September 16, 2024
Good morning, |
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Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with Kaitlyn Duswalt (center, student CEO), Geo Musiello (right, student Chief of Staff), Frank Futyma (left, faculty advisor) and Kelly Cordova (far left, Chief of Staff/ Vice President for Strategic Initiatives) regarding the fall’s Marlin Business Conference, a bi-annual event designed to connect students with top business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals. The conference provides a valuable platform for networking, learning, and gaining critical insights into the rapidly evolving business world.
This fall’s theme, “Creating Leaders for Tomorrow,” will explore the vital, multifaceted roles that leaders play in organizations of all sizes, emphasizing the skills and strategies essential for success in today’s dynamic business environment. |
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As such, we are excited to announce Tom Walker, President and CEO of DroneUp, as the keynote speaker at this fall’s conference. Tom is a seasoned entrepreneur and innovator, leading DroneUp, one of the fastest-growing drone service providers in the country. Under his leadership, DroneUp has revolutionized the drone delivery industry, partnering with major retailers like Walmart to develop cutting-edge, scalable drone solutions. Tom brings a wealth of experience in technology, logistics, and leadership, making him the perfect speaker to inspire and inform future business leaders.
Mark your calendars for November 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the Joan P. Brock Room of Brock Commons for an evening poised to deliver transformative insights and inspiration from a leader at the forefront of innovation. |
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We offer a warm welcome to Jeff Heller to our Board of Trustees, continuing the proud and longstanding tradition of representation from Norfolk Southern Corporation on our Board. His expertise and leadership will undoubtedly strengthen our Board, further enhancing our mission and commitment to excellence.
Jeff brings a wealth of expertise in marketing, sales, and operations to the university. Prior to his retirement at Norfolk Southern Corporation,he served as Vice President for Intermodal and Automotive where he was responsible for more than $4 billion in revenue.
Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Transportation from Syracuse University and attended executive programs at the Duke University Fuqua School of Business, the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, and Harvard Business School.
Jeff and his wife Joyce reside in White Stone, Virginia. They are members of the Tocqueville Society for United Way of South Hampton Roads and are involved with the Bon Secours Rappahannock General Hospital and the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School. |
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Tomorrow (September 17) is national Constitution & Citizenship Day to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787. Each September, educational institutions throughout the U.S. hold programs that draw attention to our commitment to the rights and obligations of citizens.
Join the Robert Nusbaum Center in Clarke Hall on that date for a quirky take on American history and an opportunity to learn more about the Constitution in ways that your mouth won’t forget. Come by between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to enjoy stew, nachos, and snacks and gain deeper insights into – and think differently about – four of the amendments. |
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AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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VWU Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15 - October 15 Celebrated from September 15 to October 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes and honors the rich cultural contributions and heritage of Hispanic and Latino Americans. It coincides with the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries, including Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Chile.
Virginia Wesleyan is celebrating this Hispanic Heritage Month with a variety of special programming from the Off the Hook, the Latino Student Alliance, Wesleyan Engaged, and Sodexo Dining Services. See the full schedule of events here. |
Second District Congressional Debate To Be Held on Campus: October 11 The Hampton Road Chamber will host the 2nd District Congressional debate between Congresswoman Jen Kiggans and Missy Cotter Smasal on our campus on Friday, October 11, at 10:00 a.m. in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center.
This debate offers the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates on a variety of issues. It is open to the public, including the campus community. Interested participants should register to attend. |
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Site Preparation Begins at the new Virginia MOCA at VWU Site preparation began last week on the new Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art at VWU. I was delighted to see Cliff from Chesapeake Bay Contractors on-site for yet another project. Cliff has completed most of the earth-moving and site preparation work on 21 different projects since 2015.
Speaking of Virginia MOCA, their 68th annual Boardwalk Art Show will be held on October 4-6. Virginia MOCA invites you to bring your friends and family to one of the only outdoor art shows in the nation produced by an accredited museum. Enjoy the highest caliber fine art against the scenic backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. |
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The Pharos: September 2024 Available Now I am proud to share the September 2024 edition of The Pharos which is now available online. I hope you enjoy learning more about our talented faculty and staff members who continue to make important contributions to their respective fields through publications, presentations, and more. |
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VWU Board Chair Featured in WINDSdays The weekly newsletter “WINDSdays,” which celebrates the Power of Wind, Clean Energy and a Green Environment, wrote a nice article about VWU Board of Trustees Chair Job Pruden, who went from being a partner at Kaufman & Canoles to leading a local favorite: the TASTE Unlimited chain of cafés and speciality food shops. |
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Opening of MaxByte’s Centre of Excellence at ATC I was pleased to join our partners from the City of Virginia Beach and VB Economic Development for the ribbon cutting ceremony and opening of the MaxByte’s Centre of Excellence at the Advanced Technology Center. Ihsane Mouak of VBED has been a wonderful partner for our talent development program, as have VB Mayor Bobby Dyer and City Council member Sabrina Wooten. |
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The Countdown to Homecoming and Family Weekend is On! Make plans to join fellow Marlins on October 4-6 for an exciting lineup of diverse events for Marlins and their friends and families during Homecoming and Family Weekend. On Friday, the weekend kicks off with Marlin Spirit Day and the annual Virginia Wesleyan University Golf Outing. On Saturday, we’ll celebrate our annual FinFest with food, live music, and family fun. We’ll cheer on the Marlins in athletic contests and alumni games and celebrate the best of VWU Athletics during the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony that evening. It's a weekend filled with festivities, athletics, arts, and community spirit that you won't want to miss. |
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS A Virginia Wesleyan University Community |
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Have a great week, Marlins!
Sincerely, |
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