December 5, 2022
Good morning, |
|
Our heartfelt congratulations to the VWU women’s soccer team on a wonderful season! We are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments.
The 2022 season was a special year as the Marlins made just their second trip in program history to the NCAA Women's Soccer Final Four, the last being in 2006, the year VWU won its first ODAC Championship Title. On the road to the Final Four, unranked Virginia Wesleyan defeated No. 23 Rowan, No. 13 Wisconsin-La Crosse, and No. 3 Christopher Newport. Read more about the Final Four game. |
|
Held near the end of each semester, the Academic Symposium is a signature VWU event coordinated by The Lighthouse: Center for Exploration & Discovery. The day brings the campus community together to celebrate the academic achievement of students completing a variety of academic experiences, including research, internships, performance, and global engagement. Students' ability to conduct undergraduate research with faculty mentorship is one of the many ways Virginia Wesleyan is different from other institutions. I’m always impressed by the work, creativity and curiosity of the Marlins showcased at Academic Symposium. My congratulations to the students that presented or performed and to their faculty advisors who helped them achieve their goals. Read more. Pictured: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Susan Larkin with Marcus Smaltz, a senior from Virginia Beach, who presented a poster on his internship with the Elizabeth River Project. |
|
We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the outpouring of support from the Marlin community on GivingTuesday, a national day of giving. In just one day, the University raised over $33,700 from over 500 donors for multiple areas across campus. What an incredible way to kick off the holiday season! We would like to especially thank our students who called on alumni, parents, and friends to participate in our GivingTuesday campaign. You have made a difference for your campus affinity group and for the entire University. Way to go! Thank you and congratulations to all! |
|
AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
|
The Passing of Professor Emeritus L. Anderson Orr Last week, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Susan Larkin shared with the Marlin community the passing of Professor Emeritus of English L. Anderson Orr. Andy Orr devoted 32 years to Virginia Wesleyan, teaching not only British Literature, but also things such as etiquette, French cooking, and origami during January term. He was a beloved colleague and teacher to so many in our VWU community. A memorial service will be held at Christ & St. Luke’s Church, Norfolk, on December 16 at 2:00 p.m. with ashes to be interred at McLeod Magnolia Cemetery, Leakesville, Mississippi at a later date. |
|
A Celebration of the Clarke Heritage Society The annual recognition luncheon for the Lambuth M. and Alice A. Clarke Heritage Society was held on campus last week, honoring a special group of alumni and friends who have chosen to include Virginia Wesleyan in their estate plans, as well as those who are considering a bequest to the University as a future gift. We are always delighted to welcome Alice Clarke, former First Lady of the University, back to campus for this wonderful event, which features a holiday program from The Wesleyan Choirs. She and I are pictured with Rev. Ted Smith, Class of 1984, who told a wonderful story about how Lambeth (former VWU president) and Alice Clarke helped him to succeed at Virginia Wesleyan despite financial hardship. Ted is now a Methodist pastor and an avid volunteer for underprivileged youth around the world. |
|
A Wesleyan Christmas The Virginia Wesleyan Choirs, under the direction of Bryson Mortensen, and the Wesleyan Orchestra, under the direction of Justin Stanley, presented a concert of carols, both old and new, along with songs to celebrate the season in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. Kudos on a great performance! |
|
Annual Tree Lighting Celebration Brings Holiday Cheer Our annual tree lighting celebration once again brought holiday cheer as the student groups competed in a rousing rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Our thanks to Astro DJ for keeping things merry and bright as we welcomed special guests Santa and Mrs. Claus. |
|
Reminder: Children’s Brunch with Santa Join the students of Sport & Recreation Program and “Event Principles” along with Annie and me for our Children's Brunch with Santa. This special tradition returns for the first time since 2019 on Saturday, December 10, at 10:00 a.m. in the Joan P. Brock Room of Brock Commons. Children and grandchildren of VWU faculty, staff, and contract services will enjoy a Christmas craft, holiday photo opportunities, and a visit from the man with the bag. We look forward to seeing you there! |
|
The Goode Place from the Robert Nusbaum Center Last week, over 50 students, faculty, and community members gathered to hear Dr. Kellie Holzer speak on "Why Children's Literature (Still) Matters: A New Battleground in Public Schools." The presentation was the last in a lecture series called “ The Goode Place: Why the Humanities Matter Now More Than Ever” from the VWU Robert Nusbaum Center. It was great to see glimpses of pre-Covid academic excitement once again. |
|
A Visit from the VFIC I was pleased to host Matt Shank, President of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges and Universities (VFIC), on campus last week to discuss the 2023 VFIC Ethics Bowl at VWU. Joining us for the discussion is Gary Bonnewell—VWU alumnus, longtime Trustee and former Board Chair. In addition to the competition, 2023 Ethics Bowl will honor longtime VWU and VFIC Trustee George Birdsong for his steadfast support of private higher education in Virginia. |
|
Catching Up with Girls on the Run It was great to visit with our community partner Ellen Carver, Executive Director of Girls on the Run Hampton Roads. GOTR-HR is based at VWU and hosts 5k runs for thousands of girls and their families on our beautiful campus. |
|
Protection for DACA Recipients and Dreamers |
|
The Passing of Virginia Rep. Donald McEachin We were saddened to learn of the passing of U.S. Congressman Donald McEachin, who represented Virginia’s 4th congressional district. Rep. McEachin was a good friend to Virginia Wesleyan and was known as being kind and fair by both sides of the aisle. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time. |
|
Virginia Beach Seeking Feedback on 4 Proposals for Rudee Loop The City of Virginia Beach has launched an online survey to gather public input on four proposals for developing the coveted 11-acre plot of land known as Rudee Loop at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Find out more.
Bay Intervention is Needed, and Time is Running Out Enjoy this important op-ed in The Virginian-Pilot about how we can really “Save the Bay” and meet environmental goals by 2025. |
|
STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES |
|
I hope you find these links useful to my recent columns and publications: |
|
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
|
(Be sure to subscribe to Dialogue for daily updates via email) |
|
You’ve almost made it, Marlins! The finish line is drawing near.
Sincerely, |
|
-- Scott D. Miller, Ph.D. President Virginia Wesleyan University 5817 Wesleyan Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23455 Phone: 757.455.3215 |
|
|
