Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

August 26, 2024

Good morning,

Welcome home, Marlins! There was much excitement on campus yesterday as our newest Marlins arrived for move-in day.

We kicked off the second session of Marlin Nation Orientation with an afternoon assembly in TowneBank Arena, followed by First-Year Fest.

Our residential transfer students arrive today, returning students move back to campus tomorrow, and fall semester classes begin on Wednesday. It’s going to be a great year, Marlins!

Last week, we held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (Virginia MOCA) at Virginia Wesleyan University. The beautiful new facility will be constructed on the VWU campus in the David R. Goode Arts Complex. The collaboration between Virginia MOCA and VWU unites the two institutions with shared commitments to the arts, arts education and accessibility, and community engagement.

Virginia MOCA’s new home at VWU will make it more accessible to residents and visitors. Scheduled to open in early 2026, the new museum expands programmable space by 20 percent, bringing art, education, and engagement experiences to the forefront. Enhanced galleries will accommodate larger and more diverse exhibitions, allowing for dynamic and extensive art displays; and Virginia MOCA’s educational space, ARTLab, is designed to engage visitors of all ages with hands-on art experiences and interactive learning opportunities.

The event earned well-deserved media attention from WAVY, WVEC, and WHRO.

Learn more and view the photo gallery and video.

ET CETERA

We held the annual State of the University on Friday, where I was pleased to share that Virginia Wesleyan is thriving despite growing nationwide skepticism regarding higher education. This year's address highlighted Virginia Wesleyan's continued growth and innovation, with a focus on the university's efforts to expand community outreach and serve a diverse population.

Thank you to the VWU community members and friends who joined us for the event, as well as all who watched live through the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network. Each of you plays a pivotal role in guiding Virginia Wesleyan forward.

In my remarks, I made many special announcements, including:

The Jane P. Batten and David R. Black School for International Studies in Tokyo, Japan
The new VWU Center for Urban Leadership Education in partnership with the Urban League of Hampton Roads
Naming of G. Robert Aston, Jr. Hall
Naming of Anne B. Shumadine Hall
Announcement of the David R. Goode Arts Complex
A $2 million National Science Foundation STEM grant for scholarships

Read more about VWU’s fundraising and affordability efforts, growing enrollment, and community partnerships in the State of the University feature story on our website.

Webcast | Photo Gallery

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Founders Day is Next Thursday

We will celebrate the special tradition of Founders Day on Thursday, September 5 at 12:00 p.m. in the Joan and Macon Brock Theatre of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. Our keynote speaker will be Virginia Beach City Council member and Class of 2008 alumna Jennifer Rouse.

Our formal Founders Day convocation ceremony will also include the presentation of our annual Alumni Awards. Congratulations to our 2024 Alumni Award recipients: Jennifer Rouse ‘08, David Green ‘98, John-Henry Doucette ‘01, and Kameron Clarke ‘21. We will also be honoring community leader Delceno Miles with The Wesley Award.

Be sure to join us in the celebration!

Batten Honors College Matriculation Ceremony

We proudly welcomed the newest scholars in the Batten Honors College (BHC) with our traditional matriculation ceremony on Friday. These scholars hail from around the country and across the globe, and I know that each of them will bring a unique perspective to the BHC and our university.

Meeting with New SCHEV Leadership

I was pleased to go to Richmond last week to meet Scott Fleming, new Executive Director of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). The meeting was facilitated by Virginia Private Colleges. Scott and I are pictured with Mary Dana Hinton, President of Hollins University. She will serve as our Batten Honors Convocation keynote speaker on September 5.

Lunch with Jeff Heller

It was an enjoyable lunch at DeFord Manor with retired Norfolk Southern Corporation Vice President Jeff Heller and Gary Bonnewell ‘79, H‘16, Senior Vice President of Morgan Stanley. Gary is the former chair of the VWU Board of Trustees.

VWU Alum Makes Catch of a Lifetime

Our area recently enjoyed the Savannah Bananas at Harbor Park, and Virginia Wesleyan softball alum Season Dailey ‘14 quite possibly made Banana history with an incredible catch. Check it out!

2024 Homecoming and Family Weekend

Alumni and friends are encouraged to mark their calendars for Homecoming and Family Weekend. The celebration will take place on campus on October 5-7. See the full event schedule for details.

President to President’s “Game Changers” Coming Soon

We are excited to begin the 21st year of the President to President thought leadership series. Look for the Foreword by Ellen Chaffee, President/CEO of AGB, for our 2024-25 "Game Changers" series coming on August 29!

PARTNERS IN PROGRESS

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