Dialogue: Nota Bene: Weekly Update

June 16, 2025

Good morning,

At the beginning of each academic year, we celebrate the special tradition of Founders Day, a time to reflect on Virginia Wesleyan’s origins, honor those who have shaped its journey, and look ahead to a promising future.

This year’s formal convocation ceremony and presentation of our annual Alumni Awards will be held on Thursday, September 4, at 12:00 p.m. in the Joan and Macon Brock Theatre of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center.

We are honored to welcome Joseph P. Ruddy ’83, a member of the VWU Board of Trustees and 2018 recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award, as our Founders Day keynote speaker. Joe serves as the Chief Strategy Officer for the Port of Virginia. A respected leader in the maritime industry, Joe has played a vital role in the Port’s growth and innovation. His insights on leadership, infrastructure, and global logistics will offer a compelling message to the campus community. Following his address, Joe will be presented with The Wesley Award in recognition of his distinguished professional achievements and contributions to the region.

Our formal Founders Day convocation ceremony will include the presentation of our annual Alumni Awards. In addition to Joe’s award, I am delighted to share our other 2025 Alumni Award recipients, an honor the VWU Alumni Council bestows upon graduates in recognition of outstanding professional and personal accomplishments:

Distinguished Alumna Award

Jaclyn B. Ruelle ’04

Vice President of Marketing, Homes.com

Alumni Service Award

Glynn F. Goodrich ’82

Senior Field Underwriter, Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance

Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award

Asha Richards ’21

Administrative Associate, Mayors Migration Council

We look forward to gathering as a community to honor our founding, celebrate the accomplishments of our alumni, and be inspired by the words of our keynote speaker. Founders Day remains a meaningful tradition at Virginia Wesleyan—one that unites past, present, and future through shared pride and purpose.

ET CETERA

As a reminder, in-person classes are canceled and many University offices are closed in observance of Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19. We invite and encourage you to celebrate the holiday through a variety of events and commemorations around Coastal Virginia.

VWU is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment where individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued and respected. As we observe Juneteenth, we reaffirm our dedication to building a community where every member feels seen, heard, and empowered.

We wish you a meaningful and reflective holiday.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

Wesleyan Wednesday in Chesapeake: June 25

Join us at Wild Wing Cafe in Chesapeake for our first Wesleyan Wednesday of the summer and a celebration of John Wesley’s birthday! The event is free and open to all Marlin alumni, faculty, staff, and their families on June 25 from 5-7 p.m. We hope to see you there!

VWU and Navy ROTC Launch Preparatory Program for Future Officers

We signed an agreement with the Hampton Roads Navy ROTC Consortium to launch the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Preparatory Program (NPP) on our campus.

This partnership expands educational and leadership opportunities for aspiring Naval Officers to high school students who may not have had the academic resources or support systems typically needed to succeed in highly competitive scholarship programs. Learn more.

VWU Hosts HRPDC/HRTPO Community Advisory Committee

Last week, VWU welcomed the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission and Transportation Planning Organization Community Advisory Committee (HRPDC/HRTPO CAC) in the Greer Environmental Sciences Center. Bob Crum, Executive Director of HRPDC/HRTPO, along with committee members, explored strategic planning initiatives for the region. Their work reflects the kind of civic engagement and regional collaboration that align closely with our mission at Virginia Wesleyan.

Author/ Columbia University Scholar Edward Fishman Speaks at VWU

We welcomed acclaimed author and Columbia University scholar Edward Fishman as the World Affairs Council’s final speaker of the fiscal year last week. The lecture centered on his latest book, Chokepoints—American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare. Fishman offered timely insights on U.S. strategy and global influence in an era of shifting power dynamics. We are pictured with Susan Boré, President of the World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads, and I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging and thought-provoking lecture in Brock Commons.

VB Vision Board Hosts Virginia Energy Director Glenn Davis

VBV Executive Director and CEO Laura Chalk and I were pleased to welcome Glenn Davis, Director of the Virginia Department of Energy, to Virginia Beach Vision’s monthly Board of Directors meeting at the current Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art.

Director Davis led an informative discussion on energy priorities and their potential impact on our region’s future, offering valuable insights for VBV leadership and members.

Discussing Blueprint Virginia 2035

I enjoyed an engaging lunch at The Main for an overview of Blueprint Virginia 2035 presented by Cathie Vick, President of the Virginia Chamber. It was a pleasure to join Nancy Grden, CEO of the Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable, and Joel Rubin, CEO of Rubin Communications Group, for this important conversation on the future of economic development in the Commonwealth.

Pictured from left: Nancy Grden, Joel Rubin, and Cathie Vick.

ACE Commission Gathers in Washington

I was pleased to participate in last week’s annual meeting of the American Council on Education (ACE) Commission on Faith-Based Colleges and Universities in Washington, D.C.

The Commission brings together leaders from religiously affiliated institutions to explore shared priorities around mission, identity, and public policy—reinforcing the vital contributions of faith-based colleges and universities in American higher education.

With a longstanding commitment to church-related education, I’ve previously served as President of both the North American Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges and Universities and the Council of Colleges and Universities of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Pictured with Rev. Robert Dowd, President of the University of Notre Dame.

National Call for Permanent DACA Reform

On the 13th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration is once again urging Congress to enact a permanent legislative solution for Dreamers. Today, over 70% of the estimated 500,000 undocumented students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities remain ineligible for DACA protections, despite meeting similar qualifications.

As a member of the Presidents’ Alliance, I was proud to add my name in support of this important statement. Virginia Wesleyan stands firmly with the Alliance because we believe every young person—regardless of immigration status—deserves stability and the opportunity to pursue their academic goals.

Our involvement reflects VWU’s ongoing commitment to equitable access and support for all students. Thirteen years after its inception, the need for permanent legal protections remains as urgent as ever. I join my colleagues in calling on Congress to act now.

Opus Resumes This Summer

VWU's Opus summer program, a Work & Learn initiative, is back. Now in its seventh year, the Opus program is designed to assist students with outstanding financial obligations to the University and has helped over 224 Marlins continue their educational pursuits. Participating students work alongside multiple campus offices, including the University's Facilities Management team, on corrective and preventative maintenance, as well as beautification projects throughout campus. Projects include residence hall preparation and maintenance for summer camps and conferences, parking lot painting, and work with the grounds team. Thanks to the generosity of Trustee David Kaufman H’19 and The Landmark Foundation, Opus continues to assist eligible students in making their education affordable.

Welcome Back, Camp Red Feather!

Now in its 20th year, YMCA Camp Red Feather has already kicked off its 2025 summer camp season. With its headquarters on campus in the Frank Blocker Youth Center, YMCA Camp Red Feather exposes youth ages 5 to 17 to their natural surroundings, unplugging them from the digital world. Virginia Wesleyan's 300-acre park-like settings makes our campus the perfect setting for this long-time partnership as campers participate in arts and crafts and archery, canoe on Lake Taylor, climb the 55-foot Alpine Tower, and explore Virginia Beach and beyond.

Make Your Annual Gift by June 30

Virginia Wesleyan University's ability to prosper and grow is rooted in the generosity of our alumni and donors. Your gifts are an investment in our students and will echo throughout the lives of every student touched by your generosity. Make your tax-deductible gift by midnight June 30 to give students unique and valuable experiential opportunities that help prepare them for their lives and careers beyond the classroom.

A special thank-you to those who have already made their fiscal year gift. View The Excellence Fund Honor Roll of Donors here.