April 2018
Virginia Wesleyan in Bloom
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Campus is abuzz once again as our community returns from Spring Break and the Easter holiday. It is wonderful to see our students back on campus, refreshed from their time off and ready to learn, explore and enjoy all our university has to offer. Spring at Virginia Wesleyan is a full schedule of exciting events that look ahead to the culmination of another academic year and new beginnings for our soon-to-be graduates. Here's a look at some of the recent happenings on campus.
At the opening of this academic year, I shared my goal of emphasizing the four academic pillars of Virginia Wesleyan University: undergraduate research, international experience, internships, and civic engagement. We strengthened our commitment to civic engagement last semester with the formation of Wesleyan Engaged: Center for Civic Leadership and Service Learning and the appointment of Dr. Brian Kurisky as director. And I'm pleased to share that, as part of Dr. Kurisky's efforts, we have initiated membership with Campus Compact, a national coalition of more than 1,000 colleges and universities dedicated to civic education and community development. Our participation in Campus Compact builds upon the University's connections and improves our civic engagement efforts. As we move forward under Dr. Kurisky's leadership, I welcome your feedback on how we may best develop this pillar to honor Virginia Wesleyan University's history, traditions, values, and strategic priorities.
Last month, on March 19-20, we welcomed more than 100 United Methodist pastors to campus for The Robert F. Boyd Institute, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Tod Bolsinger, Vice President and Chief of Leadership Formation and Assistant Professor of Practical Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary. Dr. Bolsinger shared insight and lessons on leadership in a changing world based on his award-winning book, Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory. The Boyd Institute complements a variety of programs offered by our Center for Sacred Music, the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom, and Marlin Ministries. Read more about this year's program at www.vwu.edu/boyd.
I was proud to serve as chair of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities 54th Annual Humanitarian Awards Dinner on March 22 in Virginia Beach Town Center. We extend our sincerest congratulations to this year's honorees: Kim W. & Valerie K. Brown; Cathy M. Lewis (a 2009 honorary degree recipient of Virginia Wesleyan); Lemuel E. Lewis (a Trustee Emeritus of VWU, whom we were proud to nominate); William L. Nusbaum; Angela D. Reddix; and our friends and partners at Eggleston (Distinguished Merit Citation). The list of honorees of this highly respected award, past and present, is impressive --- and I am proud that so many of its recipients carry strong connections to Virginia Wesleyan. Our ties run deep with the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, and we are honored to work so collaboratively with this like-minded organization.
Trustee Emeritus George Birdsong H'16, CEO and General Counsel of Birdsong Peanuts, was honored in March at the Junior Achievement Hampton Roads Business Hall of Fame ceremonies. He was recognized for his lifetime achievements and celebrated as one of Hampton Roads' most visionary business leaders. We congratulate George for this extraordinary honor, and we express our deepest gratitude for the visionary leadership he and his family have brought to this institution. We also welcomed 1983 Virginia Wesleyan graduate Tim Bailey, a past recipient of our Distinguished Alumni Award, to the VWU Board of Trustees, where I know we will benefit from his experience and expertise.
The special winter 2018 edition of Virginia Wesleyan University Magazine is now available. With a focus on "A Sense of Place," this edition showcases the University's transformation from an aspiring college to an inspiring university, featuring updates on new programs and initiatives, capital projects and facilities. We also offer a financial profile of the University and pay tribute to our many alumni, friends, parents, faculty, staff, and others who support Virginia Wesleyan financially through giving. As we work through the current academic year, we thank those who, through our Center for Advancement, have made a philanthropic commitment to the University, and we honor members of our Board of Trustees, the Alumni Council, the President's Parents Roundtable, and the Corporate Leaders Council for their many contributions to our success. View the latest VWU Magazine in its entirety at www.vwu.edu/magazine.
Virginia Wesleyan University recently became part of a bold new coalition that aims to add billions of oysters to the Chesapeake Bay by 2025. Through its efforts, the Chesapeake 10 Billion Oysters Partnership will improve water quality, engage new constituencies, and drive economic benefits across the region. This collaborative, multi-year initiative was launched in February --- fittingly, on the same day Virginia Wesleyan was recognized in Washington, D.C., by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation with its 2018 Conservationist of the Year award. We are honored to be a partner in this initiative. Not only does it align with the University's existing efforts to restore the Bay, but it creates tremendous learning opportunities for our community. Learn more about this exciting new partnership at www.TenBillionOysters.org.
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Finally, I am delighted to share that this year's Spring Alumni Weekend is scheduled for April 13-14. Our campus community is invited to relax and reunite at our very first Spring Pig-Pickin' Picnic, cheer on old friends in Pie Eating and Hot Dog Eating Contests, and root for former classmates in athletic contests and alumni games. A special scroll-signing ceremony will commemorate the 25th graduation anniversary of the Class of 1993, and the weekend will also include the 36th Annual Seafood Party in the Dell. View the full schedule and register online today.
It is truly an exciting time to be a graduate of Virginia Wesleyan. We've raised our profile with our transition to a University; the addition of new graduate programs and an online-learning division; the launch of the Batten Honors College; expansion of our campus facilities through various capital projects; finalization of our 10-year Campus Master Plan; a new academic-based Strategic Plan; and much more.
Opportunities for alumni to get involved with their alma mater help the University in building important connections to our graduates while also underscoring the valuable role they play in the vibrant life of our campus.
On these occasions, as always, it's a great day to be a Marlin!
Sincerely,
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