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September 8, 2025
Good morning,
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Begun in 2016, Founders Day Convocation is a cherished Virginia Wesleyan tradition that honors the University’s rich heritage and celebrates the people and events that have shaped its past while inspiring its future. This year’s observance was held in the Joan and Macon Brock Theatre of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center.
This year’s keynote address was delivered by Joseph P. “Joe” Ruddy ’83, a distinguished member of the Virginia Wesleyan University Board of Trustees and a 2018 recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Joe reflected on the profound growth of Virginia Wesleyan since his graduation in 1983 and the enormous opportunity ahead of us as Batten University. In recognition of his extraordinary professional achievements and contributions to his alma mater, Joe was honored during the ceremony with The Wesley Award.
The convocation also featured the presentation of our 2025 Alumni Awards, bestowed annually by the VWU Alumni Council to recognize graduates who exemplify the highest standards of professional accomplishment and personal service. William “Bill” Gobble ‘03, Alumni Council Vice Chair, assisted in presenting these prestigious honors to this year’s recipients.
Distinguished Alumna Award: Jaclyn B. Ruelle ’04 – A nationally recognized brand marketing leader who has shaped the trajectory of some of America’s most iconic brands, including Homes.com, Papa Johns, JetBlue, DoorDash, and UPS.
Alumni Service Award: Glynn F. Goodrich ’82 – A loyal Marlin who has dedicated more than four decades to advancing alumni engagement and supporting VWU athletics and community initiatives.
Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award: Asha J. Richards ’21 – A passionate global equity advocate whose work with the Mayors Migration Council and other international organizations empowers communities worldwide.
Alumni are living examples of our mission in action—ambassadors, mentors, and champions of our institution’s continued growth. These award recipients embody the very best of our University and inspire current and future Marlins through their achievements and service.
Congratulations to Joe and our outstanding honorees for making this year’s Founders Day a truly memorable celebration of Virginia Wesleyan’s past, present, and future.
Watch | Read More | Photo Gallery
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Later on Founders Day, we gathered once again in the Goode Center for the annual Batten Honors College Convocation, a tradition that celebrates and formally inducts the newest members of this distinctive program. Since the founding of the Batten Honors College in 2017, this signature event has served as a moment of recognition for students completing their orientation and beginning their journey as scholars. A ceremonial pinning of each student symbolizes their induction into this elite community of academic excellence, leadership, and service.
We were honored to welcome Jane Batten, whose vision and generosity made the Batten Honors College possible, to witness this special milestone for our newest scholars.
This year’s keynote address was delivered by Dr. Todd Mooradian, Dean of William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business. Dr. Mooradian shared insights drawn from his distinguished career in higher education, offering an inspiring message about ethical leadership, innovation, and the lifelong value of intellectual curiosity. His remarks held special significance as Virginia Wesleyan recently announced a partnership with the Mason School of Business, which includes two new early assurance graduate programs designed to expand opportunities for VWU students.
The Batten Honors College Convocation was a meaningful celebration of our scholars’ promise and potential, underscoring the transformative impact of Jane Batten’s vision and the enduring legacy of leadership and excellence she inspires.
Watch | Photo Gallery
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Congratulations to our friends and partners at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art on achieving reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) — the highest national recognition for U.S. museums.
AAM Accreditation is a rigorous, comprehensive process that examines all aspects of a museum’s operations, affirming adherence to the highest standards of excellence, accountability, and public service. Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, only about 1,100 are currently accredited. Virginia MOCA is among a distinguished group of 58 accredited museums in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
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This milestone comes at a pivotal moment in Virginia MOCA’s history. In spring 2026, the Museum will relocate to its visionary new home on the campus of Virginia Wesleyan University, operating from a centrally located, purpose-built facility designed to support its innovative exhibition programming and expanded educational offerings.
The relocation will create transformative opportunities for collaboration between VWU and Virginia MOCA — strengthening arts education, enriching the cultural life of our region, and furthering our shared mission to inspire, challenge, and connect people through the power of art.
We are proud to celebrate Virginia MOCA’s extraordinary achievement and look forward to welcoming them to campus as they begin this exciting new chapter.
Learn more about Virginia MOCA and AAM Accreditation.
(Photo Left to Right: Virginia Beach City Councilmember Worth Remick, Virginia MOCA Executive Director Alison Byrne, Board Chair Bruce Berlin, and Vice Chair Susan Cohen)
| AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS | | |
The Princeton Review Names VWU Among Best Colleges
for 2026
Virginia Wesleyan University has once again been named to The Princeton Review’s prestigious Best Colleges guide, marking the eighth consecutive year of recognition. Only about 15% of America’s four-year institutions earn this distinction, which is based on surveys capturing students’ perspectives on academics, campus culture, and extracurricular life.
VWU’s profile highlights the University’s strong sense of community, small class sizes, and exceptional faculty engagement. Students describe VWU as “a second home” where professors are deeply invested in their success, offering meaningful research, internship, and study-away opportunities.
Learn more here.
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Gulley Appointed Executive Director of NAAMSCU
The Rev. Dr. Stuart Gulley has been named Executive Director of the North American Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAAMSCU), effective September 1. VWU is a member of NAAMSCU, and I previously served as president.
NAAMSCU advances the mission of institutions in the Methodist and Wesleyan traditions, sharing best practices for preparing students for leadership and service. Its membership includes 95 colleges and universities, 13 seminaries, 11 historically Black institutions, and several private secondary schools.
Dr. Gulley retired June 30 after serving as president of Woodward Academy in Atlanta since 2009. Earlier, he was president of LaGrange (Georgia) College for 13 years. His higher education career began at Emory University, where he held several administrative roles, including associate vice president for university development and church relations.
An ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, Dr. Gulley earned a B.A. in Modern European History from Vanderbilt, an M.Div. from Emory, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Georgia State.
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Connecting with Business Leaders at HRCC
It was great to catch up with colleagues and friends from the business community at the monthly Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce (HRCC) meeting. With Superintendent of VBCPS Don Robertson (center), Sentara Health’s Andy Stephenson, The Miles Agency CEO Delceno Miles, and Virginia Beach Vision CEO Laura Chalk (right).
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Marlin Business Conference
Last week, I met with Student CEO Nathan Bryant and Chiefs of Staff Mackenzie Swanson and Miguel Hernandez, along with Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Provost and Vice President, and faculty advisor Frank Futyma, to discuss plans for the fall Marlin Business Conference. This bi-annual event is designed to connect students with top business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals, providing a valuable platform for networking, learning, and gaining critical insights into the rapidly evolving business world.
This session’s conference is “Progressing from Paychecks to Passion” and will take place November 17-20.
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Welcoming Randolph-Macon’s New President
Michael Hill, new president of Randolph-Macon College, received a warm Virginia welcome. R-MC recently hosted the Virginia Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry meeting in Ashland. Just three weeks into his new role, Michael previously served as President of the Chautauqua Institution in New York.
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Celebrating Labor Day with VWU Friends
I always enjoy Congressman Bobby Scott’s annual Labor Day cookout at his home in Newport News. It was a wonderful time spent with friends including Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander, VBCPS School Board Member Alveta Green, CEO of Step-Up Sandra Brandt, Delegate Bonita Anthony, Political Director for Spanberger for Governor and Kandis Holley, Delegate Nadarius Clark, and VWU student Briddge Orius and his wife.
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President to President: Intentional Efforts in Belonging
The 2025-2026 President to President thought leadership series is underway, and both the foreword and first chapter are now available online. This year’s series, “Intentional Efforts in Belonging,” explores strategies for fostering genuine connection, encouraging engagement, and building a strong sense of community on college campuses.
The foreword, authored by Amelia Parnell, Ph.D., President of NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education sets the stage for this important conversation. Chapter 1, “Leading with Awareness: Presence, Patience, and Passion in the College Presidency,” by High Point University President Nido R. Qubein shares a leadership philosophy centered on accessibility, personal connection, and the power of meaningful engagement with students, faculty, and staff.
Read the Foreword and Chapter 1.
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9/11 Remembrance
What Should We “Never Forget”? Local Lives that Still Inspire—Join the Robert Nusbaum Center in the Peace Garden as we honor the memory of September 11 and the enduring legacy of those who helped us heal from tragedy.
Thursday, September 11, noon to 12:25 p.m. | Peace Garden, Outside of Clarke Hall
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Homecoming and Family Weekend: Save the Date
Be sure to mark your calendars for Homecoming and Family Weekend, October 3-4, 2025! Kick off the festivities at the 24th annual VWU Golf Outing on Friday, October 3, at Cypress Point Golf Course, supporting Marlin softball, baseball, and men’s lacrosse. Then head to campus for a weekend full of celebration, connection, and Marlin spirit among alumni, parents, students, and friends.
Check out the 2025 Homecoming and Family Weekend full schedule here.
24th Annual Golf Outing Registration and Sponsorship information here.
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS
A Virginia Wesleyan University Community
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Annie and I want to thank all the faculty and staff who joined us at DeFord Manor for the annual Fall Session Kickoff on Friday. A big shout-out to Sodexo for helping us throw a fantastic party with amazing food, drinks, and entertainment!
Sincerely,
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