November 16, 2020
Good Morning, |
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I am pleased to announce the thirteenth class of the Virginia Wesleyan University Athletic Hall of Fame. Members of the 2021 class represent the best of the best from VWU’s athletic history and will be inducted during a special ceremony on February 27, 2021. |
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Congratulations to benefactors Joan P. Brock H'10 and Tassos J. Paphites '79. They will be honored for their outstanding philanthropic contributions of resources, time, and devoted support to the University's intercollegiate athletics program.
Joanne M. Renn, who returned to VWU this year as interim Athletics Director after retiring two years ago, will be honored for her 25 years of significant leadership at Virginia Wesleyan -- both as a head coach and as an administrator. At her retirement, the Board of Trustees recognized her as Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Emerita.
Our three former student-athletes inductees, who represent the very best from Virginia Wesleyan's athletic history, are John “Jack” E. Lingo III '01 (Men’s Lacrosse, 1998-01), Brandon M. Massie 11 (Men’s Soccer, 2006-09), and Adam L. Nycz '12 (Men’s Lacrosse, 2009-12).
Details regarding the induction ceremony on February 27 will be forthcoming. We look forward to celebrating these athletes and athletic benefactors in the new year. |
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We virtually welcomed the first of three Batten Honors College competition groups for next fall's cohort over the last two weeks. Our first group of competitors was impressive in so many ways, not only academically but also in their co-curricular interests, civic engagement and leadership activities. Out of a pool of 30,000 potential students, one-tenth of that group will be deemed eligible in meeting preliminary requirements for the program. In this first competition group, we invited 65 students to compete for the highly coveted seats. We are so glad to have the best and brightest join us in the elite and selective Batten Honors College, which has turned into a national niche program for Virginia Wesleyan. The Batten Honors College has been made possible by generous support from Virginia Wesleyan University Trustee Emerita Jane P. Batten H'06 and her late husband, Frank. We are so grateful to the Batten family for their vision and support, and we look forward to welcoming the program’s fifth cohort next fall. |
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As we close out the in-person portion of our semester this week, we are reminded of the importance of accessibility and affordability for our students. One of the most important avenues to these goals is the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) program. This vital program is a needed and beneficial way for students across the Commonwealth of Virginia--including those enrolled at Virginia Wesleyan--to afford their education at private colleges and universities. Although generous institutional aid through scholarships helps to offset cost of attendance, the VTAG program has, since 1972, provided additional, critical financial support. According to the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (a.k.a Virginia Private Colleges), in 2019-20, approximately 22,000 Virginia residents received a non-need based tuition grant of $3,400 for undergraduate education. At Virginia Wesleyan, 756 students have received nearly $1.3 million in TAG support for the fall term. That's a significant percentage of VWU students, and an essential investment in their future. Clearly the VTAG program is, and should remain, a valued component of students' financial-aid opportunities. Support of this program is critical to our students. I urge you to learn more about this essential program and how to take action, visit www.cicv.org. |
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AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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Campus 757 Progressing I was a presenter on the Campus 757 initiative at the Greater Norfolk Corporation (GNC) Board of Directors planning retreat. Modeled after Campus Philly, Campus 757 aims to fuel economic growth in the region by encouraging students to study, explore, live, and ultimately launch their careers in Coastal Virginia after they graduate. I thank the GNC as well as the Downtown Norfolk Council, Visit Norfolk, the Norfolk City Manager’s office, Hampton Roads Workforce Council, and the other leaders of the area’s universities for their collaboration and support. We look forward to developing Campus 757 which will help our students gain meaningful internship and career opportunities right here in Coastal Virginia. |
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Athletics Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Announced Joanne Renn (Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Emerita) and I are pleased to announce the creation of the Athletics Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. This committee will work together in conjunction with the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) to engage the athletic department staff and student-athletes in social justice initiatives. The following staff members and students will also be part of the committee: - Andrea Hoover-Erbig - Senior Woman Administrator and Head Coach, Women’s Volleyball
- Dennis Nelson - Head Coach, Men's and Women's Golf
- Cameia Alexander - Assistant Director, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country & Track and Field
- Dave Macedo - Head Coach, Men’s Basketball
- Daja Burgee - Class of 2021, Softball
- Sydney Collins - Class of 2022, Women’s Volleyball
I thank these individuals for their commitment to VWU intercollegiate athletics and our efforts to make every part of the student experience welcoming and inclusive. |
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Unity Flag Project Coming to VWU I am excited to share that the Robert Nusbaum Center and the Neil Britton Art Gallery will be hosting an exhibition and events associated with the Unity Flag Project from Belmont University. Plans are beginning to take shape to have this beautiful exhibit open on campus on Inauguration Day (January 20, 2021) with a strong focus on citizenship and community engagement through March. Participation will invite the creation of "unity flag" designs by students and community members. The exhibition will evolve to include unity flags submitted during the run of the exhibition. |
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Virtual Wesleyan Wednesday Join the VWU Alumni Council for a virtual Wesleyan Wednesday on November 18 at 12:00 p.m. EST. Marlin alumni everywhere can spend time together and show their Marlin spirit by wearing VWU gear and downloading VWU virtual backgrounds. |
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Meeting with the Student Government Association It’s always a pleasure to meet with student leaders on the SGA Executive Committee. During the meeting, we discussed a variety of issues including the spring 2021 academic schedule, the University’s ongoing COVID-19 response, construction projects, and tuition freeze for the fourth consecutive year for the 2021-2022 Academic Year. I thank this group for their commitment to the University and to their fellow students. Special thanks to senior Sabrina “Bri” Jones for her leadership of the SGA. |
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VWU Diversity Walk Members of the President’s Cabinet joined students, faculty, and staff for a Diversity Walk, hosted by the VWU Office of Gender and Sexuality Equity. Special thanks to Dr. Jennifer Slivka, Associate Professor of English and Director of the Office of Gender and Sexuality Equity, for organizing the walk, which was offered as part of the Office's programming for LGBTQ+ History Month. This important program was extremely informative and well-attended. Learn more about the Office of Gender and Sexuality Equity and its mission and programming here. |
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During the last month, Governor Northam demonstrated his support for private colleges and universities with allocations of CARES Act funding. In late October, $116 million was allocated to Virginia’s public higher education institutions and last week Governor Northam announced a $22 million proportionate allocation to the private institutions. The funding will support the ongoing COVID-19 response at private colleges and universities. |
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Veterans Day Celebration I hope our campus community enjoyed the Veterans Day Ceremony held at the Veterans Memorial Monument on the lawn of Godwin Hall last week. Allison Hammer, VWU Class of 2014, adjunct instructor for earth and environmental sciences and U.S. Navy veteran, provided an inspiring keynote address at the ceremony. Virginia Wesleyan is proud and forever grateful to our Marlin veterans. View the photo gallery of our event here. Thank you to Amy Rush, Executive Director of The Lighthouse, for coordinating this annual event. Kudos to Amy, Allison, Barbara Artis (U.S. Navy 1986-2008 and VWU Security Officer), Luke Dobrin (Boy Scout Troop 259 and son of Professor Ben Dobrin), Terry Lindvall (U.S. Army Reserve Chaplain, MAJ 18th Field Hospital Unit and C.S. Lewis Chair in Communications and Christian Thought), and the VWU/ODU Army ROTC for their part in the program. And a special thanks to Captain Andrew Robichaud (Assistant Professor of Military Science), Master Sergeant Karina Rodriguez (Military Science Instructor) and Lieutenant Colonel Camala Coats (Professor of Military Science) and Linda Baker (Executive Assistant to the ROTC Program) for their support in the success of the ROTC program at VWU. |
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President’s Council Holds Virtual Meeting We hosted the fall meeting of the President's Council last week. During the meeting, we welcomed our new members (pictured below, from left) - Taylor Adams (Director of Virginia Beach Economic Development), Angie Lombardi (Vice President of Marketing for The Franklin Johnston Group), Thomas Watkins (Vice President at Cox Business), and Al Wiegert (Vice President at Cox Media) - to the President’s Council. Members heard campus news, updates from the University's Emergency Response Team, and a special presentation from Dr. Craig Wansink, Joan P. and Macon F. Brock, Jr. Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center. I thank this group for their special partnership as they provide VWU students with valuable internships, career development opportunities, and support to the University. Thanks to Brandi Calica '14/ '19, Director of Corporate and Parent Relations, who serves as the liaison for the Council. |
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VWU’s Robert Nusbaum Center Hosts A Post-Election Community Conversation The Friday after the election, Dr. Craig Wansink led, "Fear and Conflict: A Post-Election Campus Community Conversation" in the VWU Peace Garden adjacent to the Robert Nusbaum Center. The conversation did not aim to discuss outcomes or to re-hash political positions, but to discuss experiences, fear, division in the country, and steps for moving forward together as a nation and a campus community. I thank Dr. Wansink for leading the discussion and promoting meaningful dialogue and reflection on the election as an important part of a college education. Dr. Wansink serves as Professor of Religious Studies and the Joan P. and Macon F. Brock, Jr. Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center. |
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