Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

We have much to be grateful for at Virginia Wesleyan, including a strong relationship with a remarkable organization--the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC). Since 2017, we have proudly hosted their Hampton Roads office on our campus. During these particularly polarizing times, the VCIC plays a vital role in our community's path to positive social change, inclusivity, understanding, and healing.

The annual Humanitarian Awards Dinner is a welcomed opportunity to celebrate both the VCIC and the remarkable people and organizations in Coastal Virginia. Virginia Wesleyan has a long history with the Humanitarian Awards and VCIC. In 2017, VWU's Dr. Craig Wansink, Joan P. and Macon F. Brock, Jr. Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center, was honored, and in 2018, I was proud to serve as chair of the VCIC's 54th Annual Humanitarian Awards. This year, our neighbor and partner Dennis Manning, Headmaster of Norfolk Academy, did a wonderful job serving in this role.

The event is always a meaningful occasion, commemorating what is truly important. While held virtually this year, the 56th Annual VCIC Humanitarian Awards presentation was no exception. Many of us from VWU attended as we celebrated VCIC and some very good friends. Virginia Wesleyan is proud to support the program and to have been included by VCIC in several prominent places in their program.

This year is extra special to VWU as Trustee Sharon S. Goodwyn was recognized as an honoree along with Jay M. Klebanoff, Amy K. Milligan, Toiya A. Sosa, James M. Wood, Jr., and the Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin Hampton Roads. We extend our sincerest congratulations to all of the honorees who are pillars of our community. The Humanitarian Awards are presented to individuals and organizations demonstrating a commitment to the promotion of respect and understanding among people of diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.

Special thanks and applause to our friend Jonathan Zur, President and CEO of VCIC, for his outstanding leadership. He did an exceptional job with the event under the challenging circumstances we are all faced with this year. Jonathan spoke at VWU's 2019 Baccalaureate and was presented with The Wesley Award for his significant contributions and dedication to humanity.

We are grateful to the honorees, the VCIC, sponsors, and attendees for their work in making Virginia and our world a more inclusive place. Learn more and watch the 56th Annual Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities Humanitarian Awards here.

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We have much to be proud of at Virginia Wesleyan, including our incredible faculty and staff accomplishments. They were duly highlighted last week during VWU's annual "Feathers in Your Cap" celebration. The event recognized faculty, adjunct professors, librarians, and staff members who in the last year have published a book or professional publication, completed artwork, obtained a grant, received tenure and/or a promotion, and much more.

You are invited to stop by Hofheimer Library, at your convenience, to check out the "Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works" display in the Reading Room (first floor). The display showcases accomplishments included in The Pharos from May 2019 to June 2020. The display will be up through the end of the academic year, with accomplishments added as they become available. I am honored to work among a talented faculty and staff who are so strongly committed to excellence in both teaching and scholarship.

ET CETERA

Look for the Helpers: Remembering 9/11

Reflecting on the theme of self-sacrifice, the campus community will be invited to gather in the Peace Garden at 9:03 a.m. on Friday, September 11. With Virginia Wesleyan's Unity Flag as the backdrop, several members of the campus community--representing the Chaplain's Office, Wesleyan Engaged, ROTC, and the Robert Nusbaum Center--will share readings and reflections on the power of self-sacrifice during times of national crisis. University Chaplain Marie Porter will deliver a closing prayer. In recognition of the 2,996 lives lost during four separate plane crashes on September 11, 2001, the Beacon will chime at 8:46 a.m., 9:03 a.m., 9:37 a.m., and 10:03 a.m. Also, in advance of the 9/11 Remembrance, and as part of promotional efforts for the gathering, the Robert Nusbaum Center will post flyers with meaningful quotes on the theme of self-sacrifice.

Constitution Day

Beyond Hamilton: Musical Theatre and the Founding Fathers

We look forward to celebrating Constitution Day on Thursday, September 17, with a screening of Hamilton in the Goode Center from 6-8 p.m. followed by a discussion with playwright Rob Lauer from 8-9 p.m. on Musical Theatre and the Founding Fathers. It is not necessary to view the film prior to Lauer's discussion, but in an age when Hamilton is captivating audiences across the country, it is an entertaining and lively opportunity to gain deeper insight on our nation's beginnings. Imminent Jefferson scholar and biographer Merrill D. Peterson of the University of Virginia praised Lauer's script for its insightful and accurate depiction of the political climate, philosophical debates, events and historical figures of the period.

Civil Rights and the Constitution: A Series of Vignettes

This year, as we celebrate major anniversaries of milestone decisions in our country's

ongoing

struggles for civil rights, and as we recognize the continuing importance of our civic responsibility to vote, the Robert Nusbaum Center is producing a series of video vignettes (:30) to be released during the week of September 14. Various members of the VWU faculty and staff will share highlights and reflections on these momentous decisions, and tell us why we should remain ever vigilant in protecting and preserving our rights and freedoms.

Congratulations to VWU's Volleyball Program

We are proud of Head Coach Andrea Hoover-Erbig and the volleyball team on receiving the 2020 USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award for displaying excellence in the classroom. Read more here.

Online Engagement Opportunities

Over the last two years, VWU faculty have infused their courses with engagement opportunities. Because of the COVID pandemic and for the safety of all involved, our local contacts have not been able to accommodate our students. In response to this challenge, the Points of Light Foundation has identified online engagement opportunities for individuals and groups.Thanks to Dr. Brian Kurisky for identifying opportunities appropriate for college students and for sharing this modified list.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

During our first week of classes, Virginia Wesleyan was featured on several local news outlets on our students' return to campus and our reopening procedures and protocols.

A WTKR article ("Virginia Wesleyan Students Return to Campus") includes campus community interviews, and a 13News Now article discusses our utilization of the LiveSafe app for daily required health screenings ("Virginia Wesleyan University uses app to help track, trace, report COVID-19 on and off campus").

I enjoyed hanging out with our freshmen at the Compass Table on University Commons. What a great group of new Marlins!

Coastal 61 at Oxford Village continues to look wonderful across the street from our main entrance on Wesleyan Drive. Opening in September, we are pleased that faculty and staff are eligible for discounted rates through the Preferred Employer Program. Those interested can learn more here.

Congratulations to VWU alumna and scholar-athlete Kaitlyn Dozier Fox '14 on being named a 2019-20 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Recipient. Read more here.

In the latest edition of the Virginia Wesleyan Athletics "Inside Splash" segment, Head Field Hockey Coach Christina Walker is interviewed by VWU Sports Information intern Taylor Major. Check it out here.

STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES

Virginia Wesleyan University Magazine

The Pharos

REFLECTIONS

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

The Virginian-Pilot