Virginia Wesleyan University Magazine | Winter 2020

VirginiaWesleyan SPECIAL EDITION Winter 2020

VWU Goes Global University adds Tokyo campus through new partnership with Lakeland University Japan

2019-2020 ANNUAL REPORT

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CAMPUS UPDATES

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CAPITAL PROJECTS

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

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elcome to this special edition of Virginia Wesleyan University Magazine!

Every winter in these pages, we review highlights from the past year, offer updates on new and existing programs, and give special thanks to those who support the University. While 2020 has been an unusual year, we still have much to share!

I am overwhelmingly proud of our campus community for its management of COVID-19. Led by our Emergency Response Team, our faculty and staff used innovation and creativity to continue delivering high-quality instruction to our students for the fall semester. Our entire community took extremely seriously the safety measures put in place and exercised great care for the well-being of their fellow Marlins. I am grateful and humbled by this collective response.

In this issue’s cover story, we announce Virginia Wesleyan as a truly international institution.

In spring 2020, we reached an exclusive agreement to jointly operate a campus in Tokyo with the name “Lakeland University Japan and Virginia Wesleyan University Global.” We are thrilled for the new opportunities it will bring for VWU students and faculty alike.

This fall has seen many challenges but also many exciting new additions to the University, including the new joint Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with Sentara College of Health Sciences, the completion of TowneBank Arena in the Jane P. Batten Student Center, and the arrival of Kimberley Hammer, our new Vice President for Advancement and Special Assistant to the President.

Our campus will continue to grow and improve with the addition of Brock Commons, scheduled to break ground in May. We honored Trustee Lee T. Stevenson ’85 as well as Dr. James P. Embrey ’72, Dominique M. Fowler ’12, and Lori L. (Simpers) Harris ’94 during the 2020 Alumni Awards for their outstanding contributions to their professions, their community, and their beloved alma mater. Earlier in the year, we also inducted the twelfth class of the Athletic Hall of Fame which included two benefactors and four outstanding athletes.

How is Virginia Wesleyan keeping college affordable? Read about our Work and Learn Program to help current and prospective students develop valuable skills while paying for their education.

Finally, let me take this opportunity to thank the many alumni, friends, faculty and staff, parents, students, and organizations who contribute financially to Virginia Wesleyan University. Higher education today is a highly competitive industry, and private support is critical to recruiting students through scholarships and serving them well with quality technology, programs, and facilities.

Your gifts are essential to our student-centered living and learning environment and honoring our liberal arts mission.

We thank you!

Sincerely,

PRESIDENT AND LEADERSHIP SCOTT D. MILLER, PH.D.

President

MAYNARD SCHAUS, PH.D.

Vice President for Academic Affairs

KIMBERLEY J. HAMMER, J.D.

Vice President for Advancement Special Assistant to the President

JAMES E. COOPER

Vice President for Finance and Administration

KEITH E. MOORE, ED.D.

Vice President for Campus Life and Operational Management

HEATHER CAMPBELL

Acting Vice President for Enrollment

JOANNE RENN

Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics

KELLY CORDOVA

Executive Assistant to the President

ADVANCEMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS LORI HARRIS ’94 Associate Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of Alumni Relations SHARON LADERBERG Assistant Vice President for Advancement Alumni Relations General Inquiries alumni@vwu.edu

VirginiaWesleyan UNIVERSITY

EDITOR Stephanie Smaglo ASSISTANT EDITOR Laynee H. Timlin BRANDING AND DESIGN MANAGER Christine Hall CONTRIBUTOR Cameron Evans ‘22 VISIT US ONLINE AT VWU.EDU/MAGAZINE

Scott D. Miller, Ph.D. President of the University

MAGAZINE

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BY JONES PRINTING SERVICE

TOWNEBANK ARENA COMES TO THE BATTEN STUDENT CENTER Virginia Wesleyan University is now home to TowneBank Arena in the Jane P. Batten Student Center, thanks to a generous gift from community partner TowneBank.

The former Convocation Hall now holds approximately 2,000 spectators in its 360-degree grandstand seating, a design that creates a greater competitive atmosphere and enhances the experience for athletes, students, and fans.

Donald M. Forsyth Court has been updated and refinished to incorporate a vibrant new design with the TowneBank logo and the VWU Marlin, and other additions include team sideline chairs, updated scoreboards, and an NCAA specification scorer’s table.

The Jane P. Batten Student Center has been home to the Marlins since its opening in 2002 and is a staple in the student experience. It served as the venue for the University’s Commencement Ceremonies from 2002 to 2018, and has also played host to national entertainers, presidential and political candidates, the Virginia Special Olympics, and numerous special events for local charities.

Posting an impressive at-home winning percentage of 84 percent, Marlins men’s basketball has added such accolades as 11 appearances in the NCAA tournament, including seven Sweet Sixteen appearances, four Elite Eights, three

Final Fours, and a crowning as 2006 NCAA National Champions. Marlins women’s basketball won the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Championship in 2015 and volleyball claimed the title in 2019.

“This place is beyond a building, it’s the heart of VWU,” said Jason Seward, Associate Vice President for Campus Life and Operational Management, who manages the facility. “We look forward to the countless memories that will be made here by our students and the some 50,000 annual guests that walk through the doors.”

TowneBank has provided valuable support for other athletic projects as well. In spring 2019, VWU celebrated the dedication of Tom and Betty Broyles Field at TowneBank Park—a “field of dreams” for VWU’s back-toback national championship softball team, made possible by the generosity of Bob Aston, Executive Chairman of the Board of TowneBank, and the TowneBank Foundation. In addition, TowneBank has provided support for VWU’s Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony and athletic events such as the “Cross-Bay Rivalry.”

“We are so grateful to TowneBank and thank them for their continued investment in intercollegiate athletics at Virginia Wesleyan,” said VWU President Scott D. Miller.

VWU, Sentara Offer Nursing Degree A new joint Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is now available, involving coursework at Virginia Wesleyan University and Sentara College of Health Sciences. Formal acceptance occurs at the end of freshman year and 10 qualified applicants are guaranteed admission. Learn more at vwu.edu/nursing.

VWU Goes Global University adds Tokyo campus through new partnership with Lakeland University Japan

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Virginia Wesleyan University and Lakeland University of Plymouth, Wisconsin, reached an exclusive agreement in spring 2020 to jointly operate a campus in Tokyo with the name “Lakeland University Japan and Virginia Wesleyan University Global.”

VWU President Scott D. Miller announced the partnership in a virtual Fireside Chat, citing the changing higher education landscape as the motivation for the expansion.

Although all credits/degrees are recognized through concurrent enrollment agreements with Lakeland University (Wisconsin) and Virginia Wesleyan University (Virginia), credits and degrees at the campus in Japan are conferred under the authorization/ accreditation of Lakeland University.

“The notion of a traditional 18-year-old college student is one that we have to look beyond,” said Dr. Miller. “Birth rates started declining during the recession in 2008 and we are approaching that cohort being of college age. When you combine that reality with the growing shift to online education, we must have a vision that embraces a broader student population and more diverse models of instruction.”

The agreement partners Virginia Wesleyan with an institution that currently teaches 400 students from 30 countries in an Englishspeaking associate’s degree program. Lakeland University Japan (LUJ) is one of only two approved American universities in Japan and is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Both universities have completed requirements of accreditation and regulatory agencies, of the United States Embassy in Japan, and the Japanese Ministry of Education and Culture.

The venture creates a variety of opportunities for Virginia Wesleyan. Early on, VWU Global will bring graduates from the two-year program to earn their bachelor’s degree at the Virginia Beach campus. This will add an increased international presence to VWU’s student body, as the University welcomes students not only from Japan, but from around the world.

Bachelor’s programs will eventually be added

at the Tokyo campus and the current curriculum and academic programming will be expanded to include certain baccalaureate and corporate training programs and English for academic programs.

Virginia Wesleyan students and faculty will also have the opportunity to travel to the Tokyo campus, which is located in Shinjuku (pictured), part of Tokyo’s central government and business district. The location, near the University District, will provide reasonably priced housing for exchange opportunities.

With train connections to all parts of Tokyo and Japan, students have easy access to museums, cultural areas, and recreation opportunities.

The partnership is entirely donor funded, Dr. Miller said, and will be a separately incorporated and financially self-sustaining operation. He added that in its 30 years of operation, Lakeland University Japan has always had a balanced budget.

While this partnership with Lakeland University is new, it builds on President Miller’s long-standing relationship with Dr. David Black, who served in an interim capacity as president of Lakeland University and has been an executive-in-residence at Virginia Wesleyan since 2015. Dr. Black has played an instrumental role in a number of significant projects at VWU, including the establishment of the Batten Honors College.

LUJ and VWU Global are part of the Virginia Wesleyan University Global Campus, formerly University College.

“I am grateful for your ongoing and strong support,” Dr. Miller said in his Fireside Chat, “and for your trust in me to lead Virginia Wesleyan to where we must go in order to ensure both our short-term and long-term success.”

Learn more at vwu.edu/vwuglobal.

VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

GLOBAL

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Kimberley Hammer Named New Vice President for Advancement

BROCK COMMONS TO COMPLETE FINAL PHASE OF DINING CENTER RENOVATIONS Longtime Virginia Wesleyan University benefactor and Trustee Emerita Joan Brock has made a generous gift to fund the renovation and expansion of the facility connecting the Jane P. Batten Student Center and Boyd Dining Center.

The addition will be named Brock Commons, in honor of Joan and her late husband Macon.

The expansion will provide a new main entrance to both facilities from the campus quad (pictured) and additional dining space. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2021.

Brock Commons is the final phase of renovations and expansion to the University dining facilities outlined in the 2016 Campus Master Plan. Boyd Dining Center was completely redesigned in fall 2020, with modernized and contemporary seating and service areas.

Work was also completed on several projects in Batten Plaza, an area recently rebranded to help better identify the multiple corridors of the Jane P. Batten Student Center and Boyd Dining Center. Projects included the transformation of the Marlin Grille to the new and improved Harbor Grill and the opening of the Coastal Market convenience store, which offers extended hours and greater access to on-the-go food options, toiletries, and more.

Renovation of Scribner University Store, to include the addition of Duplication and Postal Services, was also completed. Apparel, books, printing and mail services are now included in a more efficient one-stop shop.

Renovation of the former campus mail center now provides new office space for Student Activities, Greek Life, Conference and Event Services, and Dining Services. The space formerly occupied by Student Activities and Greek Life has been renovated to house Human Resources and Payroll Services.

“These changes are part of a larger effort to increase efficiency, streamline services, and enhance the student experience at Virginia Wesleyan,” Dr. Miller said.

Earlier phases of the renovation included the 2019 refurbishment of Founders Foyer, the President’s Dining Room, and the Board of Trustees Suite (Shafer Room).

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Virginia Wesleyan welcomed Kimberley J. Hammer Esq. as vice president for advancement/special assistant to the president on November 1.

Hammer comes to VWU from Carlow University, where she served as vice president for advancement since 2016.

During her 28-year career in advancement, she also served as vice president for development at Robert Morris University, director of development at The Pittsburgh Promise, executive vice president for development at the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Pittsburgh of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and vice president for development and donor services at the Pittsburgh Foundation. Prior to that, she was an attorney at Buchanan Ingersoll and Rooney.

She earned her law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law and her bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University.

Hammer and her husband Ted are parents to twin sons, Blake and Trent.

She enjoys gardening, cooking, walking and golf.

Work and Learn Program Launches

2020 ALUMNI AWARDS Virginia Wesleyan University’s 2020 Alumni Awards recipients were recognized in September 2020 as part of the University’s virtual Founders Day Convocation. Celebrated for their outstanding professional and personal accomplishments, this year’s honorees are (pictured, from left) Lee Stevenson ‘85 (Distinguished Alumnus Award), Dr. James Embrey ‘72 (Alumni Service Award), and Dominique Fowler ‘12 (Graduate of the Last Decade Award). A surprise award was also presented to Lori L. (Simpers) Harris ‘94, VWU Associate Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of Alumni Relations, for Outstanding Service to Alma Mater.

Virginia Wesleyan launched the Work and Learn Program (WLP) in fall 2020, an important campus initiative that assists students financially and supports their personal and professional growth.

“As we continue to experience the devastating impact of COVID-19,” said VWU President Scott D. Miller, “we know that many students and their families are facing significant challenges. With its effect on the economy, we need to find creative ways to help students fund their education while simultaneously developing skills to enhance their marketability in the post-graduation job market.”

All on-campus student employment opportunities fall under this program, which consists of four components: the Federal Work-Study Program, Opus, Campus Cooperative (non-work-study employment), and Residential Leadership (resident assistants). An off-campus cooperative model is in development with University community partners to offer students career preparation in their fields.

To support the University’s focus on affordability, a variety of initiatives have been implemented over the years to assist students and their families—the freezing of tuition for four consecutive years, offering low-cost and expanded January Term and Summer Sessions, development of the Opus student-work program, a four-year guarantee, and expanded early- and dual-enrollment programs.

“Our newest initiative will grow these efforts significantly,” says Dr. Miller, “expanding our reach and providing a longer-term plan that supports our students and community on many levels.”

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME HONOREES The twelfth class of the VWU Athletic Hall of Fame was inducted in February 2020 during a special ceremony presented by TowneBank. Four former Marlin athletic greats were recognized along with two University benefactors.

Inductees included (pictured, from left) benefactors George Y. Birdsong* and Jane P. Batten, and Marlin athletes Jessica Edelman Gosnell ’13 (Women’s Soccer, 2009-13), Victoria “Tori” Higginbotham-Abbey ’14 (Softball, 2010-14), Nancy Mattox Moore ’00 (Women’s Basketball and Softball, 1996-00), and Chris Yeager ’94 (Men’s Soccer, 1990-94).

*Honored with the late Sue Birdsong and the Birdsong families.

Virginia We sl e yan U nive rsit y Magazine / 5 /

FINANCIAL REPORT Virginia Wesleyan University completed the fiscal year on June 30, 2020, with operating revenues totaling $63,349,238, expenses of $63,342,415, and a net excess of revenues over expenses of $6,823.

Contributed gifts and pledges for 2019-2020 totaled $7,875,623. Excellence Fund gifts totaled $1,143,320 and are critical for underwriting all aspects of the Virginia Wesleyan experience—high-impact academic programs, faculty development, annual scholarships, and meaningful student-life experiences such as undergraduate research and study-away opportunities.

Thank You TO OUR DONORS

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ith this edition of Virginia Wesleyan University’s Annual Report, we acknowledge the generous financial support of alumni and friends, faculty and staff, students and parents, businesses, foundations, and organizations during the 2019-2020 fiscal year, ending June 30.

On behalf of all who benefit from the leadership investment of our donors, we say thank you as we invite your continued engagement with, and support of, Virginia Wesleyan University.

View a complete list of donors: vwu.edu/donors / 6 / WINTER 2020

Virginia Wesleyan University’s endowment value is affected by several factors each year, including investment returns, new contributions, and the annual payout for University programs, scholarships and professorships. The endowment was valued at $58,765,586 on June 30, 2020, compared to $59,960,898 on June 30, 2019.

V I R G I N I A W E S L E YA N U N I V E R S I T Y A N N UA L R E P O R T 2019-2020

OPERATING STATEMENT OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2020

Interest Income

REVENUES AND TRANSFERS Student Fees

$ 45,351,094

Auxiliary Enterprises

9,146,459

Gifts, Grants and Transfers

4,350,333

Endowment Income

3,013,171

Interest Income

1.18%

746,603

Other

698,856

6.87%

Endowment Income

4.75%

Auxiliary Enterprises

Other

14.44%

42,722

Stimulus - CARES Act

1.10%

Student Fees

71.59%

$ 63,349,238

Auxiliary Enterprises

EXPENDITURES Instruction

$ 14,114,310

Student Aid

24,361,338

Institutional Support

6,883,767

Student Services

6,124,786

Auxiliary Enterprises

2,942,832

Long-term Debt

2,581,105

Operation and Maintenance of Facilities Management

4,681,363

Academic Support

1,652,914

CARES Act

Gifts, Grants and Transfers

0.07%

4.65%

Student Services

9.67%

Institutional Support

10.87%

Long-term Debt

4.07%

Facilities Management

Student Aid

7.39%

38.46%

Instruction

22.28%

Academic Support

2.61%

$ 63,342,415

Make your gift conveniently and safely online at vwu.edu/giveonline View a complete list of donors: vwu.edu/donors Virginia We sl e yan U nive rsit y Magazine / 7 /

2020-2021 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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he Board of Trustees is the governing body of Virginia Wesleyan University. It supports the University’s mission, is responsible for securing adequate financial resources for the operation of the University, and establishes long-range goals and institutional policies.

2020-2021 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

John F. Malbon Chair

Scott D. Miller, Ph.D.

(Ex officio) President of the University

Susan S. Goode Vice Chair

Mavis E. McKenley ‘11 Secretary

J. Tim Bailey ’83 Treasurer

Hon. Deborah M. Paxson ‘75 Parliamentarian

David L. Kaufman

Hon. Deborah M. Paxson ‘75 Jonathan E. Pruden Robin D. Ray Louis F. Ryan Alan H. Shaw James H. Shumadine M. Wayne Snead* Lee T. Stevenson ‘85 Joseph R. Thomas Kenneth G. Trinder II George K. (Chip) Tsantes III ‘83 Anthony Walters Michael J. White ‘81 Douglas B. Wilson ‘86

Immediate Past Chair

*Ex officio

J. Tim Bailey ‘83 Susan Torma Beverly ‘72, Ed.D. Gary D. Bonnewell ‘79 Alisa W. Crider ‘10* Nancy T. DeFord, Ph.D. Susan S. Goode Sharon S. Goodwyn William W. Granger III Jean T. Jenkins ‘89 David L. Kaufman Howard P. Kern Sharma D. Lewis* John F. Malbon Vincent J. Mastracco, Jr. Robert W. McFarland Mavis E. McKenley ‘11 Scott D. Miller, Ph.D.* Eric C. Nyman ‘94 Tassos J. Paphites ‘79

TRUSTEES EMERITI Jane P. Batten George Y. Birdsong Joan P. Brock Thomas C. Broyles Robert W. Collenberg II ‘90 Robert H. DeFord, Jr. O. L. (Butch) Everett William J. Fanney Ronald M. Kramer Lemuel E. Lewis John E. Lingo, Jr. Elizabeth F. Middleton ‘91 Emily S. Miles William S. Shelhorse ‘70 William H. Thumel, Jr. John A. Trinder D. Henry Watts, D.B.A.

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ALUMNI COUNCIL

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s a volunteer advisory group, the principal purpose of the Alumni Council is to strengthen the bond between VWU graduates and Virginia Wesleyan—its students, faculty, administration, and Board of Trustees—while advocating for VWU and offering support for the enrollment and advancement of its programs.

2020-2021 ALUMNI COUNCIL Alisa W. Crider ‘10, Chair Scott D. Miller, Ph.D.* President of the University Thomas W. Taylor ‘00, Ed.D., Vice Chair Lori Simpers Harris ’94* Associate Vice President for Advancement & Executive Director of Alumni Relations Dominique M. Fowler ‘12, Secretary Troy M. DeLawrence ‘93 Immediate Past Chair Brandon L. Adair ’12 Myles A. Baynard ’19 Jordan E. Bondurant ’12 Jennifer Smith Boyd ’94 Kadija S. Corinaldi ’15 Alisa W. Crider ’10 Troy M. DeLawrence ’93 Ksera Dyette ’11, Psy.D. Dominique M. Fowler ’12 Gregory E. Freedland ’97 Glynn F. Goodrich ’82 Nicholas G. Hipple ’18 Julie H. Kissell ’82 Taylor J. Major ’20 Andrew W. Petrey ’15 George W. Rogers ’03 Jaclyn B. Ruelle ’04 Katherine Shea-Sword ’99 Edmund B. Stanton ’02 Thomas W. Taylor ’00, Ed.D. Megan A. Watts ’15 *Ex officio

PARENTS COUNCIL

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he Parents Council serves as an important forum for the exchange of information concerning the various activities and programs of the University.

CLASS OF 2021 Bob and Pam Anderson Glenn and Mary ‘86 Canter Jack and Laura Jackson Claude and Michelle Reid Robert ’92 and Amy Scott Dory and Ann Marie Solomon CLASS OF 2022 Garret and Valerie Callahan Walter and Kellye Clarke Lee and Tanya Corbin Robert and Camilla Harrod Michele Hylton Stephanie Morris Craig and Vicki Signorelli Charles and Faye Sterling CLASS OF 2023 Peter and Julie Anderson Cecil and Julie Chatman Tom and Kris Hall Alex and Renee Hansen John and Carole ‘88 Heller Dan and Kristen Kasprow

PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL

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he President’s Council is comprised of business leaders from Coastal Virginia who embrace, embody and similarly align with the University’s vision and values in their management practices.

2020-2021 MEMBERS Taylor Adams Bruce Alperin Julie R. Anderson ‘96 Paula Bazemore Tiffany Boyle ‘14 John S. Burton ‘95, Esq. Lindsey Clark Christopher Garran Pierre Granger Stephanie Gorham Katherine (Kaddy) Hamilton ‘85 Lynette Harris ‘78 Judy Jankowski, Ed.D. Mark E. Jones Sarah Kellam ‘92 Angie Lombardi Dean Mattix Eli Miller ‘00 Priscilla Monti Mark Roy Joseph (Joe) Ruddy ‘83 Wendy Scott, Ph.D. Cynthia W. Spanoulis Karen Thomas ‘88 J. Benjamin Unkle, Jr. Thomas Watkins Al Weigert Michelle Ellis Young

Virginia We sl e yan U nive rsit y Magazine / 9 /

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Norfolk, VA Permit No. 27

Office of the President 5817 Wesleyan Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23455

‘‘

Something happened at Virginia Wesleyan that completely changed the trajectory of my life.

Providing financial support is the least I can do, and I am delighted to do it each year. I hope the Wesleyan Experience will have as big an impact on current and future students as it did on me.

‘‘

HAWES ADAMS II ‘73

Thank You! ‘‘

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YOUR GIFT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Undergraduate research and studying abroad were prominent influences in who I am today and the work I choose to pursue now.

MANIJHA MACK ‘18

Support The Excellence Fund A gift to The Excellence Fund does so much more than show your support. It helps Virginia Wesleyan students today become who they want to be tomorrow.

To make a tax-deductible gift, please use the envelope provided in this publication, visit vwu.edu/giveonline, call the Office of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations at 757.455.3217, or email excellencefund@vwu.edu.