July 20, 2026
Good morning, |
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This past week, hazy skies over Coastal Virginia have served as an unexpected reminder that we are all connected. Smoke from wildfires burning in Canada has traveled over a thousand miles, affecting the air we breathe and illustrating how events in one corner of the world can shape life in another.
For a university bearing the Batten name—a family whose legacy helped people understand tomorrow's weather—that lesson feels especially meaningful. At Batten University, our mission is to prepare students to navigate an increasingly interconnected world with knowledge, wisdom, and purpose. That includes a commitment to environmental stewardship, recognizing that the health of our communities is inseparable from the health of the world we share. |
At the beginning of each academic year, we gather for one of our most cherished traditions, Founders Day. This year holds particular significance as we celebrate our first Founders Day as Batten University, honoring the vision and values that shaped our institution while embracing an exciting new chapter in its history.
Our formal Founders Day Convocation and presentation of the annual Alumni Awards will be held on Thursday, September 3, at 12:00 p.m. in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center.
We are honored to welcome J. Andrew "Andy" Edwards '98 as our Founders Day keynote speaker. A project editor with the University of Virginia Press, Andy has built an accomplished career in higher education and academic publishing. Throughout the University's evolution, he has remained a thoughtful and engaged alumnus, offering steadfast advocacy and confidence in our future. His reflections on the enduring value of a Batten education, the importance of embracing change, and the responsibility of alumni to remain connected will offer a meaningful message to our campus community. Following his address, Andy will be presented with The Beacon Award, which recognizes alumni who exemplify the University's values through their character, service, and commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.
Founders Day Convocation includes the presentation of our annual Alumni Awards. Presented in partnership with the Alumni Council, these awards recognize graduates whose professional accomplishments, service, and leadership bring distinction to Batten University. I am delighted to share our 2026 recipients:
Distinguished Alumnus Award Tassos J. Paphites ‘79 Chairman and CEO, BurgerBusters, Inc.
Alumni Service Award Julie H. Kissell ‘82 Community Volunteer
Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award Stephanie Gorham, MBA ‘23 Chief Development Officer, United Way of South Hampton Roads
As we celebrate our first Founders Day as Batten University, we look forward to gathering as a community to honor our history, celebrate the accomplishments of our alumni, and reflect on the enduring values that will guide us into the future. Founders Day connects generations of graduates through shared pride and purpose, a tradition made even more meaningful as we begin this new chapter together. |
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The Virginia Department of Transportation has completed most of the new highway sign installation for Batten University and the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, marking another visible milestone in our historic transition. The westbound mainline panel for Batten University has been temporarily installed on the existing structure, which will soon be replaced and upgraded to accommodate signage for both Batten University and Virginia MOCA. Our new Batten University billboard is also now on display, further introducing our new name and identity throughout the region. Together, these highly visible signs reflect the growing presence of Batten University and welcome travelers and visitors to two distinctive destinations on our campus. |
We are pleased to welcome Susan Cohen as the new Chair of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art Board of Trustees. A longtime supporter of the Museum, Susan has served on the Board since 2022 and played an important role in Virginia MOCA’s partnership with Batten University and the planning and implementation of its capital campaign. We congratulate Susan on this new leadership role and look forward to continuing our strong partnership as Virginia MOCA begins this exciting new chapter on the Batten University campus. |
AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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Timbaland Brings CreatorVerse to Batten University CreatorVerse, a festival celebrating youth innovation, creativity, and live music, will take place Saturday, October 24, across Batten University, including the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. Created by Grammy Award-winning producer and Virginia Beach native Timbaland and his nonprofit Timbaland Way Cares, in partnership with Access College Foundation and Batten University, the festival will bring students and community members from across the region to explore emerging technologies, the creative economy, and future career pathways.
Free public events at Batten will feature student showcases, technology demonstrations, regional musical performances, and conversations with industry leaders. Batten students and faculty will highlight work in art, music production, artificial intelligence, GIS mapping, and environmental technology through interactive exhibits on the Susan T. Beverly Terrace of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. Timbaland will also participate in discussions at the Goode Center in addition to a ticketed conversation at Virginia MOCA.
Most events are free and open to students and the public, but registration is required.
Learn More | WTKR News |
Monster Drawing Rally Returns to Virginia MOCA Monster Drawing Rally, Virginia MOCA’s high-energy live art-making event and fundraiser, returns on Friday, August 14. Hosted by Generation MOCA, the Museum’s young leaders advisory council, the event will feature more than 70 local artists creating original works in one-hour shifts, with each drawing available for purchase for just $50. Museum galleries will be open, and food and drinks will also be available for purchase.
All proceeds benefit Virginia MOCA’s Artist Prize Fund, which supports awards presented through the Made in VA Biennial and the Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show. The fund invests directly in artists, recognizing exceptional artistic achievement and providing meaningful support at pivotal moments in their careers.
Watch art come to life and take it home the same night. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 on the day of the event. |
VFIC Launches Presidential Scholars Program The Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges has officially launched its new Presidential Scholars Program, a statewide initiative designed to develop the next generation of values-based leaders across Virginia’s independent colleges and universities. We are proud that Batten University’s Eleanor VanDuyne is among the 17 students selected for the inaugural 2026–2029 cohort. Supported by Bonnie and Wick Moorman, the program provides each scholar with significant financial support, presidential mentorship, leadership development and networking opportunities, and a fully funded experiential learning experience. We look forward to seeing Eleanor represent Batten University as this exciting new program gets underway. |
Congratulations to W. Taylor Franklin ‘04 We proudly congratulate W. Taylor Franklin ’04, CEO and Co-Founder of Franklin Group and a former member of the Batten University Board of Trustees, on being named the 2026 First Citizen of Virginia Beach. Presented annually for 74 years, this distinguished honor recognizes an individual whose leadership, service, integrity, and commitment have made a lasting impact on the Virginia Beach community. Taylor is most deserving of this recognition, and we are proud to celebrate this outstanding achievement by a valued member of the Batten University alumni community. |
Mentoring the Next Generation of Leaders We are proud to partner with the Greater Norfolk Corporation on its Executive Mentorship Program, which connects students from Batten University, Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, and Tidewater Community College with accomplished business professionals across the region. Through one-on-one mentoring, participants provide professional guidance and career advice, help students strengthen their résumés, and connect them with others in their fields. The commitment is just one hour each month during the academic year, but the impact can be lasting. We are grateful for this meaningful partnership and the opportunity it provides our students to build relationships, expand their professional networks, and prepare for future success. For more information contact GNC Executive Director Linda Peck at office@greaternorfolk.org or (757) 622-2242. |
Insights on Enrollment and Student Success The latest edition of The Enrollment Manager, published by The Dysart Group, offers timely perspectives on two issues of particular importance across higher education: data-driven student success as an enrollment imperative and the changing landscape of recruitment and financial aid strategies for graduate programs. I appreciate John Dysart and his colleagues for continuing to provide thoughtful insights into the trends and strategies shaping enrollment management and student success. |
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PARTNERS IN PROGRESS A Batten University Community |
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August is right around the corner! Sincerely, |
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