Our traditional students may be home for the summer, but the VWU campus remains as busy as ever. Construction is wrapping up for the Eleanor and Henry Watts Field House at Tom and Betty Broyles Field for our three-time national softball champions and their fans, while construction is well underway for the Perry Field Locker Room at Kenneth R. Perry Field, both at TowneBank Park. We also recently announced a two-room addition coming to the Blocker Youth Center, thanks to a generous grant from the Blocker Foundation.

We are proud to welcome Graham Garrenton, President of Chesapeake Bay Contractors, to our Board of Trustees. Chesapeake Bay Contractors was co-founded by Graham's step-father, Trustee Emeritus Bill Shelhorse '70. The company and the Shelhorse family have been wonderful supporters of VWU, and we're delighted to have Graham continue his family's legacy.

We're excited for Christy Everett, Hampton Roads Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, to serve as our keynote speaker for our Batten Honors College Convocation on Thursday, September 7. The mission of the Batten Honors College is rooted in a commitment to environmental stewardship, so Christy's message will be incredibly enriching and inspiring for our students and guests.

Speaking of sustainability, Virginia Wesleyan was featured in Food Management as a part of Sodexo’s sustainable campus dining programs while student efforts to reduce food waste ramped up. We also recently announced our Coastal Advantage program which virtually eliminates tuition for qualified students, promoting financial sustainability and access to higher education for students from low-income families.

We hope you continue to enjoy the summer and all the opportunities warmer weather brings for fun and fellowship.

Sincerely,