Monday, May 3, 2021

The President's Letter: May 2021

 

A Remarkable Year
May 2021
Dear friends,

As we complete this academic year—one that has been full of new opportunities and unprecedented challenges—I am grateful that we made it through two full semesters of in-person instruction during a global pandemic. We accomplished such a remarkable feat thanks to the care and commitment of every member of the campus community. I know it wasn't always easy, Marlins, but it was worth it.

Speaking of remarkable feats, Hanna Hull, Class of 2020 and current VWU M.B.A. candidate, is now the all-time winningest pitcher in NCAA Division III history. What a legacy! Additionally, thanks in part to matching gifts from Trustees Tim Bailey '83 and Gary Bonnewell '79, our third annual Day of Giving surpassed last year's total with a new record of $30,010. I thank all of our generous supporters for their participation.

VWU finished the spring semester with other campus traditions like Port Day, Spring Arts Weekend, and DIII Week. We announced W. Taylor Franklin '04 as a new member of the Board of Trustees and named Karissa Cumberbatch as Head Volleyball Coach. We are excited to celebrate the Class of 2021 during a virtual Baccalaureate program and five in-person Commencement ceremonies in the coming weeks. My special congratulations to members of the Class of 2021 and their families.

We look forward to welcoming the Marlin community back to campus in the fall for a fully in-person semester of learning, fellowship, and fun.

Sincerely,
Hanna Hull All-Time NCAA Division III Winningest Pitcher 
VWU's ace pitcher breaks the NCAA Career Wins Record as the Marlins (No. 2 nationally, No. 1 ODAC) sweep Shenandoah in ODAC quarterfinals doubleheader. More
W. Taylor Franklin Joins the VWU Board of Trustees
A graduate of the VWU Class of 2004, Franklin will join the Board July 1. More
Karissa Cumberbatch Named VWU Head Volleyball Coach
Cumberbatch has been an assistant with the program since 2019. More
THANK YOU: 2021 Day of Giving Results
Annual Day of Giving surpasses goal with gifts from alumni, parents and friends. More
VWU to Require COVID-19 Vaccination for Fall 2021
Students, faculty and staff must submit proof of vaccine prior to return for semester. More
Celebrating the Class of 2021
VWU will celebrate the Class of 2021 with five in-person Commencement ceremonies in May. More
VWU Recognizes DIII Week
The VWU Athletic Department joined nearly 450 institutions across the country for the 10th annual NCAA Division III Week. More
Spring Port Day
From April 22-26, students shared their academic work virtually with the campus community through this signature event held near the end of each semester. More
Spring Arts Weekend
The weekend included virtual performances and presentations by the music, theatre, and art departments, which are now available for on-demand streaming. More