Dialogue: September 2022

The second chapter of the 2022-2023 President to President thought leadership series is now available. In "A University’s Commitment to Social Justice," Southern Connecticut State University President Joe A. Bertolino, Ed.D., examines the role of college campuses in addressing current social issues. He highlights the critical need to engage in courageous conversations and shares strategies for promoting open dialogue and creating an inclusive campus environment.

This year's President to President series, titled “The Well Campus: An In-Depth Look,” examines the various dimensions of wellness on campus, which extend beyond physical health to include mental, emotional, and social well-being. Ten college and university presidents offer unique perspectives on what it means to have a “well” campus and share practical ideas you may find useful on your own campus. We hope you enjoy reading these insights and look forward to continuing to delve further into this topic with you.

Sincerely,

Executive Editors:

Dr. Scott D. Miller
President, Virginia Wesleyan University

Dr. Marylouise Fennell
Senior Counsel, Council of Independent Colleges and
Former President, Carlow University

September 26, 2022

Good morning,

The countdown to Homecoming & Family Weekend is on! Make plans to join fellow Marlins October 7-9 for an exciting lineup of events.

The weekend begins with Marlin Spirit Day on Friday, October 7. Marlins and friends are invited to share their Virginia Wesleyan pride and photos on social media with the hashtag #marlinspiritday.

Traditions continue for the Marlin community at Finfest on Saturday, October 8, beginning at 11 a.m. near Birdsong Field. There will be food trucks, concessions, inflatables, and a DJ to energize the atmosphere.

Intercollegiate athletic contests (volleyball, field hockey and soccer) begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, and alumni athletic games will happen throughout the day. We will celebrate two athletic standouts, benefactors and the 2017 VWU National Championship Softball Team at the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony reception and dinner on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.

But Homecoming and Family Weekend isn’t all about athletics. The fall theatre production of Cabaret will be performed on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. Also on Saturday, check out the Wesleyan Choirs Showcase at 6 p.m. and a Fringe Festival Reception to celebrate the arts at 6:30 p.m., both in the Henry and Eleanor Watts Grand Lobby of the Goode Center.

Students will shine at the Homecoming Dance at The Cove on Friday evening and during the Homecoming Court Ceremony on Birdsong Field on Saturday afternoon.

View the full schedule for 2022 Homecoming & Family Weekend. We hope to see you there!

I am pleased to share that Beth Koroleski (pictured) will assume the position of director of financial aid, effective October 10. She has 10 years’ experience in post-secondary education as a financial aid administrator, most recently serving as a financial aid advisor for the American College of Healthcare Sciences. Beth holds a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Stony Brook University and is a member of the Virginia, Southern and National Associations of Student Financial Aid Administrators. She is a native New Yorker who spent nine years living in Portland, Oregon, while working at the home campus of ACHS. She has served as a financial aid professional at Eastern Virginia Medical School, Portland State University, and Pioneer Pacific College.

My thanks to vice presidents Heather Campbell (Enrollment) and Mary Ryberg (Finance), as well as John Dysart, CEO of The Dysart Group of Chicago, for their leadership in the search and new contemporary model being implemented in the Office of Financial Aid. As a part of the new model, Jennifer Sands and Kala Baskerville are moving to assistant directors. Jennifer is still responsible for Veteran Affairs.

Elizabeth McDougal is the new academic records specialist. Housed in the Registrar’s Office in Allen Village, she starts her new position on October 5. She previously worked for the scholarship office in the David L. Kaufman Center for Enrollment.

Imani Myint is the new director of annual giving. Her office is located in the Alumni Suite of the John A. Trinder Center for Advancement. A native of Virginia Beach, she attended Hofstra University before transferring and graduating from the University of Missouri.

Happy Rosh Hashanah! Join Wesleyan Engaged from 10-11 a.m. today in The Lighthouse at Clarke Hall for apples and honey to celebrate the Jewish New Year.

ET CETERA

Our neighbors at Norfolk Academy have named Travis J. Larrabee as their next head of school, effective July 1, 2023. Travis will join NA from William Penn Charter School in Philadelphia, where he has served since 2007, most recently in the role of assistant head of school. He will succeed Dennis Manning, who has led NA for the past 21 years.

According to the announcement from Alfred M. “Ran” Randolph, Jr., President of the Board of Trustees and Search Committee Chair, in Travis’s 15 years at Penn Charter, he has served in an array of roles of increasing responsibility that have prepared him well to be a head of school. Penn Charter is, incidentally, one of the few schools in the country older than Norfolk Academy; it was founded in 1689 by William Penn, making it the fifth oldest school in the country and it currently serves 970 students from pre-K to 12. Travis started at Penn Charter in 2007 as upper school dean of students and upper school social studies teacher, and he served as a coach of the golf team. He became upper school director in 2010, where he led a division of 450 students and collaborated with faculty deans and department chairs in faculty hiring, supervision, and evaluation. From 2018-21, he served as director of strategic initiatives, spearheading multiple projects designed to allow students to “go deep” on issues through an interdisciplinary approach. In 2021, Travis became assistant head of school, overseeing the PK-12 educational experience and several divisions, including the Center for Public Purpose, Athletics, Technology, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. As assistant head of school, he also worked with the chief financial officer on the school’s finances and budget, supported development initiatives, and continued to advance strategic priorities.

Travis earned a bachelor’s degree in government and Russian studies from Colby College and a master’s degree in foreign affairs from the University of Virginia. He has also completed numerous professional courses, and he volunteers as a university mentor and guest instructor at the University of Pennsylvania and as a board member of the Live Like Blaine Foundation.

We look forward to officially welcoming Travis to the neighborhood in 2023.

Given our proximity to Norfolk International Airport and in compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration’s regulations regarding Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, the University strictly prohibits the operation of these devices on or adjacent to campus. Virginia Wesleyan lies within the five mile radius surrounding the airport and is also in the flight path for ascending and descending aircraft. Therefore, violators may also be subject to prosecution by federal authorities. Exceptions to this policy only apply to professional pilots (Part 107 commercial certificate holders) operating in a contracted capacity coordinated by University officials.

The safety and security of our Marlin community is critical. We thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Worldly Wednesdays are returning for a Hispanic Heritage-themed lunch on Wednesday, September 28, in Boyd Dining Center. Family-style seating will be available for anyone interested in learning more about the culture the food represents and talking with the students who submitted the Worldly Wednesday recipes.

On October 11 at 7:00 p.m., instructors from The Mambo Room will share a Hispanic Heritage Month presentation and dance performance. Marlins who attend will have the opportunity to learn basic Mambo dance moves.

Brock School Dean Shares New Instrumentation With Cabinet

The President's Cabinet was treated to a presentation of the new state-of-the-art Anatomage Table by Dr. Victor Townsend, Kenneth R. Perry Dean of the Joan P. Brock School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. My thanks to Dr. Townsend, who played a major role in facilitating the donation which purchased a variety of new, innovative science instrumentation that will enhance our students educational experience. As I travel the country, many alumni share with me the strength of the sciences at Virginia Wesleyan, and refer to Vic as “the father of the sciences at VWU.”

Robert Nusbaum Center: Fall 2022 Events Calendar

The Robert Nusbaum Center has a full calendar of events this fall. Join us for upcoming educational initiatives that invite the campus community and beyond to explore religious, racial, and ideological differences. This week's events include...

A Brief History of Abortion in America AND The Ripple Effects of Overturning Roe v. Wade

Kathleen Casey, Ph.D. and Jennifer Slivka, Ph.D.

Tuesday, September 27

12:00-1:00 p.m.

Blocker Hall Auditorium

Why Classics Matters: The Ancient World in Modern Virginia

Ben Haller, Ph.D.

Thursday, September 29

12:00-12:45 p.m.

Brock Commons

The fall 2022 edition of Understanding, a publication of the Robert Nusbaum Center, is also available.

The Arts at VWU

The fall events calendar for the Arts at VWU is available now. We hope to see you at an upcoming performance or event!

Westminster/Wesleyan Lifelong Learning Institute: Fall 2022 Schedule

We are proud to offer another exciting year of courses for this special partnership and program with Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay. The Fall 2022 Course Catalog is available now. Thank you to Dr. Ben Fraser, VWU’s Westminster-Canterbury Fellow for Religious Studies and Lifelong Learning, and to all the faculty who teach in this wonderful program that encourages and supports lifelong learning for our neighbors and friends.

Celebrating the “Tidewater Promise” Partnership with TCC

Vice President for Enrollment Heather Campbell and I welcomed Tidewater Community College President Marcia Conston (pictured) and staff members to campus to celebrate and continue the great partnership between our two institutions. While here, members of the TCC staff toured campus and enjoyed a luncheon at DeFord Manor, which included a presentation by Lars Neel ’21, our new enrollment counselor and a success story of the TCC to VWU pathway.

Visiting with Area Legislators

It was a pleasure to attend the legislative social at The Harbor Club at Waterside. I am pictured with Georgia Marquez, Marquez Architects and Vice Chair of Diversity of the Hampton Roads Chamber Board of Directors, Delceno Miles, President/CEO of The Miles Agency and Virginia Beach City Council member; and Anne Ferrell Tata of the Virginia House of Delegates.

VWU Hosts AMG National Trust and “Playing to Win”

Thanks to VWU Trustee Mavis (Escoffery) McKenley '11, Vice President and Trust Officer of AMG National Trust, for hosting "Playing to Win: Understanding the Rise of China after Russia's Invasion of Ukraine" at our Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. Pictured with Dr. Minxin Pei, Tom and Margot Pritzker Professor of Government and George R. Roberts Fellow at Claremont McKenna College; Ms. McKenley; Earl Wright, Chairman and co-founder of AMG National Trust; and Dr. Keith Moore, Vice President for Campus Life and Operational Management. The program featured a moderated discussion led by Mr. Wright with Dr. Pei and Dr. Jonathan Moyer, Director of the Frederick S. Pardee Center for International Futures at the University of Denver.

Private Area Use at Brock Commons/Boyd Dining

As a reminder, the Shafer Room (Board of Trustees Room) and Princess Anne Room are available for use during the regular year. While the entire wing, known as the Board of Trustees Suite, will remain with the Board as its top priority, faculty and staff are welcome to schedule meetings in this area. This will not be a student meeting or activities area. To reserve for use, contact the Office of Campus Life and Operational Management.

VWU/Akademos Partnership Celebrates Anniversary

Last month, VWU and Akademos celebrated our first anniversary as partners in education. After the renovation of the Scribner University Store two years ago and in line with shifting trends for textbook purchasing, we introduced a new way to order textbooks through Akademos. As a best-in-class online college bookstore and course materials solution provider, Akademos makes multiple formats, delivery options, and subscription-based materials available through a personalized, efficient and cost-effective manner with 24x7x365 accessibility. Students can review their registered courses and assigned materials at vwu.textbookx.com.

A President to President Blog

This year’s President to President series, titled “The Well Campus: An In-Depth Look,” explores the various dimensions and applications of wellness on college campuses. To encourage further discussion of this important and timely subject, Brett Ladd, CEO Campus of Sodexo North America, has published a blog on Sodexo’s Inspired Thinking site titled, “What It Really Means to Prioritize Well-being on College Campuses.” The article examines how multifaceted the concept of wellness on campus has become, as students and college administrators increasingly recognize the importance of mental health, social connection, and building a sense of belonging within a community.

Churches Discern Whether to Stay or Go

According to Jim Patterson of UM News, United Methodists are tackling the question of whether to leave The United Methodist Church because of differences in theology and LGBTQ participation in church life. Pastors and church leaders reflect on how they are trying to be faithful while working toward a difficult decision.

Construction Update

Clarke Hall – I am pleased to share that contributions were received last week to fund the Phase II upgrade of technology in Clarke Hall.

Phase I was completed this summer and included modernization and upgrades to six "major" spaces in Clarke Hall. The upgrades were initiated to provide state-of-the-art facilities to support Virginia Wesleyan University’s growing business and talent development and job training capabilities and were funded through a series of gifts and grants from private sources.

Redesigned classrooms and technology enhancements span both floors, including the Innovation Theatre, Business and Technology Hub, Faculty Collaboration Studio, One Button Recording Studio, and Testing Center. This project brings several new instructional technology abilities to our campus: interactive projectors, Revolution Lightboards, and more.

Bonnewell Sports Medicine Center – Thanks to another generous gift from Sentara, the athletic training facility has additional upgrades in the works. As such, the facility will be rebranded to the Bonnewell Sports Medicine Center, managed by Sentara Medical Group (rendering pictured). A modern sports medicine facility is an important part of the student-athlete experience, and we’re grateful to Sentara and to Trustee and alumnus Gary Bonnewell '79 H'16, whose initial gift paved the way for the current facility.

STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES

Virginia Wesleyan University Magazine

The Pharos

REFLECTIONS

I hope you find these links useful to my recent columns and publications:

University Business