Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

January 16, 2023

Good morning,

Today is the commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. When we consider how much the world has changed since his birth on January 15, 1929, and his death on April 4, 1968, his message of equality, justice, and radical change-making through non-violence still remains incredibly timely and relevant.

The fight to approve MLK Day as a federal holiday recognized by all 50 states involved a decades-long campaign, which included support from public figures from the entertainment, sports, and political arenas. It was a battle worth fighting as MLK Day not only celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. King but also calls each of us to public service for the greater good.

In lieu of classes, the Marlins will commemorate MLK Day through a variety of activities. This morning, Wesleyan Engaged is hosting a Day of Service in the Jane P. Batten Student Center with opportunities to give back to our community. Later, recently elected Virginia Senator Aaron Rouse will address VWU Athletics during a special luncheon program where we will present the Mavis McKenley ‘11 Award to a student who exemplifies the ideals of Dr. King. All are invited to watch the live webcast of the event on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network. This afternoon, Student Activities will help lead the Marlins on a Peace Walk from VWU to Haygood UMC.

We hope you make a special effort to reflect on the life of Dr. King today and honor his legacy through acts of service, kindness, and inclusivity.

ET CETERA

Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Andrea Hoover-Erbig, Faculty Athletics Representative Jill Sturts, and I served as the Virginia Wesleyan University delegation to the NCAA Convention in San Antonio, TX, last week.

A Presidents’ Agenda Day allowed me to have more direct conversation on athletics issues with NCAA leadership. Coach Hoover-Erbig attended the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) meeting during the convention and Dr. Sturts took advantage of special programming for FARs.

Each year, NCAA members travel from campuses and conferences nationwide to attend the NCAA Convention. College sports leaders gather to vote on rule changes, which are developed by members and committees throughout the year in an effort to best support student-athletes. The Convention also provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of current and former athletes, coaches and administrators.

This year’s convention also acted as the introduction of incoming President Charlie Baker to member institutions. He attended a productive discussion with NCAA Division III presidents. His interaction with our sector was received well. Division III members also voted on 12 proposals during governance meetings.

I will continue to keep our campus community informed of NCAA Division III issues and actions.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

VWU to Host 2023 VFIC Ethics Bowl

The 2023 Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) Ethics Bowl is scheduled for January 29-30, 2023, on VWU's campus. The topic will be “Ethics and Digital Media.” The 2023 Ethics Bowl Dinner will honor VWU friend and Trustee Emeritus George Birdsong H’19 for his steadfast support of the VFIC.

Esports to Host Collision on the Coast: February 25

VWU is excited to host “Collision on the Coast,” an in-person Rocket League tournament to be held on Saturday, February 25, in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. Matches will begin at 9:00 a.m. and feature a double elimination style tournament bracket. Team registration is open now. “Collision on the Coast” is open to the public and free for VWU faculty, staff and student spectators.

Marie Porter’s New Role at Haygood UMC

Congratulations to VWU Director of Student Ministries Marie Porter on her new role at Haygood UMC. Marie is now Haygood’s Director of Discipleship and Engagement, expanding her role from student ministries to include adults and the surrounding community.

Thanks to the leadership of Rev. Beth Givens, the Pastor of Haygood UMC, and Marie Porter, our partnership with Haygood United Methodist Church continues to flourish. Located just two miles east of campus on Wesleyan/Haygood Drive, the Church has been a great partner in student ministries and community outreach. Congratulations, Marie!

VB’s Winter Wildlife Festival at VWU

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation, in partnership with Lynnhaven River Now, invites you to the Winter Wildlife Festival to be held at VWU on Sunday, January 29. Keynote speakers and award-winning literary naturalists Dr. J. Drew Lanham and Dr. Jamie Reaser will take you on an exploration of migration through the recitation of selected works from their upcoming anthology, Dawn Songs: A Birdwatcher’s Field Guide to the Poetics of Migration. Proceeds from book sales will go to the American Bird Conservancy's Conservation and Justice Fellowship program.

E-Cycling at the Aquarium

Our partner, the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, is hosting an e-cycling event on Saturday, January 28 from 9:00am-12:00pm in the east parking lot of its facility. The event aims to recycle household and personally-owned electronic waste, in partnership with Goodwill, TFC and the City of Virginia Beach Waste Management team. Learn more.

W. Taylor Franklin ‘04 Named CEO of Franklin Johnston Group

Congratulations to Trustee and alumnus Taylor Franklin, Class of 2004, on his promotion to CEO of Franklin Johnston Group. Taylor has been a member of the VWU Board of Trustees since 2021.

Cathy Lewis H’09 Becomes Interim President for CIVIC Leadership Institute

Cathy Lewis will become the Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the CIVIC Leadership Institute until a permanent CEO is identified. Cathy was named President Emeritus of the CIVIC Leadership Institute in February 2022 after leading the organization from 2001-2018. She is best known as the founding host and executive producer of a public radio talk show that aired for 25 years in Coastal Virginia. Cathy holds a B.A. from Marshall University and a Doctor of Humane Letters (honoris causa) from Virginia Wesleyan University.

NACU Welcomes St. Mary’s

The New American Colleges and Universities (NACU), a national consortium of higher education institutions that integrate liberal education, professional studies, and civic engagement, has announced St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, as its newest campus. NACU campuses are distinguished, like-minded private institutions that believe rigorous academics alone are not enough to educate students for their futures. Instead, NACU institutions combine classroom with real-world learning to provide optimal learning experiences. VWU is proud to be a member.

President to President: Building on Legacy

In this year's President to President series, titled “The Well Campus: An In-Depth Look,” prominent higher education leaders offer their perspectives on the complex subject of wellness on modern college campuses. In the sixth chapter, "Respectfulness and Community: Preserving Legacy in a Modern Era," Moravian University President Bryon L. Grigsby, Ph.D., shares ideas for promoting equity and building community both on campus and beyond. He offers examples of how his university leverages collaboration, meaningful communication, a commitment to inclusivity, and more to make positive changes while also respecting Moravian’s rich history and traditions.

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REFLECTIONS

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

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