September 23, 2024
Good morning, |
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Each October, the Marlin Family Campaign for Faculty and Staff provides an opportunity for our campus community to contribute financially to the University. Virginia Wesleyan is committed to achieving our goals in academics, enrollment, fundraising, student life, and more. Every faculty and staff member plays a crucial role in this journey, and I sincerely appreciate your daily contributions that foster meaningful futures for our Marlins. |
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We had a wonderful kickoff meeting and breakfast for the ambassadors of the Marlin Family Campaign for Faculty and Staff last week (pictured). Our thanks to Frank Futyma, Michele Hedspeth, Kelly Jackson ‘84, Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm, Trish Doherty '22, Kayleigh Poggioli ‘23, Bethany Tsiaras, Zion Purvis-Allen ‘24, and Dr. Bryson Mortenson for serving the campus community in this special way.
This year, our early bird raffle offers an exciting prize: a personal and private island getaway aboard a floating tiki bar with VB Tiki Tours! Make your gift before September 30 to enter the drawing.
As the Marlin Family Campaign celebrates the contributions of our faculty and staff, every Tuesday in October will be Marlin Family Trivia Tuesdays. The more you learn about your fellow Marlins, the more you earn. Every correct response gives you another chance to win in our daily drawings. I thank our faculty and staff for all that they do for Virginia Wesleyan. |
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Of the 1,565 colleges and universities in the nation, Washington Monthly ranked Virginia Wesleyan University among the top 160 liberal arts colleges in the country for its contributions to the public good.
VWU was 155th in the Washington Monthly’s 2024 College Guide and Rankings “Best Liberal Arts Colleges” list. Additionally, in the performance metrics, VWU ranked 21st in Pell performance and 67th in service.
VWU is one of only seven Virginia colleges to make the Top 160 liberal arts placement. Washington Monthly’s guide highlights schools that have made “contributions to the public good” and “what they do for the country,” by measuring social mobility, research, and promotion of public service. |
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AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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VWU Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15 - October 15 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. |
Welcome Kayla Monroe, Branding and Design Manager We are thrilled to welcome Kayla Monroe to our campus as the new Branding and Design Manager. Kayla graduated from Southern New Hampshire University and has been working in graphic design for more than a decade. During the coming weeks, you’ll likely spot her around campus, attending events and connecting with the Marlin community. Kayla will be immersing herself in the spirit of our campus to lead our branding and design initiatives in a way that truly reflects who we are. |
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Kayla replaces Christine Hall, who retired last week after 19 years with the university. Christine asked to retire quietly, although we on the second floor of Godwin Hall couldn’t resist offering a small token of our appreciation to her. I know the entire campus community joins me in thanking her for many years of dedicated service and creativity to the Marlin family. |
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Congratulations to Cory Franklin ‘20, Adjunct Faculty Member At the Hampton Roads Black Caucus 2024 Breakfast of Champions on Saturday, Cory Franklin, VWU Class of 2020, VWU adjunct faculty member, and Marine Corps veteran, was honored for his work in the community. Way to go!
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The Arts at VWU The fall events calendar for the Arts at VWU is available now, including information regarding the fall theatre production: Chicago.
The classic Broadway masterpiece of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery hits the VWU stage. Bob Fosse’s sharp satire of fame, fortune, and the legal system as told through the lives of two merry murderess’ vying for the spotlight - all set to the timeless music and lyrics of Kander and Ebb - is sure to entertain, delight, and leave you wanting more.
We hope to see you at Chicago during Homecoming & Family Weekend or another upcoming performance or event! |
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First Faculty Dinner of the Academic Year Our first faculty dinner of the academic year is in the books! Annie and I enjoy hosting these small group meals to learn more about our faculty members and share recent updates and initiatives of the University. Faculty dinners will continue throughout the fall semester. |
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VWU Joins Institute on AI, Pedagogy, and the Curriculum I am proud to share that Virginia Wesleyan University is among the 124 higher education institutions selected to participate in its inaugural Institute on AI, Pedagogy, and the Curriculum. Established by the American Association of Colleges and Universities. This new, fully online institute is designed to help departments, programs, colleges, and universities respond effectively to the challenges and opportunities artificial intelligence (AI) presents for courses and curricula. Read more. |
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Celebrating Project Amplify with TCA I was delighted to visit Project Amplify students at Tidewater Collegiate Academy at VWU with Vice Presidents Keith Moore and Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson and Associate Vice President Jason Seward. Through a unique program, Project Amplify students earn dual credit from TCA and VWU. |
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The Trails at Wesleyan Woods Since its founding, Virginia Wesleyan has enjoyed a rich heritage of abundant biodiversity and natural resources. Located on a picturesque, park-like, 300-acre campus bordered on the west by Lake Taylor, the University has ponds and mature forests which can be enjoyed by walking, hiking, jogging, or biking through our extensive trail system. Take advantage of these treasures and enjoy! |
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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. It's a weekend filled with festivities, athletics, arts, and community spirit that you won't want to miss. |
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Hosting Virginia Beach Vision Reception at DeFord Manor As many of you know, I am proud to serve as Chair of Virginia Beach Vision (VBV), a business advocacy group with a membership of 130 corporations and organizations. Over the summer, VBV welcomed Laura Chalk as its Executive Director. Since summer vacation plans make scheduling an event difficult, we were pleased to officially welcome Laura to her new role with VBV during a reception at DeFord Manor last week, welcoming government and business leaders around Virginia Beach to our beautiful campus.
Pictured with Laura and her husband Jared (top); and with Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer, Virginia Beach City Councilmember Amelia Ross-Hammond (District 4), and Buffy Barefoot, President -TowneBank Virginia Beach (bottom). |
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS A Virginia Wesleyan University Community |
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The Trails at Wesleyan Woods are perfect for enjoying the beautiful fall weather.
Sincerely, |
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