Celebrating the Past, Planning the Future January 2021 Happy New Year to our Virginia Wesleyan family and friends! In early December we celebrated the Class of 2020 during a virtual Commencement Ceremony. I offer my sincerest congratulations, once again, to these very special graduates and the family, friends, and faculty and staff members who helped them along the way. We will always remember the Class of 2020 for their resilience and adaptability. These qualities, along with their world-class liberal arts education from VWU, will help them achieve their personal and professional goals.  I thank Will Baker, President of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, for delivering the keynote address and Rev. Dr. Jim Noseworthy for the opening prayer. Will, Jim, and Bob Aston, Executive Chairman of the Board at TowneBank, were presented honorary degrees during our ceremony (pictured below, from left). We also presented faculty awards to Dr. Sue Larkin (Samuel Nelson Gray Distinguished Teaching Award), Dr. Maury Howard (Frank and Jane P. Batten Distinguished Scholar Award), Dr. Sara Sewell (Service and Community Engagement Award), and Dr. Wayne Pollock (United Methodist Church General Board of Higher Education and Ministry Exemplary Teacher Award). Members of the Class of 2020 were invited to participate in Graduate Recognition Hours the day after our virtual Commencement (pictured below, far right). During this time, graduates and their families came to the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center in scheduled 10-minute intervals to pick up their diplomas, pose for socially-distanced pictures, and receive a gift from the Office of Alumni Relations. Read More | Watch Now | Photo Gallery | 2020 Commencement Ceremony Program

New VWU Global Campus Dean Named Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, Associate Professor of Biology and a VWU faculty member since 2006, has been named Dean of VWU Global Campus. In this role, she oversees VWU Online, the evening and weekend program, early enrollment/ advanced scholars, and non-credit learners. More 2021 Commencement Speakers Announced Dr. Timothy Carter, President of Boston-based Second Nature, and Dr. David R. Black, VWU Executive-in-Residence, will be the 2021 Commencement and Baccalaureate speakers, respectively. More

VWU Magazine: Winter 2020 Special Edition Now Available Online Read highlights from 2020 and view our Annual Report in this special edition of the VWU Magazine. More Winter Arts Showcase on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network View student work and performances from the arts, theatre, and music departments, which premiered on December 11. More

A Visit from Dr. Elizabeth Borgen We were visited by Dr. Elizabeth Borgen (center), the new President of Lakeland University, last month. Dr. Borgen replaces Dr. David R. Black (right) after his three-year tenure as Interim President. During her visit, we advanced our plans for our joint campus in Tokyo, Japan. More A "New" Vice President for Enrollment Heather Campbell '04 has been the Acting Vice President for Enrollment since August 1. She officially assumes the position of Vice President for Enrollment on January 1, overseeing recruiting for all undergraduate and graduate traditional and non-traditional programs, as well as VWU Online, early enrollment, and non-credit programs. More

Susan T. Beverly Hall In Susan T. Beverly Hall (formerly the Fine Arts Building), construction of the new kiln shop on the east side of the building and installation of the new flooring in the Edward D. Hofheimer Theatre progressed throughout December. The entire project should be completed this month. Plans Advancing for DeFord Manor In March we shared that private funds have been raised for the construction of DeFord Manor. Finished plans have been submitted to the City of Virginia Beach for approval. With the Board’s endorsement in October, construction is expected to begin this month.

We carry the lessons we learned in 2020 into the new year as we continue to adapt and advance the priorities of the University as well as those of our community and nation. I hope you had a happy and healthy holiday season. I look forward to seeing you - in person - soon. Happy new year,

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