Dialogue: December 2025

December 8, 2025

Good morning,

Thanks to the incredible generosity of Marlin Nation, we raised $143,803.91 on Giving Tuesday! It was our biggest giving day to date.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed and made this achievement possible. Your support of various campus priorities will help us continue to empower students and foster excellence in higher education.

Special recognition goes to our Honor Roll of Donors. 565 Virginia Wesleyan alumni, parents, students, and friends made Giving Tuesday 2025 an especially great day to be a Marlin!

It's not too late to make an impact and gifts are still being accepted. Give now at www.vwu.edu/giving. Your generosity makes waves today and for generations to come. Learn more.

We had a wonderful evening Thursday at DeFord Manor for our annual Holiday Open House. Around 200 Marlin family members, colleagues, and friends joined us to experience the Manor in full Christmas splendor—ten beautifully decorated trees and holiday touches throughout every room.

Thank you to all who attended. It was a festive and joy-filled occasion, and Annie and I are truly grateful to have shared the Christmas spirit with you.

Across my 35 years as a college president, one constant has been Annie’s extraordinary gift for transforming our presidential residences into warm, inviting, and unmistakably Christmas homes. Her care and creativity make this season feel special for all who visit—and I remain deeply appreciative. View Photo Gallery here.

We were pleased to welcome Mr. Krishna Davda, the incoming Head of School for Chesapeake Bay Academy (CBA), to campus last week. He will officially start at CBA this summer.

During his visit, Mr. Davda spent time getting acquainted with the Hampton Roads area, making plans for his cross-country move, and meeting with Dr. Judy Jankowski (current Head of School), the CBA Board of Trustees, the Transition Committee, and members of the school’s leadership team. We thank CBA for recognizing the importance of introducing him to the broader community, and bringing him to campus for a meet-and-greet and tour.

CBA and VWU have enjoyed a strong collaborative relationship for decades. CBA’s current facility was built in 2000 on land leased from Virginia Wesleyan. Through the generosity of committed donors, VWU recently acquired the building and entered into a long-term lease that strengthens both institutions. This transaction enhances financial stability and opens the door to expanded academic, athletic, and extracurricular initiatives.

As part of our ongoing commitment to serving the neurodiverse community—including the establishment of the new Center for Career Development and Neurodiversity—the University looks forward to deepening our partnership with Chesapeake Bay Academy and expanding opportunities that benefit students, families, and our shared community.

ET CETERA

As we move through the busy holiday season, planning continues for the spring publicity rollout of Batten University. Leading up to the July 1 transition, promotional items will be visible across campus and throughout Coastal Virginia. The Scribner University Store is preparing with a wide selection of Batten University merchandise, while continuing to offer Virginia Wesleyan items after the integration.

I’m excited to report that over 40 members of the Marlin Family have stepped forward to fund this transition—an inspiring group including alumni, trustees, local leaders, and cherished friends.

Last week’s “Letter of Legacy,” authored by Board Treasurer Tim Bailey ’83, highlights our outstanding Day of Giving. We invite you to explore the full Letters of Legacy collection online and stay informed via the Becoming Batten University webpage here.

I am pleased to share that the Board of Trustees of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges voted in Nashville on Sunday to advance the integration of Sentara College of Health Sciences into Virginia Wesleyan University. The University will host a visiting team in March.

Founded in 1892, Sentara College of Health Sciences brings an alumni network of 8,800 graduates. Together with Virginia Wesleyan’s 11,000 alumni, this merger will unite two proud traditions of academic excellence and community impact—creating a powerful partnership for the future.

To learn more about Sentara College of Health Sciences, visit www.sentara.edu.

As anticipation builds for the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art’s Virginia upcoming move to its new home on the campus of VWU, the museum is offering two paid, seasonal internships that provide a front-row seat to this exciting transition. The modern, purpose-built facility will expand opportunities for innovative exhibitions, educational initiatives, and meaningful engagement with students, faculty, and the broader community.

Internships include an Education Internship beginning as early as January 12, 2026, and a Public Engagement Internship starting in April 2026. Interns will work closely with museum staff on projects that strengthen community outreach and support MOCA’s mission to make contemporary art accessible and relevant.

Pictured below, the terrazzo floors in the main event hall at the entrance to the building was completed this week. Installation of the hardwood floors in two galleries started this week. Learn more at www.virginiamoca.org and www.vwu.edu.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS

VWU Named 2025 Civic 50 Honoree

I am excited to share that Virginia Wesleyan University has been named an honoree of The Civic 50 Hampton Roads by VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads in partnership with Points of Light, the world's largest organization dedicated to volunteer service. The Civic 50 Hampton Roads initiative, modeled after Points of Light's national program, provides a standard for superior corporate citizenship and showcases how companies can use their time, skills, and resources to drive social impact in their company and communities. We're honored to receive this distinction for our continuing efforts to connect our institution's values to the needs of our community and hope you will join us in sharing and celebrating this recognition.

Celebrating Academic Excellence at the Fall Symposium

The Fall Academic Symposium highlighted the impressive research, creative work, internships, and global learning experiences of Virginia Wesleyan students. Across two days of presentations, Premier Speaker Sessions, and a poster session featuring more than 70 projects, students shared their academic achievements with peers, faculty, staff, and community members.

Coordinated by Director of Undergraduate Research John Rudel, the symposium showcased topics ranging from global histories and media studies to social issues and environmentalism. Students also participated in a reflective rock-painting activity for the VWU Peace Garden, adding a symbolic touch to the celebration.

Learn more | View Photo Gallery | View Schedule of Participants

Thank you, Virginia Beach Vision…

Virginia Beach Vision presented a special gift, a custom painting by local artist Mia Guile who has ties to Virginia MOCA, in recognition of the conclusion of my service as Chair of the VBV Board of Directors. It was a thoughtful and meaningful gesture as it captured a scene from The Trails at Wesleyan Woods – a picturesque area of campus I frequently walk. It has been an honor and pleasure to lead the Board of VBV – the top business advocacy organization represented by 130 top corporate executives. Also pictured: Brad Martin, incoming Chair, and Executive Director Laura Chalk.

Virginia Aquarium Foundation Board Luncheon

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation Board hosted an engaging holiday luncheon featuring author Neil Swidey, who discussed his book Trapped Under the Sea. Also in attendance were Board Chair Dan Peterson, Virginia Aquarium CEO Cynthia Spanoulis, and fellow Foundation Board member Delceno Miles.

More than a Finish Line

Students in Batten Professor of Media and Communication Dr. Lisa Lyon Payne’s public relations course wrapped up the semester by presenting a campaign for their class client, the Hampton Roads Chapter of Girls on the Run. Acting as a simulated communication agency, the teams developed a strategy built around the tagline “More than a Finish Line,” successfully raising campus awareness for this valued partner organization. Well done, Marlins! Read more here.

World Affairs Council hosts: Geopolitics at the Internet’s Core

Students and community members enjoyed a fascinating discussion with author Fiona Alexander on her book Geopolitics at the Internet’s Core. The event, presented by the World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads—a VWU Partner in Progress—offered valuable insights into global digital governance. WACHR President Susan Bore was among those in attendance.

Helping Caregivers Learn About Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Robert Ariel and his undergraduate research team are recruiting volunteers for a paid study designed to improve education for family caregivers of individuals living with dementia. Supported by a grant from the Commonwealth of Virginia’s ARDRAF (Alzheimer’s and Related Diseases Research Award Fund) program, the project explores effective ways to help caregivers learn strategies for managing dementia symptoms and reducing stress. Participants receive $150 for completing the study and may take part online or in person. Learn more here.

From Closet to Community

Lily Reslink ’26 is expanding the Wesleyan Wardrobe into a more visible, student-centered resource that promotes sustainability and shared community support. Each Friday from noon to 2 p.m. in Clarke Hall, she hosts a pop-up offering free professional clothing and other wardrobe essentials. Her work-and-learn role with The Athenaeum and her capstone research both focus on strengthening communication around campus resource sharing.

Donate gently used items—drop them in the box located in H.C. Hofheimer II Library. For updates and details, follow @marlinmarketplace on Instagram.

Visit from Eastern Shore Community College Leadership

We were pleased to welcome Daryl Minus, the new president of Eastern Shore Community College, to campus. ESCC and VWU have enjoyed a strong partnership for many years, and we look forward to continued collaboration. He was joined in conversation by Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Provost and Vice President, and Heather Campbell, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success.

Monuments and Morality

Assistant Professor of Philosophy Levi Tenen delivered a thought-provoking lecture as part of the Robert Nusbaum Center’s Fall 2025 Series, exploring how monuments, memorials, and other public sites shape the values we uphold and the histories we overlook. Using examples from Coastal Virginia and beyond, he examined the ethical tensions surrounding contested monuments and offered ways communities might reinterpret or reimagine their meaning. Dr. Tenen, who also coordinates the University’s Ethics Bowl Team, continues this work in his new course Art, Monuments, and Morality. Read more here.

Annual Tree Lighting Makes the Season Bright

It's never a silent night at the annual tree lighting ceremony near Monumental Chapel/ Beazley Recital Hall. Our thanks to the excellent staff in Campus Life for bringing Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, and all kinds of fun to this year's event!

Students who joined in the fun were given a limited-run “We Are Marlins” T-shirt, celebrating all the iterations of Marlin Nation on this campus. View Photo Gallery here.

VWU Helps Stuff the Bus

I’m so proud of our VWU students, faculty, and staff who helped Z104 (our partners at Audacy) and the US Marine Corps Reserves "Stuff the Bus" in Virginia Beach Town Center last Friday. Stuff the Bus helps give local children a holiday full of cheer. Way to go, Marlins! View Photo Gallery here.

SGA Dinner at DeFord Manor

Annie and I always enjoy hosting the Student Government Association officers for dinner at DeFord Manor along with co-advisors Keith Moore, Senior Vice President, and Jen Cohen, Assistant Vice President for Campus Life. Pictured: Gabrielle Barnett (President), Miles Pifer, Grace Harriman, Erin Beaudry, and Stephanie Clark.

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.

The Office of Academic Affairs is currently seeking student nominations for the Mavis McKenley ’11 Award to be presented on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Nominations are due on December 10.

Remembering Minette Cooper

The region is honoring Minette Cooper, longtime Trustee and devoted friend of Virginia Wesleyan University, who passed away in October at age 87. A transformative figure in the Hampton Roads arts community, she spent more than six decades championing the arts, serving on boards, and expanding access to quality programming. Her dedication and vision leave an enduring legacy across Coastal Virginia. Read more here.