Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

This is the time of year when we typically hold a series of special events in celebration of our retiring faculty and staff. Unfortunately, the coronavirus crisis has delayed those in-person recognitions for the time being. With due respect to social distancing, I ask that you join me from afar in congratulating six special members of our Marlin family who have achieved this significant milestone and will be retiring this spring.

Tamela Dhority Thornes, Operations Manager and Technical Director for the Goode Center (20 years of service)
Dr. Hilve Firek, Professor of Education (10 years of service)
Dr. J. Michael Hall, Lambuth M. Clarke Professor of English (40 years of service)
Audrey Rafferty, Payroll Manager (35 years of service)
Dr. Jayne Sullivan, Associate Professor of Education (20 years of service)
Midge Zimmerman, Director of Purchasing (20 years of service)

A celebration of their service will be held in the fall when we can safely and properly gather to express our gratitude. We will also hold the traditional tree planting ceremony for our retiring faculty in the Wilson Arboretum at that time.

Additionally, I congratulate Drs. Hall and Sullivan on being awarded the distinction of Professor Emeritus.

Thank you again to these Marlins who have left their mark of distinction on our campus and community.

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I am pleased to share that Dr. Steven Emmanuel, Professor of Philosophy at Virginia Wesleyan University, has been named as the next Dean of the Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities. Dr. Emmanuel is a longtime and highly respected member of the Virginia Wesleyan faculty. He has received many

awards for teaching, research and public service throughout his career, including the Outstanding Faculty Award from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)--the Commonwealth's highest honor for faculty at Virginia public and private colleges and universities

I also want to thank Dr. Travis Malone, the inaugural Dean of the Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities, for his outstanding leadership--most notably serving as the academic liaison for the construction of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center and the fundraising campaign for the original Fine Arts Building.

Dr. Malone has done a truly remarkable job since its establishment in 2016. As his term will end with the academic year, I want to express my sincerest thanks to Dr. Malone for his dedication and service during this time of growth and change. The arts at Virginia Wesleyan have positively thrived under his leadership and he has been a valued adviser. I know the program will remain in good hands under Dr. Emmanuel's deanship.

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You have often heard me speak of the widely-respected reputation of our Center for the Study of Religious Freedom. Founded in 1996, the Center has grown in national prominence and stature. With that growth in mind, and in consultation with major contributors and family members of its late Founding

Fellow Robert "Bob" Nusbaum, the Center has been renamed in his honor. The Robert Nusbaum Center will continue to expand its focus to encompass diversity, dialogue, faith and freedom.

Nusbaum, who passed away in 2018, was a prominent Hampton Roads civic leader, a former Virginia Wesleyan Trustee and Founding Fellow of the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom. He was the driving force behind the creation of the Center, first proposing the idea in a letter he wrote in November 1995:

"I venture to guess that more persons have been slaughtered in the name of religion than from any other cause...in this continuing saga of man's inhumanity to man, the one bright light that goes beyond mere tolerance is Jefferson's Statute for Religious Freedom. It laid the foundation for the First Amendment, and has served as a beacon for all enlightened constitutions ever since."

Thanks to his vision and persistence, the Center became a reality less than a year later in 1996.

"When Bob spoke of the Virginia Statute and the First Amendment, he highlighted how their legacy has resulted in diversity, dialogue, faith, and freedom in our nation," noted Dr. Craig Wansink, the Joan P. and Macon F. Brock, Jr., Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center. He continued, "At the same time, he recognized their fragility. If our nation doesn't see diversity and dialogue as important to its growth, it becomes something different than what the founders intended. It was his hope that students and citizens more deeply value those rights. I am grateful to be part of that mission for our commonwealth and country."

Bob Nusbaum and his brother, V.H. "Pooch" Nusbaum, later established the Justine L. Nusbaum Endowed Lectureship in honor of their mother, also well known for her lifelong volunteer service and dedication to humanitarian causes.

In 2016, Nusbaum created an endowment enabling the center to hold an annual student essay contest in which participants reflect on the importance of religious freedom either in this country or around the world. He shared his own worry that many young people do not understand the heritage of religious freedom as well as his wish that every VWU student would graduate with an understanding of the challenges and obstacles that humanity has overcome in attaining religious freedom, and to have an appreciation of the need to be ever vigilant to maintain those rights.

In recognition of his immeasurable service to the institution, Virginia Wesleyan awarded Nusbaum an honorary degree (Doctor of Laws) in 2003, and officially named him as the Founding Fellow of the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom during the 2016 Justine L. Nusbaum Lecture. In 2013, he was the recipient of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities Humanitarian Award.

Nusbaum served in an astonishing range of civic organizations, nearly always in leadership roles, and often as president or chair. In the late 1950s and into the 1960s, he publicly fought against "massive resistance" to the integration of the Norfolk public schools. For the short term, he helped raise money to hire a lawyer for African-American school children and their families and organized business and community support for reopening the schools. For the long term, he founded a program called "The Aid Fund" which provided scholarships to African-American students struggling against racial discrimination in Virginia's colleges and universities.

In the 1980s, he responded creatively to the controversy surrounding the new in-vitro fertilization program at EVMS. He founded a group known as Virginians Organized for Informed Community Expression, or VOICE, to promote public education about this program. He also helped establish the Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine Foundation and served for several years as chairman of its board.

These few examples of the unique characteristics Nusbaum exhibited illustrate the sensitivity of his interest in this important area. Virginia Wesleyan University is grateful for Robert Nusbaum's numerous contributions to the community and the University, which he served so faithfully, and proudly renames the center to reflect his vision and honor his legacy.

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Congratulations to Amy Rush, who assumes the role of Executive Director of The Lighthouse. Amy has served as Deputy Director in recent years and has also played an important role in the development and growth of the Army ROTC Marlin Company on campus.

During the last five years, The Lighthouse: Center for Exploration & Discovery, has become the "go to" place for three of our core academic pillars: undergraduate research, career development, and study away. Soon, an important fourth component, Wesleyan Engaged: The Center for Civic Engagement and Service Learning, will join The Lighthouse on the first floor of Clarke Hall. During January Term, the Office of Innovative Teaching and Engaged Learning also moved from the Jane P. Batten Student Center to an area adjacent to The Lighthouse.

The relocation of these programs, coupled with the recent growth of the Beazley Foundation Technology Center and expanded reach and reputation of the Robert Nusbaum Center, creates an exciting hub on the first floor of Clarke Hall--once dubbed "The Academic Center of Virginia Wesleyan."

We also thank Dr. Sara Sewell, the founding Executive Director of The Lighthouse, for her leadership and concurrent completion of the Quality Enhancement Plan for our accrediting body--the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). We wish her well as she returns to teaching full time.

ET CETERA

Batten Honors College Convocation

Since the founding of the distinctive Batten Honors College in the fall of 2107, an intimate recognition ceremony has been held for the newest Batten Fellows and Shumadine Scholars. A ceremonial pinning of each student represents their completion of orientation and formal induction into the elite Batten Honors College of Virginia Wesleyan University.

As the program has grown and the highly selective Batten Honors College has flourished, the ceremony has also grown to reflect this. This fall, all four classes of the Batten Honors College will attend the Batten Honors College Convocation and we will welcome Dr. Ian Solomon, Dean of UVA's Frank Batten School for Leadership and Public Policy, as the keynote speaker. This special event will be held on our Founders Day, September 10.

Founded in 2017, the Batten Honors College has flourished as an elite, highly selective program and national niche for Virginia Wesleyan.

Encourage Student Engagement in 2020

Over the last several months, my colleague Dr. Michael Roth (President of Wesleyan University) has been discussing with leaders of colleges and universities our shared responsibilities for developing civically engaged citizens and contributing to civic life. Virginia Wesleyan University has publicly joined in this effort and as a signatory, affirmed our institution's commitment. Higher education has an obligation to empower thoughtful participation in our political system as part of our contribution to the public good.

Our effort endorses three principles: (1) Developing civic preparedness is a core element of the mission of American higher education; (2) Participating in American political life helps students learn from a diversity of ideas and people while developing skills for lifelong, active citizenship; (3) Empowering students and teachers to engage with the complex issues facing the country are crucial facets of higher education's contributions to the common good. Learn more here.

In the coming months, we hope to share stories of students and programs around the U.S. that are helping make these principles a reality. We realize that the traditional "knocking on doors" will not be possible for some time. Virtual engagement in the public sphere will inspire creative forms of political participation, and we hope to circulate those inspiring examples to amplify their impact.

VWU Celebrates the 50th Earth Day

Though the on-campus plans for last week's 50th anniversary celebration of Earth Week were disrupted by COVID-19, the tribute was adapted to include virtual recognition of this important milestone. VWU honored the University's commitment to the environment with tributes to the past, present and future. From the 1992 student demonstration to protect the beech wood forest on campus to the lush gardens now surrounding the Greer Environmental Sciences Center and a new VWU Sustainability Leaders program in the works, Virginia Wesleyan has always put environmental stewardship at the forefront. Read more here.

Summer Session

Whether you are behind or looking to complete your degree early, Summer Session at Virginia Wesleyan University is the perfect solution. You can hit the books in the morning and the beach (and summer jobs) in the afternoon. An affordable option, Summer Session courses are discounted 73 percent compared to fall and spring tuition. We offer five terms throughout the summer, beginning in May. Learn more here.

Congressional Art Competition

Last year VWU was proud to be the host site of Rep. Elaine Luria's inaugural Congressional Art Competition for Virginia's Second District. Due to the spread of COVID-19, necessary changes were made to this year's competition to keep participants safe and healthy. While we were looking forward to the event being held on our campus again this year, we are glad that the competition will not be canceled. This is an annual non-partisan competition for high school students to show their artistic talents to the nation with a chance to have their work hung in the Capitol Building in Washington. Learn more here.

Condolences to Sharon Laderberg

It is with sorrow that I share the passing of Ms. Arlene Berman Kesser, mother of VWU Assistant Vice President for Advancement Sharon Laderberg. Ms. Kesser passed away at the age of 84 on April 23. A private graveside service will be held in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Please join me in keeping Sharon and her family in your thoughts during this painful time. Ms. Kesser's obituary can be viewed here.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Work continues on the floors of our new TowneBank Arena. Take a look at these recent photos.

Significant progress has been made on the luxury apartment complex across from our main entrance on Wesleyan Drive. View recent photos of Coastal 61 at Oxford Village.

This year the campaigning and elections for the VWU Student Government Association (SGA) were conducted virtually. All Marlins were able to nominate candidates for positions through social media polls and by email. Candidates created digital flyers, campaign videos, and contacted various campus offices to post their campaign materials on their respective social media platforms to spread the word far and wide. Director of Student Activities Sarah Guzzo shared that once elections went live, votes poured in. Congratulations to this year's elected Student Government Association Officials for the 2020-21 academic year!

EXECUTIVE BOARD:

Sabrina "Bri" Jones, President

Hometown: Fredericksburg, Virginia

Rising class and major: Senior, Criminal Justice with Sociology minor

Campus Involvement: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Resident Assistant, women's basketball, Batten Center Staff

"I am excited to be a part of SGA this year because I believe that the student body is very important and their voices matter. I want it to be my job, to make sure they are heard and this coming year to be the best year yet at VWU!"

Alaira Groomes, Vice President

Hometown: Germantown, Maryland

Class and Major: Rising Senior; Business

Campus Involvement: Tri Sigma Sorority, Resident Assistant, Debate Club President, Student Activities Office, Wesleyan Activities Council Event Supervisor

"To listen to the voices of the students and make changes that are both feasible and effective"

Issac Guzman, Secretary

Hometown: Passaic, New Jersey

Class and Major: Rising Senior; Communication with a Business Minor

Campus Involvement: Marlin Ministries, Coastal Market Staff

"The main reason to be excited to be an SGA member is being able to be in a leadership role with pioneering minds. The people in the SGA community are known for their diligence in the classroom and for the student community, also not to mention, how much we care for the student administration in their collaborations to make Virginia Wesleyan great!"

Joey Mueller, Treasurer

Hometown: Woodbridge Virginia

Class and Majors: Rising Sophomore; Political Science and Theatre

Campus Involvement: Batten Honors College

"I am excited to continue the work we started last year and to make sure our entire student body feels heard and included."

Allison Churchman, Special Events Coordinator

Hometown: Chesapeake, Virginia

Class and Major: Rising Senior; Business.

Campus Involvement: Resident Assistant, President of Tri Sigma Sorority, Wesleyan Ambassador, Wesleyan Activities Council Event Supervisor, Debate Club

"I'm excited to be a part of SGA because I am excited to represent the true interests of the student body."

CLASS OFFICIALS:

Eric Fisher III, Senior Class President

Hometown: Virginia Beach, Virginia

Major and Class: Rising Senior; Sports and Recreation Management

Campus Involvement: Men's Track and Field, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Homelessness Shelter Student Organization

"I enjoy being a part of SGA because I think it's cool to be a contributing factor to the upcoming freshmen's experience."

Dazjae Johnson, Senior Class Vice President

Hometown: Chesapeake, Virginia

Major: Social Work

Campus Involvement: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, National Society of Leadership and Success, Resident Assistant, Homecoming Queen of 2018-2019

"This is my third year having the absolutely amazing opportunity of being a part of SGA, and every year I find that I become more connected with the student body. The best part has been taking the students' concerns back to the meetings, and watching all the leaders of SGA as well as Jason and Keith work so diligently to come up with solutions. The care that this group of individuals have for the student body is truly so angelic! I'm excited for another year to give back to the campus through the wonderful works of SGA!"

Landry Moffo, Junior Class President

Hometown: Stafford Virginia

Major: Recreation and Leisure Management

Campus Involvement: Men's Track and Field, Debate Club

"Last year we started some new Wesleyan traditions and I'm excited to reintroduce those ideas again ( in hopes of getting more participation) as well as start some new ones and develop a positive subculture at Virginia Wesleyan. I'm also excited to see all of the changes that can occur for the student body as they voice their opinions throughout the year to myself and the rest of the reps."

Danielle "D'Arcy" D'Arcy, Junior Class Vice President

Hometown: Williamsburg, Virginia

Majors: Elementary Education and Business

Campus Involvement : Tri Sigma Sorority

"I am so excited to be a part of SGA this year because I have always wanted to be a part of it and I have many ideas to help our school and our student body thrive even in these difficult times. I can't wait to get started!"

Wesley Burton, Sophomore Class President

Hometown: Fredericksburg, Virginia

Major: Business

Campus Involvement: Carribean Student Association, African Student Association

"I'm excited to be able to make an impact on the school and increase campus involvement."

Phoebe Cox, Sophomore Class Vice President

Hometown: Bridgewater, Virginia

Major: History

Campus Involvement: Batten Honors College

"I'm excited to be a part of SGA in order to continue spreading positive change throughout campus."

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