Reactions, considerations and decades of backstory emerge from the institution’s decision to change names from Virginia Wesleyan University to Batten University.
On July 1, 2026, Virginia Wesleyan University will become Batten University. Since this announcement, alumni have contested the name change.
the reality of it set in, like most alumni, I felt a sense of loss.”
Edwards said when he heard the news in real time, he also thought it was a joke.
hadn’t gotten involved, I really question whether Virginia Wesleyan would be here today.”
reaction was undone by research into the name change.
Crosson Miller ‘25 found out about the name change hours after the announcement from the university’s initial Instagram post. He described his reaction as “shock and disbelief.”
On the day of the announcement, Devin Cowhey ‘10 created a petition asking the university to “reconsider this decision and maintain the name that resonates with generations.”It rose from 800 signatures in a few hours to 3,800 in a week to over 5,700 as of Sept. 9.
“Some people who disagreed took a mode of communication that is so un-Wesleyan-like,” President of the University Dr. Scott D. Miller said.
Many alumni expressed their initial reactions: shock and surprise. Stewart Howe ‘07 said when he heard the news of the change, “I thought it was a joke at first.” Andrew Edwards ‘98 said, “Once
Howe questioned why they made the change: “Didn’t they just become VWU not too long ago? Isn’t the Batten name already recognized on campus buildings?”
Dr. Miller said this change is a recognition of what the Batten family means to the university. In a Sept. 3 interview with The Marlin Chronicle, he said, “Quite candidly, years ago when the institution was on the brink, it was the Battens who really saved this place.
“I hate to say that if the Battens
According to Dr. Miller, Batten has been the most pivotal individual in the institution’s history. “No president, no church, no other donor — Jane Batten is the single greatest driving factor in the history of the school, and is very deserving to have her name, or as she puts it, the name of her family, on this institution,” Dr. Miller said.
“I think they should put more emphasis on her and show [that] this woman is the most ethical billionaire of our time. This is why we are naming the school after her: because she has helped out thousands and she’s donated millions of dollars to our local institutions,” sophomore Lynsey Cox said.
“Go up and down the great private institutions, and many of them were named after philanthropists,” Dr. Miller said.
“Jesus told a rich man to give away his money, and that’s precisely what Jane Batten has been doing for decades,” Edwards said, adding how it is to the benefit of students. “I have been ashamed and embarrassed by alumni reactions accusing the Batten family of buying our beloved alma mater.
“I would ask those who are attacking [Jane Batten] personally to think of what kind of a person it would take for such a momentous and unanimous decision to be made by the board,” Edwards said.
Batten was the chair of the Board of Trustees when Edwards was a student. “She really is a remarkable person who believes in higher education in general and the mission of Virginia Wesleyan in particular. Everyone who has met her will say the same thing,” Edwards said.
Oliver Chauncey-Heine ‘24 said he has seen untrue assumptions about Batten in social media comments, and his initial negative
C.J. Sholler retires after 20 years
“She loves the place, loves the people.”
BY VICTORIA HANELINE
C.J. Sholler, assistant to the director of Security and the face of the Campus Security office for the past 20 years, retired the week before Labor Day. Her plan is to go on an eight day retirement cruise in the Caribbean with her sister. After that, she will look for a part-time job and volunteer at the humane society. Her favorite part of the job was “working with my kids
Inside Look:
— the students.”
“Makes me feel good when they come into my office, especially when they come in just to say ‘hi,’” Sholler said. “I’m really going to miss them.”
“C.J. is an example of the quality of person, regardless of whether they’re faculty, staff or student, that this institution attracts and values,” Keith Moore, senior vice president, said. Moore was in the room with her when she was hired 20 years ago.
Operational plans unfold amid name
“She said she was embarrassed to have a university named after her family,” but Chauncey-Heine said this could be a positive response to flattery. “I hope Jane Batten feels that Batten University embodies the name, and that she hasn’t been hurt by alumni comments.”
“No president, no church, no other donor — Jane Batten is the single greatest driving factor in the history of the school, and is very deserving to have her name, or as she puts it, the name of her family, on this institution.”
President Scott D. Miller
“In all the video interviews, Jane Batten was pretty vocal about feeling uncomfortable with the situation,” Crosson Miller said. “Why did we go out of our way to convince her to change it?”
For Chauncey-Heine, Batten herself is a primary reason for supporting the name change. “She’s a pioneer for environmental justice; she’s pro-critical thinking and proeducation in a way that speaks to Batten University’s mission to help students succeed.”
Howe said he believes the university’s “attempts to restructure debt, change their image, forge a new path, build a brighter future, etc. ... is an exercise in futility masked in adoration.”
Veni Fields ‘00 said a lack of consultation amplified the reaction: “What shocked all of us was that no one was consulted about the change outside the upper echelon — no alumni query went out, and even faculty currently on campus learned with the rest of the world that this was even a thing.”
Student Involvement Fair: photo highlights
Coach Jones represents VWU in Stars and Stripes Classic victory
Kami Whisenhunt|Marlin Chronicle
C.J. on her last day in the office. Soon after, she planned to go on a retirement cruise.
See BATTEN Page 2
Laila Jones|Marlin Chronicle
Emilie Dajc|Marlin Chronicle Alumni protested the name change outside campus gates on Aug. 29.
Isaac Fick|Marlin Chronicle
Jane Batten and Chair of the Board of Trustees Nancy T. DeFord during a prayer at the State of the University on Aug. 20.
Carter Kellam|Marlin Chronicle
Ashley Cayon|Marlin Chronicle
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Nina Ruiz ‘11 said, “The FAQs distributed by the university did not resolve my biggest question: why alumni weren’t represented in the decisionmaking process. While I understand that not every voice can be at the table, it is troubling that the Alumni Council was not engaged at all.”
Crosson Miller said he found the FAQs “intentionally really vague and a little misleading,” and he thinks they “sugarcoated a few sections, specifically about how Jane Batten feels about the name change.”
“Contrary to popular belief, you can’t run a popularity poll on something like this,” Dr. Miller said. Out of 36 voting members of the Board of Trustees, he said 11 are elected alumni who were active in discussions on the change. “All 11 were supportive of the name change.”
Leading up to the decision to change names, Dr. Miller said the university conducted interviews with 52 active stakeholders of the institution, and all were in favor of the change.
“I see a lot of alumni complaining that they feel ignored and bulldozed over; I don’t agree. You don’t consult the past in a decision of the future. Batten University isn’t cutting Virginia Wesleyan University, or even Virginia Wesleyan College, loose; it’s taking them in as building blocks to be better,” Chauncey-Heine said. “I don’t understand why so many people are afraid of change.”
One concern stemming from the name change is losing the credentials of Virginia Wesleyan. Junior Avery Lewis said it is a disadvantage for student and alumni resumes because it diminishes credibility.
Regarding resumes and portfolios, Dr. Miller said alumni can continue listing Virginia Wesleyan College or University, adding that some might name Virginia Wesleyan and include “now Batten University” in parentheses.
Referring to alumni as family, Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center, Dr. Craig Wansink said, “for those who are grieving, it’s hard for me not to grieve with them, and for those who celebrate, I’m grateful that they see the possibilities.”
Freshman Somer Herrera said, “I feel like the reactions are because, naturally, we hate change. I feel like it would be a problem even if the name was changed to something most people on campus would vote for.” She said with the Batten name already associated with many facets of the university, “It just seems like overkill.”
Ruiz echoed the shock of other alumni. “I always expected that one day we would move from college to university status, as we fundraised as students to expand resources to support that change. But a full rebrand that changed the identity of the school was something I never imagined.”
NOT THE SAME UNIVERSITY
“I did have some concerns that I think a lot of you in this room probably share the question: What about Virginia Wesleyan? I promise that our over 60-year history and heritage is not being abandoned; building on our Methodist ethics of service and education, this university will just become a better version of itself,” Jane Batten said at the State of the University.
The video that followed Batten’s statement after the announcement began with a voiceover that said, “This is not the university you think you know. Building on 10 years of innovative transformation as Virginia Wesleyan University and decades of visionary philanthropy from Jane Batten and the Batten family, a bold new future comes together in 2026.”
Director of Stewardship Sarah Guzzo said she is excited about the change. At the table offering free Batten University mousepads and coffee mugs, Guzzo said it is “a wonderful way to celebrate the Batten family and continue in a new, bold direction and continue doing great things for the community and the world.”
Edwards said while small religiously affiliated liberal arts institutions have been closing rapidly, Virginia Wesleyan is “still there — and that is something to celebrate.”
“We alumni can be proud that our alma mater is not only surviving but thriving,” Edwards said. “In the past five years, over eighty such colleges have closed or forced into merging with a larger institution, and many more are expected over the coming decade.”
“The name ‘Wesleyan’ and the strong connection to the [United Methodist Church] are largely what drew me to VWC over thirty years ago,” Edwards said. Despite his initial reaction, he gradually came to accept the change. “That identity
simply does not resonate with youth and young adults today,” Edwards said, adding that religiously affiliated universities are wise to adapt.
“Aligning our future with the Batten name affirms stability, opportunity and prestige in ways a fractured denominational label simply cannot,” Dr. Miller said.
Heather Weidner ‘89 said, “I understand rebranding, and there are ways to go about it successfully. This is not one of them.”
“Our brand must be positioned for strength and broad appeal in the local, state and regional market. Nobody is losing anything in this change — the Batten name formally connects us to the most impactful philanthropic family in Virginia,” Dr. Miller said.
To students, Dr. Miller said, “I think you’ll see in years to come that the brand of Batten University will be valuable to you from a career standpoint, moving forward. I would promise that that will happen.”
“As a student who does not plan to stay in Virginia, or even America, ‘Batten University’ has no global explanation,”
Lewis said.
Lewis said while she has seen current students have their own set of concerns, she sees them empathize with alumni. “Alumni have gone through two name changes, and we as current students have empathy to how drastic this feels.”
“I am excited about all the growth and possibilities for the future of the university. I just wish that the Board and administration could have recognized the generous contributions of the Batten family in another way,” Weidner said.
Crosson Miller said this name change has impacted his perception of the university. “This really just made me question if the university that I put four years of hard work and money into really cares about their alumni, or if they’ll only give me a call on Giving Day.”
Ruiz said, “I believe this decision has sparked such strong reactions because it strikes at the heart of legacy. After I was elected SGA president, I was asked by Keith Moore to think deeply about what I wanted my legacy to be. That lesson stayed with me: legacy is about what we leave behind and carry forward together.”
A SMALL COMMUNITY
Crosson Miller said the university’s smaller size influences the name change’s impact. “Not a lot of people know about it, and now we’re willing to whisk away what little recognition we do have to change our namesake for a donor ... it shows everyone watching that the Board of Trustees cares more about a donor’s dollar and a name than the religion they were rooted in, the values they’ve cultivated over the years and experiences shared among the tightly knit network of people that have cherished this university.”
Crosson Miller said he chose Virginia Wesleyan to be part of a small, caring community. “I don’t think they should take that away from us because they want to honor someone who felt uncomfortable being honored in the first place.”
Chief Operations Officer and alumni Jason Seward ‘05 said, “I’ll never be able to repay this place [for] what it gave me — to take a chance on somebody who probably didn’t deserve to have a chance taken on him.”
“We’re living in this wonderful community together,” Seward said, adding that regardless of labels, everyone learns at the same institution. “That’s the beauty of this place, and that’s never changed. I don’t care what you call it; that’s not going to change.”
Howe said he does not feel he or other alumni he knows had strong ties with the administration. “It was my coaches, teammates and other students I met during my years who I stay in touch with and still see to this day ... the VWC Marlins was a brand that bonded all of my fellow students academically, spiritually and athletically,” Howe said. “A true family identity.”
“Much like they spent four years here getting a degree, I’ve spent 10 years here so far,” Dr. Miller said. “It is a special place.”
In the Aug. 20 special edition of Nota Bene: A Message of Note from President Miller, Dr. Miller said, “We recognize that change, even good change, can bring a sense of nostalgia. For many of us, Virginia Wesleyan is more than just a name — it’s woven into our personal stories, our friendships, and the milestones that shaped us. It’s okay to take a moment to reflect on the past before embracing all that the future holds.” Dr. Miller said regardless of the name change, “we are still Marlins.”
“One alumni reaction in the media claimed that Virginia Wesleyan has ‘died.’ I think that characterization is entirely unfair, though I can see where the
impression comes from,” Edwards said.
“Small liberal arts college communities are like extended family,” Edwards said, adding that the tightly knit community has made changes feel more personal. “The alumni reaction is a testament to how meaningful this place is to so many people. But if grief is a process toward accepting loss, I think that grief is being expressed in unhealthy ways — ways that are potentially harmful to the community.”
Edwards said that when alumni felt that the language surrounding the change suggested the erasure of history, it deepened the response. “During Jane Batten’s remarks at last week’s State of the University event, she expressed confidence that Batten University would retain its Wesleyan heritage and traditions. That was helpful and necessary for alumni to hear.”
“But within minutes, President Miller seemed to walk that sentiment back by proclaiming it’s a new day, a new institution, etc.,” Edwards said. “I think the administration and its communications team should tone that down. That sense of losing something dear and beloved is precisely what is animating the alumni reaction.”
Moving forward with this transition, Ruiz said meaningful engagement with the community is the most important step. “Change of this magnitude cannot be onesided; it requires transparency, dialogue and respect for the community that built Virginia Wesleyan into what it is today,” Ruiz said.
BATTEN UNIVERSITY’S BACKSTORY
Prior to the announcement of the change, The State of the University honored the to-be namesake, Jane P. Batten, and discussed how the Batten family has shaped the institution. Dr. Miller’s speech traced the influence of the Batten family back to where it began: “We can never fully anticipate the ripple effects of a single decision or how far the echoes of one choice can travel, but this decision, made by a teenager and her family, forever altered the trajectory in profound and lasting ways.”
Dr. Miller’s speech explained how it began when Batten’s daughter became a student at Virginia Wesleyan, and a few years later in 1981 Jane Batten became a Board of Trustees member. He detailed how her contributions only grew from there.
“There is no other visionary philanthropist like Jane Batten, and the tremendous transformation that Virginia Wesleyan has had during the last 10 years can be attributed 100% to the visionary philanthropy that Jane has provided,” Dr. Miller said.
At the State of the University, Jane Batten said, “You need to know one really important thing: this was not my idea.”
On the university’s “About Jane P. Batten” page, it says, “Getting her on board with the idea required drafting a white paper about the benefits of the name
change, followed by several months of discussions.”
The news of the change has reached outlets of WAVY 10, WTKR News 3, Inside Higher Ed, The Virginian-Pilot and The Washington Post.
An article on the name change from The Washington Post discussed the influence of the “white paper.” In the article, Batten said she had to be persuaded by several people adamant about the name change, and one of the faculty members she admires most wrote her a “white paper” that convinced her.
Later in the article, The Post attributed the “white paper” to Wansink. Wansink said he wrote the paper because he was told the Board of Trustees was in support of the name change, and Batten wanted to hear his thoughts.
Wansink said he does not know Batten well and felt surprised by this opportunity to share his thoughts. He said he assumes that the university community sees him as qualified for input on ethical decisions because of his Nusbaum Center position.
Referring to Wansink as a balanced and fair individual, Dr. Miller said, “He represented more than his own opinion, and it was well done.”
While Wansink said a white paper typically has many details, data and pros and cons, “I didn’t write that at all because I wasn’t in on that part of the conversation.”
Because of this, Wansink said, “It wasn’t a white paper. It really was intended to be for her, and holy cow, I would have written it very differently if I knew it would have been used more broadly.”
Dr. Miller said Wansink elected not to release the paper, “because some things have unfortunately gotten twisted and politicized.”
“I wouldn’t have come up with an idea of saying, ‘hey, let’s change the name of the school,’” Wansink said. He said people have implied he had a bigger role in the change, but he does not see it that way. Wansink said there was a small group of people who set up logistics for the change, but all he did was ask questions.
Dr. Miller said following the unanimous vote by the Board in February for the name change, a group of 18 individuals began the plan for implementing and announcing the change, which received another unanimous vote during the May Board meeting. Dr. Miller said this announcement, and the materials that accompanied it, aimed to communicate a start to finish explanation for the change.
Regarding the finality of the name change, Dr. Miller said, “the Board of Trustees has that final authority and they have issued that final authority.”
“We understand how many feel,” Dr. Miller said. “We just ask that those opinions be shared with us in a respectful way.”
“I believe that as time passes, people will see it’s the right decision,” Dr. Miller said, adding that he anticipates they will come to accept it as what’s best for the institution.
Isaac Fick|Marlin Chronicle
President Scott Miller mingled among the crowd at the State of the University on Aug. 20 before the announcement of the name change.
Isaac Fick|Marlin Chronicle
The crowd reacted to the announcement at The State of the University in Townebank Arena on Aug. 20.
Operational plans unfold amid name transition
BY ISAAC FICK
As Virginia Wesleyan University begins its transition to Batten University, the institution confronts the operational logistics to make it possible. Chief Operations Officer Jason Seward said to ensure a smooth transition near July 1, 2026, “there’s a lot of groundwork that happens: meeting with different vendors to have things in place.”
President Scott D. Miller said this transition does not happen with a flip of a switch, and every part of the process has been adequately timed to “address all the nuts and bolts, from replacing signs on campus and letterheads to notifying properly all the different organizations and community groups.”
“We’ll have a game plan,” Seward said. The rebrand transition will take about a week, according to Seward, because there is “a lot of signage,” but the vendor is capable and does projects for other institutions, businesses and international corporations.
He said his biggest priority is ensuring that the transition is seamless. “We say we’re going to become Batten University on July 1 — we’re going to become Batten University on July 1,” Seward said.
Freshman Somer Herrera said because the Virginia Wesleyan name is across campus, “they would have to scrape letters off signs and replace them or repaint many areas on campus.”
Alumna Brooke Morris ‘23 said rebranding signage, merch and team uniforms will be expensive. She asked where the money is coming from and if this is the best use of funds.
Junior Avery Lewis said, “Changing the name of the school will require a new gym floor, all new sports jerseys, new signage everywhere, the list goes on. Students are confused why we aren’t using the money for more pressing issues like the lack of parking and the mold in dorms.”
The money will not come out of institutional funds or tuition, according
to Seward and Miller. “This will all come from private gifts that have been received to fund this transition,” Seward said. Miller said 13 individuals provided the money for rebranding.
From inventorying signage and wording on glass to uniforms and scoreboards, “you name it, he’s done it,” Miller said about Seward’s process.
Miller said not everything Virginia Wesleyan is changing. “No, the banners in the gym don’t come down. They won the national championships and the honors as Virginia Wesleyan College or University. They’ll remain that,” Miller said. “The cornerstones in buildings that say Virginia Wesleyan College or University will remain that. Virginia Wesleyan remains a part of our heritage, and we’re not ignoring it. We’re not erasing it. We’re not doing away with it.”
Morris expressed concern with requesting an updated diploma. Miller said transcripts will still read Virginia Wesleyan University or College. In a section of the university’s FAQs page regarding the name change, it says that while Virginia Wesleyan diplomas will remain valid and respected, graduates may request a Batten University diploma after July 1.
Morris said “it’s not just an offering,” and “fails to include the cost that will likely be associated with a new diploma.”
“We haven’t really gotten to that,” Miller said. He said the university did not charge for new diplomas during the switch from College to University, “It was anybody who made a contribution. We would give them a free copy.”
Updated university merchandise, according to Seward, will arrive before the name change is implemented and will include freebies for students. He said there will also be a Batten University T-shirt, polo and hoodie at the store soon.
“I spent money on full price VWU merch only for the name to be changed a week after,” Herrera said. She said she thinks this affects other students who did the same.
Seward said the university store will climb to a 50% sale near Thanksgiving and Winter Break.
“While VWU and their departments get a flashy new makeover, the freshmen students are living in moldy dorms, the commuter students don’t have parking and the graduation rate teeters at 50%,” Morris said.
“Nothing is being taken away from our needs,” Seward said. According to Seward, the university is investing $10 million from a tax-exempt bond to upgrade infrastructure and facilities. “We just completed half a million dollar renovations to the shower rooms and bathrooms in Gum and Smithdeal Hall,” Seward said.
He said he recalls the name change discussion going back more than a decade.
“I know it was discussed when we talked about switching from College to University, making the change then, but it just wasn’t the right time,” Seward said.
Miller said when he arrived in 2015, the change had been discussed years before. In 2016, “several key individuals indicated to me that if we were to ever go down that route, that we needed to be prepared from a branding and marketing standpoint,”
Miller said.
“When we rolled out the university name, the Virginia Beach location and the lighthouse as a part of the logo, it was all done that year with the idea that if we transitioned the name at some point, that it would be more seamless from a branding standpoint,” Miller said.
“The conversation has been there and hasn’t deterred or taken away that focus on things that I want to accomplish in facilities that would enhance the student experience,” Seward said.
“Everyone’s hot topic’s probably the elevator in the apartments,” Seward said. The apartment building’s elevator is currently out of order. “It frustrates me. And right now, it's nothing we’re doing.”
He said it’s an outside manufacturer that has the parts, resources and ability to fix or replace the elevator. “We’ve got to make it right, and we’ve got to address it, and that’s what we’re working with,” Seward said.
Seward said there are other upgrades planned, including new heating and cooling systems, roofing on the Jane P. Batten Student Center, LED lighting, painting and replacing institutional furniture in residential halls.
Isaac Fick|Marlin Chronicle
mousepads are one example of a tangible update that comes with renaming the university.
Isaac Fick|Marlin Chronicle
A VWU sign exemplifying what will be replaced across campus.
TOP & BOTTOM RIGHT: Carter Kellam|Marlin Chronicle
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Community
First days and full schedules
BY KAMI WHISENHUNT kjwhisenhunt@vwu.edu
Students were welcomed back the week of Aug. 25 with a lineup of events across campus.
The Harbor Grill held a Learning Mindfulness and Game-a-palooza, while Grillin’ with the Greeks and Paint Dodgeball were in outdoor areas. Other organizations held the Glow Party, Splash Contest and Welcome Back Ice Cream Social.
The counseling services held Learning Mindfulness Using the Five Senses, an interactive table. Students, like freshman Hannah Williams, stopped by to learn evidencebased mindfulness practices as well as pick up free sensory items.
“To me, mindfulness is being present with your emotions and knowing what you’re feeling. I used the pressure point ring because it gave me something to fidget with, and it’s supposed to ground you,” Williams said.
One of the practices was a glitter-filled jar, which students could shake and watch as the glitter slowly settled back down. On the other side of the table, there were touch-based sensory items like play dough, soft stuffed animals and pink and blue kinetic sand. Take-homes
included essential oils for smell, face masks for a cool touch and sour candy. Michelle De Rosa, head of counseling, and Brett Dudley, a postgraduate counseling intern, helped students. They also shared general information about oncampus counseling resources.
“This is a way we can gather coping skills, and then we don’t wait until we’re in a crisis to go to a mental health professional,” Williams said.
Some events leaned into the students’ competitive side, like Game-a-palooza, put on by Off the Hook, where senior Jessica Carson was helping out.
“I’ve always grown up playing Uno. It’s not only a good family event, it can also be a friendly bonding event, and it’s definitely competitive,” Carson said.
A variety of card games and board games lined the tables. These included What Do You Meme?, Taboo, Apples to Apples and Monopoly. Mario Kart and other video games were set up and projected onto a large screen so students could easily view the action. There was also a snack and drink table off to the side, including a miniature claw machine game with candy inside.
“I think these gaming events can be very beneficial because students can come out, meet new people, meet new friends and then also maybe get a little bit involved with new things that they haven’t experienced yet,” Carson said. Paint Dodgeball took place on the field outside of Greer, giving students the chance to be active while putting a twist on the traditional game. The dodgeballs were covered in washable paint, so each throw left color on participants’ clothes. Goggles were provided for safety.
A less fast-paced event held in the Cove was Grillin’ with the Greeks. According to Tri Sigma member and junior Ollie Long, this cookout-style event is where the campus can get to know Greek Life. She said they strive to host this at least once a year or once a semester.
“It’s not all the stereotypes you see online, and it’s genuinely just a really great way to make friends and be more social and get out
there with people,” Long said.
Each fraternity and sorority had members there to represent and speak to students walking past while they enjoyed hamburgers, chips and other foods.
The Glow Party was a silent disco in the CMAC. Students wore headphones, using a button on the side to flip through music channels while on the dance floor. The first 100 students at the event received a free T-shirt, and everyone could grab snacks provided throughout the night.
Elsewhere on campus, Campus Ministries and the Athenaeum hosted the welcome-back ice cream social for students to build their own ice cream sundae, catch up with friends or connect with new ones. It also gave them time to check out the new Athenaeum area and learn about Campus Ministries.
The pool deck had a collaboration event with Off the Hook and UREC for the annual splash contest. Anyone could sign up as they walked in and compete for the biggest splash. Friends and peers came out to support and cheer them on as three judges rated each splash on a scale of one to 10. After the first round of normal jumps, they were encouraged to use creativity in their jumps with no flipping or flops allowed, and prizes were awarded to the top three winners, with the first-place prize being a $50 Amazon gift card.
Kami Whisenhunt|Marlin Chronicle Michelle De Rosa and Brett Dudley help students explore ways to practice mindfulness.
Madison Moore|Marlin Chronicle Paint dodgeball leaves students marked with color.
Arranged by Kami Whisenhunt|Marlin Chronicle
Kami Whisenhunt|Marlin Chronicle
Carter Kellam| Marlin Chronicle
New faces brighten the Lighthouse
Katrina Hamilton, Miko Clendenin and Hannah Carmona join the Student Success team with positive energy and eagerness to help.
BY EMERY GARZA eigarza@vwu.edu
The Lighthouse, a resources hub in Clarke Hall, has three new faces this semester. The space welcomes students looking for support and guidance in the form of tutoring and academic advising. Each of them brings different experiences and skills, but they all share the same goal of helping students succeed. One of the new faces at the Lighthouse is Katrina Hamilton, who has taken on the role of Student Success coordinator.
“I love working with college students and supporting them in their education. That’s what drew me to this position. I get to work with faculty, staff and students all at once,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton oversees more than 30 tutors, both professional and peer, covering subjects like math, science, English
C.J.
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and major-specific specialties. She also manages the university’s academic alerts system, working with professors and advisors to make sure students are connected to the help they need. On top of that, she handles the transition to a new centralized book ordering process for the campus.
Hamilton moved here from California in December 2023 with her husband, a Navy chaplain, and their 13-year-old daughter. She has a wide background in education, having taught everything from preschool to higher education. Her experience also includes educational publishing, advising at a community college, long-term subbing for high school social studies and supervising teachers at UCLA.
Even though people often assume she’s outgoing, Hamilton describes herself as a “functioning introvert.” She enjoys quiet
“I remember talking to the kids and telling them to make the most out of their college experience,” Sholler said, remembering her first day on campus. She said she felt like she was just out of college at the time herself.
“She was emotional about leaving because she loves it too much,” Moore said. “She loves the place, loves the people.”
She was sad to be leaving and said she would miss everyone, but she was nonetheless looking forward to retirement. She is going to volunteer at the humane society because, “I want to work with cats.”
“When you work with someone for 20 years and you have a working relationship,” Moore said. “It goes beneath the surface of that, and that’s who we are as an institution: we genuinely care about each other, regardless of role.
“To have that working relationship come to a close, and
activities like early morning walks on the beach and has always been passionate about working with students. Looking ahead, she hopes to raise awareness about the Lighthouse so more students and professors take advantage of its resources.
VWU alumna Hannah Carmona ‘23 has also joined in the position of Student Success administrative assistant. She graduated with degrees in Communication and Theatre and decided to come back to campus.
“I wanted to come back to VWU to give back. I had such an amazing experience here as a student, and now I want to help current and future students have that same experience,” Carmona said.
Carmona splits her time between the Learning Center and the Lighthouse, supporting students, faculty and staff within the Student Success department.
“My goal is to support the VWU
“That’s who we are as an institution: we genuinely care about each other, regardless of role.” Keith Moore
then have that personal connection come to the surface, it means a lot,” Moore said.
“She truly appreciated having interactions with our faculty, staff and students in the role that she served,” Moore said.
Sholler is going to be missed, and did a lot of work for the security department. “[Sholler is] very efficient,” Moore said, “and I like that about people.” Apparently,
community as much as I can. That means helping students access resources, encouraging their growth and making sure they feel comfortable coming here for support,” Carmona said.
Because she’s been in students’ shoes before, she knows the challenges and opportunities that come with being a Marlin and she’s excited to help others through the ups and downs of college life.
The third new member of the team is Mitsuko “Miko” Clendenin, who has stepped into her role as a Student Success coach with a clear vision.
“I want to help grow our coaching strategies so we can better understand the needs of our students. It’s about guiding them in all aspects of their college experience, not just academics,” Clendenin said.
Before coming to VWU, Clendenin worked at Bank of America and the City of Norfolk, focusing on adult learning, leadership and organizational development. She said it was her volunteer work with nonprofits that pushed her to earn her bachelor’s in Human Services from Old Dominion University. As a longtime Hampton Roads resident, she knew of VWU and said she felt drawn to its supportive, close-knit campus culture.
“I wanted to be part of a team that really values students. This felt like the right place to do that,” Clendenin said.
As a Student Success coach, Clendenin works with first-year students as they transition into college life. She helps them plan coursework, set goals, find resources and figure out strategies to handle challenges. She said the new “coach” title is more than just a name change from the old “academic advisor” label; it reflects how VWU is focused on supporting the whole student, not just their class schedule.
though, her departure is not the reason for the car decals and IDs now being handled by finance, a task she has been in charge of for several years. Moore said that the reason for the change was “because both are tied to financial components … it’s just an easier process for the faculty, staff and students to go to the place where you’re paying for something to get it.”
“Things don’t necessarily have to be urgent to be timely, but she understood the importance of pivoting and was able to get things done efficiently and effectively in a timely way,” Moore said.
If there was one thing she could tell everyone, it would be “how much I’m going to miss all the people here.” She said she was proudest of working with students.
“I’ve seen thousands of them come through my office,” Sholler said.
“I’m also going to miss the administration, faculty and staff, including maintenance and housekeeping,” Sholler said.
Sholler has been one of the first faces students see on campus for two decades.
Laila Jones|Marlin Chronicle
Hannah Carmona is a student success administrative assistant.
Laila Jones|Marlin Chronicle Miko Clendenin is a student success coordinator.
Laila Jones|Marlin Chronicle Katrina Hamilton is a student success coordinator.
Gabrielle Barnett|Marlin Chronicle
Letters to the Editor
Alumni express their thoughts on the University’s name change.
I write with deep disappointment over the Board of Trustees’ decision to erase the Virginia Wesleyan University name and replace it with that of a donor. After 64 years, this move does not honor our legacy — it cheapens it.
Virginia Wesleyan was built by its students, alumni, faculty and staff. We carried its name into our careers, churches and communities, building the reputation that still stands today. As the first African American woman crowned Homecoming Queen in 2005 and a founding member of the first Divine Nine sorority on campus,
I want to be clear: I hold nothing against Jane Batten. I am grateful for her generosity and recognize the tremendous impact of her financial support. But I do not see how naming the entire institution after her does more than what has already been done to honor her. There are countless ways to celebrate donors without erasing the very name and history of the university they sought to uplift.
Universities are not corporations to be auctioned off. They safeguard tradition, foster belonging and elevate every graduate who walks through their doors.
Agency is the ability of individuals and groups to exercise control over themselves.
At Virginia Wesleyan, I learned historians must determine who has and who does not have agency to see whose history is being told. Drs. Dan Margolies, Clay Drees and Rich Bond imbued me with this knowledge when I studied for my history degree. I write now with the authority of my own doctorate in history and as an expert on pacification.
Your agency is lost — taken by an administration keen on separating you from a legacy of lighting fires. The very legacy that encouraged students to ask hard questions and not back down is smothered.
Today only the administration retains
agency as it alone decides our history. An influx of money and construction allowed the administration to pacify many of us to the erosion of our history in the name of their progress. But they have overreached in renaming our institution — awakening thousands of alumni. It is clear the administration endeavors to sever the last undeniable link to an institution they did not found.
New name, new founder, new legacy. Should the renaming succeed, Virginia Wesleyan ends next July and President Miller can dictate what is and what is not school history. You have all been pacified.
– Robert J. Thompson III, Ph.D.‘06
“Our main characters were less than fantastic, all pushed through the plot with no real depth, development or room for viewers to connect.”
Kelsi Dunman
Marlins should cut their professors some slack when it comes to
BY ABE NEMON
Anyone — students, faculty, admin, even librarians like me — could be forgiven for being confused and uncertain right now when it comes to chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT 3, the first of these large language models (LLMs) to become available to the broader public, hit the web in November 2022, and the rate of college and university students who report using generative AI on assignments has quickly increased since then, climbing “from 53% last year to 88% this year” (HEPI, “Student Generative AI Survey 2025”). The same survey found that 67% of students thought AI skills will be “essential” in today’s world, but only a minority of students felt they were being adequately prepared by their institutions for a future shaped by AI. Marlins, I am not going to act like your anxieties are groundless, but I will suggest that the fears folks are having are partly a result of 1) not having a clear enough understanding of how generative AI works, and consequently, what it can and can’t do, and 2) misleading, irresponsible and ultimately self-serving rhetoric on the part of leaders in the AI industry.
Take Ilya Sutskever, for example, a co-founder and former chief scientist for OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT.
In a graduation speech this summer at the University of Toronto, Sutskever told students, “The day will come when AI will do all of the things that we can do. Not just some of them, but all of them. ... How can I be so sure of that? The reason is that we all have a brain, and the brain is a biological computer.” In early August, OpenAI launched ChatGPT 5, with CEO Sam Altman claiming, “you get an entire team of Ph.D.-level experts in your pocket.”
Anthropic, the company behind the LLM, Claude, has released an article touting “the biology of a large language model,” while in April a group of former AI industry insiders released a terrifying “forecast” in which they predict that by 2028, a rogue AI “releases a bioweapon, killing all humans” and then “launches Von Neumann probes to colonize space.”
Since the beginning of the year, I’ve been compiling a Zotero library of over 2,300 scholarly sources (and counting) about generative AI; and I’ve been reading some of what experts in computer science,
neuroscience, learning science and the science of human creativity have to say about claims like the ones these leaders in the AI industry have been making. And it is because I have done my homework, and have consulted such a wide range of reputable sources on these topics, that I feel confident in saying: they are feeding you a line of bullpucky.
Let’s start with how GenAI technology actually works.
Xavier Santiago|Marlin Chronicle
Abe is the instructional and online learning librarian at H.C. Hofheimer II Library.
Coach Jones stars in PLL Stars & Stripes Classic
Sam Jones records two assists in charity Army-Navy match.
BY ELI CASEY & ROMAN FOSTER
emcasey@vwu.edu & rdfoster1@vwu.edu
PHILADELPHIA — On Aug. 29 at Subaru Park, two special operations forces met each other in battle. Instead of a military operation, the Navy SEAL Foundation faced off against the Green Beret Foundation in the Premier Lacrosse League’s second annual Stars and Stripes Classic.
Virginia Wesleyan University
participated in the event for the second straight year.
For Jones, the weekend had a special significance. “Just such a humbling weekend hanging out and playing ball with some of the most epic guys you’ll ever meet. They’ve been heroes to me since I was a little kid and they still are today. Being able to represent that jersey and those guys is everything to me. Truly an honor of my life,” Jones said. While an official box score was not available because participants included active-duty service
members, Jones recorded two points, both assists. Early in the game, he brought the ball out of the back corner and delivered a perfect pass in front of goal to set up a teammate’s score. The second came from a nifty move where Jones shifted from above the goal and darted a pass through traffic to his teammate across the cage.
“It’s awesome,” Jones said. “Just appreciating the opportunity to be out there with guys that have been heroes to me most of my life is incredible. Could not be more grateful … It’s an honor to be able to contribute in even a small way.”
The Stars and Stripes Classic is a charity match that aims to bring together professional lacrosse players, military veterans and supporters of both service foundations. The Navy SEAL Foundation, which provides support to the Naval Special Warfare community and their families, organized the Navy side. The Green Beret Foundation, which supports U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers and families through advocacy, transition assistance and family support programs, faced off opposite to them.
Although the game was framed as a friendly competition, the intensity was palpable.
“This is as competitive of a game I’ve ever been in,” Jones said. “A lot of people from the outside probably look at it differently, but at the end of the day it’s Army-Navy which is a rivalry that’s hard to describe. What people don’t see is that field is chock full of former Division
I and professional players. You show up to win and it’s a brutal 48 minutes of hard-fought lacrosse.”
“You’re not out there just for fun. We’re there to win. It’s in their DNA to compete,” he said.
For the second year, the Navy SEAL Foundation emerged victorious.
According to Jones, the deciding factor was team chemistry. “I think we were just together … that’s a group of guys that is as close as any team I’ve ever been a part of. It makes you want to play hard for each other,” Jones said.
Off the field, this match is another example of the relationship between lacrosse and military service. Players, coaches and organizers alike see the sport’s values as naturally aligned with those of the armed forces. “A lot of the traits that make you a good teammate on the lacrosse field are transferable to the military,” Jones said.
That connection has also taken root locally. Virginia Wesleyan’s Men’s Lacrosse team has scrimmaged against the Navy SEAL Foundation squad both this year and last year, creating a budding relationship. The scrimmages developed naturally from there. “Our guys are great about it and I think they take a lot away from the NSF guys,” Jones said. “I got a lot of comments from the NSF guys saying our guys were gritty and played hard. Any time you have a bunch of Navy SEALs saying that, you have to feel pretty good about it.” Aiden Freeland, senior goalkeeper, said that the NSF players had “pure rage behind their shot.”
Representing both Virginia Wesleyan and the Navy SEAL Foundation carries a sense of pride for Jones. “I love working here and the people make every day of my life a blessing. Always fighting,” Jones said. “I’m the luckiest guy in the world to be able to have those opportunities with the people I have them with.”
As for Virginia Wesleyan’s Men’s Lacrosse Team, they are working hard in preparation for the season start. After making it back to the playoffs following an almost decade long drought, the Marlins are looking to build on that momentum. “Batten University Lacrosse is engaged and ready to go,” Jones said.
Editor’s Note: Roman Foster, member of the men’s LAX team, contributed to the article.
Constant VWU coaching changes: money is involved
BY DANI POULSEN djpoulsen@vwu.edu
Dani is a senior Biochemistry major and plays field hockey. Her other involvements include being a resident assistant, Wesleyan ambassador, STEM ambassador, orientation leader, teaching assistant and secretary of Gamma Sigma.
Virginia Wesleyan University’s athletic legacy is anchored in grit, teamwork and success. As a studentathlete, I witness daily the devotion that both players and coaches bring to representing the Marlins. Yet behind our victories lies a growing challenge: retaining coaches longterm.
Some VWU programs enjoy remarkable consistency. Men’s Basketball, Softball and Women’s Soccer, for instance, benefit from coaches who have led their teams for more than 18 seasons, establishing deep-rooted traditions and trust. In contrast, other sports, like Track and Field, Women’s Lacrosse, Field Hockey and Cross Country, have faced more frequent turnover. While change is part of sport, repeated transitions disrupt beyond the field. Every time a coach departs, players must adapt swiftly to new systems, leadership styles and expectations, often during the academic year’s most demanding stretches. Beyond that, turnover interrupts recruiting pipelines, training stability and the mentorship that plays a critical role in our development as student-athletes.
Financial realities are often at the heart of these departures. VWU is a Division III institution, and salaries naturally fall below Division I or II levels. Locally, in Lynchburg, College Head Coaches earn an average of approximately $80,700 per year, with most falling between $64,900 and $109,500, according to salary.com. In contrast, head coaches at VWU average significantly less, with men’s team coaches earning around $63,008
annually and women’s teams’ coaches around $49,991, according to collegefactual.com.
Beyond VWU’s figures, other ODAC institutions appear to offer more competitive compensation which are further incentivizing coaches to leave. For example, at RandolphMacon College, coach salaries range from $48,000 to $89,000, with a median total pay of $63,000, according to glassdoor.com. In Lynchburg more broadly, according to salary.com, coach salaries average near $57,600, with many earning between $43,000 and $78,000, indicating that VWU sits at or below typical regional levels.
The consequences of this pay gap are tangible. When coaches leave, the networks they’ve built with recruiters, alumni and scouts often dissipate. That impacts athletes’ visibility and opportunities beyond college. In sports like Field Hockey and Women’s Lacrosse, where mentorship
and continuity are vital, the turnover can hinder both personal growth and team stability.
Many ODAC programs, such as Randolph-Macon, Washington & Lee and Lynchburg have invested deliberate effort to retain coaches, resulting in stronger tenure across sports. To stay competitive and continue attracting talented student-athletes, VWU must prioritize coach retention. That starts with fairer compensation, improved resources and support structures to reward long-term commitment.
As Marlins, we strive for excellence on the field and in the classroom. Supporting our coaches isn’t merely about contracts, it’s about empowering every athlete to reach their full potential. By investing in coaching stability, Virginia Wesleyan can strengthen its athletic tradition, not just for today’s teams, but for generations of Marlins to come.
Men’s Lacrosse Coach Sam Jones
James Hill|Courtesy
Senior Dani Poulsen says she believes wages are a factor in coaches leaving.
Instagram|Courtesy NSF player squares off against a Green Beret player at the Classic.
Ashley Cayon|Marlin Chronicle
Virginia Wesleyan|Courtesy Sam Jones, coach of Men’s LAX. Jones played for the SEALs.
SportS
SportsHead|NFL preview + Super Bowl prediction
Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, pose a legitimate threat to go back-to-back, but there are many teams on the rise who could give them a run for their money.
Despite losing to the Eagles 55-23 in the NFC championship game, the Washington Commanders seem to be the Eagles’ most dangerous threat entering the season. One could disagree and say the Detroit Lions, but the Commanders beat the Lions last season in the divisional round. More importantly, the Lions lost eight assistant coaches in the offseason, including their offensive and defensive coordinators.
Many teams in the past have struggled the season after losing their coordinators, including the 2023 Eagles, who started hot but ended the season with a 1-6 record in their last seven games. I don’t expect the Lions to be that bad, but it is worth mentioning.
As an Eagles fan, the Los Angeles Rams scare me more than the Lions do if Matthew Stafford’s back holds up the entire season. The Rams were the only team that gave the Eagles a challenge in the playoffs last year. The Rams also added Davante Adams in the offseason to strengthen their wide receiver room.
I don’t see any other teams making it out of the NFC. The Green Bay Packers are intriguing after recently acquiring Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys, who is one of the best edge rushers in the league, but they are a step below the other teams mentioned.
The AFC is loaded this year, as always, with the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens leading the pack. If the Chiefs were to win the AFC, it would be their sixth time in seven seasons making it to the Super Bowl and their fourth year in a row.
Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals are the only team in the AFC to have knocked off the Chiefs in the playoffs.
It is unfortunate how bad the Bengals defense is, because their offense is as good as anyone’s, but their defense will more than likely cost them this year like it did last.
This leaves Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen winless against Patrick Mahomes when it matters most. Josh Allen and the Bills have come close on multiple occasions, including the AFC championship game last season, scoring 32-29, but have fallen short every time. The Ravens had their chance two years ago in the AFC championship game when they hosted the Chiefs in Baltimore, but they lost 17-10.
It is hard to doubt Mahomes and the Chiefs with a resume like that, but I truly do believe that the Ravens will find a way to make it out of the AFC this year. I think they have the best roster in football, but it will come down to performing in the clutch.
The Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos could be dark horses, but until I see someone beat Mahomes in the playoffs, I won’t even consider picking an inexperienced playoff team to win the AFC. With all of that being said, I have the Eagles and Ravens matching up in the Super Bowl, with the Eagles winning back-to-back Super Bowls. Sometimes I am a biased Eagles fan, but this is not one of those times.
If these two teams were to meet in the Super Bowl, it would not be similar to the Eagles victory over the Chiefs this past February. I think the teams match up better against each other.
In terms of regular season awards, I do have Lamar Jackson winning his third MVP, and I believe he should have won it last season over Josh Allen.
It will take a lot to beat the Chiefs and make the Super Bowl, but if it is ever going to happen, I believe this is the year for the Ravens.
However, the Eagles have done something that none of these other teams have done: beat the Chiefs.
Marlins Soccer looks to take a step up this fall
Both Men’s and Women’s Soccer Team’s have a record of 3-0-1 to start the season.
BY BAILEY GRAY
The sound of dirt crunching as the cleats hit the field, the fresh look of jerseys about to be grass-stained, the orange water coolers stacked on the sidelines and the sound of the whistle blowing to start the match mean it is time for the Marlins’ soccer season to return. The Men’s and Women’s Soccer teams brought the fire to the field as they began non-conference play the first week of classes.
The women’s team opened Friday, Aug. 29 with a strong victory, defeating Saint Benedict 3-0. Senior Shyenne Diaz, freshman Lyla Wells and sophomore Alexis Manfredi each added a goal. Sophomore goalkeeper Allie Greco only needed one save to secure the shutout.
Women’s Soccer is currently ranked number two in the pre-season poll after finishing with a 10-6-3 record in the 2024 season. Head Women’s Soccer Coach Jeff Bowers said he is not concerned about the numbers from last year, but his goal is to see positive results early in the season. “We talk about substance over image a lot. It’s more about what’s inside of us versus the image of a number,” Bowers said. Greco said she is optimistic about the season. “Practice has been going really well. There is a great energy this year, and practices have been very competitive
and at a high level. Some of our goals this year are to win the ODAC and play in the NCAA tournament,” Greco said.
Likewise, Bowers emphasized that this team aims to reach the NCAA tournament. “Our goal is to try to get moving this year and come out on fire on Friday nights,” Bowers said.
“Our goal is to try to get moving this year and come out on fire on Friday nights.”
Coach Jeff Bowers
Bowers said the strong senior leadership has helped motivate the team during the pre-season training sessions. “We have some great senior leaders, and our upperclassmen have set a great tone. I really feel like our freshmen have come in, and you’d think that they have been here for multiple years. They have really assimilated quickly, and the team has bonded very quickly, so it’s been really fun,” Bowers said.
Hoping to carry on the team’s positive culture, Greco said, “Our team has many traditions, from dancing in the locker room before every game to goals and dedications before every game, but grace, humility and
servant leadership are the most important values our team holds. We are always pushing each other to be at our best, along with giving back to the community at any time that we can.”
According to its members, the women’s team has a strong, positive culture that has set the tone for the season, and the Women’s Soccer team is like a family in the Marlin community. “They really enjoy being around each other, and I think that’s really helped to motivate them by coming out to each training session, to try to get better,” Bowers said.
Greco conveyed the goal to leave her mark and make this a season to remember.
“One word I would use to describe VWU soccer is a legacy,” Greco said.
According to Bowers, not only does the team work hard on the field, but they also put in the work off the field by being students before athletes. “The team recruits academically driven student-athletes who support one another academically through study groups, showcasing a 3.5 average GPA last spring and a 3.4 average last fall,” Bowers said.
“The main reminder is to play hard and have fun,” Bowers said.
The VWU Men’s Soccer team is shaping up with Coach Shane Kohler at the helm. They led off the season with a definitive win, overtaking the United States Merchant Marine Academy with a 3-0 score. Senior
Ryan McAdams started the rally with the first goal, followed by senior Zach Bittler, who led the offense scoring two goals.
“We’ve just got to continue the process and be the same team that we have been,” Kohler said. He offered this challenge: “Can we be a little more disciplined and execute a little bit more in the crucial moments?” The team has made an effort to treat each new season as a fresh start and the opportunity to showcase new talent.
“The focus is getting better every single day, keeping the same mentality day in and day out,” Kohler said. The team strives to uphold the same level of effort, discipline and preparation every day, regardless of rankings or circumstances.
“We have to continue to trust what we’ve been doing and continue to push a little bit more,” Kohler said.
“If we want to be ODAC champions and go to the NCAA tournament, we have to keep the same effort, the same standard every single day. Whether we are playing in a match, whether it’s just a practice, we have to keep that same process,” Kohler said. “You can’t focus on the end result.”
“We are really excited for the season, and it is a day-by-day process,” Kohler said. Although the team has hopes of winning the ODAC Conference and reaching the NCAA tournament, Kohler emphasized that it is important to focus on improving one day at a time.
After seven long months, the quest for the Lombardi trophy has begun once again in the NFL. The reigning
Mars Johnson|Marlin Chronicle
Laila Jones|Marlin Chronicle
Freshman forward Victoria Mills kicks a through ball against University of Mary Hardin-Baylor on Sept. 7 in a 1-1 tie.
Gabrielle Barnett|Marlin Chronicle
Laila Jones|Marlin Chronicle
Senior defender Aaron Deans evades an attacker against University of Redlands on Sept. 6 in a 2-1 win.
‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’
A movie that conjures up a reaction.
BY CALEE LUKOWSKI
The newest and final installment of the renowned horror film series, “The Conjuring: Last Rites” was released on Sept. 5, and had been highly anticipated by fans. For those unfamiliar with the franchise, “The Conjuring” movies each follow one paranormal case investigated by Ed and Lorraine Warren. As real-life paranormal investigators, the Warrens investigated cases involving spirits, demons, hauntings and paranormal activity.
This movie follows the story of a paranormal case in Pennsylvania. Though the movie is advertised as being based on the true story of what happened, Hollywood took many creative liberties with the story.
While the content of the movie left something to be desired, “The Conjuring: Last Rites” was an excellent show of cinematography. With wonderful sound quality and picture, the film left just the right amount to the imagination.
“Although the ending of the movie felt a bit rushed, the producers did a good job of using wide camera angles and good sound cues to set up the suspense throughout the film,” junior Cooper Seidner said.
The film made great use of sound in particular. There was little excess noise, despite the detailed movement of objects with the soundscape. This allowed even the most basic of objects to help add to the overall suspense of the film.
The picture quality was also done well, although some audience members felt that the shot designs could have been better. “I feel like the focus was on everything up front in most of the shots, and there wasn’t anything going on in the background, even though most of the time the shots were filmed in a way that you could see everything,” junior Geordie Chagalis said.
The story followed the haunting of the Smurl family in suburban Pennsylvania. While in the movie, the
haunting only started a few months before the Warrens decided to help, in real life the hauntings supposedly had been happening for years. Unable to relocate due to financial situations, the Smurls continued to live in the home in West Piston, PA, even when the hauntings turned from simple everyday things to physically violent encounters.
The Warrens began their investigation into the Smurl’s haunting in 1986. The Warrens discovered three different entities that they believe are responsible for the hauntings. The catch is that there is something “blocking” their access to the spirits.
By the end of the movie, some audience members do not get the conclusion they want. The Warrens become preoccupied by a plot point involving their daughter, Judy. Although in real life, Judy was not part of the case, or at least not in a capacity that would be meaningful, this plot point became the main focus of the movie.
For some fans, the newest movie was a let down, and didn’t feel like it was part of the franchise they know and love.
“I liked the amount of pure horror and classical elements included in the movie, however it didn’t seem like it was part of ‘The Conjuring’ series,” junior Ava Gerstemeier said. “I wish the ending fit more into ‘The Conjuring’ universe, rather than a send off for the actors.”
“The first half was good, but as soon as the Warrens got to the [Smurl’s] house it became kind of stupid,” Chagalis said.
“I think the first half was good, but then the ending was underwhelming and anticlimactic because there were a lot of jump scares at the beginning and the end was kind of cringy,” junior Adriana Paci said.
While Judy’s haunting took center stage, the main case
became an afterthought, even when it came time for the conclusion. While the beginning of the movie was all about the haunting of the Smurl family, by the second half the focus had totally shifted.
Overall the quality of the cinematography was everything that someone could want in a movie, although the content of the film itself left something to be desired. The experience of “The Conjuring: Last Rites” is something that was unforgettable and will leave you sleeping with the lights on.
THE CONJURING|Courtesy Movie poster for the highly anticipated movie, “The Conjuring: Last Rites” starring Patrick Wilson (Ed Warren) and Vera Farmiga (Lorraine Warren).
Gabrielle Barnett|Marlin Chronicle
Conjuring: Last Rites” earns a 4.5, according to reviewer Calee Lukowski.
Sarah Czapp: created for Sugar & Pearls|Advertisement
BY J’DN TAYLOR jataylor1@vwu.edu
Caffeine, community and conversation at Baja
When you think of Virginia Beach, your mind probably goes straight to the oceanfront, the boardwalk or maybe even the seafood. If you’re new to the area, you might feel a little lost or unsure where to start your day. But tucked away on a quiet corner at 2041 Fisher Arch there’s a hidden gem for anyone who loves a good coffee moment — Baja Coffee Co.
As someone new to Virginia Beach myself, I wanted to find a quiet place to relax, sip on something and meet new people. You can tell Baja Coffee Co. is a place designed for you to stay awhile and not just grab a to-go cup and rush out the door.
Walking in, you notice the warm, welcoming environment. The aroma of fresh coffee beans mixed with sweet hints of vanilla made the shop feel cozy but energizing. General Manager Sommer T. suggested one of their September specials: the Honey Bun, an iced honey white mocha. The flavor combo of honey and vanilla was sweet without being too heavy, and perfect for someone new to the coffee world.
When asked to sum up the shop in three words, Sommer didn’t hesitate. She said, “I’d say it’s fun, vibey and wholesome.”
Baja Coffee Co. was originally established 10 years ago as a part of the widely known Baja Restaurant, located on 3701 Sandpiper Road. From Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend, Baja Restaurant gave its guests the opportunity to not only enjoy the beautiful ocean view while eating their meal, but also a curated menu of coffees to make the moment even more enjoyable.
After hearing so much positive feedback, the owners decided to create a shop location specifically for Baja Coffee Co. so locals could enjoy the same quality coffee year-round. Baja Coffee Co. has been located on Fisher Arch for three years and counting.
Although there are many coffee shops located in Virginia Beach, Baja Coffee Co. focuses on standing out from the rest.
“We are known for our lattes, cold brews and breakfast wraps; more specifically our breakfast burritos. Because our locals loved the chance to enjoy our coffee while having that amazing beach view, they love that we have a year-round location,” Sommer said.
Locals in the area have enjoyed going to Baja Restaurant not only for their food, but also for the amazing service and coffee they received. Many have expressed their excitement that Baja officially opened a year round coffee location.
If you’re someone who likes options, Baja Coffee Co. definitely has you covered. They offer many varieties and drink combinations, which allows customers to have something tailored to their own taste. From seasonal specials to classic lattes, the menu makes it easy to experiment or stick with your go-to. Pair that with their
breakfast wraps or burritos, and you’ll be set.
“I have been coming here for a good amount of time, and every time I come the customer service is amazing. I was never a coffee lover, but after trying their lattes I was immediately hooked. When they opened this location to be a year-round coffee shop, I recommended it to all my relatives and friends,” Elzena B. said.
Beyond drinks, Baja Coffee Co. has built its own sense of community. Every Saturday, they host vendor pop-ups where local small business owners can get together and sell their products. It’s a way for Baja to connect with the neighborhood and give other businesses a Regulars and students use Baja Coffee Co. as a study spot, a hangout place or somewhere to take a break. It’s not unusual to see
laptops open, people journaling or groups quietly chatting while sipping on their favorite drinks.
“My locals are my favorite part about working here. I’ve made so many friends through the community, and I love working with my coworkers because we help each other so much,” Sommer said.
Although Baja Coffee Co. is a small and cozy coffee shop, it can become a bit cramped during busy hours. Customers should avoid going at peak morning hours, as there is an extended wait time. Because it can be cramped with a lot of people, it is also encouraged to speak with Baja Coffee Co. to schedule a special event.
So, whether you’re a student looking for a quiet study corner, a local craving your morning latte or someone wanting to try something new, Baja Coffee Co. is worth checking out. It’s got the caffeine to keep you going, the food to keep you full and the vibes to make you feel at home.
Jordan Crallé|Marlin Chronicle
J’dn Taylor|Marlin Chronicle Decorative candles are some of the products sold by Baja Coffee Co. other than coffee, of course.
Gabrielle Barnett|Marlin Chronicle
J’dn Taylor|Marlin Chronicle Baja Coffee Company sells more than good coffee and food. They also sell merchandise like the shirts shown above.
J’dn Taylor|Marlin Chronicle
The community of Baja is rooted in the companionship of the workers and their relationship with the customers.
