November 25, 2024
Good morning, |
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During this Thanksgiving week, I am reminded of the unique and inspiring community that defines Virginia Wesleyan. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities this campus provides for our region and for the many blessings we share—our exceptional students, dedicated faculty and staff, supportive Board of Trustees, and generous alumni and friends.
As a reminder, classes will not be held and the university is closed Wednesday, November 27, through Friday, November 29.
Annie and I wish you all a safe and happy holiday as you travel near and far to spend time with loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Congratulations to women’s volleyball! The team earned their first NCAA tournament victory in program history on Thursday against Springfield College, winning 3-2.
Although their journey ended on Friday against #1 seed Juniata, we are so proud of this milestone achievement and their outstanding season. Go, Marlins! |
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For the first time, we will be offering a December Session through VWU Global Campus (December 15-January 26). Part of this session will run concurrently with our traditional January Term (January 3-24).
December Session offers students a valuable opportunity to advance their academic and professional goals. This session is tailored to help students enhance their skills, earn microcredentials, and add essential course credits toward graduation—all within a focused and flexible format. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your knowledge, explore new interests, or accelerate your path to a degree, this session is the perfect chance to invest in your future.
Choose from courses offered by VWU Global Campus through VWU Online or in partnership with the VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation.
Give yourself the gift of growth and success this winter! |
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The Marlin Business Conference is a bi-annual event that connects students with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to network, learn, and gain valuable insights into the ever-changing business landscape. Last week’s conference, “Creating Leaders for Tomorrow,” explored 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. Congratulations to the students and their advisor, Frank Futyma, Lecturer in Management, Business, and Economics, on another successful conference!
We offer our special thanks to Tom Walker, founder and CEO of DroneUp, for delivering the keynote speech at the opening session. DroneUp to become 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. Read more.
I’d also like to thank Ihsane Mouak, Business Development Coordinator at Virginia Beach Economic Development, for presenting to our students at The HIVE in Town Center Virginia Beach. Ihsane has been a wonderful partner to VWU as we work together to deliver talent development courses at no-cost to local residents to upskill the workforce.
View the Opening Session and other events of the Marlin Business Conference on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network. |
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AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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Esports Arena Dedication and Accolades We celebrated the dedication of the CompleteU Marlins Esports Arena in the Jane P. Batten Student Center on Friday. Our thanks to John Meyer and CompleteU for sponsoring our flourishing Esports program which now boasts of 16 new PCs, headsets, and mice to help our Marlins compete.
Additionally, the VWU Esports Overwatch team won the NACE East Division 7 Championship last week. Congratulations to team members Brady Morrison (Captain), Eddie Atkins, Emmanuel Garcia, Zachary Stilwell, and Andrew Zamor. Way to go, Marlins!
Pictured with Heather Campbell, Vice President for Enrollment; Jason Seward, Associate Vice President for Campus Life and Operational Management; Brandon Kwon, Director of Esports, and members of the Esports team. |
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VWU Named 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting Virginia Wesleyan has been recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) as one of this year's Most Engaged Campuses for College Student Voting. The initiative recognizes colleges and universities for making intentional efforts to increase student voter participation. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge currently engages 10.8 million students from more than 1,075 institutions in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. |
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Tidewater VFIC Reception Travis Malone, Anne B. Shumadine Dean of the Batten Honors College, and Rowan Stuart, BHC ‘24 and current MBA student, were invited to speak to representatives from the Board of Trustees at the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges held in Norfolk. They spoke about the invaluable role the VFIC plays in supporting students through scholarships and learning opportunities.
Pictured: VWU student Rowan Stuart (left) with Locke Ogens, President of VFIC, and Nya Bradshaw, student at Hampton University. |
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VWU Awarded Impact-Vision Grant from SCHEV The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), in collaboration with the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP), has awarded Virginia Wesleyan a one-year Vision Grant of $25,000. The purpose of the Vision Grants is to assist institutions in establishing a campus-wide task force, conducting strategic planning, and determining institutional priorities for campus-wide initiatives that will support future internships and work-based learning opportunities for students. Congratulations to our colleagues in The Lighthouse: Center for Exploration and Discovery on receiving this grant. |
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Artist Reception: Derek Eley We had a great turnout in the Barclay Sheaks Gallery in the Hofheimer Library for the Artist Reception honoring new art faculty member Derek Eley, Assistant Professor of Art, on Thursday evening. I’m pictured with professor emeritus Larry Hultgren, Derek, and Phil Guilfoyle, Professor of Art. The exhibition is a selection of Derek’s latest pieces that highlight the themes and techniques central to his artistic practice. It will be on display until February 7. |
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United Methodist Scholarships Available The International Grants and Scholarship Program (GRASP) provides funds to help offset the cost of education for United Methodist students studying at Methodist-related institutions, like Virginia Wesleyan, to study outside the United States. Learn more and apply here. The GBHEM scholarship application will open on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. Students may sign up for a reminder email here. |
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VWU Hosts Four-Cities Collaborative I hosted a meeting of the Four-Cities Collaborative at VWU on Monday. Executive officers and leaders from Chesapeake Alliance, Greater Norfolk Corporation, Portsmouth Partnership, and Virginia Beach Vision met to discuss regional priorities in an afternoon session at the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. In addition to presentations by each organization, the group heard from Aazia Mrozinski, lead of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Regional Landmark Initiative, and from Gretchen Heal, Hampton Roads Chamber Vice President of Government Affairs. I am Chair of the Board of Directors of Virginia Beach Vision and co-founder of the Collaborative. |
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Collaborating with WHRO We had a great meeting and lunch with Mitzi Fehl-Seward, Vice President of Digital Learning at WHRO. After lunch, we toured the Greer Environmental Sciences Center and discussed opportunities for collaboration in environmental education. Mitzi and I are pictured with Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Vice President for VWU Global Campus; Maynard Schaus, Professor of Biology and Environmental Science; Kelly Cordova, Chief of Staff/ Vice President for Strategic Initiatives; and David Black, Executive in Residence. I am proud to serve on the Board of Directors for WHRO. |
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The 2024 Darden Awards The annual Darden Awards welcomes over 550 regional executives and community leaders to celebrate the honorees’ contributions to regional leadership. Each year an individual and a corporation from the Hampton Roads region is selected to receive the award. This year’s awardees were Richard and Carolyn Barry and the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters (CHKD). At the event, it was great to spend time with good friend and visionary philanthropist Jane Batten, along with Carolyn McKenna-Sloat ‘99, VWU Director of Business and Corporate Development, and Sherri Stein from the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. |
VMOCA Construction Update: The Crane is Here! The crane has arrived on the construction site of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art at VWU. The arrival of the crane means block, brick, and steel work is coming, and visible construction of the building will begin soon.
Norfolk Flood Wall Designs Released The City of Norfolk and the Army Corps of Engineers presented proposed designs for the first phase of the flood wall, including near Harbor Park, WHRO reports.
Inside Hampton Roads Recycling Virginia Beach and Norfolk recently renewed long-standing contracts with TFC Recycling after residents said in surveys they’re willing to pay more to keep the service. Learn more from WHRO. |
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Nominate a Deserving Student for The Mavis McKenley ’11 Award Each year, Virginia Wesleyan presents an award on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to a student who practices the ideals set forth by Dr. King—courage and conviction in valuing differences, commitment to seeing beyond borders by building inclusion, compassion for humanity, and/or commitment to social change. In 2021, the award was named The Mavis McKenley ’11 Award in honor of our esteemed graduate and Trustee. Nominations via google form are due this week. |
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS A Virginia Wesleyan University Community |
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Happy Thanksgiving, Marlins! Sincerely, |
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