Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

September 25, 2023

Good morning,

Virginia Wesleyan University is committed to promoting the importance of accessibility and affordability for our students. One of the most important avenues to these goals is the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) program. This vital program is a needed and beneficial way for students across the Commonwealth of Virginia--including those enrolled at Virginia Wesleyan--to afford their education at private colleges and universities.

Although generous institutional aid through scholarships helps to offset cost of attendance, the VTAG program has, since 1972, provided additional, critical financial support. The undergraduate award this year is $5,000, both for full-time undergraduates and students in graduate programs in health professions. As it stands, the award next year will remain $5,000. At Virginia Wesleyan University, 746 of our current students are receiving a TAG award this year.

It is critical that we convey to Governor Glenn Youngkin how vital VTAG funding is to our students, families, colleges, and communities and why VTAG funding should be a priority for the Governor in the budget, which he is in the process of preparing now. If VTAG is important to you, please send an email to Governor Youngkin to ask that he do everything possible to increase funding for the award. It is important that our voices (students, families, alumni, faculty and staff) are heard by the Governor.

We are advocating for an increase in funding to enable a $6,000 VTAG award for all undergraduate students and for graduate students in the health professions for the 2024-25 academic year. In addition, we hope to see an increase to 100% of the traditional VTAG amount for students attending fully online undergraduate programs.

Support of this program is critical to our students. I urge you to learn more about this essential program and how to take action at https://bit.ly/ThanksforTAG23.

Speaking of Governor Youngkin, he joined presidents of Virginia Private Colleges (VPC) at VWU last week during the VPC annual meeting. The VPC represents 28 accredited nonprofit independent colleges and universities in Virginia. Gov. Youngkin was introduced by VWU Trustee and alumnus Taylor Franklin (pictured top). Our discussion with the Governor and Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera included statewide educational initiatives and the role of private education in Virginia (pictured bottom).

The annual meeting also included a reception at DeFord Manor and dinner at the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center with VPC presidents and state legislators. The VPC serves as the voice of Virginia’s independent higher education community before state agencies and legislators and coordinates government relations activities for its members. The VPC was instrumental in starting the above-mentioned Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) program and manages the advocacy of Virginia's independent colleges for increased funding for VTAG and other programs assisting students at independent colleges. (Pictured: Del. Angela Williams Graves (top); Del. Cliff Hayes and Hampton University President Darrell Williams (left); and new Liberty University President Dondi Constin (right))

Virginia Wesleyan was the host of this year’s annual VPC meeting because I am the outgoing Chair of its Board of Directors. (This was my final meeting as VPC Chair.) I am so proud to have served as Chair during the search that led to Chris Peace (pictured right) as VPC’s new president. VPC is our most important membership, providing collaborative services in the areas of public policy, cost containment and professional development.

My thanks to Chris and his team for organizing a great annual meeting. We’re delighted Virginia Wesleyan served as the backdrop for such an important gathering.

ET CETERA

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Bradley C. Botkin as the Director of Facilities Management. Brad brings a wealth of experience in facilities management, having served in various leadership roles at Aramark, the outsourced facilities management firm of VWU.

With a career spanning nearly 12 years, Brad's expertise in overseeing facilities at educational institutions is impressive. His previous roles include leadership positions at Columbus State University from 2018 to the present, Georgetown University from 2016 to 2018, and the University of Virginia from 2011 to 2016.

Brad is a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College, where he earned his bachelor's degree in economics.

The university's commitment to environmental stewardship is exemplified by its outstanding facilities, such as the Greer Environmental Sciences Center, which received the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's National Conservationist of the Year Award in 2018. Additionally, the campus boasts the Wilson Arboretum, the Beech Forest, and over 13 miles of biking and hiking paths and trails, providing students with a vibrant and sustainable learning environment.

Brad's appointment as Director of Facilities Management underscores Virginia Wesleyan University's dedication to enhancing its campus infrastructure and ensuring an exceptional experience for its students, faculty, and staff.

He will join the Marlin family in Virginia Beach on October 12.

Virginia Wesleyan University is proud to host the Intentional Endowments Network Fall Forum on October 25, an interactive half-day event on campus. This Forum is a valuable platform for peer-learning and collaboration among endowments, focusing on sustainable investment strategies that enhance returns and societal impact.

The 2023 Fall Forum's agenda includes vital topics like integrating ESG into investment policy statements, safeguarding investment autonomy, and preparing the next generation of investment leaders through student engagement. This event offers ample opportunities for dialogue, networking, and collaborative action planning.

We’re delighted to share that Virginia Wesleyan will be featured for a panel discussion about building consensus and establishing the investment policy. Joining me on the panel is Gary Bonnewell ‘79, H’16, VWU Trustee and Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney; Rowan Stuart, student and member of the Brown Advisory Student Investment Fund team; and Ali Bayler, Portfolio Manager at Brown Advisory.

Registration for this informative event is open to the public.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

The Passing of Professor Emeritus Gordon Magnuson

Dr. Gordon Magnuson sadly passed away last week. Upon retiring in 1997, he was named Professor Emeritus in English. Funeral arrangements are still to be determined. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and the Virginia Wesleyan community.

National Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrated from September 15 to October 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes and honors the rich cultural contributions and heritage of Hispanic and Latino Americans. It's a time to appreciate the profound impact these communities have had on American society, from arts and culture to politics and beyond, fostering a greater understanding of their important role in shaping the nation.

Alisa Crider’s Final Alumni Council Meeting as Chair

Last week, Alisa Crider ‘10 served as Chair of a VWU Alumni Council meeting for the final time. She served with distinction through the pandemic and agreed to serve for an extended term out of the goodness of her heart. We thank her for her exemplary service to her alma mater, and look forward to her continued engagement as Immediate Past Chair of the Alumni Council. Dr. Thomas Taylor ‘00 will become the next Chair of the Alumni Council, effective January 1. We are pictured with Tina Milligan ‘88, Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement.

2023 Oracle Change Agent Awards

The 6th Annual Change Agents Awards celebrate the accomplishments of finance and supply chain leaders who have succeeded in accelerating innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability at their organizations. We are delighted to share that Mary Ryberg, Vice President for Finance, was nominated as a Change Agent for her transformative work in the Office of Finance. Congratulations, Mary!

TowneBank Tower’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

It was an enjoyable evening last week at the TowneBank Tower as we celebrated the dedication of their new, beautiful building in downtown Norfolk with our good friend and Virginia Wesleyan University Trustee Bob Aston (Founder and Executive Chairman of TowneBank). Clockwise from top right: With Bob and Dawn Glynn (President & Chief Experience Officer, Corporate Services Group); Bob and daughter Mary Catherine “MC” Aston, VWU ‘22; former Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms, now President & CEO of TowneBank Financial Services Group.

VWU Continues to Promote Civic Engagement

Michael Feggans, candidate for Virginia delegate, visited our Wesleyan Engaged program to discuss voter registration initiatives and student involvement in elections. Many will recall that VWU has repeatedly been named a Voter Friendly Campus by Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project and NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and honored by ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. Michael and I are pictured with Bethany Tsiaras, Director of Civic Engagement and Service Learning, whose efforts in this area help to distinguish VWU.

VWU Distinguished in 2024 'Best Colleges' Rankings

In the recently released 2024 Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report, Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) has once again been spotlighted, receiving accolades in three noteworthy categories: top National Liberal Arts College, exceptional ethnic diversity, and a foremost performer in social mobility. Read more.

Hampton Roads Legislative Reception

I enjoyed visiting with State Senator Bill DeSteph, a good friend of VWU, at the Hampton Roads Legislative Reception at The Harbor Club. The reception gives HRCC Board members the opportunity to meet and engage with individuals from the Hampton Roads General Assembly Delegation.

Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art Shares Hampton Roads Collectors’ Art in Gallery Exhibition

The Virginian-Pilot reports that VWU friend and benefactor David Goode and two others have shared their common connection for the appreciation of sharing and creating art. Read more.

Homecoming and Family Weekend Countdown is On!

Make plans to join fellow Marlins on October 6-7 for an exciting lineup of diverse events for Marlins and their friends and families. On Friday, the weekend kicks off with Marlin Spirit Day and the 22nd annual Virginia Wesleyan University Golf Outing.

On Saturday, we’ll celebrate our annual FinFest with food trucks, live music, and family fun, and we’ll host a special 25th reunion of the Class of 1998. We’ll cheer on the Marlins in athletic contests and alumni games and celebrate the best of VWU Athletics during the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony that evening. The Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center will host the Choral Invitational on Friday and the Performing Arts Showcase on Saturday. Students can look forward to the Homecoming Dance and the crowning of the Marlin Majesty. It's a weekend filled with festivities, athletics, arts, and community spirit that you won't want to miss.

View the full schedule for 2023 Homecoming & Family Weekend. We hope to see you there!

Last Chance to Register for Virginia Women’s Conference: Harness Your Power!

U.S. Senator Mark Warner is delighted to invite the women of Virginia Wesleyan to the Virginia Women’s Conference on Saturday, September 30, in Norfolk. This event is free to all participants but registration is required as space is limited.

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