As we begin this week of giving thanks and enter the season of giving, it is fitting to honor those who have given so much in many ways to our region. Congratulations to our good friends who were honored at the 15th Annual Darden Awards for Regional Leadership: David R. Goode and Susan S. Goode received the Individual Darden Award, and the law firm of Kaufman & Canoles was honored with the Corporate Darden Award.
David Goode, in accepting with his wife Susan the award for their philanthropic contributions to Coastal Virginia, closed by challenging all of us to make our own commitment to improving our community, saying, "Thank you for recognizing what has been done and thank you for recognizing what can be done." David and Susan have been longtime supporters of Virginia Wesleyan. Susan currently serves as Vice Chair of our Board of Trustees.
Among many friends at Kaufman & Canoles, VWU Trustee Vince Mastracco is a partner. We congratulate Vince along with his colleagues at the firm.
I enjoyed attending the event, sponsored by the CIVIC Leadership Institute, and visiting with colleagues and past recipients, including Mita Vail (Darden Committee Chair and former VP for Advancement at VWU), George Birdsong (VWU Trustee Emeritus and 2017 Darden Awards recipient), Harvey Lindsay (2018 Darden Awards recipient), and Rob Goodman (Partner at Kaufman & Canoles).
Thank you to these civic leaders and strong partners of Virginia Wesleyan; we are so grateful for all you do for our campus, community, and beyond.
ET CETERA
All-Steinway Status
Recently, Dr. Bryson Mortensen (Director of Choral Music), Dr. Travis Malone (Dean of the Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities), and Dr. Susan Larkin (Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs) traveled to the Steinway Factory in New York City for the selection of a Steinway B that will be delivered to the Monumental Chapel later this year. After taking a tour of the factory and observing the craftsmanship that goes into each handmade Steinway piano, the trio were presented with nine Steinway B pianos from which to choose our newest addition. This piano, along with five other pianos for the lesson studios in the fine arts building, will arrive in December and represents the final step in order for Virginia Wesleyan University to achieve All-Steinway Status. It is a designation granted by Steinway to institutions that ensure that all pianos on campus are Steinway or Steinway-designed, and it gives our students excellent opportunities for performance. Many thanks to the Mary Morton Parsons Foundation who has supported VWU on our path to this important designation. Individuals interested in helping fund the Steinway Spirio M (currently in the Eleanor and Henry Watts Grand Lobby and Gallery of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center) can do so by visiting VWU's Center for Advancement webpage.
George Circle at Virginia Wesleyan
An emotional evening was spent at YMCA JT'S Camp Grom in Virginia Beach recently as hundreds of friends gathered to celebrate the retirement of Billy George, CEO and President of YMCA of South Hampton Roads. A native of Chester, Virginia, he began his YMCA career as a camp counselor at YMCA Camp Thunderbird in Richmond. Billy has been a Trustee, partner and friend of Virginia Wesleyan for many years and was the driving force behind the founding of Camp Red Feather on campus--a YMCA regional summer day camp serving nearly 300 children per day. In recognition of his 44 years of YMCA service to the youth of this region, we announced at the celebration the naming of the road leading to the Blocker Youth Center on campus as William H. "Billy" George Circle.
An emotional evening was spent at YMCA JT'S Camp Grom in Virginia Beach recently as hundreds of friends gathered to celebrate the retirement of Billy George, CEO and President of YMCA of South Hampton Roads. A native of Chester, Virginia, he began his YMCA career as a camp counselor at YMCA Camp Thunderbird in Richmond. Billy has been a Trustee, partner and friend of Virginia Wesleyan for many years and was the driving force behind the founding of Camp Red Feather on campus--a YMCA regional summer day camp serving nearly 300 children per day. In recognition of his 44 years of YMCA service to the youth of this region, we announced at the celebration the naming of the road leading to the Blocker Youth Center on campus as William H. "Billy" George Circle.
The Jimmy V Foundation
Virginia Wesleyan University hosted a V Foundation game last Monday evening, welcoming Mid-Atlantic Christian University to the Batten Center. All proceeds from the game go to The Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research. Named in honor of the late Jim Valvano, a former collegiate men's basketball coach and ESPN commentator, the V Foundation for Cancer Research has awarded more than $200 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Jim's brother, Bob, is a graduate of Virginia Wesleyan and sent a message that was read before the start of the game. See the picture here at the unveiling of the V Foundation banner for the Batten Center with captains Lamont Stewart, Taylor Major, Evan Tebay, and head coach Dave Macedo.
Virginia Wesleyan University hosted a V Foundation game last Monday evening, welcoming Mid-Atlantic Christian University to the Batten Center. All proceeds from the game go to The Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research. Named in honor of the late Jim Valvano, a former collegiate men's basketball coach and ESPN commentator, the V Foundation for Cancer Research has awarded more than $200 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Jim's brother, Bob, is a graduate of Virginia Wesleyan and sent a message that was read before the start of the game. See the picture here at the unveiling of the V Foundation banner for the Batten Center with captains Lamont Stewart, Taylor Major, Evan Tebay, and head coach Dave Macedo.
VWU Awarded Marks of Distinction
Virginia Wesleyan University was awarded the Climate Leadership Network's Marks of Distinction for Carbon Reduction for 2019. The Climate Leadership Network for which I serve as chair is comprised of colleges and universities who are taking action on climate change and preparing students through research and education to solve the challenges of the 21st century. The Marks of Distinction recognize a select group of universities that set high-performance goals, demonstrate and report measurable progress towards those goals, and support Climate Leadership activities. Virginia Wesleyan was one of twelve institutions recognized for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% since joining the network. In addition to the Carbon Reduction award in the performance category, we have been acknowledged as on track to reaching our goals previously submitted in the Climate Action Plan based on the Annual Progress Evaluation. Learn more here.
The Virginia Peanut Story
It was enjoyable to see George Birdsong, CEO of Birdsong Peanuts and VWU Trustee Emeritus, featured throughout "The Virginia Peanut Story," an interesting WHRO documentary on PBS. George is featured throughout the documentary, beginning at approximately 17:09. Enjoy "The Virginia Peanut Story" here.
Virginia Wesleyan University was awarded the Climate Leadership Network's Marks of Distinction for Carbon Reduction for 2019. The Climate Leadership Network for which I serve as chair is comprised of colleges and universities who are taking action on climate change and preparing students through research and education to solve the challenges of the 21st century. The Marks of Distinction recognize a select group of universities that set high-performance goals, demonstrate and report measurable progress towards those goals, and support Climate Leadership activities. Virginia Wesleyan was one of twelve institutions recognized for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% since joining the network. In addition to the Carbon Reduction award in the performance category, we have been acknowledged as on track to reaching our goals previously submitted in the Climate Action Plan based on the Annual Progress Evaluation. Learn more here.
The Virginia Peanut Story
It was enjoyable to see George Birdsong, CEO of Birdsong Peanuts and VWU Trustee Emeritus, featured throughout "The Virginia Peanut Story," an interesting WHRO documentary on PBS. George is featured throughout the documentary, beginning at approximately 17:09. Enjoy "The Virginia Peanut Story" here.
President to President: Chapter 4
The fourth chapter of the 2019-2020 President to President thought leadership publication is now available online. For many years I have enjoyed editing this series with longtime friend and colleague Marylouise Fennell. This year's series, "The Next Big Thing," explores how higher education institutions are responding to ever-evolving student and parent expectations, learning needs, shifting demographics, and more.
In the latest chapter, "Opening the Campus to Comprehensive Education and Careers," University of Hartford President Dr. Gregory Woodward examines how the rigid academic structure of traditional higher education can evolve to meet the needs of modern students. He describes how his institution took a deeper look at what students wanted from their college experience, both in terms of career readiness and personal development, and worked to support those goals.
In the latest chapter, "Opening the Campus to Comprehensive Education and Careers," University of Hartford President Dr. Gregory Woodward examines how the rigid academic structure of traditional higher education can evolve to meet the needs of modern students. He describes how his institution took a deeper look at what students wanted from their college experience, both in terms of career readiness and personal development, and worked to support those goals.
Esports Website
Be sure to check out the brand new Esports website.
AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS
We had an enjoyable lunch on campus recently with longtime friend and supporter Linda Laibstain. In November of 1995, Linda's late husband, Bob Nusbaum, wrote a letter to Virginia Wesleyan proposing the establishment of a Center for the Study of Religious Freedom. Through Bob's vision and support, the Center has grown to be a national-niche program of the University.
The Marlin Prestige Business Conference, Virginia Wesleyan University's week-long student-led business seminar, opened last Monday with a social and featured speaker in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. The biannual conference is the culmination of months of hard work by students in the VWU business course, "Principles of Management." Students coordinate all components of the conference, exercising key management skills like product development, networking, and project and financial planning.
Always good to visit with our friends from Norfolk Academy (NA), pictured here with Dennis Manning (NA Headmaster), Jeff Martin (NA Assistant Headmaster), and Maynard Schaus (VWU Vice President for Academic Affairs). Virginia Wesleyan and Norfolk Academy have been good neighbors on Wesleyan Drive since the 1960s.
In case you missed it, you can view the photo gallery and learn more about the recent conference held on campus, "Generations Unite to Address Climate Change" which aimed to help the community understand climate change effects and solutions. A link to the photo gallery and feature story can be found here.
It was nice to visit with Dr. Pamela Moolenaar-Wirsiy, American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow, who is studying the college presidency. Marisa Porto, former editor of The Virginian-Pilot and current Executive-in-Residence at Hampton University, arranged the meeting and joined us on campus.
The new lighted flag pole at the memorial garden at Birdsong Field is now complete and can be seen in full display here.
After an impressive season, it comes as no surprise that VWU student-athlete Amber Matalus has been named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Region Team. Kudos to Amber who led the team in kills with a career-high 369. Read more here.
Congratulations to Virginia Wesleyan student-athlete Skyler Lattuca of the cross country team. Skyler led the way for VWU during the NCAA DIII South/Southeast Region Championships. His excellent regional performance earned him an individual invite to the NCAA National Championships. Skyler was also named to the All-South/Southeast Region Team for the second consecutive season. Read more about his many accolades (and counting) here.
It was nice to visit with our friends from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) this morning. Pictured here with Chris Moore (CBF Senior Regional Ecosystem Scientist), Christy Everett (CBF Hampton Roads Director), and Maynard Schaus (VWU Vice President for Academic Affairs). CBF and VWU have been good friends and partners on a variety of projects. Will Baker, President of CBF, will serve as our Commencement Speaker in May.
Join the Virginia Wesleyan Choirs for an evening of traditional carols alongside some exciting new holiday music. The concert, "A Wesleyan Christmas: Letters to Santa," will be performed in the Brock Theatre of the Goode Center at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December, 6, and Saturday, December 7. Also, don't miss some of the sweetest and funniest letters that have been written to Santa (presented as part of the concert). Learn more and get your tickets here.
The opening night of a special art exhibit brought an amazing crowd at Virginia Wesleyan University's Neil Britton Art Gallery as high school artists from throughout Coastal Virginia respond to hatred, tragedy, and fear in "Healing & Hope." The juried exhibition produced 86 entries, 17 merit awards, and 4 award winners. Many thanks to John Rudel, Professor of Art and Coordinator of Art Exhibitions, and Craig Wansink, Professor of Religious Studies and the Joan P. and Macon F. Brock, Jr., Director of the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom, for sponsoring the exhibition and awards. Read more here.
In addition to "Healing & Hope," we are so glad to have another meaningful art exhibit on campus this month. An artist known as Nez spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy and endured three combat tours, followed by two bedridden years battling cancer and debilitating depression. Her therapist wrote a prescription for her: watch Bob Ross videos. It wasn't long before those "happy little trees" won her over. She wanted to paint, but her illness had taken away the dexterity and motor skills necessary for painting. Nez eventually came across a method of painting that involved mixing paint and a medium in a cup, pouring it over canvas and moving it around. She shares with us that art changed her life. Come see Nez's work on display in the Watts Gallery of the Goode Center at VWU through the end of November.
Learn more about the many happenings in our thriving arts program at Virginia Wesleyan in the latest newsletter.
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Have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving!
