Nota Bene: Weekly Update

 

May 19, 2025 Good morning,

Congratulations once again to the Class of 2025! As you move forward toward your personal and professional goals, we send our very best wishes for continued success. We were honored to welcome retired Navy Captain Janet H. Days as our 2025 Commencement speaker. Her inspiring remarks reflected both wisdom and strength, encouraging graduates to lead with courage and integrity in an ever-changing world. Captain Days was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of her distinguished service and commitment to leadership. This year’s Commencement also marked Virginia Wesleyan’s participation in From Campus to Community, a national campaign launched by more than 60 college and university presidents to champion civil discourse and democratic engagement during graduation ceremonies. As a member of the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness—a nonpartisan coalition convened by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars—I used the occasion to remind graduates of the importance of civic responsibility, free inquiry, and empathy in today’s divided world. Also receiving an honorary doctorate was Bishop B. Courtney McBath, who delivered a moving Baccalaureate message during our Friday evening service. His words were thoughtful, grounding, and deeply resonant—reminding all of us of the power of faith, purpose, and perseverance. The service also featured a heartfelt student address by Casey Bennett ’25.

Earlier on Friday, graduating students in the Batten Honors College received medallions to mark their successful completion of this signature program. Senior Christian Palmisano served as the class speaker for the event, and Batten Lecturer in Political Science James Moskowitz was presented with the Jane and Frank Batten Distinguished Scholar Award.

This year’s faculty honorees included Dr. Lydia Kennedy (Samuel Nelson Gray Distinguished Teaching Award), Dr. Craig Wansink (Birdsong Community Engagement Award), and Dr. Ben Dobrin (United Methodist Church General Board of Higher Education and Ministry Exemplary Teacher of the Year Award). Congratulations! We were also proud to recognize three graduates recently commissioned into the U.S. Army during our Commencement ceremony. Emily Burgess, Aanykka Jackson, and Shaunice Rone were each awarded the General Douglas MacArthur Award for Emerging Leaders by the MacArthur Foundation. To the Class of 2025—our heartfelt congratulations. You’ve made us proud, and we look forward to staying connected in the years ahead.  View Photo Gallery: 2025 Commencement Ceremony | View Full Program | Learn more View Commencement Ceremony on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network Congratulations to our softball team's NCAA Regional win defeating Messiah 12-4 to complete a 3-0 run through the double-elimination bracket. The team (44-2-1), ranked fifth nationally before the 64-team field was unveiled, will meet Gettysburg in a round-of-16 Super Regional best-of-three series. Way to go, Marlins!

ET CETERA

The Virginia Wesleyan University Board of Trustees held their Spring Meeting Wednesday in the Shafer Room (Board of Trustees Suite) in the Boyd Dining Center of Brock Commons.   Among the actions: Approved actions of Board Committees (February to May 2025) Approved the May-August 2025 Candidates for Graduation Accepted the endowment report of Brown Advisory  Accepted the audited financial statements from BrownEdwards Approved new Officers of the Board (for the period beginning July 1, 2025) Nancy T. DeFord, Chair  Sharon S. Goodwyn, Vice Chair J. Timothy Bailey, Treasurer  Mavis E. McKenley, Secretary  Susan S. Goode, Parliamentarian  Jonathan E. Pruden, Immediate Past Chair  Affirmed signature policies Virginia Wesleyan University Mission Statement Virginia Wesleyan University Environmental Guiding Principles The Wesleyan Creed Virginia Wesleyan University Quality Service Pledge Virginia Wesleyan University Honor Code Virginia Wesleyan University Athletics Mission Statement Approved Policy Documents (for the period beginning July 1, 2025): Virginia Wesleyan University Policy and Procedure Handbook, 2025-26 Virginia Wesleyan University Academic Catalog, 2025-26 Virginia Wesleyan University Online Degree and Graduate Catalog, 2025-26 Virginia Wesleyan University Student Handbook, 2025-26 VWU Student-Athlete Handbook, 2025-26 VWU Batten Honors College Student Handbook, 2025-26 Approved Faculty Emeritus/a Status (June 30, 2025 retirements): Kathy Ames, Linda Ferguson, and Doug Kennedy Accepted detailed written reports from Colleges, Schools and Departments of the University.   During the meeting, we honored Jon Pruden for his three years of leadership as Chair of the Board of Trustees. Stand-out alumnus Tassos Paphites ’79 was named Trustee Emeritus in recognition of his decades of dedicated Board service and unwavering support of the University. We extend our heartfelt thanks to both for their commitment to Virginia Wesleyan. Immediately following the meeting, the Boards of Virginia Wesleyan University and the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art came together to celebrate the “topping out” of the new Virginia MOCA at VWU facility—a major milestone in this transformative partnership. The event began with a tour of the construction site, followed by a celebratory reception and program in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. During the program, Scott Duncan, former Chair of Virginia MOCA, received The Wesley Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions. As Virginia MOCA’s Board liaison throughout the planning of the new facility, Scott’s collaborative leadership played a vital role in bringing this visionary project to life. Scott and I are pictured with outgoing VWU Chair Jon Pruden and incoming Chair Nancy DeFord—a symbolic passing of the torch on a day filled with forward momentum. It was a fitting and inspiring close to an extraordinary academic year—one that celebrated service, partnership, and progress. As we look ahead, we do so with deep gratitude and great anticipation for what’s to come. We were honored to host a delegation of educators and policymakers from Mongolia as part of a professional study tour led by Mr. Otgonbat “Ogi” Barkhuu, President of Global Leadership University. The visit was part of a broader initiative to observe and exchange best practices in teaching, curriculum development, and institutional innovation. During their time on campus, the Mongolian delegation met with faculty and administrators, toured academic facilities, and engaged in discussions on student success strategies and education exchange opportunities. We look forward to continued dialogue with the Ministry of Education and Mongolian academic leaders as part of an evolving partnership that supports innovation and educational advancement on a global scale.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Celebrating the Class of 2025 at DeFord Manor We celebrated the Class of 2025 at DeFord Manor last week. Those that participated in the Senior Giving Campaign were invited to join Annie and I in a special toast, and a few brave graduates did the DeFord Dunk.

A Marlin Legacy One of the great joys of Commencement season is watching stories come full circle—and few are as meaningful as the Harris family’s. Among this year’s graduating students is Betsy Harris, who is continuing a proud VWU legacy that spans generations. I’ve had the privilege of working closely with her mom, Lori Harris ’94, in the President’s Office, and I’ve seen firsthand the deep love and commitment this family has for our University.  From her father Joe’s days on the basketball court to the five siblings who’ve called VWU home, the Harris family represents the very best of our Marlin spirit—family, tradition, and purpose. Congratulations, Betsy—you’ve made us all proud! Learn more.

Marlin Softball: Team Success and Individual Excellence Congratulations to VWU’s Laci Campbell for being named ODAC Softball Player of the Year and Morgan Tucker for being named ODAC Softball Rookie of the Year! The Pharos: May 2025 The May 2025 edition of The Pharos is now available 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. College Presidents Launch National Campaign to Champion Civic Leadership at Commencement I’m honored to stand alongside more than 60 college and university presidents across the country in launching the From Campus to Community campaign—an initiative focused on inspiring our 2025 graduates to lead with empathy, think critically, and engage in meaningful civic dialogue. As part of the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness, I believe deeply in higher education’s responsibility not just to prepare students for successful careers, but to help shape thoughtful, informed citizens who will strengthen our democracy.

VWU’s Climate Action Efforts in National News Virginia Wesleyan is featured in a new article by Second Nature highlighting our leadership in the Cool Down P-Town initiative. This collaborative effort with the Center for Sustainable Communities addresses extreme heat and environmental justice in Portsmouth through community science, student engagement, and climate resilience strategies. It’s a strong example of how VWU lives out its commitment to service, sustainability, and meaningful impact. Read article. Student Artwork on Display at Town Center Five of our incredibly talented student artists have completed large-scale chalk murals now on display in Virginia Beach’s Town Center. Coordinated by the Central Business District Association, this temporary public art exhibit showcases the creativity, professionalism, and passion of our Marlins in a high-visibility community space. I invite you to visit the plaza near the fountain to see the finished work on display through June 15. Learn more. End of the Year Athletic Reception We had an enjoyable reception last week for faculty team advisors and their respective coaches from the Virginia Wesleyan University athletics department in Brock Commons. Pictured here with Andrea Hoover-Erbig, Athletics Director, Jill Sturts, Assistant Dean of the Batten Honors College and NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative, and Doug Kennedy, Professor of Sport and Recreation Professions / FTA for swimming and a retiring faculty member after 37 years. Extending Gratitude and Best Wishes It has been my practice for 35 years to thank students working as Presidential Associates with a diploma frame upon graduation. Congratulations and best wishes to Ashleigh Lockard ‘25, Camille Jernigan ‘25 and Adrianna Gunther ‘25. They will all complete their graduate studies this summer. Congressional Art Competition We were pleased to welcome U.S. Congresswoman Jen Kiggans to Virginia Wesleyan’s Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center last week for the annual Congressional Art Competition, celebrating the creative talents of students from Virginia’s 2nd District. It was a privilege to host this special event, which brings students, families, and educators from across the district to our campus in recognition of artistic excellence and civic engagement.

PARTNERS IN PROGRESS A Virginia Wesleyan University Community

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