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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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!
