Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

Work began this week on our new bike and pedestrian path leading from Wesleyan Drive to Smith Drive. Located adjacent to the picturesque entrance and treeline along University Avenue (passing the DeFord Gatehouse), the new path will connect to the existing path at Smith Drive, which was added during the construction of the Goode Center, and continues to the heart of Virginia Wesleyan's campus.

Also happening later this fall is removal of the berms--the raised banks--from the west boundary on Wesleyan Drive to the Virginia Wesleyan University sign and digital message center. Originally constructed as a security buffer, the berms are no longer necessary with recent addition of the decorative and functional columned fencing. We look forward to the further beautification and greater visibility of our magnificent campus.

All of this enhances the appeal of our scenic 300-acre park-like campus. The parks and trails at VWU provide unique opportunities for teaching, research, wellness, and reflection for the entire campus community.

Natural features include the 12-acre Old-Growth Beech Forest, Longleaf Pine Forest, native gardens at the Greer Environmental Sciences Center, 18-acre Wilson Arboretum, Renn Reserve and Pond, Beverly Pond, Marlin Park and Pond, Trails at Wesleyan Woods, the Robert T. "Bobby" Williams '75 Trail, Lake Taylor, Smart Flower (solar energy), VWU / ODU Climate Research Station, Apiary, and according to a 2012 report, over 13 miles of biking and hiking paths and trails.

These natural assets support Virginia Wesleyan's again being featured in The Princeton Review's Guide to Green Colleges: 2019 Edition, one of our most recent honors. We are recognized as one of the nation's most environmentally responsible colleges and one of 413 profiled schools chosen by The Princeton Review based on a 2018-2019 survey of administrators at hundreds of four-year colleges about their institutions' commitments to the environment and sustainability.

The Princeton Review Editor-in-Chief Rob Franek stated, "We salute-and strongly recommend-Virginia Wesleyan University to the many environmentally-minded students who want to study and live at a green college." Read more here.

Our focus on the environment continues to be a priority. VWU is one of 440 colleges and universities in the Climate Leadership Network, an organization for which I serve as Chair, who is taking action on climate and preparing students for the future through research and education to solve the challenges of the 21st century. I look forward to the upcoming 2020 Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit in February. Thank you all for your shared commitment to these important issues and discussions.

ET CETERA

Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities

Last week I traveled to Philadelphia for the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) annual conference and Presidents' Agenda Day meeting. The conference included 475 delegates from our 104 member institutions of CUMU, including 60 leaders for the Presidents' Agenda Day meeting. VWU is a member of a select group of 104 institutions nationwide in CUMU, the longest-running and largest organization committed to serving and connecting the world's urban and metropolitan universities.

Remembering Dr. E. Bruce Heilman

Let us take a moment to remember the remarkable life of Dr. E. Bruce Heilman, University of Richmond Chancellor and former President. Bruce, a longtime colleague, was known as a pioneer in higher education throughout the 1970's and 1980's, credited with transforming the University of Richmond during his tenure as president. After retiring, he continued as Chancellor and supported the institution and higher education in many ways. He served our country admirably in the armed forces, and like my father, Bruce was stationed in Okinawa during part of his service as a Marine. His always positive and inspiring approach struck me from the first time I met him in the 1990's. Chancellor Heilman exemplified eloquence, and I respected his position as a compelling spokesman for many important issues. We remember him fondly in Virginia as an admirable leader and strong advocate of the VFIC and CICV. Bruce leaves behind a special and lasting legacy in Richmond and across the nation. During this time of sadness, my thoughts remain with his family, the UR community, and all who knew and loved Bruce. His memorial service was held yesterday at the University of Richmond Cannon Memorial Chapel. The service was livestreamed here, and includes a touching tribute from UR President Ronald A. Crutcher. I also share with you links to his obituary and to a special story in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

VFIC Women's Leadership Development Summit

The Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) announced the inaugural cohort of VFIC students attending the "Starting Now: 2019 VFIC Women's Leadership Development Summit" in Richmond on November 7. Congratulations to the five Virginia Wesleyan University students who have been accepted into the program: Nailah Alston-Iszard, Jessica Gurley, Diana Jackson, Chelsea Jacox, and Destiny Kinka. We are proud of you.

The three-day summit will provide the students with the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, learn first-hand from leaders who have forged the way to increase the representation of women in executive-level positions, and experience what it means to prepare for a corporate internship and career. The experience also includes a tour of the Virginia State Capitol and the newly dedicated Virginia Women's Monument.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

The sign has been installed on the path leading to Lake Taylor--named in memory of Robert T. "Bobby" Williams '75. We are Virginia Beach Strong.

Our Esports program was featured on WTKR News 3. It was great to have their news team visit campus last week to check out our new Marlin Esports Arena and talk with VWU freshman Brandon Kwon and Coach Chris Davis. I've included a link to the coverage here.

We had an excellent turnout for our fall Marlins Day Open House. I always enjoy visiting with parents and prospective first-year and transfer students at the opening session in the Goode Center, and throughout the day. View the photo gallery here.

Don't miss the upcoming Alumni Gathering at Wild Wing Cafe on Wednesday, November 13, from 5-7 p.m. We hope to see alumni and friends there!

Thanks to Taylor Adams, Director of Virginia Beach of Economic Development, and his team for hosting an enjoyable meeting. We discussed plans for collaboration initiatives and look forward to partnering on many exciting things to come.

It was an enjoyable visit with Guy Tower, Virginia Beach City Council Member (Beach District), at his social at Smartmouth Brewing Pilot House. Guy has been a loyal friend of Virginia Wesleyan University.

Progress continues on the new Smithdeal Hall roof which was damaged during the storm in September. The new roof and interior improvements for the building are scheduled for completion in the next week.

How nice it was to visit with Delegate Cheryl Turpin and VWU student Heather Gonzales at Pearl and Grant Narelle's home in Virginia Beach. A political science major, Heather interned with Delegate Turpin during her campaign for the Virginia Senate. Delegate Turpin has been a strong supporter of the Virginia Tuition Assistance Program and is a good friend to Virginia Wesleyan University.

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REFLECTIONS

I hope you find these links useful to my recent columns and publications:

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