April 18, 2022
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The Marlin Family learned devastating news this weekend, and we will continue to process the unexpected loss of a student leader. Classes will not be held today in observance of Easter Monday, so please take advantage of a day of reflection and relaxation before we finish the semester in a few short weeks. |
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Considering that the end of the semester is upon us, I wanted to remind our graduating seniors of an important deadline coming up in regards to participation in the May 2022 Commencement exercises: Students who wish to participate in the May 2022 Commencement Ceremony must submit their Commencement Fee (which includes the cost of the cap and gown) by Monday, April 25. Graduates are also able to purchase the " 2022 Graduation T-Shirt and Senior Giving Cord" as a contribution to the Senior Class Gift.
Graduates who order by April 25 will be able to pick up their caps and gowns in the Office of Finance and Administration between May 9-13 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. At that time each graduate will also receive seven tickets, to be used if the ceremony is moved indoors due to a severe weather forecast. All student account balances as well as any holds in the Offices of the Registrar and Financial Aid Office must be satisfied prior to receiving Commencement regalia and tickets.
Tassels will be formally presented to graduates at the Baccalaureate Service on Friday, May 13 at 5:30 p.m. in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. For those who are unable to attend Baccalaureate, tassels will be available the morning of May 14 in the CMAC of the Jane P. Batten Student Center.
Students participating in graduation must attend the mandatory rehearsal on Friday, May 13 at 11:30 a.m. in the CMAC of the Batten Student Center. Students do not need to bring their caps and gowns to the rehearsal.
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Virginia Wesleyan University—in partnership with the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development—is again offering online professional development courses at no cost to Hampton Roads residents.
The fully online courses are part of the continuing education offerings through VWU Global Campus and started in 2020 as a way to offset the economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. They join other comprehensive non-degree courses designed to provide advanced skills valued by employers.
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Friday is the annual VWU Day of Giving. The Office of Alumni Relations, in conjunction with the John Trinder Center for Advancement, has many exciting VWU Day of Giving challenge matches and special drawings to encourage participation. My sincere thanks to our dedicated Trustees/alumni Tim Bailey ‘83, Gary Bonnewell ‘79, H’16, Taylor Franklin ‘04, Mavis McKenley ‘11, and Michael Rawls ‘91 for generously offering to match gifts of their respective class decade up to $5,000. Special drawings include a lunch & VIP Tour of DeFord Manor for two with Annie and me, box seat tickets for four to the Charlotte Hornets (courtesy of Tim Bailey ’83), and much more!
Whether you are an alumnus, parent or friend of the University, by making a gift of any size on Friday, April 22, your gift may be doubled or even tripled and qualify you for special drawings. Remember, participation is key—no gift is too small.
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Campus is rejuvenated and buzzing again with activity. Over the last several weeks, special gatherings, presentations, and other celebrations have taken place all over campus. Conference Services reports that campus will be busy throughout the entire summer with events from both the VWU community and external group reservations. From our partners at YMCA Camp Red Feather to a Manhattan-based surf camp, visitors from all over will enjoy our park-like campus, taking advantage of our coastal location.
For all special event reservations and requests this summer and throughout the year, please contact Amiya Keene, Director of Catering and Conference Services, at catering@vwu.edu. Amiya will coordinate all aspects of the request required to meet specific needs. We thank our Catering and Conference Services team for providing a welcoming environment for all groups who visit our beautiful campus. |
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U.S. Congresswoman Elaine Luria will host a Town Hall at the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m. The event is open to the public, although registration is required for attendance. The entire campus community is invited to attend and participate. |
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AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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The Wesleyan Choirs Celebrate 50 Years The Wesleyan Choirs will commemorate its 50th anniversary with a special concert on Friday, April 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. The event will begin, as it did a half century ago, with the Vivaldi “Gloria.” All of Wesleyan’s choral ensembles will perform: Bravura, with student conductors at the helm; Vox Vera, a mixed ensemble of sophomores, juniors, and seniors; and Camerata, an auditioned, mixed-voice ensemble available to all students. The concert program will also be filled with messages from choir alumni and images from past performances. Associate Professor of Music and Chair of Fine and Performing Arts Dr. Bryson Mortensen will be directing the choirs. Free and open to the public. |
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More Upcoming VWU Performances Hear selections by the VWU Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Jason Squinobal and enjoy an evening of traditional music for the string orchestra, including music by Bach, Mozart and Dvorak, under the direction of Justin Stanley, on Thursday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. On April 22, 23, 29, and 30, Marlins in the musical arts will give Senior Recitals and Capstone Performances. View the full performance schedule here. |
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VWU Students Earn Distinguished Delegation Award at National Model United Nations Congratulations to the delegation from Virginia Wesleyan University who won the Distinguished Delegation Award at the National Model United Nations (NMUN) conference in New York City. The award recognises the top 20% best delegations present at NMUN, with a participation rate of over 1000 students. The VWU delegation, representing Chad, was one of the smallest delegations at the conference with 13 students. Kudos to Quimia Blackwell, David Browne, Sierra Curney, Brian Hostetter, Kaiya Jenkins, Brandon Kwon, Rose Lumpkin, Joseph Mueller, Trinity Nassy, Paul Nelson, Juwon Seaborne, Joshua Spicer, and Chase Yew for this wonderful achievement. |
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The Marlin Business Conference Concludes The Marlin Business Conference, “Commerce Reimagined,” was a great success. Congratulations to Frank Futyma (Lecturer in Management, Business, and Economics), the student leadership, and all the Marlins that participated in the conference. My special thanks to our conference speakers, (pictured from left to right below) Jon Pruden, Delceno Miles, Priscilla Monti, and Linda Peck, for sharing their time, energy, and words of wisdom with our students. Learn more. |
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Marlins Set a New Strike Out Cancer Record The Virginia Wesleyan University softball team hosted the 12th annual Strike Out Cancer event during Spring Alumni Weekend. Not only did the Marlins record a pair wins over the Guilford College Quakers, but Virginia Wesleyan and their fans set an all-time event record fundraising of $30,339, for cancer research at the American Cancer Society. The previous record was $28,620 set in 2018. Congratulations to Coach Brandon Elliott, the entire team, and all Marlins fans that participated! Read more. |
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Town Hall with Faculty Thank you to the many faculty members who attended the Town Hall on Friday at Brock Commons. It was wonderful to meet with so many and discuss a series of submitted questions regarding the University’s past, present and good future. |
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Virginia Senator Bill DeSteph Visits Vice President for Advancement Kim Hammer and I had an enjoyable visit on campus last week with Virginia Senator Bill DeSteph. He has been a friend and supporter of Virginia Wesleyan University as a Virginia Beach City Councilman (2006-14), Virginia Delegate (2014-16) and in the Senate of Virginia (2016- ). |
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Annual Justine L. Nusbaum Lecture Returns We welcomed Dr. Johnny Finn to campus last week for the annual Justine L. Nusbaum Lecture, sponsored by our Robert Nusbaum Center. Dr. Finn provided an overview of the theoretical and historical underpinning of racial segregation in Coastal Virginia; presented his research team’s findings on today’s landscape of racial, economic, and environmental inequality (the legacy of nearly a century of segregationist housing policies); and reflected on important next steps for our region. Learn more about upcoming events from the Robert Nusbaum Center here. |
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VWU Hosts Virginia Beach Vision Board Meeting We were delighted to host the Virginia Beach Vision Board Meeting in the new Joan P. Brock Room of Brock Commons last week. The meeting featured Gil Bland, President and CEO of Urban League of Hampton Roads, as its guest speaker (pictured). |
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The Retirement of Brian O’Neill Best wishes to Brian O’Neill (pictured center), the Norfolk Botanical Garden/VWU Director of Living Landscapes, upon his retirement at the end of the month. Carl Simmons, the NBG Curator of Woody Plants, will take over Brian’s duties. With the help of Skyler Lattuca ‘21, Horticulturist, they will continue to care for the 25,000+ native plants at the Greer Environmental Sciences Center and around campus. |
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New Decorative Signage at Tassos Paphites Soccer Complex We’re pleased with the new decorative signage at the entrance of the Tassos Paphites Soccer Complex celebrating the rich soccer tradition at Virginia Wesleyan. |
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We understand that this may be an extremely difficult time for many. Should you need immediate support, please contact Counseling Services at 757.455.3131 or Student Ministries at 757.513.7716.
Sincerely, |
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-- Scott D. Miller, Ph.D. President Virginia Wesleyan University 5817 Wesleyan Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23455 Phone: 757.455.3215 |
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