Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

March 21, 2022

Good morning,

In 2017, Virginia Wesleyan University added a beautiful new track and field center to the campus thanks to the support of two donors, including a capstone contribution by Bill Shelhorse ‘70. The new facility has enabled us to grow and improve the track and field program.

The last 10 days have been indicative of the value of that support. At the NCAA Division III Indoor Championship Meet in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, sophomore Geni Roberts finished as the national runner up in the men's long jump. He also finished sixth in the men's triple jump claiming his second All-American honors of the weekend. Geni’s teammate Landry Moffo finished 14th in the men's 60M hurdles. As a men’s team, VWU had the highest scoring finish in the region and in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. For the women’s team, Jaylyn Lane finished 18th in the women’s triple jump. These three student-athletes have been named as U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) 2022 Indoor Track & Field All-Region honorees among many other accolades. Congratulations to Geni, Landry, Jaylyn and their coaches! (Pictured from left: Cameia Alexander, Director of Men’s and Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field; student-athletes Landry Muffo, Geni Roberts, and Jaylyn Lane; and Colby DelBene, Head Cross Country Coach/Assistant Director of Track & Field)

On Saturday, the University hosted its first Spring Break Invitational for outdoor track & field at the Betty S. Rogers Track & Field Center. It was a pleasure to welcome the 11 teams competing and to give special thanks to Bill Shelhorse ‘70, who was in attendance. The Rogers Track & Field Center is named in memory of Bill’s sister at his request. Along with providing the initial funding for the project, Bill recently made a gift that allowed the University to purchase a 10-lane digital scoreboard. This scoreboard makes hosting invitational events possible by providing an attractive and modern arena for meets.

ET CETERA

During the pandemic, the University has attracted a good bit of attention for our non-credit programs offered through VWU Global Campus. Offered in person, on campus, on site at area businesses, at The Hive in Town Center, and online, over 9,300 learners have registered for these offerings — with 2,411 completions and certificates.

All of these offerings have been funded by private gifts and sponsored grants and contracts.

I am pleased to share that the joint request of U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner of $800,000 to support a COVID-19 Displaced Worker Initiative for people who have been laid off, furloughed, or have lost their jobs, has been approved in the 2022 budget by the House of Representatives and now heads to the Senate.

This will be a continuation of our widely successful partnership with the City of Virginia Beach. The new federal funding will cover the cost of teaching 21-30 additional classes, offered for free to the public, and will also help VWU continue to upgrade instructional space and technology in Clarke Hall to support this program.

In January 2020, we announced suspension of the American Culture and Tourism Management Internship Program hosted by the University at Busch Gardens theme park in Williamsburg because of the pandemic. Last week, we provided appropriate notifications that we will discontinue the program permanently.

From 2015 to 2020, the program enrolled approximately 100 full-time students per year. Primarily from China, students enrolled in VWU credit-earning studies, combined with a Leisure and Tourism internship at Busch Gardens. Students lived in the Busch Gardens International Housing Village. VWU collaborated with US-China Century Education Group Corp (USCCE) to market and recruit for the program in China.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Celebrating Women’s History Month

Our special series of speakers and events continue on campus throughout the month of March. Learn more about our upcoming Women’s History Month events.

Spring Meeting of the President’s Council

Comprised of business leaders who embrace, embody, and similarly align with the University's vision and values in their management practices, members of the Virginia Wesleyan President’s Council use their personal and professional influence and support to ensure students are strategically positioned to participate in opportunities such as internships and externships that will prepare them for a meaningful life and career. We were delighted to host the spring meeting of this group last week where junior Risa Yanagita spoke about her transition as a student at LUJ/VWU Global (Japan) to campus life in Virginia Beach.

DeFord Manor Opens for Events

Annie and I were pleased to welcome faculty and staff to DeFord Manor last week for a campus open house (photo gallery). It was the first all-campus event at DeFord Manor. Two weeks ago, we hosted a gathering for parents of Batten Honors College competitors. We look forward to further utilizing DeFord Manor as a place for extending good will to the campus community and to friends of the University who support its mission and goals.

Virginia Beach Vision Board of Directors Retreat

During my seven years here, I have enjoyed membership on the Virginia Beach Vision Board of Directors, a group of leaders of top businesses in the City. Last week, I attended the Virginia Beach Vision Board of Directors planning retreat. It was a closed door candid opportunity for the Board members to discuss issues impacting Coastal Virginia and prioritize an action plan. During the meeting, we discussed the City’s comprehensive plan, business development, the Transatlantic Fiber Cables, flood resiliency, and more.

A Marlin Leads LSU Tigers in NCAA Tournament

Congrats to Kevin Nickelberry, Virginia Wesleyan Class of 1986, who was named interim head coach of Louisiana State University’s men’s basketball program for the NCAA tournament. Although Kevin has assumed the role under unusual circumstances, he has earned a stellar reputation as a motivator and role model for young athletes. Kevin and I traded emails over the weekend. He concluded a message Monday with, “I will represent LSU, the SEC and the Marlins with class and dignity.” That’s the Marlin spirit!

United Methodist Church Delays General Conference Until 2024

The United Methodist Church announced its decision to delay General Conference once again, this time until 2024. The Church cited long waits for visas for international delegates as the primary reason for this new postponement. This meeting of the Church’s top lawmakers has been delayed since 2020 due to the pandemic, and its continued postponement brings further uncertainty to the future of the Church.

New Apartments Planned On Site of Deserted VB Sports Complex

Not far from campus on Baker Road rests the shell of a building that was once planned as an indoor/outdoor sports complex that would benefit youth programs throughout the region. After sitting unused for a number of years, developers announced plans recently to convert the site into an apartment complex. Learn more.

Virginia Beach Mayor Announces Large Action-Sports Festival for 2023

During his State of the City address, Mayor Bobby Dyer announced that the Jackalope Festival is coming to Virginia Beach in June 2023. Learn more.

Brock Commons Completion

Finishing touches have been applied to Brock Commons – the renovation and expansion of the dining facilities at VWU. Initiated over three years ago, the project has not only included the addition of the beautiful new outdoor dining area facing the University Quad, but also the addition of the Joan P. Brock Room for groups of up to 135 and modernization of other dining facilities.

Harbor Grill, Coastal Market, the Alumni Galleria, Board of Trustees Suite, main dining area, and service area have all been renovated, modernized and expanded to better serve the needs of our students.

Supply chain issues have caused a delay in the arrival of some of the furniture for the Brock Room, but a roll out of the new facility should occur in the next month.

Michael Schnekser of Tymoff + Moss of Norfolk served as the architect. Hourigan of Richmond was the contractor.

And, most of all, we thank Trustee Emerita Joan Brock for her generosity in bringing this project to fruition.

New Banners at Broyles Field

Tom and Betty Broyles Field at TowneBank Park has become a focal point for some of the top softball competitions in the country since its construction in 2018. Last week, Coach Brandon Elliott unveiled new banners and windscreens with custom designs celebrating our most recent NCAA National Championship. Other banners with windscreens have been added to improve the atmosphere and shield spectators from cross winds. The Marlins have had a strong start to this 2022 season and faced their first competition in the ODAC on Sunday.