March 25, 2024
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Virginia Wesleyan was once again honored with Tree Campus Higher Education recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management. The Arbor Day Foundation is the world’s largest membership nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees. Its Tree Campus Higher Education program began in 2008 to encourage colleges and universities to plant trees on their campuses. The Tree Campus Higher Education program honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and engaging staff and students in conservation goals. VWU achieved the distinction by meeting Tree Campus Higher Education’s five standards, including maintaining a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance, and student service-learning project. Currently, there are 411 campuses across the United States with this recognition. We are delighted to be among them. My thanks to Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm, Professor of Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences and Director of Sustainability, for her leadership in fostering this program on our campus. We look forward to celebrating this honor during GreenFest on April 21. |
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I'm delighted to share that I will be one of 10 college and university presidents that will be honored by the Hampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP) at its 2024 Community Builders Awards set for Thursday, June 6 at 7 p.m., at the Newport News Marriott City Center. The Community Builders Awards is HRCAP’s annual fundraiser, designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to service and transforming lives within their communities through education, volunteerism, business, and outreach.
HRCAP has also partnered with WTKR News Channel 3 to present the State of Higher Education Roundtable Discussion, which will feature the 2024 CBA honorees. Hosted by WTKR’s Jessica Larché, the discussion will focus on current trends in higher education and the response from colleges and universities to 21st century workforce challenges. The Community Builders Awards provides funding that supports more than 20 programs across Hampton Roads — serving over 10,000 students, parents, and clients. |
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The end of Spring Break also means that the end of the spring semester is right around the corner... and so is Commencement! We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2024 on Saturday, May 18 at 10:00 a.m. in TowneBank Arena of the Jane P. Batten Student Center. As a reminder, U.S. Senator Mark Warner will serve as the keynote speaker. This significant occasion reflects our dedication to fostering academic excellence and providing our graduates with profound insights as they embark on their future journeys.
Senator Warner has represented the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States Senate since 2009. His career has been marked by legislative achievements in areas such as technology, healthcare, and national security, aligning closely with the values upheld by Virginia Wesleyan.
For more information about our 2024 Commencement Exercises, please visit our website and read the FAQs. |
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AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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2024 VCIC Humanitarian Awards Congratulations, once again, to our great friend Susan Goode who was honored during the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities' 2024 Tidewater Humanitarian Awards celebration last week. The prestigious award is presented to individuals who demonstrate a personal commitment to the promotion of respect and understanding among people of diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. Susan and I are pictured withe Jonathan Zur, President of the VCIC and a past Baccalaureate speaker at VWU. |
Selection of VBV Executive Director As the President and Chair of the Board of Directors of Virginia Beach Vision (VBV), a leading business advocacy collaborative in Coastal Virginia, I was pleased to announce the appointment of Laura Hayes Chalk as our new Executive Director. Based in Town Center, VBV’s mission is to create a vision to advance the initiatives necessary to the City of Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads region’s future development, prosperity and quality of life.
Laura will replace Martha McClees, who will retire at the end of May after 16 years in the position. |
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TONIGHT: Local Government and You Virginia Beach City Council member Sabrina Wooten will join us on campus tonight for “Virginia Beach and You: How We Impact Local Government and how Local Government Impacts Your Life” in Brock Commons at 6:30 a.m. Make plans to attend!
VWU In the News WTKR’s Beverly Kidd came to campus last week to interview Dr. Taryn Myers, chair of the psychology department, about her research on how nature affects us mentally and physically. It was an interesting story that introduced the term “forest bathing.” Click here to learn more. |
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VWU Presents “Anastasia” Based on the beloved animated movie from 20th Century Fox, Anastasia is both a heartwarming and heart-wrenching dive into one of history’s biggest unanswered questions: What happened to Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov? Including classic songs from the motion picture like “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December,” Anastasia explores one determined girl’s journey to find home, love, and family as she discovers who she was and embraces who she is meant to be. Join us at the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center at one of the upcoming performances: April 4 at 7:30 p.m.; April 5 - 6 at 8 p.m.; or April 7 at 2 p.m. Get tickets here. |
Spring Day of Giving: Let’s Cover Bob in Birthday Gifts from Around the Nation! The love and excitement we felt for Bob after announcing that his birthday falls on our Spring Day Giving was absolutely next level. This enthusiasm left us with no choice but to make this Bob’s BIGGEST Birthday Bash and take this party coast to coast! Get ready, Marlin Nation fans, because we are challenging YOU to help us get a gift to Bob from every. single. state.
On Friday, April 19, we invite you to join us in celebrating with Bob Marlin by giving to an area on campus that makes you want to party. Our party-people who help us reach our goal will be entered to win epic party favors. Stay tuned for more details and prepare to be a part of Bob’s BIGGEST Birthday Bash yet! |
Come Home, Marlins! Spring Alumni Weekend is coming up. Set for April 5 - 6, 2024, it’s packed with all kinds of fun and festivities. From the Marlin Family Picnic and alumni games to the Class of 1999 reunion and scroll signing and distinguished faculty lectures, it's sure to be the perfect time to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.
Be sure to catch Dr. Larry Hulgren’s lecture on Saturday in Blocker Auditorium. In his final year at VWU, he’ll be reflecting on philosophy during his 55 years on campus. Full Schedule of Events |
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“Fostering Regionalism” at the Rotary Club of Norfolk What a treat to speak about “Fostering Regionalism” at the Rotary Club of Norfolk last week. My thanks to club president Jeff Wells and member Gary Bonnewell (also a VWU Board member and alumnus) for inviting me to share how VWU and Virginia Beach Vision are fostering regionalism for the betterment of our area. |
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Chat & Chew at DeFord Manor We had a great time at last week’s Chat & Chew, held at DeFord Manor. Chat & Chew is a great opportunity for staff members to mix and mingle with others across departments and learn more about the initiatives of the University. |
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Summer Session is for Everyone Summer Session is fast approaching. Whether you're a little behind in coursework or planning to graduate early, it's a great way to speed up your pace toward graduation. VWU’s Summer Session can give you an opportunity to engage in specialty courses, complete General Education requirements or advance in your major.
Summer Session is also affordable. In fact, it’s 73% lower than tuition during the academic year. Discounted on-campus housing /meal plans are also available. Visit www.vwu.edu/summersession to learn more. |
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The Norfolk Forum Presents Liz Cheney Liz Cheney, U.S. Representative for Wyoming’s At-Large Congressional District (2017-2023), will speak on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Chrysler Hall at 7:30 p.m. VWU faculty and staff are eligible for a special discounted ticket price. Please email officeofthepresident@vwu.edu for the promotional code.
The Batten Honors College is proud to be a sponsor of The Norfolk Forum, America’s oldest publicly-subscribed speakers’ forum. |
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The NCAA Men’s Basketball Champion, if Brains Beat Brawn An Inside Higher Ed annual tradition since 2006: the Academic Performance Tournament. This year's winner is… Find out here. |
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COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP NEWS |
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Welcome back, Marlins!
Sincerely, |
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