Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

December 11, 2023

Good morning,

To the Class of 2023, congratulations on your remarkable journey! We look forward to celebrating with many of you this week during our Senior Send-Off events at DeFord Manor and ShoreBreak Pizza & Taphouse. Please contact Jen Cohen, Director of Student Engagement (jcohen@vwu.edu), for more details on these events.

Then, of course, Saturday is the day you’ve been waiting for. We can’t wait to see you in your caps and gowns at the VWU Global Campus Commencement Ceremony in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center.

To all of our students, best wishes as you complete your exams and enjoy your much-deserved winter break. We hope you enjoy a “silent night” or two after the frenzy to the finish line of this semester. See you in the new year!

In a meeting held earlier this semester, U.S. Representative Jen Kiggans and I discussed the absence of a Navy ROTC program on our campus. As a Navy ROTC program graduate, Rep. Kiggans made calls to support our cause. I'm pleased to report that we've now signed a Memorandum of Understanding to join a consortium with ODU, NSU, RU and TCC, to create a similar partnership to our Army ROTC program.

More details will follow, but this is a significant step for us, and we're excited about the progress.

ET CETERA

Annie and I sincerely thank everyone who has reached out to us with kind words and condolences regarding the passing of her father.

Last Monday at the Zeiders American Dream Theater in Virginia Beach Town Center I was installed as President of Virginia Beach Vision, a prominent business and industry advocacy group, succeeding my good friend Delceno Miles, President of The Miles Agency.

Virginia Beach Vision plays a pivotal role in advancing economic development and promoting a thriving business community in the Virginia Beach region. I have served eight years on the VBV Board and this past year served as Vice President. As President, I will chair the Executive Committee and 130-member Board of Directors and work directly with the Executive Director in implementing the organization’s priorities.

This election reflects an ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration between academia and the business sector to drive innovation and growth in our area, and I am honored to continue working towards the economic vitality of Virginia Beach. By connecting academia, industry, and the community, I know we can achieve remarkable progress.

It was this promise of progress that inspired the late Robert "Bob" DeFord, a longtime supporter of Virginia Wesleyan, to co-found VBV in 1993. I am proud to continue the legacy of Bob and the other VBV co-founders of excellence and collaboration with the region's top leaders.

Among the friends and colleagues in attendance at last week’s meeting were Superintendent Donald Robertson and City Manager Patrick Duhaney (pictured top left); Mayor Bobby Dyer and City Councilmember Amelia Ross-Hammond (top right); Mayor Dyer and VBV new Vice President Brad Martin (bottom left); and VBV Executive Director Martha McClees (bottom right). Martha announced her retirement after 16 years leading VBV.

Learn more about Virginia Beach Vision.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Get Ahead During January Term

It’s not too late to register for January Term, a special three-week academic term for students to concentrate their studies on one intensive course. Students have the opportunity to take unique courses not offered during the regular semester, fulfill needed course requirements, or participate in exciting study away programs.

Congratulations to Grad Student Sam Crawford

Sam Crawford has been named a First Team All-American by United Soccer Coaches, adding to her already impressive senior accolades. She has also earned ODAC Player of the Year, First-Team All-ODAC, and USC First Team All-Region this year. We have been proud to have Sam working in Godwin Hall this year as a graduate assistant to the Trinder Center for Advancement. Way to go, Sam!

Late Night Breakfast Feeds Hungry Minds

We had so much fun at Late Night Breakfast, a Virginia Wesleyan tradition to feed students up late studying before their final exams. This semester’s theme was “Jammy Jam.” Capturing the jolly spirit of the event were student Justin Wilt and Dr. Doug Kennedy, Professor of Sport and Recreation Professions.

2024-25 Administrative Calendar Available

The 2024-2025 administrative/holiday staff calendar is available online.

A Celebration of the Clarke Heritage Society

The annual recognition social for the Lambuth M. and Alice A. Clarke Heritage Society was held on campus last week, honoring a special group of alumni and friends who have chosen to include Virginia Wesleyan in their estate plans, as well as those who are considering a bequest to the University as a future gift. Afterward, guests were invited to enjoy “A Wesleyan Christmas” from the VWU Choirs and Orchestra at the Goode Center. View the event's photo gallery.

A Visit with Alum Jordan Brown

It was great to visit with Jordan Brown ‘03, Pastor of OV Church in Norfolk. We’re proud to have student engagement in his winter shelter project for unhoused people in the new year.

Marlin Mural Festival: December 1 - March 8

The Marlin Mural Festival will transform the Neil Britton Art Gallery in the Henry Clay Hofheimer II Library into a venue for experimental mural and installation artworks by students and members of the VWU community. The creation of works will unfold over an extended period, and the exhibition will pay tribute to the creative process of individuals and collaborations that culminate in finished artworks. Please stop by to enjoy the festival through March 8.

Nominate a Deserving Student for the Mavis McKenley Award

Each year, Virginia Wesleyan presents an award on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to a student who practices the ideals set forth by Dr. King—courage and conviction in valuing differences, commitment to seeing beyond borders by building inclusion, compassion for humanity, and/or commitment to social change. In 2021, the award was named The Mavis McKenley ’11 Award in honor of our esteemed graduate and Trustee.

The Office of Academic Affairs is currently seeking student nominations for the Mavis McKenley ’11 Award to be presented on Monday, January 15, 2024. Nominations are due on December 15 to academic-affairs@vwu.edu.

Construction Update: Blocker Youth Center

Construction is progressing well at the Frank Blocker Youth Center. The two-classroom addition will assist our friends at Tidewater Collegiate Academy and YMCA Camp Red Feather in accommodating their growing programs. Our thanks, once again, to the Blocker Foundation for providing the grant for this project.

Enjoying the Holidays with VWU Friends

This is always a wonderful time of year to connect with new and old friends throughout the region. It was delightful to spend an evening last week with good friends and colleagues Charles Rigney, Director of Virginia Beach Economic Development, and Joash Schulman, Virginia Beach City Council member, at the Virginia Beach Development Authority Holiday Party at the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center (pictured left). I also thoroughly enjoyed the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation Board Holiday Social at the Marsh Pavilion with friends like Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis, Executive Director and CEO; Delceno Miles; and VAMS Foundation President Dan Peterson, who is also the President of Truist (pictured center). Finally, (pictured right) the Hurrah Players held its premier performance, “Hurrah for the Holidays,” in the Goode Center last week. VWU Theatre faculty joined Jennifer Saunders, General Manager, Hurrah Players, along with Provost Sue Larkin and I at the "Sips and Sweets" VIP reception before the show.