January Term flew by as our students showcased their love for learning by engaging in intensive courses in the classroom and around the world. Students returned to campus for the spring semester to see the newly unveiled Eric Nyman Performance Golf Center, named in honor of our distinguished alumnus and Trustee, in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. This new facility is not just an investment in our golf program but a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation for VWU students.

As we celebrate Black History Month throughout February, we reflect on our Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Commemoration, where students engaged in community service and fellowship. Again, we thank Mark Johnson, Senior Vice President and Community Development Manager of Truist, for serving as our keynote speaker on that special day.

Every new semester brings reminders of our rich history and bright future. Pastor R. Perez Gatling of neighboring Ebenezer Baptist Church will serve as the 2024 Baccalaureate keynote speaker, inspiring the Class of 2024 during our spring commencement weekend. Dr. Larry Hultgren's remarkable 55 years of service as a professor of philosophy will be honored with the naming of the atrium in Blocker Hall during Spring Alumni Weekend. We honor the memory of Eleanor Watts, a cherished member of our VWU community, whose unwavering support, with her husband Henry, has been instrumental in shaping VWU. Their dedication and compassion have been fundamental in establishing VWU as the welcoming and inclusive institution it is today.

Sincerely,