June 17, 2024
Good morning, |
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I joined presidential colleagues and business trustees for the 72nd annual meeting of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) at The Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, last week. This was the first annual meeting with Locke Ogens serving as President of the VFIC.
Founded in 1952, VFIC’s mission is to advance the distinctive values and strengths of the 17 more selective independent Virginia member colleges and universities. The VFIC does this by securing financial support, increasing visibility, facilitating innovative and collaborative programs, and supporting initiatives which ensure that this personalized educational experience remains an affordable choice for tomorrow’s citizen-leaders. |
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At this year’s meeting, it was great to spend time with longtime VWU Trustee George Birdsong who is also a board member of the Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges. George and his family have made a difference at several VFIC institutions. At VWU, Birdsong Hall, Birdsong Field, Birdsong Presidential Suite, Birdsong Civic Engagement office, and the Birdsong Scholarships are among the impactful initiatives.
At a reception and dinner, we also enjoyed being with new VFIC Trustees, including Gary Bonnewell (VWU grad and trustee), center left, and Tracy Frist, center right, along with Debbie Bonnewell and Sen. Bill Frist. A former Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Frist was active in education, health services and politics in Tennessee during my early career there. |
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Of course, it’s always instructive to hear from my fellow college presidents. As seen here below (from left to right), I am joined by good friends, Darrell Williams, President of Hampton University, and Bernie Niemeier, President and Publisher of Virginia Business magazine; George Albright, VFIC Trustee; Irma Bercerra, President of Marymount University, and Kevin Hallock, President of the University of Richmond; Locke Ogens, President of VFIC; and Frank Shushok, President of Roanoke College.
VFIC has a $40 million endowment and additional annual giving that supports VWU and the other 17 member institutions in a wide range of ways including scholarships and programming. |
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As a reminder, the University will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. Juneteenth is a federal holiday and has been since 2021.
All non-essential federal, state, and city government offices will be closed for this holiday. Please consult local listings and websites for information about other services that may be closed that day as well. |
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Governor Glenn Youngkin's decision to withdraw Virginia from the clean car emissions standards mandate represents a notable setback in the state's journey towards environmental sustainability. This policy reversal could significantly impact Virginia's efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change, marking a critical shift in the state's environmental strategy.
Despite these changes at the state level, Virginia Wesleyan remains a steadfast advocate for environmental stewardship. In 2020, VWU's Board of Trustees adopted Environmental Guiding Principles, affirming a deep-seated commitment to sustainability that influences all institutional planning. The following year, the university's endowment grew to $123.5 million, thanks in part to a series of gifts designated to the Batten Honors College, known for its emphasis on environmental stewardship, global engagement, and leadership. All investments for the Batten Honors College and the university adhere to prescribed environmental, social, and governance criteria, managed by Brown Advisory in Baltimore, Maryland.
Our efforts also extend beyond our beautiful 300-acre campus in Virginia Beach, including partnerships with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Elizabeth River Project, Lynnhaven River NOW, and many more. Furthermore, the University recently received a significant grant from the Virginia Department of Forestry to address urban heat stress in Portsmouth, Virginia.
The contrast between state policy and university initiatives serves to highlight the ongoing dialogue about the roles of policy and institutional action in promoting environmental health. While Virginia may be retreating from previous emissions standards, VWU's efforts demonstrate how local and academic communities can continue to drive environmental progress, potentially bridging the gaps left by broader policy shifts.
For those interested in exploring how higher education can influence broader environmental action, VWU is actively involved with organizations such as Second Nature, Intentional Endowment Networks, Association for the Advancement for Sustainability in Higher Education, and the Arbor Day Foundation: Tree Campus. |
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AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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Proud to Belong to a Spiritual Community Embracing Diversity I was proud to share a column in last Sunday’s Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press in support of the United Methodist Church’s recent decision in support of inclusivity, and reaffirming VWU’s commitment to such values during Pride Month. As VWU stands united in support, all students, faculty and staff are encouraged on their spiritual journey, regardless of faith or gender. |
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A Visit from Friends at VBED We had a great lunch at DeFord Manor with Ihsane Mouak and Henry Cobb from Virginia Beach Economic Development with Vice President for VWU Global Campus Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Chief of Staff/ Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Kelly Cordova, and Director for Innovative Partnerships and Enrollment Larry Belcher. We discussed our talent development partnership and our plans to grow our no-cost programs offered online or in person at The HIVE in Town Center Virginia Beach or on campus. Learn more. |
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Wesleyan Wednesday at Ballyhoos: August 7 Mark your calendars to join us at Ballyhoos for our annual summertime Wesleyan Wednesday. The event is free and open to all Marlin alumni, faculty, staff, and their families on August 7 from 5-7pm. We hope to see you there! |
Welcome Back, Camp Red Feather! Now in its 19th year, YMCA Camp Red Feather kicked off its 2024 summer camp season last week. With its headquarters on campus in the expanded Frank Blocker Youth Center, YMCA Camp Red Feather exposes youth ages 5 to 17 to their natural surroundings, unplugging them from the digital world. Virginia Wesleyan's 300 acre park-like setting makes our campus perfect for this long time partnership as campers participate in arts and crafts and archery, canoe on Lake Taylor, climb the 55-foot Alpine Tower, and explore Virginia Beach and beyond. |
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Still Available: Free eBook of 2023-24 President to President Series The complete 2023-2024 President to President thought leadership series is now available to download here. This year’s book, titled “Sustainable Futures for Higher Education,” offers a thoughtful examination of how sustainability and its many facets will continue to impact college campuses. |
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COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP NEWS |
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Have a great week, Marlins!
Sincerely, |
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