Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

While many Virginia Wesleyan students traveled domestically and abroad for VWU's Spring Break last week, local high school students, NATO officers, and guests traveled to VWU for the 2019 Model NATO Challenge. For the fifth time, we proudly hosted this impressive event on our beautiful campus. I applaud the 29 Student Diplomats who applied and were chosen to represent the 29 NATO Member Countries. I'm always impressed by how these students handle the challenge--a global crisis simulation, confronting real-life issues the NATO Alliance faces. The diplomats are assigned military officers from each of the 29 countries as mentors who assist in preparing the students for the challenge while teaching them about their culture, national military resources and political backgrounds. Student Diplomats are judged on their leadership and diplomacy skills and the top three finalists are awarded scholarships.

Kudos to the three VWU faculty members who served as judges--Dr. Bill McConnell, Assistant Professor of Education; Dr. Modupe Oshikoya, Assistant Professor of Political Science; Dr. Michelle Vachris, Professor of Management, Business, and Economics. Thank you to Antje Schwennicke, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Coordinator of the NATO Partnership, and all who made the event not only possible, but exceptional.

Since my arrival at Virginia Wesleyan in 2015, I've had the pleasure of interacting significantly with leadership at NATO-ACT and also the Norfolk NATO Festival. We are extremely grateful for these partnerships, and we celebrate the opportunity to build global relationships right here in our community. Our student body includes learners from all over the world, and we take pride in our strong commitment to global studies.

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Earlier that day, we hosted the Spring Corporate Leaders Rountable Business Meeting in the Greer Environmental Sciences Center. We discussed projects, programs, and expanding our collaborations to benefit our students. The Virginia Wesleyan University Corporate Leaders Council (CLC) is comprised of business leaders who embrace, embody, and align with the University's vision and values in their management practices. Their personal and professional influence and support help to ensure that our students are strategically positioned to participate in opportunities such as internships and externships that will prepare them for meaningful lives and careers. I'm grateful to this excellent group for their support of Virginia Wesleyan and the opportunities they afford our students.

ET CETERA

My heart and prayers go out to the victims of the tragic mass shootings that occurred on March 15 at the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand. These horrific attacks on innocent worshipers is all too familiar and deeply troubling. Please join me in remembering the victims and their loved ones, and let us continue to strengthen our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment wherever we are and wherever we may go. Dr. Craig Wansink, the Joan P. and Macon F. Brock, Jr. Director of the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom at VWU, spoke last week at a vigil for New Zealand at the Islamic Center of Tidewater. His words truly inspired and encouraged me.

He spoke about the importance of religious freedom, stating "because we see that as being at the very core of who we are as Americans." As Dr. Wansink quoted, President Dwight D. Eisenhower acknowledged this very principle in the opening of the Islamic Center of Washington on June 28, 1957. President Eisenhower said, "I should like to assure you, my Islamic friends, that under the American Constitution, under American tradition, and in American hearts, this Center, this place of worship, is just as welcome as could be a similar edifice of any other religion. Indeed, America would fight with her whole strength for your right to have here your own church and worship according to your own conscience. This concept is indeed a part of America, and without that concept we would be something else than what we are." Let's hope in another 62 years we, as a nation, have abolished the intolerance that terrorizes innocent lives for their beliefs.

I share with you the full text of Dr. Wansink's remarks with hope that you will find inspiration and encouragement as I did. Thank you, Dr. Wansink, for your eloquent and wise sentiments, as always.

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With Spring Break behind us, it's time to sign up for Summer Session. Whether you're behind in coursework or planning to graduate early, enrolling in summer courses at VWU gives you the opportunity to accomplish your goals in a cost-effective way. Both online and traditional courses are available to accommodate your plans. It's a great opportunity to explore study-away courses, too. Destinations such as Costa Rica, Alaska, and New York are offered. Additionally, there are many internship and externship opportunities that can earn you college credit. Catch up or get ahead this summer at VWU. The list of course offerings for Summer Session 2019 is now available here.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

It was nice to have Bruce Alperin, Associate Vice President of Marketing at Aramark Higher Education, back on campus last week and show him the progress on the almost-completed Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. Bruce was in town from Philadelphia for the Virginia Wesleyan Corporate Leaders Council. He has worked with me on the development of comprehensive master plans during my presidencies at Wesley College and VWU. Bruce was publisher and sponsor of "Presidential Perspectives" during my 10 years as editor.

Among the finishing touches of the Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center was the installation of the commemorative plaque and portrait for the Center's namesake, Susan S. Goode. The grand opening and dedication is only a few days away!

Speaking of women in the arts, a panel hosted on campus recently included Dr. Wayla Chambo, flutist and classical radio host at WHRO-FM, Karen Rudd, manager of Norfolk Arts, and Sibel Galindez, community liaison for Zeiders American Dream Theater in Virginia Beach. Kudos to the Women's Resource Center for hosting this panel of professionals from the community as a tribute to Women's History Month. Read more here.

I attended the Virginia Beach State of the City last week at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. It was great to see Mayor Bobby Dyer and Dee Oliver, Vice Chair of the Virginia Beach Planning Commission, at the event. Dee is a graduate of VWU.

As March Madness is in full swing, Bob Marlin takes to blogging and reflects on his creation and recent redesign. Read what Bob has to say here.

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM MY WEEKEND READING

A thoughtful blog post on the state of the Methodist Church by a former West Virginia Wesleyan classmate of mine: "A Good Divorce."
Here's how Norfolk International plans on consolidating parking. Norfolk International Airport is in the process of securing funding for a "huge" new parking garage that would consolidate several lots across the airport's property. The new parking garage will cost between $60-$70 million and all roughly 3,226 spaces will be open for employee and public use. Read more.
Colleges list priorities for Higher Education Act reauthorization. The 36 recommendations include student-level data collection, which was the subject of bipartisan bills introduced in the House and Senate this week. Read more.