February 19, 2024
Good morning, |
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We are proud to announce the 2024 inductees of the Virginia Wesleyan University Athletic Hall of Fame. Members will be inducted during a special ceremony on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
The VWU Athletic Hall of Fame represents the best of the best from Virginia Wesleyan's athletic history. Four former Marlin athletic greats and one team will be recognized for outstanding athletic achievement, and G. Robert “Bob” Aston will be honored for his decades of support to the University’s intercollegiate athletics program.
The Virginia Wesleyan University Athletic Hall of Fame was established by resolution of the Virginia Wesleyan Board of Trustees in May 2007 to honor those who, by outstanding achievement in athletics, by service to athletics, or through significant contributions to athletics, have made lasting contributions to Virginia Wesleyan University's intercollegiate athletic program.
Congratulations to these 2024 inductees: |
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G. Robert “Bob” Aston, Benefactor Bob Aston, Executive Chairman of TowneBank and TowneBank Foundation, has been a tremendous friend and supporter of the University. TowneBank Foundation’s charitable gifts include TowneBank Park, which comprises the Tom and Betty Broyles Field for softball and Kenneth R. Perry Field for baseball. In the summer of 2020, Convocation Hall in the Jane P. Batten Student Center became TowneBank Arena, adding seats, new flooring, new branding, and upgrades throughout the auxiliary areas. These projects benefit many intercollegiate programs, including men’s basketball (national champions - 2006) and softball (NCAA national champions - 2017, 2018, and 2021), further enhancing the prestige of these programs along with baseball, women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s volleyball.
Josh Currier, Men’s Lacrosse (2013-2016) Currier is a four time All-American who helped the 2015 team to a second place regular season finish in the ODAC, which is the best regular season finish in program history. His accomplishments include the program record for most goals scored in a season with 88 in 2016, the program record for most career goals with 214, the most assists in a season with 46, and the most career assists with 139. He sits first and second in program history for points scored in a single season with 120 and 100 and holds the record for most career points at 353. Third in program history with the most goals scored in a game with 9, Currier was drafted 6th overall by the Rochester Nighthawks of the National Lacrosse League in 2016, making him the highest ODAC player ever drafted.
Kristina Karagiogis, Softball (2012-2015) In 2012, Karagiogis was named Second Team All-American by NFCA and ODAC Rookie of the Year. In 2015, she was named First Team All-American by NFCA. She is a three-time ODAC pitcher of the year in 2012, 2014, and 2015, four-time All-Conference honoree, and First Team All-Region in 2012, 2014, and 2015. In 2015, she had an ERA of 0.65, which ranks third in program history; and had an ERA of 1.21 in 2014 which ranks ninth in program history. Kristina ranks second in program history for career ERA with a 1.30 over 505.1 innings pitched; has the second-best pitching record in program history at 66-16; third most career saves with seven; third most career strikeouts with 517; and made the NCAA team tournament in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
Scott Morgenroth, Men’s Soccer (1993-1996) Morgenroth was the starting goalkeeper all four years of his career at Virginia Wesleyan. He was named All-ODAC in 1993, 1995, and 1996; selected by the NSCAA for Second Team All-American in 1995 and First Team All-Region in 1995; holds the fifth-best single-season save percentage with a .934 in 1995; fifth best career save percentage at .900; holds the lowest GAA in a single season with 0.357, only allowing 11 goals all season, and made 65 saves. He holds the program record for most career shutouts with 32 and is tied for first for single-season shutouts with 13 in 1995. He helped his team win the ODAC regular season titles in 1994 and 1995, the ODAC Tournament in 1995 and the Virginia International Soccer Association Championship in 1994 and 1995.
Daryl "DJ" Woodmore, Men’s Basketball (2010-2014) Woodmore received NABC First Team All-American in 2011-2012 and 2013-2014. He was named Second Team All-American in the 2013-2014 season; is a four-time All-ODAC honoree; ODAC Rookie of the Year 2010-2011; D3Hoops South Region Rookie of the Year 2010-2011; ODAC Player of the Year in 2011-2012 and 2013-2014; and is a two-time NABC All-South Player of the Year in 2011-2012 and 2013-2014. He was also All-State Player of the Year in 2013-2014 and South Region Player of the Year 2013-2014. He ranks third in points scored in a season with 622; ranks third all-time in career points scored with 1,957; ranks third in career field goals made with 682; leads the program in three-point field goals in a season with 91; and ranks third in career three-pointer field goals with 244. Moreover, he was a part of four NCAA tournament appearances in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013. Woodmore currently plays professional basketball in Germany.
2006-2007 Men’s Basketball Team The 2006-07 Virginia Wesleyan Men’s Basketball team was the NCAA National Runner-Up with an overall record of 28-5, an ODAC record of 17-1, and was undefeated at home with 15 wins. They finished the season with a total of 2,528 points, which ranks third all-time in program history. They made 940 field goals, which ranks third all-time in program history. The team made 236 three-pointers and amassed 1,153 rebounds; registered 504 assists, ranking first in program history; and had 252 steals. Brandon Adair was named Second Team All-American by D3Hoops and DIII News. He was First Team All-South Region by D3Hoops and DIII News, and First Team All-Conference. TonTon Balenga was named Third Team All-South Region by D3Hoops and was also Second Team All-Conference. Head Men’s Basketball Coach Dave Macedo was named All-State Coach of the Year. |
We look forward to recognizing these achievements in October. Details about the Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony will be forthcoming. |
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I’m immensely proud of students when they get involved in advocacy work for the policies and programs they believe in.
Today, Associate Vice President for Campus Life and Operational Management Jason Seward '05 is leading a team of seven students in Richmond for “Thanks for TAG!” Day. Every year, the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV) organizes a student advocacy day at the Virginia General Assembly, where supporters can meet with, thank, and advocate in front of legislators for the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) funding which was created to assist Virginia residents who attend accredited private, nonprofit colleges and universities in Virginia. Our students will have the opportunity to tour the recently restored Virginia Capitol and sit in the House or Senate gallery to be introduced by the legislative members. |
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VWU students also recently participated in STUDENT DAY OF ACTION hosted by Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP). Members of the Virginia Wesleyan delegation (pictured) included Christian Palmisano, Josh Spicer, Kaylee Grimstead, Emma Lankford, Alexis Bailey, and Christopher Mercer-Garrett who met with legislators and their staff members to advocate for important policies affecting thousands of Virginians. Read more.
Way to go, Marlins! |
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AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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Passing of Professor Emeritus of Theatre Rick Hite The University community mourns the passing of Dr. H. Rick Hite. Rick came to Virginia Wesleyan in 1969 and taught with great dedication in the Theatre department until his retirement in 1999. At Rick's request, no services are planned. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts. |
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Virginia Wesleyan University Magazine: 2022-2023 Annual Report The Virginia Wesleyan Magazine Annual Report Edition is now available online. This edition showcases both transformation and achievement within our Marlin community, including our exciting new partnership with the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. Enjoy!
CSCAA Scholar All-America: Women’s Swimming The College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) has selected Virginia Wesleyan's women's swim team for the Scholar All-America award. Congratulations to these wonderful student-athletes, along with Director of Men's and Women's Swimming Kristian Ramkvist, for their impressive academic accomplishments. Learn more. |
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VWU Athletics Honors Larry Hultgren We had another wonderful opportunity to honor Professor of Philosophy Larry Hultgren in his 55th and final year at VWU. In addition to his academic service to the University, he has also been a steadfast supporter of VWU Athletics, keeping the book for many years at men’s and women’s basketball games. Last week, we recognized him during Senior Night for men's basketball. Thank you, Dr. Hultgren!
Pictured from left: Andrea Hoover-Erbig, Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics; Dr. Larry Hultgren and his wife Mary Lou; and Dave Macedo, Head Men's Basketball Coach |
The Pharos: February 2024 The February 2024 edition of The Pharos is available now. We hope you enjoy learning more about our talented faculty and staff members who continue to make important contributions to their respective fields through publications, presentations, and more. |
Marlins Day Open House Our Marlins Day Open House over the weekend was a huge success, welcoming the highest number of prospective students and their families in recent years. Prospective Marlins explored campus, met VWU faculty and staff, and learned about academic offerings, scholarships, and the financial aid process. |
Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeast VA Inducts VWU Trustee Bob Aston into Hall of Fame The Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia (BGCSEVA) has announced G. Robert Aston, Jr. as this year’s inductee into its Hall of Fame. Executive Chairman of TowneBank and a member of Virginia Wesleyan University’s Board of Trustees, Aston will be honored at the BGCSEVA’s Youth of the Year Gala on Thursday, March 28 at The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center. |
The Annual Justine L. Nusbaum Lecture The VWU community enjoyed a highly-informative and thought-provoking presentation last week during the annual Justine L. Nusbaum Lecture delivered by Michael Panitz, Ph.D., rabbi at Norfolk’s Temple Israel and adjunct professor at VWU. This year’s talk centered on the historic and continually unfolding relationship between Jewish and African Americans, focusing on the dynamic relationship between Dr. Martin Luther King and Abraham Joshua Heschel, the rabbi who brought progressive politics to Judaism. Read more.
Dr. Panitz is pictured with Bill and Sharon Nusbaum, son and daughter-in-law of the Center’s namesake, and Dr. Craig Wansink, Joan P. and Macon F. Brock Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center. |
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Lunch with Girls on the Run and New Volunteer Hampton Roads President We welcomed Mimi Mitchell, VWU class of 2007 and new President & CEO of Volunteer Hampton Roads (center left), with a tour of the campus offices of Girls On The Run before having lunch in the Princess Anne Room. With Ellen Carver, GOTR Executive Director (center right); Shevette Jones, GOTR Director of Development (right); and Keith Moore, VWU Senior Vice President and a member of the VHR Board. |
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The Fellowship of Christian Athletes We’re excited to have the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a national campus ministry that serves as a resource for coaches and athletes who are interested in faith and spiritual development, on our campus. As a ministry, FCA hosts a group gathering on Thursday nights at 8 p.m. that is open to all. They also offer Bible studies for coaches and individual sport teams upon request. During the summer months, they provide a number of regional camps for both high school and college athletes to attend. The ministry at VWU is organized and led by Hannah May (hmay@fca.org), an FCA staff person who also serves as a Volunteer Assistant Coach for the Virginia Wesleyan Cross Country and Track & Field teams. |
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757 Rugby Virginia Wesleyan University is proud to host 757 Rugby, a nonprofit program focused on developing young people ages 7 to 18 through the values of sport. In addition to the physical and technical development of children and teenagers, the organization promotes respect, solidarity, and discipline. 757 Rugby believes that young people who are balanced physically, mentally, and psychologically will make better players and that supportive, respectful, and courageous players make better people. We welcome them to our campus. |
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Clarke Hall: Phase III The most recent round of Clarke Hall updates is nearing completion. Phase three of the project, which was made possible through funding by Virginia Beach Economic Development, enhances our talent development and traditional programs by adding a customizable classroom complete with modular furnishings and a state of the art cybersecurity laboratory operating on its own secure network and housing 20 terminals for instructional use. |
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COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP NEWS |
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Happy Presidents Day!
Sincerely, |
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