Dear friends,
As we close another remarkable academic year, I’m pleased to reflect on the many moments that defined our shared journey—filled with inspiration, achievement, and meaningful connection.
We celebrated Spring Commencement with the Class of 2025, a proud and promising group of graduates ready to lead with purpose. Retired Navy Captain Janet H. Days delivered a powerful keynote address, while Bishop B. Courtney McBath offered a moving Baccalaureate message. We were especially honored to participate in From Campus to Community, a national campaign promoting civic discourse and engagement.
As part of the weekend, we also recognized faculty with the University’s highest honors for scholarship, teaching, and service—highlighting their vital role in our students’ success.
The Spring Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF), Honors Convocation, and Ryan Environmental Research Symposium showcased outstanding student achievement. Congratulations to Jessica Wilson ’25, this year’s President’s Leadership Award recipient, and to Breanne Bessette ’26, winner of the Ryan Prize for Excellence in Environmental Research.
Student success extended far beyond the classroom. VWU Softball captured its 16th ODAC Championship and advanced to the national championship game after impressive wins in the tournament. The top seeded Marlins will face Trine University (Indiana) on Tuesday, June 3 at 12 p.m. EDT. At the Marlin Athletics Awards & Senior Recognition Banquet, we were proud to honor our student-athletes for their dedication and leadership—exemplars of the Division III spirit. We were also delighted to celebrate the induction of alumnus Brandon Adair ’12 into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame—a true Marlin success story.
This spring, we honored 34 faculty and staff for service milestones, including four retirees, hosted a visiting delegation from Mongolia, and announced the Bobby Levin Art Exhibition and Scholarship—supporting future art therapists and honoring a beloved legacy.
A key highlight was the “topping out” celebration for the new Virginia MOCA at VWU facility, marking a major milestone in this transformative partnership and symbolizing continued momentum on campus.
Finally, we thank Jon Pruden for his outstanding leadership as Chair of the Board of Trustees and congratulate Tassos Paphites ’79 on being named Trustee Emeritus. We look forward to the future under the leadership of our new Chair, Nancy T. DeFord.
Thank you for your continued support of Virginia Wesleyan University. Together, we have much to be proud of—and even more to look forward to. Sincerely, | 
