May 13, 2024
Good morning, |
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You made it, Marlins! Congratulations and best wishes as you finish up finals, pack up your residence hall rooms, and embark on your summer plans. |
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We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2024 throughout this upcoming Commencement Weekend.
Baccalaureate will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Friday in the Joan and Macon Brock Theatre of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. This prelude to Commencement is a service of worship in celebration of and thanksgiving for lives dedicated to learning and wisdom. All graduates and their families are encouraged to attend. (No tickets required.)
Commencement will be held on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in TowneBank Arena of the Jane P. Batten Student Center. We look forward to the inspiring address from our keynote speaker, United States Senator for Virginia Mark Warner. The ceremony will also honor Dr. Larry Hultgren’s 55-year career with Virginia Wesleyan.
For more information on Commencement Weekend, please visit our website and read the FAQs. |
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We are delighted to welcome the World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads as a new on-campus partner starting June 1.
Founded in 1969, the World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads is one of nearly 100 chapters of the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA). A non-profit, non-partisan, educational organization, the Council is dedicated to promoting an understanding of global issues through education and public discussion, believing that a well-informed public is essential for the conduct of foreign policy to a democracy.
Given our close proximity to the North American Headquarters of NATO, the World Affairs Council will bring exciting, high-demand speakers to campus for unparalleled opportunities for our students. Additionally, the World Affairs Council looks to offer a certificate program to interested students who study abroad for a full semester. We will share more information about this exciting endeavor soon. |
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AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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VWU Softball Crowned ODAC Champions Congratulations to our softball team! This is the 10th Old Dominion Athletic Conference championship title for Head Coach Brandon Elliott and the 15th in program history, which is also the most in conference history. Special kudos to Julia Piotrowski, who was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. Emma Adams, Mackenzie Myers, Alison Pollack, and Sarah Prosser were also named to the All-Tournament Team. Way to go, Marlins! |
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The Passing of Richard S. Bray Last week, I shared news of the passing of the Honorable Richard S. Bray, a generous and visionary steward of Virginia Wesleyan University. Judge Bray retired from his distinguished law career in 2002 to become President and CEO of the Beazley Foundation which has supported the University with major grants to fund scholarships, technology, and many capital projects around campus since 1974. Notably, the University boasts the Beazley Foundation Recital Hall/Monumental Chapel and the Beazley Computer Lab in Clarke Hall, thanks to Judge Bray’s stewardship of the Foundation. |
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The Passing of Jesse Fanshaw ‘72, First Alumni Director We also learned of the sudden passing of Jesse H. Fanshaw III, Class of 1972, last week. Jesse was a pioneer at Virginia Wesleyan, first as a student and then by becoming the first alumnus to be named Alumni Director. Jesse served the University in multiple capacities in the Office of College Relations (now the Center for Advancement) from 1972 until his retirement in 2006. His dedication, hard work, and commitment laid the groundwork for Virginia Wesleyan's enduring strength, helping to transform our institution into the thriving university it is today.
We will share funeral details as they become available. Please keep the Fanshaw family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. |
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Tree Planting Ceremony Celebrates Retiring Faculty This time of year is filled with wonderful Virginia Wesleyan traditions, including the tree-planting ceremony at the annex of the Wilson Arboretum for retiring faculty. In the adjacent photo (clockwise) Clay Drees, Sharon Swift, Larry Hultgren, and Patrick Goold are watering their planted trees. (Not pictured, retirees Deb Otis and Susan Wansink.)
The Arboretum was established by the Classes of 1986 and 1995 to honor the memory of Dr. William M. Wilson, who served as dean of the then-College from 1971 to 1994. The tradition of planting trees to recognize retiring faculty began in May 1997 when Gordon Magnuson, English professor, and William Shealy, religious studies professor, selected a weeping willow and a Japanese maple for inclusion in the Wilson Arboretum at their retirements.
We thank all of our retiring faculty members for their service and wish them the best in their new adventures. |
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Honoring the Batten Honors College Class of 2024 Annie and I were delighted to welcome the Batten Honors College Class of 2024 to DeFord Manor for a special graduation celebration. And it seems like no senior event at DeFord Manor is complete without at least one Marlin jumping in the pool. I’ve heard #DeFordDunk is trending… |
Late Night Breakfast: A Meal Like No Other Another great tradition and a campus favorite is the Late Night Breakfast to start finals week. This semester’s theme was Tropical Oasis. I was joined in the picture by Associate Vice President for Campus Life and Operational Management Jason Seward ‘05, student Justin Wilt, Professor of Sport and Recreation Professions Doug Kennedy, and Vice President for Enrollment Heather Campbell ‘04. Thanks for the shirt, Clair Berube! |
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Innovation Initiatives with Norfolk Leaders We had a delightful discussion this past week about Virginia Wesleyan’s urban initiatives with Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander and Norfolk Police Chief Mark Talbot. We’re pictured with Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Sue Larkin and Vice President/Dean for VWU Global Campus Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson. |
SGA Dinner at DeFord Manor Annie and I enjoyed hosting a wonderful dinner last week with Student Government Association leaders: Edward McDonald, President; Jack Palmer, Vice President; Isaac Awogboro, Secretary; Kiera Doyle, Treasurer; Emma Lankford, Events Coordinator; and staff advisors Jen Cohen, Director of Student Engagement, and Jason Seward '05, Associate Vice President for Campus Life and Operational Management. We're also pictured with Executive Chef Matthew Scott. |
2024 State of the Port I had the pleasure of attending the annual State of the Port luncheon this past week. Kudos to VWU Trustee and alumnus Joe Ruddy, COO of Virginia International Terminals (standing) on an outstanding 2024 State of the Port celebration. I also enjoyed visiting with VWU Trustee Vince Mastracco and Joel Rubin, CEO of Rubin Communications Group. |
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Campus Collaboration withe Virginia Interfaith Center It was great to meet Robert Lester, Civic Engagement Coordinator with the Virginia Interfaith Center, at the dining hall last week. We're pictured with Lecturer in Political Science James Moskowicz and Dean of the Birdsong School of Social Science Antje Schwennicke. Robert has been a wonderful collaborator on issues of human rights, international relations, elections, and more. |
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The Norfolk Forum Presents An Evening with Liz Cheney I thoroughly enjoy serving on the Board of Directors of The Norfolk Forum, the oldest publicly-subscribed speakers' forum in the country. Now in its 91st year, the forum board hosted former Congresswoman Liz Cheney for dinner at the Chrysler Museum followed by her for discussion at Chrysler Hall. Additionally, the Batten Honors College is a proud sponsor of The Norfolk Forum, and we are proud to share the Forum’s legacy of excellence with our students who also attended the event. |
Taste of Virginia I had an enjoyable evening at the Taste of Virginia last week, hosted by the Hampton Roads Global Commerce Council. I (again) ran into Joe Ruddy ‘83, Chief Operating Officer at the Virginia International Terminals. It was good to catch up with him prior to the 2024 State of the Port Address.
New Director for VCIC We are delighted to welcome Meagan Starks as the new Director of Hampton Roads Programs for the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, which is located on our campus. She is formerly a Spanish teacher at Norfolk Collegiate School, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, and Norfolk Public Schools. She has also served as the Diversity, Equity, Inclusive, and Justice Coordinator for Norfolk Collegiate. Meagan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Education from Old Dominion University and has Masters degrees in Human Services Counseling and Curriculum & Instruction. Welcome, Meagan! |
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Norfolk Tides Tickets Many of you are aware that I enjoy baseball and have two very nice season tickets for the Norfolk Tides behind the first base dugout at Harbor Park. If any faculty, staff, or students would like to use my tickets (whether you’ve gone before or haven’t had a chance yet), please contact Anja at aserbywilkens@vwu.edu and let her know what date you would like to go. You can find the schedule here. |
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COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP NEWS |
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Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
Sincerely, |
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