Today I'd like to recognize 38 members of the Marlin Family for special milestones in their Virginia Wesleyan careers, from those who have reached a decade of service to those who have dedicated 40 years to our institution. Congratulations to these employees, listed below, and thank you for all that you do for Virginia Wesleyan every day. Because of the coronavirus crisis, our traditional Employee Appreciation Breakfast planned for late April has been postponed, and we look forward to celebrating you in person this fall once it is safe to gather!
40 Years
J. Michael Hall
35 Years
Carol Johnson
30 Years
Elaine Dessouki
Joyce Walden
25 Years
Sandra Billy
Benjamin Dobrin
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20 Years
Charline Bess
Jeffrey Bowers
Kimberly Brown
Patricia Colthurst
Joyce Easter
B. Malcolm Lively
Daniel Margolies
Wayne Pollock
Philip Rock
Victor Townsend
John Wang
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15 Years
Soraya Bartol
Richard Bond
Victor Dorsey
Christine Hall
Craig Jackson
Travis Malone
Lisa Lyon Payne
John Rudel
George Scott
C.J. Sholler
Kathy Stolley
Cathal Woods
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10 Years
Barbara Artis
Hilve Firek
Delicia Johnson
Gabriela Martorell
Melanie Monk
Taryn Myers
Karla Rasmussen
Michael Skipper
Gregory West
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Over the last two weeks we have engaged in a series of productive academic, marketing and branding discussions with our partners at Lakeland University in preparation for July 1, when our exclusive collaboration of Lakeland University Japan and Virginia Wesleyan University Global in Tokyo officially launches
(currently luj.lakeland.edu). Teams from both institutions have been busy planning curriculum, programs, marketing and enrollment strategies. Read more about the new LUJ/VWU Global partnership in a recent feature in The Virginian-Pilot.
I am pleased to share that with the addition of the campus in Tokyo, VWU's University College has been renamed Virginia Wesleyan University Global Campus and will be led by longtime faculty member and academic administrator Dr. Paul L. Ewell as dean. VWU Global serves evening and weekend, online, early enrollment/advanced scholars, and non-credit learners. Learn more here.
Dr. Ewell is widely respected in the business community of Coastal Virginia. He has served as dean of University College for the past year, and has served on the VWU faculty for many years, most recently as Professor and Department Chair of Management, Business and Economics. He is also the inaugural Director of the Master of Business Administration program, which launched in 2017.
Dean Ewell is also the co-founder and Executive Director of the Watermen's Heritage Foundation of Virginia's Eastern Shore, Inc. His research focuses on supply chain management and logistics in the maritime industry, the history and heritage of the U.S. commercial fishing industry, and other maritime-related topics. Dr. Ewell has a special interest in Chesapeake Bay maritime history and the evolution of Chesapeake Bay working craft. He has published various papers in the areas of operations management, commercial fishing, and maritime supply chain management and logistics.
During this unique time, Paul has shared his passion for boats and the sea in a mini-course for VWU's community partners at Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay. Read more here.
Dr. Ewell and his wife Sandra are longtime members of the Marlin family--both are Virginia Wesleyan alumni and have dedicated their careers to serving our institution and our students. I congratulate Paul on his new position and thank him for his outstanding leadership on campus and in Coastal Virginia.
ET CETERA
VWU Day of Giving: Thank You
I am thrilled to share that the VWU Day of Giving held on Friday, April 24, was bigger than ever. We raised an astounding $9,894.60 on the Day of Giving alone plus an additional $7,905.60 throughout the month of April from alumni and friends who gave early to the campaign. With our challenge match of $5,000 from alumnus Billy Spain, Class of 1979, our Day of Giving support totals $22,800.20 from 172 alumni, parents, and friends.
Our constituents had the opportunity to give to what they love at VWU, so gifts supported a range of priorities at the University including annual scholarships, academic programs, Marlin athletic programs, and the Student Life and Learning Fund--our emergency fund to support students affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Words cannot express how proud I am to see this incredible show of support from our Marlin community, especially during this difficult time we face across the globe. I thank all who were able to participate--be it by making a gift or simply sharing the campaign with others. It certainly is a great day to be a Marlin.
VWU Sustainability Leaders
The VWU Sustainability Leaders program is a new initiative that will "green" bachelor's degrees at Virginia Wesleyan. The program will recognize students who have completed volunteer service and coursework focused on real-world issues of sustainability and the environment. At VWU's December Commencement Ceremonies, each student who has applied for this distinction and met the requirements, will receive a green graduation cord. To complete the Sustainability Leaders Program and receive a green graduation cord, students must earn at least 10 points of sustainability achievements and submit the required application. Points can be earned throughout all undergraduate years of study at Virginia Wesleyan University and are awarded on a scale. We are excited to offer this important distinction to our graduates.
Batten Collaboration
Congratulations to VWU Batten Fellow Ebonie Johnson '20 who will pursue her graduate degree at UVA's Frank Batten School of Public Policy this fall. Not only has Ebonie been accepted into the prestigious Master of Public Policy program, she has also been offered a $15,000 annual scholarship. Ebonie is a Batten Fellow in the highly selective Batten Honors College of Virginia Wesleyan University. She is the first student to benefit from our new and unique Batten partnership between UVA's Batten School and VWU's Batten Honors College. We look forward to the continued growth of this special collaboration. Congratulations, Ebonie!
Conferral of Degrees
As I shared in my May President's Letter, degrees will be conferred this month to ensure Virginia Wesleyan University graduates have everything they need for graduate school, employment, or professional certifications. While the Commencement Ceremony will be held in December, graduate status will be certified in May.
Virtual Campus Visits
The campus visit is a key element factoring into the important decision of where to attend college. As we continue to be challenged by COVID-19, in-person visits are not an option at this time. Accordingly, we've created a wide array of "virtual visit opportunities" for prospective students and their families to learn more about Virginia Wesleyan. Check out the many virtual options available here and "visit" us today!
Summer Sessions
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. Catch up or get ahead this summer through VWU. We offer five terms throughout the summer, beginning in May. Learn more here.
NATO Innovation Hub
Norfolk is home to the world's largest naval base and the North American Headquarters for NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). Our students benefit immensely from our relationship with both. As part of Virginia Wesleyan University's ongoing partnership with NATO-ACT, students may apply to participate in a competitive internship program at NATO's Innovation Hub in Norfolk. The NATO Innovation Hub is still operating remotely and is accepting both summer and fall interns. Application information and criteria can be found here.
President to President: Chapter 10
The tenth and final chapter of the 2019-2020 President to President thought-leadership series is now available online. I enjoy editing this series with longtime friend and colleague Dr. Marylouise Fennell. In "The Blank Sheet of Paper: Crafting Curated Solutions for Strategic Partners," Robert Morris University President Chris Howard describes how his institution forms strategic relationships with local businesses and other employers to develop mutually beneficial programs that support students at all stages of their academic and professional journeys. He illustrates how flexibility, agility, and responsiveness to the needs of the region form the foundation of many of his University's most successful partnerships. I am sure we can all appreciate the parallel to this chapter and our need for partnership during this time of crisis and recovery. Read more here.
AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS
This year "The Bobbies" Student Leadership Awards were hosted virtually. I was honored to present the annual President's Award to Taylor "Tip" Major and the Wesleyan Spirit Award to Dazjae Johnson!
The President's Award recognizes one senior student who has demonstrated exceptional character, scholarship, service and leadership during his or her time at Virginia Wesleyan University. I've given this award continuously throughout my 30 years as a college president. The Wesleyan Spirit Award celebrates a student who lives by the tenets of the Wesleyan Creed and is a positive reflection of the University community.
Congratulations to Tip, Dazjae, and each Marlin who was recognized for their impressive achievements and significant contributions to Virginia Wesleyan University. Watch "The Bobbies" here.
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Recently I joined fellow college and university presidents across Virginia in sharing messages of support to our students. To our Marlins, and to all current and future college students of the Commonwealth, remember that we are in this together. View the video here.
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Take a virtual stroll through the spectacular "Gardens of the Greer." Marisa Cousin, horticulturist for Norfolk Botanical Garden and VWU, has captured the beauty of the living landscapes and provided a detailed description for each photo that includes botanical and common names, locations and information about each native plant. Enjoy the gallery here.
STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES
REFLECTIONS
I hope you find these links useful to my recent columns and publications:
PRESIDENTIAL EVENTS
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Have a great week!
