Dear friends,
What a month! Softball won their third national title on June 1. We are so proud of this team and their great accomplishments during an unusual season. A special congratulations to Jessica Goldyn, the National Player of the Year; Hanna Hull, the National Pitcher of the Year; and Head Coach Brandon Elliott '03 and his staff, the National Coaching Staff of the Year. Go Marlins!
We announced our 2021 Alumni Awards recipients, who will be honored during Founders Day on September 9. Congratulations to the following alumni on this well-deserved distinction that recognizes their many accomplishments since graduation: William “Bill” Shelhorse ’70 (Distinguished Alumnus Award), Vanessa Thaxton-Ward ’83, Ph.D. (Alumni Service Award), and Tiffany Boyle ’14 (Graduate of the Last Decade Award). Our Founders Day keynote speaker will be Gary D. Bonnewell ’79, H’16. The Virginia Wesleyan University journey began for the Class of 2025 during Marlin Nation Orientation. First-year students and their families participated in one of four orientations designed to prepare them for life on campus this fall. It was wonderful to have such an event offered in person once again.
Because of COVID-19's economic impact on our communities, VWU—in partnership with the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development—is once again offering online professional development courses at no cost to Hampton Roads residents. The eight self-paced training courses will improve professional skills and are offered through VWU Global Campus. We are proud to serve our community in this important initiative which is helping Coastal Virginia not only recover from the pandemic, but become stronger and more resilient.
Sincerely, | 
