Virginia Wesleyan has enjoyed the return of many of our in-person traditions over the last month. We celebrated our 60th anniversary during Founders Day on September 9, where we heard from keynote speaker Gary Bonnewell '79 H'16 and recognized our 2021 Alumni Awards recipients. Later that evening, we officially dedicated Susan T. Beverly Hall and the Edward D. Hofheimer Theatre within it. That facility was the former Fine Arts Building (the original academic building on campus) and has undergone a thorough modernization over the last 18 months. The following day, the newest students in the Batten Honors College participated in a pinning ceremony to recognize their full integration into this elite program.

While we were celebrating our donors, alumni, and students, Virginia Wesleyan was recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report as a top National Liberal Arts College. The University also received a 2021 higher education Excellence in Diversity Award.

Finally, I am pleased to share that we are once again offering no-cost online professional development courses in partnership with Virginia Beach Economic Development. Over the last year, these courses have helped thousands of our community members stay professionally relevant and build resiliency in the face of the ongoing pandemic.

I hope to see you at one of our many Homecoming and Family Weekend events happening today through Sunday on campus. Go, Marlins!