Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

October 16, 2023

Good morning,

I am pleased to share that Dr. Janice Underwood, former Commonwealth of Virginia Chief Diversity Officer and current Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (ODEIA) for the Biden Administration, will serve as the keynote speaker for the Winter Commencement ceremony to be held on December 16 at 10:00 a.m. The ceremony will take place at the prestigious Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center.

Dr. Underwood is an exceptional choice as the keynote speaker due to her remarkable career and significant contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Her extensive experience includes serving as a state official, university administrator, teacher educator, researcher, and national board-certified special education science teacher, all of which have contributed to her deep expertise in DEI.

As the inaugural Virginia Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer (CDO) to Governor Ralph Northam, she set a precedent both within the Commonwealth and nationally. During her tenure in this role, Dr. Underwood led the development and implementation of the ONE Virginia Plan, a groundbreaking statewide DEI strategy involving over 100 agencies. Additionally, she spearheaded the Virginia COVID-19 Equity Leadership Taskforce, serving as a model for other states and local governments in approaching the pandemic with an equity-focused approach. We were proud to host her on campus during this period of her career as a featured guest speaker for our Black History Month celebration in February 2020.

Dr. Underwood earned a Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Psychology and Behavior/Learning Disorders from Hampton University, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Old Dominion University.

We look forward to Dr. Underwood’s return to Virginia Wesleyan and celebrating the Class of 2023 very soon. For more information about our 2023 December Commencement Exercises, please visit our website and read the FAQs.

ET CETERA

It was a night of celebration at the 35th Annual Gala of the ACCESS College Foundation, and Virginia Wesleyan was well-represented by its dedicated community members. Among the attendees was Stephanie Gorham, CEO of Volunteer Hampton Roads, who joined the event to show her support for ACCESS and its mission (pictured with Keith Moore, VWU Senior Vice President.) The presence of Mark Johnson, Senior Vice President of Truist, at the gala highlighted the importance of corporate partnerships in promoting access to higher education.

Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Dean of VWU Global Campus, and Heather Campbell, Vice President for Enrollment, were also in attendance, showcasing VWU's leadership in higher education and its dedication to creating pathways for students to achieve their academic goals. The event provided an excellent opportunity for networking and collaboration among individuals and organizations working towards the common goal of expanding access to education.

A standout at the gala was Alex Moody, a VWU student-athlete-leader and ACCESS College Foundation Scholar. Alex proudly represented VWU at the celebration, embodying the spirit of academic achievement and community involvement. Additionally, Alex's role on the VWU Athletics Management Council demonstrates the university's commitment to nurturing well-rounded student leaders who contribute positively to their communities. With Charlene Harvin, an ACCESS College Advisor, by his side, Alex Moody exemplified the impact of programs like ACCESS in transforming students' lives and helping them reach their full potential.

Join us on Saturday (October 21) at 5:00 p.m. in the Joan P. Brock Room of Brock Commons for a book signing event for "I Will Die On This Hill: Autistic Adults, Autism Parents, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World,” co-authored by Meghan Ashburn, a VWU alumna from the Class of 2008, and Jules Edwards.

"I Will Die On This Hill" sheds light on the dynamics between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Drawing from her personal experiences as a mother of two autistic sons, Meghan, in collaboration with Jules Edwards, an autistic parent, offers valuable insights. The book narrates their journey from differing viewpoints to a united front, aiming for disability justice.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear select readings from the book and engage directly with both authors.

While the event is free and open to the public, we ask attendees to register in advance. Hope to see you there!

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

The Arts at VWU Presents "Eurydice" by Sarah Ruhl

The Arts at VWU proudly presents "Eurydice" at the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center from October 26 to 29. Based on the classic Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, this modern adaptation, written by Sarah Ruhl, explores the timeless themes of love, loss, and the power of memory.

The student cast and crew have been working hard to bring this story to life, and their dedication will be evident in the performance. Whether you're a fan of Greek mythology or just enjoy thought-provoking drama, be sure to save the date for "Eurydice."

For ticket reservations and more information, please visit our website.

Dr. Clayton Drees: A Legacy of Caring, Compassion, and Commitment

As Dr. Drees, Professor of History, enters his 32nd and final year at Virginia Wesleyan, he leaves a lasting legacy, having published books, received teaching awards, and served in leadership roles. His journey, from England to Sierra Leone and from California to Virginia, exemplifies his dedication to education and the transformative power of history. Read more.

Students Learn to Harness their Power at the Virginia Women’s Conference

Students Katie Baker, Kaitlyn Duswalt, Kimberly Koscinski and Jessica Wilson represented Virginia Wesleyan at the Virginia Women’s Conference: Harness Your Power! presented by Senator Mark Warner in Norfolk earlier this month. This event provided an invaluable platform for these exceptional students to engage with influential leaders, learn from accomplished women, and contribute their perspectives on critical issues facing women today. Their participation underscores VWU's commitment to empowering and nurturing the next generation of leaders, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and experiences to effect positive change in their communities and beyond.

Marlins Past and Present Honor Former President Billy Greer

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the many Marlin alumni, faculty, staff, and special friends who gathered to celebrate the life of the late Dr. William T. "Billy" Greer, Jr., former president of Virginia Wesleyan, this past Saturday. It was a truly remarkable tribute to Dr. Greer and the profound impact he had on the Virginia Wesleyan community. The Greer family was deeply touched and sincerely appreciative of the overwhelming outpouring of support.

VWU to Host Intentional Endowment Network Fall Forum

Virginia Wesleyan University is proud to host the Intentional Endowments Network Fall Forum on October 25, an interactive half-day event on campus. The Virginia Wesleyan University panel will feature 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; Ali Bayler, Portfolio Manager at Brown Advisory, and me. Registration for this event is open. We hope to see you there!

Chesapeake Bay Academy Announced as Yass Prize Quarterfinalist

Congratulations to our campus partners and neighbors, Chesapeake Bay Academy! CBA was selected as one of 64 educational innovators, chosen from over 2,000 applicants across the country, to become a Quarterfinalist for the 2023 Yass Prize. CBA will go on to compete for the prestigious $1 million grand prize, considered to be the “Pulitzer of Education Innovation.” The prize is focused on the STOP Principles of Education: Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless. The Yass Foundation will distribute $13 million in total prize money in 2023.

Visiting with Alumna Tracy Keller

I had the delightful opportunity to visit with proud VWU grad Tracy Keller, Chief Executive Officer at Girls Scouts-Colonial Coast, at last week’s 2023 State of the Region Address. Tracy was a member of the VWU President’s Council for many years and continues her service to our community through her good work with the GSCC.

Cape Henry Rotary Club Oyster Crush

I always enjoy the Cape Henry Rotary Club Oyster Crush at Ballyhoos in Virginia Beach, one of the biggest fall social events in the city, offering a chance to connect with elected officials. While there, I connected with Rob Bloxom, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the 100th district (Eastern Shore and a part of Norfolk), and Bill DeSteph, a member of the Virginia Senate for the 8th district and previous member of the Virginia House of Delegates (82nd district) and the Virginia Beach City Council. Both are valued friends of VWU.

Continuing our Great Partnership with Westminster Canterbury

We had an enjoyable lunch at DeFord Manor with our good friends and partners at Westminster Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay — Ben Unkle, President and CEO, and Emma Thomas, Director, Resident Services. We collaborate on the popular Westminster/Wesleyan Lifelong Learning Institute. Also joining us for lunch was Dr. David Black, VWU Executive-in-Residence.

Updates from Virginia Beach Vision

Many will recall that I serve as Vice President of Virginia Beach Vision (VBV), an organization dedicated to advancing initiatives necessary to the City of Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads region’s future development, prosperity and quality of life. At a recent meeting of the VBV Board of Directors, we welcomed Executive Director Rick Dwyer and Deputy Director Todd Nichols of the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance. They provided an overview of the status of the military and defense community in Coastal Virginia and how the business community can secure and strengthen its presence in our area.

Additionally, on behalf of the entire organization, I offer my special thanks to Sally Dudley, who for so many years served as Assistant Director of Virginia Beach Vision. She recently left VBV to become the Director of Development & Marketing at National Alliance on Mental Illness, Coastal Virginia. Sally and I are pictured with her successor, Marla Johnson. We offer our thanks to Sally and we welcome Marla to the team!

Total of 120 Churches Disaffiliate at Last VAUMC Special Called Annual Conference

A Special Called Annual Conference session was held on October 7 for the Virginia Annual Conference membership to consider the ratification of 120 local churches seeking to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church over matters of human sexuality. Read more.

State of Recycling Community Engagement Project

The Virginia Beach recycling survey is now open. The survey can be accessed at the provided link until November 17. All Virginia Beach residents are encouraged to participate!

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP NEWS