Thursday, February 1, 2024

The President's Letter: New Semester, New Milestones

 

New Semester, New Milestones
February 2024
Dear friends,

January Term flew by as our students showcased their love for learning by engaging in intensive courses in the classroom and around the world. Students returned to campus for the spring semester to see the newly unveiled Eric Nyman Performance Golf Center, named in honor of our distinguished alumnus and Trustee, in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. This new facility is not just an investment in our golf program but a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation for VWU students.

As we celebrate Black History Month throughout February, we reflect on our Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Commemoration, where students engaged in community service and fellowship. Again, we thank Mark Johnson, Senior Vice President and Community Development Manager of Truist, for serving as our keynote speaker on that special day.

Every new semester brings reminders of our rich history and bright future. Pastor R. Perez Gatling of neighboring Ebenezer Baptist Church will serve as the 2024 Baccalaureate keynote speaker, inspiring the Class of 2024 during our spring commencement weekend. Dr. Larry Hultgren's remarkable 55 years of service as a professor of philosophy will be honored with the naming of the atrium in Blocker Hall during Spring Alumni Weekend. We honor the memory of Eleanor Watts, a cherished member of our VWU community, whose unwavering support, with her husband Henry, has been instrumental in shaping VWU. Their dedication and compassion have been fundamental in establishing VWU as the welcoming and inclusive institution it is today.

Sincerely,
A Day of Reflection, Action, and Engagement
VWU’s annual MLK Day of Commemoration bridges gap between words and deeds
The Passing of Eleanor Watts
Her legacy will live on through the numerous landmarks and programs on campus that were made possible by the Watts family
Pastor R. Perez Gatling to Serve as 2024 Baccalaureate Speaker
Renowned clergyman and educator has served Coastal Virginia for more than 20 years
Eric Nyman Performance Golf Center to Revolutionize VWU Golf
Generous gift from alumnus is a game-changer for men's and women's programs
Students Dive into Hands-On Learning, Intensive Field Experiences during January Term
Class embarks on educational adventure to explore Costa Rica's rich biodiversity and geological wonders
Honoring a Highly Esteemed and Beloved Faculty Member
Blocker Hall Atrium to bear the name of Dr. Larry Hultgren
VWU Pays Tribute to Black History Month
Campus events celebrate the significant roles of African Americans throughout U.S. history