Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

April 24, 2023

Good morning,

The VWU Athletic Hall of Fame honors those who, by outstanding achievement in athletics, by service to athletics, or through significant contributions to athletics, have made lasting contributions to Virginia Wesleyan's intercollegiate athletic program. Congratulations to the following Marlins and friends who represent the best of the best in VWU Athletics:

William S. Shelhorse '70 (Benefactor)

William “Bill” S. Shelhorse is the co-founder and president of Chesapeake Bay Contractors (CBC) and a member of the inaugural graduating class of Virginia Wesleyan (Class of 1970). A native of Tappahannock, Virginia, Shelhorse founded Chesapeake Bay Contractors in 1978 with his father, a company specializing in underground utility and site development service. Shelhorse faithfully served as a member of the VWU Board of Trustees for many years and now enjoys the role of Trustee Emeritus. Thanks to his generosity, Chesapeake Bay Contractors has provided services for all outdoor athletic venues, making many campus projects possible. Shelhorse was also a major contributor to the Virginia Wesleyan’s 400-meter track and field complex, the Betty S. Rogers Track & Field Center, which is named in memory of Bill’s sister.

Marissa Coombs '18 (Women's Track & Field and Women’s Cross Country)

Coombs is the first in program history to be named an All-American, first in 2016 for Indoor Mile and again in 2017 for Outdoor 1,500m and Outdoor Mile. She set the ODAC record in the mile with a time of 4:54.01 at the Indoor National Championship to finish second in 2016, and she set the ODAC record in the 1,500m with a time of 4:25.29 in the Outdoor National Championship to finish second in 2017. She was the 2017 ODAC Indoor Champion for the Mile and the 800m. She earned Outdoor All-South/Southeast Region for the 1,500m (2016, 2017) and 800m (2016), Indoor All-South/Southeast Region for 800m (2016, 2017), Mile (2016, 2017), and 3,000m (2017). She was a four-time ODAC Indoor Track Athlete of the Week (2018, 2017, 2016), and ODAC Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week (2017). She was named to the 2015 ODAC Sportsmanship Team and ODAC All-Academic Teams in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons. She earned the Norfolk Sports Club Award in 2018.

Evan Cox (Men's Golf)

Cox is the first in program history to be named a NCAA National Champion (2016). On his way to the top, Cox earned 2016 PING First Team All-American (2016), PING All-Southeast Region (2016), All-State Player of the Year (2016), All-State First Team (2016), ODAC Champion (2016), ODAC Player of the Year (2016), and All-ODAC First Team (2016). In 2015, he was named All-State Rookie of the Year, All-State Second Team, ODAC Rookie of the Year, and All-ODAC Second Team. During his two years of conference play, he was named ODAC Player of the Week four times (2015, 2016).

Kala Guy Herman '12 (Women's Volleyball)

The first All-American in program history, Herman made an impact in her time for the Marlins, setting multiple records as an outside hitter. She was a 2013 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) honorable mention All-American and First Team All-South Region honoree, a pair of firsts for the VWC program. She was also a three-time First Team All-ODAC selection, another program first. She also garnered All-State recognition three times. Herman finished her career as Virginia Wesleyan’s all-time leader in kills (1,245) and total attacks (3,533). She set the single-match record for kills with 27 against North Carolina Wesleyan College in route to setting the Marlins’ single-season record of 416.

Cassetty Howerin '18 (Softball)

The VWU Career Home Runs leader, ODAC Career RBI and Walks leader, and NCAA Division III All-Time Walks leader (136), Howerin was essential in the 2017 and 2018 NCAA Division III Softball National Championships, being named the NCAA Regional Round Most Outstanding Player (2018) and to the All-Tournament team (2017, 2018). Howerin was named the State Player of the Year (2017), All-State First Team (2017 & 2015), First Team All-Atlantic Region (2018 & 2017), a Second Team All-Atlantic Region (2015), First Team All-ODAC (2018, 2017, 2016, 2015), ODAC Championship All-Tournament Team (2018, 2017, 2016), and ODAC Championship Most Outstanding Player (2016). Her national accolades include NFCA First Team All-American (2018, 2017, 2016), FPN Second Team All-American (2017), NFCA National Player of the Week (02/28/16), NFCA Top-10 Players to Watch List (2018) and FPN Preseason All-America Honorable Mention (2018 & 2017). In addition to her incredible athletic performances, Howerin was named to the ODAC All-Academic Team in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons and deemed the VWU Female Athlete of the Year in 2018.

2018 NCAA National Championship Softball Team

The 2018 Virginia Wesleyan University softball team had a historic season in the record books. Winning back-to-back NCAA National championships and reset the NCAA Division III mark for wins in a single season with a 55-3 overall record, a record they broke the previous season, and set the record for most consecutive wins with 41 from 2017-2018. The 2018 team collected eight All-ODAC honors, four All-State laurels, three All-Region selections, and two NFCA First-Team All-Americans in Hanna Hull and Cassetty Howerin. Hull received Schutt Sports/NFCA Player of the Year, FPN Sports All-American, and was the Most Outstanding Player in the NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team. The Marlins' coaching staff composed of Brandon Elliott '03, Bobby Wills, Jim Quinn, Chris Smith, and Jenna Wilson was named NFCA National Coaching Staff of the Year, All-Region, VaSID All-State, and All-Conference for their efforts.

Ticket information for the Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be forthcoming. In the meantime, mark your calendars and make your plans to join us on Saturday, October 7, for this special event during Homecoming and Family Weekend.

Virginia Wesleyan believes that we must always work and strive to deepen our understanding and sensitivity regarding all perspectives surrounding diversity. As a residential campus, we provide our students the ability to practice living, learning, and collaborating with others in an environment that is both challenging and supportive in all aspects.

As a result of all the changes within our historical affiliate, The United Methodist Church, I am pleased to announce our supplemental membership in the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN), an organization whose own mission and vision aligns with ours as it relates to the intersection of faith and the inclusion and acceptance of members of the LBGTQIA+ community.

Founded in 1984, RMN is an organization committed to the equitable treatment and acceptance of all United Methodist community members including full participation of LGBTQIA+ people. Since its beginning, RMN has worked to address institutionalized homophobia in the United Methodist Church and its influence now spans four continents, five countries, 1,378 churches, organizations, and campuses, and includes 45,108 individual registrants. RMN has affiliations with the Parents Reconciling Network, with whom they co-host a series of informational conversations about gender identity for parents, and the United Methodist Alliance for Transgender Inclusion, which is dedicated to its visionary policy of being a Church free from gender discrimination at every level.

As a precursor to our announcement, Campus Ministries and Spectrum hosted “Navigating LGBTQ Identities and Religion” last week. The event included a respectful dialogue on the intersection of sexual identity and faith. I’m pictured with (from left) Marie Porter, Director of Campus Ministries; Rev. Beth Givens, Pastor of Haygood UMC; and student Brynna Lister, President of Spectrum, before the event.

We look forward to sharing the wonderful resources of RMN with the entire community as we continue our commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion.

ET CETERA

Virginia Wesleyan’s 16-member delegation has returned from a successful trip to New York for the National Model United Nations conference (April 2-7), where they represented the nation of Venezuela. Students participants prepared for their role in the simulation from the start of the semester by learning about the United Nations and its various programs, goals, and agencies, as well as conducting research relevant to Venezuela’s position(s) on a variety of issues including climate change, refugees, housing, and nuclear waste disposal.

For their role in the conference and simulation, the Marlins delegation earned an honorable mention at the closing ceremonies in the General Assembly Hall at UN Headquarters. Congratulations!

Students interested in participating in the Model UN class next year should talk with their

advisors and keep an eye out for the opportunity to apply in the fall.

Thank you to all students, faculty and staff who participated in our Earth Week events last week. From the opening session of the Marlin Business Conference on Monday to the keynote panel on Friday, all events were thoughtfully planned and executed. We offer our heartfelt thanks to the speakers, panelists and guests who made time to join us during our Earth Week celebration.

We were officially honored with our Arbor Day Foundation Tree Campus Higher Education recognition during a poignant tree planting ceremony on Friday. The tree we planted, located near the center of campus, was dedicated to the First Five Pioneers, the graduates of the classes of 1970-1974. We look forward to watching this tree grow and flourish in the same way these pioneering students have watched this campus grow and flourish.

My special thanks to Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm, Professor of Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences and Director of Sustainability, for leading the week's endeavors. Kudos to Frank Futyma, Lecturer in Management, Business, and Economics, and the wonderful student leaders of the Marlins Business Conference, “A Greener Tomorrow.” My thanks also to the Robert Nusbaum Center, the Joan P. Brock School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, and the Batten Honors College for their programmatic support.

Finally, we thank the City of Virginia Beach and The Gunn Group for their special support of our Earth Week celebration.

Pictured above, left: Kendell Topping, US Dept of Forestry, Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm; Abby Mahoney '23, student CEO of the Marlin Business Conference; and Tom Brett '71 and Suzy Brett '72, co-chairs of the First Five Pioneers class reunion.

Pictured above, right: Members of the First Five Pioneers.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Passing of Harvey Lindsay

We are saddened to learn of the passing of a Coastal Virginia icon and long time Virginia Wesleyan University friend and supporter, Harvey Lindsay. He passed away Thursday at the age of 93. Most recently Harvey supported our campus-wide efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the funding of our establishment of the Africana Studies program, membership in Liberal Arts College Racial Equity Leadership Alliance (LACRELA), and appointment of a Special Advisor to the President for Diversity.

Academic Symposium and Spring Honors Convocation: Thursday, April 27

The Academic Symposium, hosted by The Lighthouse: Center for Exploration and Discovery, is a signature Virginia Wesleyan event that celebrates the academic achievement of students completing research, internships, performance, and global engagement. On Thursday, students will share their work with a professional oral, poster, or panel presentation. As part of the discussions following these presentations, students are encouraged to reflect upon their experiences and offer advice to other students who are preparing to undertake their own experiences. We will also hold our Spring Honors Convocation as a part of the Academic Symposium at 2:30 p.m. in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. View the schedule and make plans to attend to support our student scholars.

VWU Athletic Awards and Senior Banquet

Congratulations to all the student-athletes and seniors honored at last week’s Athletic Awards and Senior Banquet, especially Geni Roberts, this year’s recipient of the Norfolk Sports Club Award. Geni is a 3-time National Runner-Up and 7-time All-American in Track & Field events, the most in Marlin history. Well deserved!

Students Revive Shack-A-Thon

First-year student Aiden Foley led this year’s Shack-A-Thon, which took place last week. He was interviewed by WVEC-13NewsNow about the event. Well done!

TREX Bench on Trails at Wesleyan Woods

We are pleased to announce that VWU has been awarded a composite bench from NexTrex for collecting 500 pounds of plastic over the course of 6 months. The bench is located on the Wesleyan Woods trail between Brock Village and Honors Village.

Wesleyan Engaged will continue collecting plastic in the NexTrex boxes located in Clarke Hall, the Batten Student Center, the Hofheimer Library, and the Greer Environmental Sciences Center.

Not Just Refrigerator Art

Congratulations to art majors Brittni Arrington, Katherine Baca, Erness Anne Deseo, Haley Parshall, Carley Tantlinger, Melissa Ward (pictured), Alaycia Williams, and Kara Young on their exhibit in the Neil Britton Gallery in Hofheimer Library. The show includes photography, watercolor paintings, pastel drawings, mixed media sculpture, and ceramics. The exhibition will remain on display through graduation with a second chance to meet the artists during the lunch break of the Academic Symposium on April 27.

Another Incredible Year for Strike Out Cancer

Each year, VWU Softball hosts a Strike Out Cancer event to raise money for the American Cancer Society. This year, the team raised $42,067 during their double-header against Roanoke College last weekend. Congratulations to Head Coach Brandon Elliott and all the players, families, and fans that supported this effort!

The Final Chat & Chew of the Academic Year

We had a terrific group of staff members for our last Chat & Chew of the academic year: (clockwise) Tony Cowell, Student Accounts Specialist; Sherita Irby, Accounts Payable Coordinator; Paris Foreman, Coordinator for Accreditation, Data Collection, and Reporting; Chris Mills, Head Men's Soccer Coach; Larry Belcher, Director of Enrollment, VWU Global Campus; Trish Doherty, Administrative Assistant-Business Manager, Athletics; Nancy Chapman, Interim Executive Director of Marketing and Communications; Shane Kohler, Assistant Men's Soccer Coach; and Nancy Rechkemer, Coordinator of University Advising Services.

Trustee Gary Bonnewell ‘79 Chairs NATO Festival

It was a wonderful evening celebrating the NATO Festival's opening night with good friends Gary Bonnewell, VWU alumnus, Trustee, and Chair of the Festival; General Philippe Lavigne, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation of the NATO; and Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander at the NATO North American Headquarters.

I wish to congratulate Gary on a wonderful festival and for being named to the 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list. This marks the fifth time he has been recognized by Forbes. We congratulate him on this honor and thank him for all he does for VWU and our community.

LifeNet Health Visits

We enjoyed hosting our friends at LifeNet Health for lunch at DeFord Manor. Pictured with (clockwise from top) Sean Flynn, VWU Assistant to the President; John Malbon, Immediate Past Chair of the VWU Board of Trustees; Doug Wilson '86, LifeNet Health Executive Vice President and VWU Board member; David R. Black, VWU Executive in Residence; Jim Bibbs, LifeNet Health Chief HR Officer; Rony Thomas, LifeNet Health CEO; and Susan Larkin, VWU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Virginia Beach Sports Club Luncheon

I enjoyed attending the Virginia Beach Sports Club Lunch at Virginia Beach National last week. The lunch featured guest speaker Tony Elliott, Head Football Coach at UVA. We are pictured with Chuck Thornton, President of the Virginia Beach Sports Club (pictured top).

While there, it was nice to visit with Trey Godette, General Manager of the Virginia Beach Sports Center. VBSC has become the home of the VWU indoor track and field program and next year will host the NCAA Division III National Championships (pictured bottom).

VFIC Spring 2023 Newsletter

Enjoy the Spring 2023 newsletter from the Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges here. VWU is a proud member of VFIC, a consortium of 16 traditional independent liberal arts colleges in Virginia.

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