was a wonderful ceremony, and I congratulate the TCC graduates on their accomplishment. We are proud to partner with TCC on our Fair Transfer Agreement which guarantees TCC graduates admission to Virginia Wesleyan. View photos and read more about the ceremony here.

VWU Students Participate at NATO Conference

Five Virginia Wesleyan students participated as "Young Distributors" in the 2019 Chiefs of Transformation Conference, hosted at the Hilton Norfolk The Main by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (NATO-ACT) Headquarters. As VWU Assistant Professor of Political Science and Coordinator of NATO Partnership Dr. Antje Schwennicke shared, our students did exceptionally well, and I congratulate them. Read more here.

Employees By Diversity Report
It has been my annual practice to share data gathered for an Employment by Diversity Report with the campus community. The report can be accessed here. Please note that through the support of private donors, the student work program, Opus, grew again this year. Currently, 421 students are working campus--based jobs-a 25 percent increase over 2018-19.

SACSCOC President's Agenda Day
While attending the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) President's Agenda Day in Houston, I enjoyed a breakfast visit with longtime colleague and friend Clayton Hess, current President of Lincoln Memorial University. Clayton was on the staff at LMU when I was president there back in the 1990s.

President to President: Chapter 5

The fifth chapter of the 2019-2020 President to President thought leadership publication is now available. I enjoy editing this series with longtime friend and colleague Marylouise Fennell. In "Mergers and Acquisitions in Higher Education: Is There an Opportunity to Build Competitive Advantage, Collective Strength, and Mission Focus?" Saint Leo University President Dr. Jeffrey Senese illustrates the value in exploring mergers and acquisitions as tools for strengthening each institution involved and creating new pathways to longevity and success. He describes how colleges and universities can identify strategic, mutually beneficial opportunities and overcome associated challenges to ensure positive outcomes. Read it here.

General Board of Higher Education and Ministry Updates
My congratulations to good friend and colleague Rev. Greg Bergquist who was recently elected by the GBHEM Board of Directors as the agency's new general secretary for a full four-year term. For the last six months, Greg has faithfully led GBHEM as the acting general secretary. As Bishop William McAlilly shares in this update, Greg has made significant contributions and strides for GBHEM during his time at the helm thus far. Read more here.

Dr. Mark Hanshaw, Associate General Secretary of GBHEM, sends along an update as well, "Church Updates & Emerging Discussions." Read it here.

Southern Methodist University Update
As the story continues to unfold with the United Methodist Church, many schools are taking action. Southern Methodist University (SMU) is one prominent example: "to redefine its relationship with the United Methodist Church makes a powerful statement at a shaky time in this denomination's history." Read more in "SMU Sued for Severing Ties With Church" in Inside Higher Ed, and "What SMU's plan to split from Methodist control could mean for Dallas churches angry about LGBTQ policies," in The Dallas Morning News.

Coastal 61 at Oxford Village: EarthCraft Certified
Our public-private partnership for Coastal 61 at Oxford Village is coming along nicely. By incorporating energy and resource efficient designs and systems, the project is EarthCraft-certified. Thanks to our developers, the Franklin Johnston Group, for their responsible and sustainable practices. Read more here.

Marlin Meadows Garden
You may have noticed that work has begun on a new campus garden--"Marlin Meadows." This project was one of the student projects funded in the inaugural year of the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department Endowed Fund and coordinated by students of the Marlins Go Green environmental club. The garden extends the Greer Center native gardens toward the chapel and is designed by Brian O'Neil, VWU/NBG Director of Living Landscapes. The finished garden will include a native pollinator garden, a rain garden with carnivorous plants, a small bridge across a drainage swale, and a sitting area for the students to enjoy nature, which will include a table with a solar umbrella charging station. The project will occur in stages with the final plantings planned for next fall when the weather is conducive to their success.

In addition to the $1,300 EES endowed fund, students have raised additional funds through a bake sale and have received other generous gifts to support the garden: Native plants were donated by the Virginia Zoo (coordinated by VWU alumnus Mikel Conway, horticulturist at the zoo); wood chips from Nuckols Tree Care; $250 from the local Sierra Club chapter; up to $3,000 from the Elizabeth River Project for native trees and the rain garden; and a generous gift from VWU Trustee Jim Shumadine. My thanks to all for their support and generosity.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

It was so nice to visit with longtime Trustee Emeritus George Birdsong on campus. We had enjoyable discussions over lunch followed by a brief tour of campus where we shared updates on many projects underway. Though George is quite familiar with our campus, with continuous updates and improvements happening, there is always something new to see. George is a good friend and Virginia Wesleyan benefactor. We remain grateful to him and the Birdsong family for their strong support.

We were glad to have our friends from Hampton Roads Workforce Council hold their Board meeting on campus in the Shafer Room (newly renovated Board of Trustees Suite). I enjoyed visiting with the Council and welcoming friends to campus. HRWC does outstanding work for our community, Coastal Virginia, and beyond, and their impact is immeasurable in contributing to the economic vitality of our region.

It was enjoyable to host leadership from the University of Virginia's Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy--Dr. Ian Solomon (Dean) and Jeff Chidester (Executive Director of External Affairs). UVA's Batten School and the Batten Honors College of VWU have been good friends and partners.

Congratulations to good friend and longtime colleague John Dever on his retirement as President of Thomas Nelson Community College. Recently I celebrated his well-earned milestone at the Peninsula Workforce Development Center. I thank John for his significant and lasting contributions to higher education in our community, region, and beyond.

We hosted on campus the Cross-Bay Rivalry presented by TowneBank. The basketball doubleheader (women's and men's teams) vs. CNU had a good turnout with strong support from our Marlins and friends. During half-time we recognized our Faculty Athletic Advisors and held a Faculty Appreciation event. Food for the Friends of the Marlin Athletic Fund Hospitality Area was generously sponsored by Taco Bell. It is Virginia Beach-owned and -operated by VWU Trustee and alumnus, Tassos Paphites '79. Desserts were provided by Gigi's Cupcakes, owned by Kaitrin Young, daughter of Tassos. Gigi's Cupcakes is located at The Shops at Hilltop. Our thanks to Tassos, Kaitrin, and our good friends at TowneBank for their continued support. I commend the women's basketball team for their effort and hard work. Congratulations to the men's basketball team who are now 8-1 after their 74-64 win.

Recently I enjoyed attending the First Pitch Dinner, benefitting the Virginia Wesleyan softball team. It was wonderful to visit with many friends and athletes, including Alabama Head Coach Patrick Murphy.

Recently I had the opportunity to check out the new Virginia Beach Sports Center which is progressing nicely. Virginia Wesleyan looks forward to the opening of this beautiful new facility which is located adjacent to the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

Ann Phillips, Special Assistant to the Governor for Coastal Adaption and Protection, gave a briefing at our monthly Virginia Beach Vision Board of Directors meeting.

Throughout the month, we enjoyed many Virginia Wesleyan University holiday traditions. The Christmas Tree Lighting was a festive way to launch the holiday season on campus. A special guest (pictured here) stopped by this year's celebration at The Beacon. Brunch with Santa, a Christmas party for children/grandchildren from the VWU family, was a great time for our young Marlins. Thanks to Professor of Recreation Studies Dr. Jill Sturts and her class for coordinating the event!

Each semester I invite faculty members to a roundtable discussion and forum. Thanks to the faculty who recently attended the fall forum.

With a wonderful crew, I had a great time serving at the annual VWU Late Night Breakfast for students preparing for finals.

It was a joyous occasion celebrating the grand opening for Mezzo Apartment Homes. Longtime Virginia Wesleyan Board member Robin Ray is majority partner of Mezzo.

Learn more about recent and upcoming events and programs happening in the arts at Virginia Wesleyan here.

Six new Steinway and Steinway-designed pianos were delivered to VWU, including a new Steinway B to the Monumental Chapel and Recital Hall. These pianos are important to our journey of becoming an All-Steinway campus.

Thanks to our partners Tymoff+Moss Architects for some incredible photos of our Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center! View the full gallery here.

STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES

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REFLECTIONS

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President to President

PRESIDENTIAL EVENTS

I invite you to stay updated on these activities here.

 

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# # #

The next Nota Bene will be shared on Monday, January 6. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 

"Savoring milestones at the 69th Fall Commencement"

The feature story on the recent TCC Commencement Ceremony can be found here. It was a pleasure to attend and deliver remarks.Thanks again to Dr. DeCinque, President of TCC, for the invitation. I am so proud of the TCC graduates and wish them the best! 

Marlin SportSplash: December 17, 2019

Catch the latest in Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in this week's edition of Marlins SportSplash: https://conta.cc/2r7vE6f

Trustee Emeritus George Birdsong

So nice to visit with longtime Trustee Emeritus and good friend George Birdsong this afternoon. George is pictured in the Wesleyan Engaged office with Director Brian Kurisky. Though George is quite familiar with Virginia Wesleyan, there is always something new to see with the many projects underway and updates happening across campus. We remain grateful to George and the entire Birdsong family for their strong support of Virginia Wesleyan.

Hampton Roads Workforce Council

So glad to welcome our friends and partners from the Hampton Roads Workforce Council to campus this morning for their Board meeting in the Shafer Room—our newly renovated Board of Trustees Suite. The Council does outstanding work for our community, Coastal Virginia, and beyond—and their impact is immeasurable in contributing to the economic vitality of our region. Virginia Wesleyan is proud to collaborate with HRWC on a number of career-development initiatives.

Tidewater Community College Commencement Exercises

I was honored to speak at the 69th Tidewater Community College Commencement Ceremony, pictured with Greg DeCinque, President of TCC, and Lauren Lewis, TCC student leader. Congratulations to all the graduates!

Thanks to Tassos Paphites ‘79 & Daughter Kaitrin

Food for the Friends of the Marlin Athletic Fund Hospitality Area was generously sponsored by Taco Bell, Virginia Beach owned and operated by VWU Trustee and alumnus, Tassos Paphites, class of 1979. Desserts were provided by Gigi’s Cupcakes owned by Kaitrin Young, daughter of Tassos. Gigi’s Cupcakes is located at The Shops at Hilltop. 

Thank you TowneBank

At game two of the Cross-Bay Rivalry presented by TowneBank on campus. Pictured with men’s basketball team captains, Head Coach Dave Macedo, and alumnus Bobby Fox ‘94, TowneBank Senior VP of Commercial Banking. Thanks to our friends and partners at TowneBank for their continued support! (The Marlins are now 8-1 after a 74-64 win)

Cross-Bay Rivalry Presented by TowneBank

Today’s Cross-Bay Rivalry presented by TowneBank is in full swing on campus. Pictured above at game one of the women’s and men’s basketball doubleheader vs. CNU with women’s Head Coach Liz Huddy, team captains, and alumnus Bobby Fox ‘94, TowneBank Senior VP of Commercial Banking. Pictured below with VWU faculty and staff who we recognized at half time—we appreciate their support and enjoyed cheering on our Marlins together. The men’s game tipped off at 3:30.

First Pitch Dinner

Enjoyable evening at the First Pitch Dinner — benefitting Virginia Wesleyan University softball. Pictured with VWU head coach Brandon Elliott, University of Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy, and Executive Director of Athletics Tina Hill.

Congratulations to John Dever

Congratulations to good friend and longtime colleague John Dever on his retirement as President of Thomas Nelson Community College. I enjoyed celebrating John’s well-earned milestone at the Peninsula Workforce Development Center recently. We thank John for his significant and lasting contributions to higher education in our community, region and beyond.

VWU Alumni News

Check out the latest VWU Alumni News where we celebrate 55 of our newest Virginia Wesleyan graduates becoming Alumni: https://conta.cc/2LOnpD9

All-Steinway Campus

An exciting day for music and the choirs at Virginia Wesleyan University! Six new Steinway and Steinway designed pianos were delivered, including a new Steinway B to the Monumental Chapel and Recital Hall. These pianos are important to our journey of becoming an All-Steinway campus.

Leadership from UVA’s Batten School

We enjoyed hosting on campus this afternoon leadership from UVA’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. UVA’s Batten School and the Batten Honors College of VWU have been good friends and partners. Pictured with Ian Solomon (Dean, UVA’s Batten School), Jeff Chidester (Executive Director of External Affairs, UVA’s Batten School), Denise Cunningham (Director of Enrollment, Batten Honors College of VWU), Joyce Easter (Dean, Batten Honors College of VWU), and Maynard Schaus (VWU Vice President for Academic Affairs).

Congratulations Robin Ray

Attended the grand opening today for Mezzo Apartment Homes. Robin Ray is a longtime Virginia Wesleyan University Board member and majority partner of Mezzo.

Late Night Breakfast at VWU

Great time serving with this crew at our annual VWU Late Night Breakfast for students.

President to President: Chapter 5

The fifth chapter of the 2019-2020 President to President thought leadership publication is now available. I enjoy editing this series with longtime friend and colleague Marylouise Fennell. 

In “Mergers and Acquisitions in Higher Education: Is There an Opportunity to Build Competitive Advantage, Collective Strength, and Mission Focus?” Saint Leo University President Dr. Jeffrey Senese illustrates the value in exploring mergers and acquisitions as tools for strengthening each institution involved and creating new pathways to longevity and success. He describes how colleges and universities can identify strategic, mutually beneficial opportunities and overcome associated challenges to ensure positive outcomes.

New Virginia Beach Sports Center

Today I had the opportunity to check out the new Virginia Beach Sports Center which is progressing nicely. Virginia Wesleyan looks forward to the opening of this beautiful new facility which is located adjacent to the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

The Pharos: December 2019

Read up on the latest accomplishments of Virginia Wesleyan University faculty and staff in the December edition of The Pharos: https://conta.cc/2PaMI4o

Marlin SportSplash: December 10, 2019

Catch the latest in Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in this week's edition of Marlins SportSplash: https://conta.cc/34bngA6

Visit with Longtime Colleague

Enjoyable breakfast visit in Houston today with long time colleague and friend Clayton Hess, current President of Lincoln Memorial University. Clayton was on the staff at LMU when I was president there back in the 1990s.

The Wesleyan Review: December 6, 2019

Our newest edition of the Wesleyan Review is out! Read about the latest VWU news and events here: https://conta.cc/2RzdeX9

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

Yesterday, family, friends, and faculty gathered on campus to celebrate 55 Virginia Wesleyan students who qualified for graduation at the end of this semester as well as those who reached the milestone in August of this year. Both undergraduate and masters-level students are among the mid-year degree candidates. Adding to the special day was the new venue for this year's ceremony. Held for the first time in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, the ceremony took place in the Joan and Macon Brock Theatre with a reception that followed in the Eleanor and Henry Watts Grand Lobby and Gallery. Dean of the Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities Dr. Travis Malone, recipient of the 2019 Samuel Nelson Gray Distinguished Teaching Award, offered words of wisdom and reflections in his address to the group. Alisa Crider, Class of 2010 and recipient of the 2018 Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award, gave remarks on behalf of the Alumni Council and welcomed these accomplished Marlins to the ranks of alumni. 

To these graduating students: congratulations and remember that as alumni, you are always part of Virginia Wesleyan. We look forward to learning about your many achievements and the exceptional ways you will make a positive impact on the world. 

Read highlights from the ceremony, enjoy the photo gallery, and view the video here.

# # #

Last week, we celebrated members of the Clarke Heritage Society at our annual luncheon. Annie and I had the pleasure of welcoming to campus Alice Clarke for whom the society is named along with her late husband Lambuth, president of Virginia Wesleyan from 1966 to 1992. The Clarkes planted many of the seeds of Wesleyan's future success. We remain grateful to Alice for her continued support of our institution and to the Clarkes for their inspiring legacy. Many of our supporters attended the luncheon, including Jim Bergdoll, Vice President Emeritus, and Henry Light, member of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and strong supporter of the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program (VTAG). We thank all of our Clarke Heritage Society members for their commitment to the University in a very important way. Learn more and view the photo gallery here.

# # #

We had a wonderful time celebrating all who supported "The Future is Here" 2019 Faculty/Staff Campaign. Special thanks to Kelly Cordova (Assistant Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations) and our campaign ambassadors who were recognized at the thank you reception--Elaine Aird '96, Heather Campbell '04, April Christman '14, Brandon Elliott '03, Randy Lott, Dr. Bryson Mortensen, Jason Seward '05, and Dr. Michelle Vachris.

I am delighted to report that our full-time faculty and staff members demonstrated their confidence in the future of Virginia Wesleyan with results showing 73% of the campus participating in this month-long campaign, exceeding our participation goal. This year's campaign raised over $42,000 for various priorities across the University. A noteworthy achievement from the campaign is that we had 100% participation from our alumni working full-time on campus. We can be grateful to have such an engaged community of alumni, faculty and staff supporting the University through their gifts of time, talent, and treasure. View the photo gallery here.

ET CETERA

Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program

Each October, Virginia Wesleyan students, parents, and alumni join others across the Commonwealth in the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program (VTAG) advocacy campaign.  VTAG supports educational opportunities for nearly 23,000 Virginia residents and their families, including more than 800 Virginia Wesleyan students.  While currently at $3,400 per resident, the amount varies annually. The campaign generates awareness of, and appreciation for, the grant program by writing elected officials, including Governor Ralph Northam, requesting their continued support.  VWU's participation has always been exceptional in terms of the rate of support from our community. This year, Virginia Wesleyan's role is second only to a larger institution enrolling over 100,000 students.  The campaign consists of letters, emails, post cards, and an annual visit to the Capitol to visit with elected officials, which also teaches our students a valuable lesson about the power of civic engagement.  Special thanks to the staff in Student Affairs who coordinate this effort each year.  

In case you missed it, I discuss this topic in my monthly column in The Virginian-Pilot. To learn more, read "Affordability continues to be a focus for colleges" here.

"Viewpoint: Virginia needs to up TAG funding to level education access"

On a related note, Washington Business Journal recently published a nicely done op-ed by Marymount University President Irma Becerra. You can read it here.

CICV Graph of the Month

Each month, Robert Lambeth, President of the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV), shares a statistical graph.  I thought you'd find this one interesting, and you can view the graph here.

VWU Students Awarded Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarships

Three Virginia Wesleyan students have been awarded a Benjamin A. Gilman scholarship to study abroad during the spring semester. Congratulations to the following students:

1. Kayleen Meinen (Earth & Environmental Science) will be studying in Los Angeles de Atenas, Costa Rica.
2. Asha Richards (International Studies & Political Science) will be studying in Accra, Ghana.
3. Brianna Sandy (Political Science) will be studying in Rabat, Morocco.

Overseen by the Institute of International Education, a division of the U.S. State Department, the highly-selective Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program awards grants to students to study or intern abroad. Each student will receive a $4,000 scholarship.

Special thanks to Mandy Reinig, Director of the Study Away Program, who mentored these students through the application process.