Dear friends,
Despite this summer heat, activity on campus shows no signs of cooling down. Last week we welcomed rising high school juniors and seniors to campus for Virginia Private College Week, hosted by the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia. We offered in-person and virtual information sessions and addressed myths about the cost of a private college education. It was a pleasure to welcome these prospective Marlins and their families to campus.
Last month I had the honor of announcing the recipients of our 2022 Alumni Awards— Michael J. White ’81 (Distinguished Alumnus Award), Brandon L. Adair ’12 (Alumni Service Award), and Jessie K. Dawe ’08 (The Beacon Award). We’ll celebrate these graduates as part of our annual Founders Day celebration on September 8. The Honorable Deborah Paxson, Virginia Wesleyan Class of 1975 and member of the VWU Board of Trustees, will serve as the Founders Day keynote speaker.
DeFord Manor, the president’s on-campus residence, has officially been recognized as a "River Star Home" by the Elizabeth River Project, meeting a seven-part pledge to keep pollution from entering the Elizabeth River and related waterways. Read more about these sustainability efforts in our feature story linked below.
We know that, for some students, graduating in an accelerated time frame is a way to make education more affordable. To assist with this, we have formed three-year degree pathways for 27 of Virginia Wesleyan’s academic programs. These pathways provide students with the framework, if they choose, to complete their degree requirements in three years. Students can visit the Majors & Minors section on our website for more information.
We have several construction projects in motion on campus. Work has begun on The Cove, a new outdoor eating and entertainment venue located adjacent to Harbor Grill. Upgrades are nearing completion on the Trinder Center, a structure within the Tassos Paphites Soccer Complex that houses a multi-use locker room, officials’ locker room, public restroom, concession, and entertainment suite. We’re waiting for permitting approvals to begin construction on Watts Fieldhouse for Broyles Field at TowneBank Park, which will include a locker room for women’s softball and public restrooms.
Finally, each August prior to the start of the fall semester, I deliver a State of the University address to our campus community featuring highlights, initiatives and significant accomplishments from the past year and the strategic direction of the University’s future. This year's address will take place on Friday, August 19 at noon and will be livestreamed on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network.
Enjoy these final weeks of summer!
