March 4, 2024
Good morning, |
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In a season filled with many highs, our men's basketball team faced a challenging postseason matchup, succumbing to Swarthmore by a narrow margin of 67-59 in the NCAA Tournament's opening round. This moment, though bittersweet, cannot overshadow the team’s incredible journey, led by Head Men’s Basketball Coach Dave Macedo. His steadfast dedication and our team's spirited efforts have once again affirmed our place among the elite in NCAA Division III. |
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In honor of Women's History Month and International Women's Day, special events are planned throughout March on campus. Organized by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, these events are designed to heighten awareness and celebrate the vital role of women throughout history and in contemporary society.
On Thursday, March 7, at 12:00 p.m. in Blocker Auditorium, the Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies program is hosting New York Times best-selling author Nancy Redd. Her talk, "YOU Can Make HERstory: How the Past and Your Present Shape Our Future," will help us kick off Women's History Month with a talk exploring self-confidence and inclusivity designed to empower students to show up authentically on campus and in the world. Redd is a GLAAD-award nominated on-air host and NAACP Image Award-nominated writer, the former Miss Virginia, and Harvard graduate. She has dedicated her multifaceted career to encouraging self-confidence and inclusive representation in all facets of mainstream media.
On that same evening (March 7, 7:00 p.m.), the Robert Nusbaum Center will host “Faith in Action: Women Empowering Communities for Transformational Change” in Brock Commons. A dynamic group of women of faith will share their experiences and insights on their journeys to become agents of change in the community. These remarkable women represent diverse backgrounds and serve as a testament to the transformative power of faith when combined with intentional and action-oriented initiatives.
Check out our website for the complete listing of VWU Women’s History Month events. |
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I was delighted to participate in the Metro Ministers Conference of Virginia, hosted at Brock Commons. This was an important gathering aimed at fostering discussions on diversity and inclusion within the community. The event was presided over by Rev. Dr. Melvin T. Blackwell, President of Metro Ministers, who emphasized the importance of the meeting in promoting collaborative efforts towards societal improvement.
During the luncheon, I delivered a presentation about VWU's array of diversity initiatives, emphasizing our dedication to creating an inclusive environment. U.S. News and World Report has repeatedly named Virginia Wesleyan as a Top Performer in Social Mobility and Diversity, showcasing our ability to not only attract students of diverse backgrounds but to help them succeed in their pursuit of a college degree and subsequent career.
I look forward to future collaborations with Metro Ministries and the broader community, as we pursue our shared goal of preparing the next generation for the challenges and opportunities ahead. |
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In this same vein, I was honored to be recognized at the 2024 Hampton Roads United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Mayors’ Masked Ball on Saturday night. The UNCF M.A.S.K.E.D. Award is bestowed upon those who have committed to fostering hope and opportunity for deserving students and the broader community each year. The inherent values of Virginia Wesleyan resonate with UNCF's mission, and I was deeply proud and grateful to accept this award on behalf of the University.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our faculty, staff, students, and supporters for their relentless commitment and active involvement in making our university a place of inclusivity. This honor is a reflection of our shared vision, and it inspires me to continue our collective dedication to educational empowerment for all. |
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Pictured left: Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander, U.S. Congressman Bobby Scott, Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck; Pictured center: Virginia Beach City Council member Jennifer V. Rouse (VWU '08) and Virginia Senator Aaron Rouse; Pictured right: Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer |
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AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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Passing of Judy Tinsley Judy Tinsley, former Executive Assistant in Academic Affairs, has passed away. Judy served Virginia Wesleyan faithfully for 26 years and was well known and beloved by many. Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. |
Marlin Mural Festival Make plans to join us on Thursday, March 7 at 6:00 p.m. for the opening of the Marlin Mural Festival exhibit at the Neil Britton Art Gallery, located in H.C.Hofheimer II Library. More than 60 students have contributed to the mural since its inception at the beginning of the fall 2023 semester. I can tell you, it is very impressive. Learn more. |
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Shaggy and Friends Broadcasting on Campus We were gratified to welcome Shaggy & Friends to campus last week. The morning drive team from Z104 broadcasted their show from the Harbor Grill in the Jane P. Batten Student Center Friday morning. We thank them for showcasing our student-athletes and the array of opportunities available to our students here at VWU. |
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Shack-A-Thon Returns This weekend, members of SACH (Students Against Continued Homelessness) are organizing a Shack-a-thon, which will include a wonderful speaker series for the afternoon of March 9 in Greer 155. VWU and SACH are excited to welcome Jordan Brown ‘03, Lead Pastor of Ocean View Church; Todd Walker, Executive Director of the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center and former NFL player; and Dr. Mindy Gumpert, Adjunct Faculty and board member of REACH (Reading Enriches All Children). |
Touring the ERP’s New Ryan Resilience Lab I thoroughly enjoyed touring the new Pru and Louis Ryan Resilience Lab of the Elizabeth River Project with Marjorie Mayfield Jackson, Executive Director of ERP, and Maynard Schaus, Professor of Biology and Environmental Science. The facility is named for longtime VWU Trustee and friends, Louis and Pru Ryan, and connects their passion for education and the environment impressively. I encourage our students and community members to check it out. |
VB Vision Lunch with Councilman David Hutcheson Leadership from Virginia Beach Vision hosted the new Virginia Beach City Council member David Hutcheson (center right) for lunch at the Town Center City Club. Joining us for lunch were VBV officers Brad Martin, Jim Spore, Martha McClees, and Delceno Miles. |
Catching Up with Good Friend Amelia Ross-Hammond It’s always great to visit with Virginia Beach City Council member Amelia Ross-Hammond, who serves our district. We discussed the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art at VWU, our talent development programs offered in partnership with the City of Virginia Beach, and the Virginia African American Cultural Culture, for which Amelia serves as founder and Chair. We’re delighted to be the educational partner for the VAACC. |
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All District Reads There was a strong VWU presence at last week’s All District Reads (All Norfolk Reads) luncheon at the Town Point Club. I was joined by Trustee Emeritus George Birdsong (CEO of Birdsong Peanuts); Mimi Mitchell ’07, CEO of Volunteer Hampton Roads; and Stephanie Gorham (MBA ’23), Vice President of Resource Development and Corporate Social Responsibility for the United Way of South Hampton Roads.
New Bayfront Senior Housing in Virginia Beach is Only ‘Scratching’ What the City Needs Our partner Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay recently broke ground on a new residential tower in Virginia Beach, the latest project to try to tackle the growing need for affordable senior housing, reports WHRO. Read more. |
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COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP NEWS |
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Let's go, Marlins!
Sincerely, |
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