Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the legacy and life of George H.W. Bush, our 41st President, who passed away last Friday night. We are thankful for George Bush's commitment and service to our country in so many ways. Our flags will continue to fly at half mast for all of December as we honor him. 

President Bush was well known for his commitment to community service and his understanding of the vital role of philanthropy in our nation. During this season of gratitude and giving, we were thankful and honored to accept the Outstanding Non-Profit in Fundraising Award last week from Laurie Harrison, President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Hampton Roads chapter. Virginia Wesleyan was recognized for its strong record of philanthropic support that has led to new campus construction, two national-niche programs (the Batten Honors College and the Greer Environmental Sciences Center), upgrades of athletic facilities, and enhanced information technology--all constituting an astonishing transformation at our campus in just three years.  

Although the Outstanding Non-Profit in Fundraising Award is a wonderful honor for Virginia Wesleyan, we owe tremendous gratitude to those who make our success possible. Leadership support of VWU enriches our mission of teaching, scholarship and service. We appreciate those who joined us at the VWU table to celebrate at last week's luncheon: Trustee Mary Haddad, Annie Miller, VWU Senior Vice President Dr. Mort Gamble, Trustee Susan Goode, Trustee John Malbon and Trustee Emerita Jane Batten. Other trustees at the event included Joan Brock, Louis Ryan, Vince Mastracco, and Sharon Goodwyn. Read more in Inside Business.

 

# # # 

Highlights from the past month include: 

A Visit from Governor Northam 

We were honored to host Governor of Virginia Ralph Northam November 16 on campus as he thanked our back-to-back NCAA National Championship softball team for making Virginia proud once again. The Governor has been a special friend to the University for many years and it's always wonderful to see him. It was certainly a great day to be a Marlin. Read more here.  

Goode Center Logo 

We have affectionately referred to this time as the "Year of the Arts" here on campus. I was proud to share yet another landmark moment for our new Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. It is my pleasure to reveal the creation of a stunning new logo that captures the modern design of this magnificent facility and symbolizes the unique performances and artistic imagination that will come to life within its walls. Many thanks to Christine Hall, Associate Director of Communications and Design Manager, for her outstanding work. Christine was instrumental in the rebranding of Virginia Wesleyan to a University and is also responsible for our new Marlin logo in athletics. We appreciate her good work and dedication to enhancing Virginia Wesleyan's image.  

PGMS Salutes VWU for Exceptional Grounds Maintenance 

For the sixth consecutive year, Virginia Wesleyan University was recognized by the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) with a Merit Award in the Society's Green Star Awards competition in the category for exceptional grounds maintenance. VWU is truly an inspiring place to live and learn. Special thanks to the entire Virginia Wesleyan Physical Plant staff. Their efforts help us to present our campus in the best possible light, and we are grateful for the outstanding work they do. Read more here.  

Breaking Down Barriers 

We celebrated a bright moment in the history of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC),Virginia Wesleyan University, and the Hampton Roads community. For the first time in VCIC's 83-year history, the organization has established a satellite location, outside of its Richmond headquarters. A press conference was held on VWU's campus in Allen Village where the new office is located, commemorating this historic milestone. Read more here. 

Army ROTC 

Earlier this month I met with LTC Rhanda Kurdi, Director of the Army ROTC Monarchs--a program benefiting our students. Virginia Wesleyan has an active Army ROTC program in cooperation with ODU, and I am pleased that it has grown in size and stature in recent years. In collaboration with Keith Moore, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Amy Rush, VWU Army ROTC Advisor, an office has been designated on the first floor of Godwin Hall for our campus-based program. The location provides easy access to the Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs Office located across the lobby. We expect the office to be ready for use by the start of Winter Session.  

Corporate Leaders Council 

We welcomed to campus members of the Corporate Leaders Council for their Fall Business Roundtable. We shared exciting updates, discussed plans for the future, and enjoyed a presentation by Joshua Harrison '20, Chief Executive Officer of the Marlin Prestige Business Conference. The Corporate Leaders Council is comprised of business leaders who align the University's vision and values in their management practices. Their personal and professional influence and support ensure that our students can participate in opportunities, such as internships, that will prepare them for meaningful lives and careers. 

Batten Honors College Competition and Marlins Day 

Virginia Wesleyan was happy to host prospective students on campus with the Batten Honors College Competition and our first Marlins Day Open House of the academic year. I appreciate the leadership of Vice President for Enrollment David Waggoner, Dean of the Batten Honors College Joyce Easter, Director of Enrollment for the Batten Honors College Denise Cunningham, as well as the many faculty, staff and student ambassadors whose hard work made these events successful. We are looking forward to the next BHC Competition on February 7-9 and Marlins Day on February 16.  

Board of Trustees 

We welcomed Sharon S. Goodwyn of Norfolk and Joseph R. Thomas of Virginia Beach who have been elected to the Board of Trustees of Virginia Wesleyan University. "We are honored to have these distinguished civic leaders as members of our Board of Trustees. Their leadership, experience, and expertise will be a tremendous asset to the University, its students, and alumni," said Chair of the Board David Kaufman. Read more here. 

Veterans Day 

We commemorated military service and sacrifice at our annual Veterans Day Ceremony on campus. I was honored to be invited to speak. Marissa Philips '19 offered beautiful renditions of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "America the Beautiful," and The Rev. Greg West, University Chaplain, gave the Invocation and Prayer of Thanksgiving. Many thanks to Amy Rush, Deputy Director of the Lighthouse: Center for Exploration and Discovery; Kate Couch, Director of Student Activities; and Melanie Monk, Assistant Director of Financial Aid, for their efforts in planning a dignified and meaningful event. Read more and view the photo gallery here.  

Artist Talk with Clayton Singleton '94 

I shared an especially meaningful statement on the importance of service and social commitment by Clayton Singleton '94: "There are some people who equate service with sacrifice, but service is an investment. It's an investment in the future, in each other, and in what bonds us together." Clayton shared this in his acceptance speech when receiving the 2018 Alumni Service Award from VWU during our Founders Day celebration in September and it has stayed with me. Clayton is an award-winning artist and educator in the Norfolk Public Schools who gave a special artist talk at the opening of his show "Future, Love, Paradise" on display at the Neil Britton Art Gallery through January 17.  

Darden Awards 

It was an honor to attend the 2018 Darden Awards, sponsored by the CIVIC Leadership Institute, and I enjoyed being a guest of long-time Virginia Wesleyan University Trustee and friend George Birdsong at the Birdsong Peanuts table. George was last year's recipient of the Darden Award, presented annually for outstanding civic leadership in Coastal Virginia. Also, I had the opportunity to catch up with Henry Light, friend and supporter of Virginia Wesleyan University and a member of the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV). Congratulations to Harvey Lindsay, Jr., and Ferguson Enterprises--recipients of the 2018 Darden Awards. 

The Beacon 

History was made as we watched the cupola placed atop The Beacon at Monumental Chapel, a milestone in the restoration of a historic campus icon. As we enter December, brick work is complete and crews have removed scaffolding. We look forward to holding our annual Christmas tree lighting nearby this Friday, December 7. 

Clarke Heritage Society 

It was such a pleasure to welcome Alice Clarke and her daughter Virginia Hitch to campus for our annual luncheon celebrating members of the Clarke Heritage Society. The society is named for Alice and her late husband Lambuth, a former president of Virginia Wesleyan, and honors those who have included VWU in their estate plans. We thank our members for their commitment to the University in this most important way. View the photo gallery from this special event here. 

A Fine Way to Treat a Steinway 

Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Music Bryson Mortensen, Dean of the Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities and Professor of Theatre Travis Malone, and VWU freshman Ryan Fissinger '22 recently traveled to the Steinway & Sons factory and showroom in Astoria, New York, to select the best piano for the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. As a token of appreciation, Steinway sent a handmade piano hammer to the Goodes, which we had the pleasure of presenting to Susan during last week's Clarke Heritage Society luncheon. The hammer, which is only presented during the selection process, strikes the string to produce the sound from the piano. Read more here.  

Grammy Winner to Teach at Virginia Wesleyan 

Four-time Grammy winner Steve Buckingham gave a special presentation on the topic of a course he will be teaching at VWU this spring: "Rhythm and Blues Tore Down the Walls of Segregation." Read more here. 

 # # # 

As a busy fall semester is coming to a close, we reflect on the newly formatted academic calendar which has six entry points a year to provide more opportunities for access. We are nearing completion of our first semester cycle and look forward to January which brings the first mandatory Winter Session for our first-year students. Until then, as this is my last President's Letter before the holidays, I wish our wonderful faculty, staff, and students; our magnificent alumni and donors; and our talented Board of Trustees a very joyful, safe, and blessed holiday season. 

Sincerely,