Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

June 12, 2023

Good morning,

The Blocker Foundation was established to support various charitable causes in the community in which S. Frank Blocker Jr. supported during his lifetime. Through its philanthropic efforts, the Blocker Foundation aims to promote positive change by fulfilling Frank's dream to build a better, more equitable world for all.

Frank Blocker had been involved in the growth of Virginia Wesleyan from 1986 until his passing in 2020. He served on the Board of Trustees from 1990 until he was named Trustee Emeritus in 2007. Frank also served as board chair for the Norfolk YMCA and later became the chairman of the Endowment program. His love for the YMCA and generous donations resulted in the renaming of the Norfolk Branch to the S. Frank Blocker YMCA.

Therefore, it is fitting that during his lifetime, Frank partnered Virginia Wesleyan with the YMCA of South Hampton Roads to build the Frank Blocker Youth Center on the VWU campus in 2017. Since its construction, this facility has been a hub of activity for campus, housing the Tidewater Collegiate Academy during the academic year and YMCA Camp Red Feather during the summer.

I am pleased to share that the Blocker Foundation has continued Frank's legacy by funding a two classroom addition to the Blocker Youth Center. With the new addition, the Center will be able to accommodate even more students and provide a safe and supportive environment for them to learn and grow. Frank's vision and the Foundation's generosity have had a profound impact on the lives of over 1,500 youth who experienced the Center during the most recent academic year, and it will undoubtedly continue to do so for years to come.

Construction for the two classroom addition will begin in September.

ET CETERA

In honor of Pride Month, we are proudly flying a pride flag on our campus, adjacent to the American flag and Virginia state flag at Heritage Plaza in front of Godwin Hall, as is our tradition.

Of course, our efforts for diversity, equity and inclusion are more than just symbolic. I'm proud to share that Virginia Wesleyan University was once again named the #1 College in Virginia for LGBTQ+ students by BestColleges, in partnership with Campus Pride, as reported by University Business last week.

Many will recall that VWU was one of just 40 institutions selected among the Best of the Best Colleges and Universities for LGBTQ+ Students by Campus Pride in 2022. Campus Pride is considered the most trusted, reliable educational resource for students and families looking for the best campuses for LGBTQ inclusion and safety. In order to be in the “Best of the Best” listing, an institution must score the highest percentages in the LGBTQ-friendly benchmarks for policies, programs and practices.

While our efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion continue to be a guiding principle as we plan the future of our University, we're grateful to know that our existing efforts have already been considered noteworthy by organizations devoted to the issue.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a time for reflection, education, and celebration of African American culture and achievements. Communities across the country come together to honor the contributions of Black Americans throughout history, from music and art to politics and activism. The campus community is invited to join in the celebration with the Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department through a week of free arts and cultural events June 13-18. Learn more.

As a reminder, in-person classes are canceled and many University offices are closed in observance of Juneteenth on Monday, June 19.

Wesleyan Wednesday at APEX: June 28

Join us at APEX in Virginia Beach Town Center for our first Wesleyan Wednesday of the summer. The event is free and open to all Marlin alumni, faculty, staff and their families on June 28 from 5-7pm. We hope to see you there!

New Marketing and Communications Head Named

I am pleased to announce David Brandt as the new Executive Director of Marketing and Communications. David comes to VWU with extensive experience in similar positions including 10 years as Director of Communications at East Coast Polytechnic Institute & University. David has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, and Masters of Arts in Journalism from Regent University.

Alum Exhibit Opens in the Britton Gallery

I was delighted to join the opening reception of “Moss Mind,” an exhibition by Alison Coutu ‘22, in the Neil Britton Art Gallery. The exhibit will take viewers on "a whimsical journey through a mind of compulsive obsession as an outlet for coping with stress, where distractions provide no solutions, only momentary solace." Alison and I are pictured with Phil Guilfoyle, Professor of Art. The exhibition is free and open to the public through August 31.

Changes at Sodexo Dining Services

As a result of some changes with the Sodexo Dining Services regional corporation, the reorganization of the Sodexo district includes Virginia Wesleyan joining Shenandoah University, University of Mary Washington, and George Mason University with the district office now located at GMU.

Daniel Bannerman, Executive Chef, has taken a position at Stihl, a Sodexo location. He will be replaced by Matthew Scott. Matt is no stranger to VWU having served as Executive Sous Chef, Sodexo Dining Services, since 2019. His other experience includes local fine dining establishments like Steinhilber's and the Eastern Shore Yacht and Country Club.

Opus Resumes This Summer

VWU's Opus summer program, a Work & Learn initiative, is back. Now in its sixth year, the Opus program is designed to assist students with outstanding financial obligations to the University and has helped over 150 Marlins continue their educational pursuits. Participating students work alongside multiple campus offices including the University's Facilities Management team on corrective and preventative maintenance, as well as beautification projects throughout campus. Projects include residence hall preparation and maintenance for summer camps and conferences, parking lot painting, and work with the grounds team. Thanks to the generosity of Trustee David Kaufman H’19 and The Landmark Foundation, Opus continues to assist eligible students in making their education affordable.

Welcome Back, Camp Red Feather!

Now in its 18th year, YMCA Camp Red Feather kicks off its 2023 summer camp season next week. With its headquarters on campus in the Frank Blocker Youth Center, YMCA Camp Red Feather exposes youth ages 5 to 17 to their natural surroundings, unplugging them from the digital world. Virginia Wesleyan's 300 acre park-like settings makes our campus the perfect setting for this long-time partnership as campers participate in arts and crafts and archery, canoe on Lake Taylor, climb the 55-foot Alpine Tower, and explore Virginia Beach and beyond.

Make Your Annual Gift by June 30

Virginia Wesleyan University's ability to prosper and grow is rooted in the generosity of our alumni and donors. Your gifts are an investment in our students and will echo throughout the lives of every student touched by your generosity. Make your tax-deductible gift by midnight June 30 to give students unique and valuable experiential opportunities that help prepare them for their lives and careers beyond the classroom.

A special thank you to those who have already made their fiscal year gift. View The Excellence Fund Honor Roll of Donors here.

Westminster College (UT) Leadership Visits

It was great to host representatives from Westminster College (UT) — President Beth Dobkin, her husband Randy Chiotti, and Vice President Dan Lewis — with our mutual friend Nancy DeFord, Vice Chair of the VWU Board of Trustees, on campus last week. We are pictured at The Cavalier at the Virginia Beach oceanfront.

Campus Visit by VB Council Member Michael Berlucchi

We had an enjoyable lunch with Virginia Beach City Council member Michael Berlucchi at DeFord Manor with Dr. Keith Moore, Senior Vice President. Before lunch, we toured Clarke Hall for our talent development opportunities and the Greer Environmental Sciences Center highlighting some of our sustainable practices on campus.

Catering and Conference Services

With one month remaining in FY 23, Heather Beatty, Director of Catering and Conference Services, reports that over 25,000 guests utilized these services this academic year. The total surpasses our pre-pandemic year and demonstrates the attractiveness of VWU for hosting professional and cultural events.

Regent University/CBN Founder Pat Robertson Dies at 93

Pat Robertson, who founded the Christian Broadcasting Network, Regent University, and international humanitarian organization Operation Blessing, passed away last week at the age of 93. Learn more.

Kathy Warren Selected to Lead the Planning Department

Kathy Warren has been promoted to lead the Department of Planning and Community Development at the City of Virginia Beach. Her role as Director begins July 1, and she will continue to oversee project delivery and operations for Economic Development. Learn more.

President to President: Download the Complete 2022-2023 Series

The complete 2022-2023 President to President thought leadership series is now available to download here. This year’s book, titled “The Well Campus: An In-Depth Look,” offers a thoughtful examination of the various dimensions and applications of wellness on campus, which include physical and mental health, as well as academic, intellectual, moral, and interpersonal well-being.

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REFLECTIONS

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

University Business