October 14, 2024
Good morning, |
|
Happy Fall Break, Marlins!
Whether you choose to relax, recharge, or catch up on tasks, take this time to focus on yourself so that you’re ready for the second half of the fall semester. See you soon!
|
|
Last week, Virginia Wesleyan hosted the 2nd District Congressional Debate between Congresswoman Jen Kiggans and Missy Cotter Smasal in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. The event was presented by the Hampton Roads Chamber, and it gave our students and community a firsthand look at democracy in action. The debate provided an educational experience that will resonate with viewers as they consider the critical issues leading up to the November election. |
Virginia Wesleyan actively promotes student participation in democratic processes through initiatives such as the Robert Nusbaum Center and Wesleyan Engaged. The Robert Nusbaum Center's mission is to create a civil society by encouraging respectful dialogue and mutual understanding across diverse perspectives. It empowers students and community members to lead with empathy, value diversity, and explore collaborative solutions to pressing societal issues.
The Center’s annual Cookson Lecture will be held on Thursday, October 24, at 7:00 p.m. In "All My Presidents: An Essayist's Tour of American History," Colin Rafferty considers what the notion that anyone can become president really means to us. This event is open to the campus community. The Cookson Lecture was established in honor of Catharine Cookson, Ph.D., J.D., who served as the first full-time director of the Center. |
The University also encourages civic engagement through two key programs of Wesleyan Engaged: the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge and Marlins Vote. By joining over 160 college presidents and chancellors in the ALL IN Challenge, Virginia Wesleyan has committed to achieving full student voter registration and participation in every election. Marlins Vote, the University's own campus election engagement initiative, promotes a three-point program that includes voter registration, issues education, and volunteer opportunities. It goes beyond traditional “get out the vote” efforts by fostering a deeper understanding of the electoral process and encouraging students to become active participants in local, state, and national elections.
Virginia Wesleyan is steadfast in promoting democracy and civic engagement on campus, and I invite the entire community to participate in these meaningful efforts. |
|
As a reminder, students participating in the 2024 Winter Commencement Ceremony on December 20 must submit their Commencement Fee (which includes the cost of ceremony regalia) by Friday (October 18). Graduates who order by October 18 will be able to pick up their caps and gowns at the Office of Finance between December 17 and 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Graduates are also encouraged to participate in the Senior Class Gift tradition, which helps the University and future Marlins for years to come. Those who donate $20.24 or more will receive a coastal blue Giving Cord to wear at Commencement, a VWU alumni t-shirt, and a VWU alumni car decal. Commemorate your graduation and take the first step to becoming an involved alumnus/a by making a gift to support annual scholarships for current and future Marlins.
Additionally, graduation announcements may be purchased through the University Store website. Diploma frames and class rings are also available.
For more information on the 2024 Winter Commencement Ceremony, please visit our website.
Congratulations to the Class of 2024! |
|
AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
|
State of the Region I always enjoy attending the State of the Region luncheon hosted by the Hampton Roads Chamber. With Robert McNab, presenter of the State of the Region and Chair of Economics at ODU. Some fascinating information on the strength of Coastal Virginia.
Although the economic news is some of the best we’ve received in many years in terms of employment, wage growth, and goods and services produced, the report does note that Coastal Virginia’s economy continues to experience a drag due to housing costs. The average home in Hampton Roads was nearly 57% more expensive at the end of 2023 than it was in 2015. “We are running faster than before, but still not as fast as we need to win the economic race,” according to the report. To do that, the report advocates streamlining regulations for new housing. Read more. |
|
Introducing the Just Baked Smart Bistro In an effort to meet campus community needs, the Alumni Galleria in Brock Commons has been upgraded for 24 hour access. The biggest new addition is the Just Baked Smart Bistro, a hot food kiosk. Enjoy hot carry-out breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack items anytime, such as White Castle Burger Sliders, Stouffer’s Classic Mac and Cheese, Four Cheese Calzone, and Molten Chocolate Lava Cake. Get the Just Baked app to order ahead or pay at the kiosk with credit, debit, or Marlin Dollars. The Truist ATM is also located in the area. The area is well lit and surveillance is provided by security cameras. |
|
The Pharos: October Edition I am proud to share the October 2024 edition of The Pharos which is available now online. We 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. |
Cybersecurity Awareness Month Continues October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. It’s a time for us to reflect on our collective responsibility in preventing security threats. The theme for this year is "Recipe for Cybersecurity.” Throughout the month, the Malbon Center for Technology will be sharing a variety of tips and resources to help you stay safe and secure, whether at work or home. Learn more. |
|
Construction Humming Along Activity at the construction site for the new Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art is really beginning to accelerate. This past week, I met with the crew at Hourigan Construction as we continue to collaborate on this new and exciting addition to our campus. Lots of activity is still to come! |
|
Community Engagement with HRCAP Pleased to host CEO Edith White and her colleagues at Hampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP) on campus last week to discuss potential collaborations. HRCAP is a nonprofit community action agency that has been serving residents of southeastern Virginia for over 50 years, contributing to the economic stability of individuals, families and the community here in Hampton Roads.With Keith Moore, Senior Vice President; Jason Seward, AVP of Campus Life and Operational Management; and Larry Belcher, Director of Enrollment for VWU Global Campus. |
|
Virginia Maritime Association Annual Dinner Enjoyable evening at the Virginia Maritime Association annual dinner at The Main. With Jason El Koubi, President and CEO at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership; Laura Chalk, Executive Director of Virginia Beach Vision; and Jared Chalk, Chief Business Development Officer at the Hampton Roads Alliance. |
|
Faculty Dinner Throughout the semester, Annie and I enjoy hosting faculty dinners at DeFord Manor to get to know our faculty members even better. Last week, we had a great evening, sharing perspectives and updates on some of the exciting initiatives taking place on campus.
Crime Statistics Down in Virginia Beach Good news for our city! Crime statistics are down in Virginia Beach in 2024, with a 15.3% reduction in violent crime and a 9% reduction in property crime compared to this time last year, according to a report by WHRO. Read more. |
|
PARTNERS IN PROGRESS A Virginia Wesleyan University Community |
|
Have a safe and relaxing Fall Break, Marlins! Sincerely, |
|
|
|
|
