January 29, 2024
Good morning, |
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Welcome back, Marlins! As we start this semester, I want to remind you to make the most of the campus resources available. Whether it's the Learning Center, Counseling Services, Student Engagement, the Henry Clay Hofheimer II Library, or The Lighthouse, these services are here to support you in your academic and personal journey. They're wonderful tools as you balance your classes, coursework, and extracurricular activities.
For our Marlins in their final semester: Cherish these moments at Virginia Wesleyan. This is a unique time filled with opportunities to grow and create lasting memories. While your future beyond VWU is bright and I'm confident in your success, there's something special about this phase of life, surrounded by friends, teachers, and mentors who are all just a short walk across campus.
Best wishes this semester, Marlins! |
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In gratitude for his 55 years of outstanding faculty service to the Virginia Wesleyan community, I’m delighted to share that the atrium outside of Dr. Larry Hultgren’s office in S. Frank Blocker Hall will be named Lawrence D. Hultgren Atrium.
As a Professor of Philosophy, Dr. Hultgren has taught the longest in the institution’s history while contributing so much outside of the classroom. First and foremost, he was a pioneer in the faculty. Arriving on campus in 1969, he set the tone for Virginia Wesleyan faculty and students to come, creating the friendly, inclusive culture that has been the cornerstone of our campus. He has served as our Faculty Athletics Representative, a member of our Athletic Hall of Fame committee, and a faithful scorekeeper for men’s and women’s basketball. He’s been a faculty advisor to numerous clubs and organizations, and a terrific friend and mentor to his colleagues and students.
Congratulations to Dr. Hultgren on this well-deserved honor! A dedication event will be held during Spring Alumni Weekend on the morning of Saturday, April 6, before his alumni lecture. Keep an eye on your inbox for more details. All are welcome to attend. |
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I am pleased to share that Rev. Beth Givens, Pastor of Haygood United Methodist Church, has been appointed as the Superintendent of the Coastal Virginia District of the Virginia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.
Rev. Givens has been a pivotal figure in fostering the partnership between VWU and Haygood UMC, contributing significantly to our campus ministries. Her role as Associate Chaplain at VWU has further strengthened this bond. She also served as our 2022 Baccalaureate speaker and was honored with The Wesley Award for her many contributions to our campus community.
This new appointment is effective from July 1, 2024. However, Rev. Givens will commence her responsibilities on the Bishop's Cabinet immediately. Her office will be located in the office annex of Heritage United Methodist Church, conveniently situated at the edge of our campus.
As District Superintendent, Rev. Givens will also serve as the Bishop's proxy at the VWU Board of Trustees meetings. Both she and the Bishop are enthusiastic about this arrangement, and we anticipate her contributions will greatly benefit our university community.
This appointment marks a significant milestone in our ongoing collaboration with The United Methodist Church and reinforces our commitment to spiritual leadership and community engagement. Congratulations, Rev. Givens! |
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AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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February is Black History Month The annual national observance of Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, pays tribute to generations of black people and the significant roles they have played in shaping our nation’s history and society. Beginning on February 1 and throughout this special month, Virginia Wesleyan will host events and activities open to the campus community. We hope you will join us in our celebration. |
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Marlins Go Global during January Term Students in Field Experiences in Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES 250), led by Dr. Maynard Schaus, Professor of Biology and Environmental Science, spent January Term investigating the habitats and geological features of Costa Rica, visiting a variety of destinations, including the La Selva Biological Station, Poas Volcano, Los Quetzales National Park, Las Cruces Research Station, Las Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, lowland rain forests, and coastal habitats. Read more. |
Eric Nyman Performance Golf Center in the News We’ve received great media coverage on the Eric Nyman Performance Golf Center, which is poised to be a game-changer for our men’s and women’s golf programs. Our thanks to WTKR News 3, WAVY News 10, The Virginian-Pilot and D3 Ticker for sharing the wonderful news about this exciting gift to the University. Again, we thank Trustee and alumnus Eric Nyman and Foresight Sports for making it all possible. |
Welcome, New International Students! Annie and I were delighted to host many of our new international students at DeFord Manor for breakfast last week. These students represent 13 countries and add to the rich tapestry of our campus community. GDTBAM!
An Important Question as Voters Head to the Polls: Are you a Critical News Consumer? I’m pleased to share an important story by WTKR News 3 about media literacy and election misinformation, prominently featuring VWU faculty and students. Watch now. |
Visiting with our Brown Advisory Team It was an enjoyable lunch at DeFord Manor last week with our new Brown Advisory investment team manager Thad Glowacki (top right) with (clockwise) VWU Trustee Gary Bonnewell ‘79 H’16, VWU Vice President for Finance John Groulx, VWU Associate Vice President for Finance Sylvia Schelly, and Teague Avey, Brown Advisory, Head of Virginia Offices. Brown Advisory serves as the University’s outsourced Chief Investment Officer.
The lunch also gave me an opportunity to welcome Teague and Gary to the Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges board. Congratulations to them! |
Virginia Private Colleges Caucus in the State Capital It was a productive meeting of the Virginia Private Colleges Caucus at the new General Assembly Building in Richmond. Every year, the caucus convenes to discuss important issues facing private colleges. This year, growing the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant, mental health and healthcare, and private college representation were among the popular topics. I’m pictured with Delegate Bill Wiley of Winchester and Kevin Hallock, President of the University of Richmond. |
Donald Robertson Named VBCPS Superintendent Congratulations to our friend and partner Donald Robertson, who was named Superintendent of Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) last week. Dr. Robertson has been leading VBCPS as its acting superintendent since September 2023. VWU and VBCPS partner on many wonderful programs, including a teacher preparedness and licensure program aimed to certify quality teachers for Virginia Beach students. Learn more. |
The Presidents’ Trust Convenes in DC I was recently in Washington, D.C. for the meeting of The Presidents’ Trust, a network of approximately 60 college presidents across all sectors who advance the vision, values, and practices that connect liberal education with the needs of an increasingly diverse student body, a global workforce, and thriving communities. I’m pictured with Lynn Pasquerella, convenor of TPT and President of the Association of American Colleges & Universities. |
Now Offering Tours: Ryan Resilience Lab in Norfolk The Ryan Resilience Lab, named in honor of our good friends, Louis and Pru Ryan, is now open and offering tours of the facility’s sustainable innovations. We look forward to the many opportunities in education and research that this wonderful facility will offer to our Marlin community. Read more.
The Port of Virginia: A Clean, Green Machine WHRO reports that the Port of Virginia has become the first major East Coast port to fully run on clean energy, achieving a significant milestone. Read more. |
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COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP NEWS |
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Have a great semester, Marlins!
Sincerely, |
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