Virginia Wesleyan University Magazine | Fall 2022 Annual Report Edition

VirginiaWesleyan

A New View

Brock Commons creates a new face for campus dining

2022-23 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Jonathan E. Pruden, Chair

Scott D. Miller, Ph.D., President

Nancy T. DeFord, Ph.D., Vice Chair

Mavis E. McKenley ’11, Secretary

J. Timothy Bailey ’83, Treasurer

John F. Malbon H'22, Immediate Past Chair

G. Robert Aston, Jr. H'20

Executive Chairman of the Board

TowneBank Portsmouth, Virginia

J. Timothy Bailey '83

Division President Canteen/Compass Group Charlotte, North Carolina

Gary D. Bonnewell '79, H'16

Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, Family Wealth Director Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Norfolk, Virginia

Alisa W. Crider '10 (Ex officio)

Director, Investor and Public Relations Hampton Roads Alliance Norfolk, Virginia

Nancy T. DeFord, Ph.D. Vice President DeFord, Ltd. Virginia Beach, Virginia

W. Taylor Franklin '04

Chief Operating Officer

The Franklin Johnston Group Virginia Beach, Virginia

Susan S. Goode H'22 Community Leader Norfolk, Virginia

Sharon S. Goodwyn

Counsel

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP Norfolk, Virginia

William W. Granger III Managing Partner

Granger Investment Properties, LLC Norfolk, Virginia

David L. Kaufman H'19

Founder & Senior Managing Director Envest Private Equity Virginia Beach, Virginia

Howard P. Kern

President & Chief Executive Officer Sentara Healthcare Norfolk, Virginia

Sharma D. Lewis (Ex officio)

Resident Bishop, Richmond Area United Methodist Church Glen Allen, Virginia

John F. Malbon H'22

Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

PAPCO, Inc. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Vincent J. Mastracco, Jr.

Partner

Kaufman & Canoles, P.C. Norfolk, Virginia

Robert W. McFarland

Partner

McGuireWoods LLP Norfolk, Virginia

Mavis E. McKenley '11

Vice President and Trust Officer

AMG National Trust Bank Virginia Beach, Virginia

Scott D. Miller, Ph.D. (Ex officio)

President Virginia Wesleyan University Virginia Beach, Virginia

Matthew R. Nusbaum

Asset Manager, Partner S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co. Norfolk, Virginia

Eric C. Nyman '94

President and Chief Operating Officer

Hasbro Consumer Products at Hasbro Providence, Rhode Island

Tassos J. Paphites '79

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

BurgerBusters Inc. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Hon. Deborah M. Paxson '75 Retired Judge, Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court

City of Virginia Beach Virginia Beach, Virginia

Jonathan E. Pruden Chief Executive Officer

Taste Unlimited, LLC Norfolk, Virginia

Michael R. Rawls '91

Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer

Xome (a division of The Mr. Cooper Group) Flower Mound, Texas

Robin D. Ray President

Atlantic Dominion Distributors Virginia Beach, Virginia

Joseph P. Ruddy '83 (Ex officio)

Chief Operations Officer

Virginia International Terminals Virginia Beach, Virginia

Louis F. Ryan

Retired, Executive Vice President and General Counsel

Landmark Communications Norfolk, Virginia

Alan H. Shaw

President

Norfolk Southern Corporation Norfolk, Virginia

James H. Shumadine Co-President

The Employment Guide Norfolk, Virginia

Lee T. Stevenson '85

President LineSlip Solutions, Inc. Chicago, Illinois

Joseph R. Thomas

Retired Regional Vice President GEICO Virginia Beach, Virginia

Kenneth G. Trinder II

President and Chief Executive Officer

EOS Surfaces, LLC Portsmouth, Virginia

George K. (Chip) Tsantes III '83 Great Falls, Virginia

Anthony Walters

President and Chief Executive Officer

YMCA of South Hampton Roads Chesapeake, Virginia

Michael J. White '81

Chief Executive Officer and Head of TradeLens GTD Solutions, Inc. Scotch Plains, New Jersey

Douglas B. Wilson '86

Executive Vice President

LifeNet Health Virginia Beach, Virginia

TRUSTEES EMERITI

Jane P. Batten H'06

Community Leader Virginia Beach, Virginia

Susan Torma Beverly Ed.D. '72, H'21

Retired Principal/Community Leader Virginia Beach, Virginia

George Y. Birdsong H'16

Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel Birdsong Corporation Suffolk, Virginia

Joan P. Brock H'10

Former Secretary-Treasurer Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Thomas C. Broyles

Retired Partner and Attorney Kaufman & Canoles, P.C. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Robert W. Collenberg II '90

President

The Shutter Door Design & Build, LLC Virginia Beach, Virginia

O. L. (Butch) Everett

Retired Partner

JF Petroleum Group Norfolk, Virginia

William J. Fanney

Retired Director and Chairman Emeritus Life Savings Bank Virginia Beach, Virginia

Ronald M. Kramer

Community Leader Virginia Beach, Virginia

Lemuel E. Lewis

Retired Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Landmark Communications Norfolk, Virginia

John E. Lingo, Jr. Manager and Retired Vice President Jack Lingo Realty Lewes, Delaware

Elizabeth F. Middleton '91

Corporate Secretary E.G. Middleton, Inc. Community Leader Virginia Beach, Virginia

Emily S. Miles

Community Leader Norfolk, Virginia

William S. Shelhorse '70 Co-Founder and President

Chesapeake Bay Contractors, Inc. Virginia Beach, Virginia

William H. Thumel, Jr. President

Abacus Machine Shop & Racing Virginia Beach, Virginia

John A. Trinder

President and Chief Operating Officer MaxMedia, Inc. Virginia Beach, Virginia

D. Henry Watts, D.B.A. H'07

Retired Vice Chairman Norfolk Southern Corporation Virginia Beach, Virginiaw

Wesleyan

PRESIDENT AND LEADERSHIP

Scott D. Miller, Ph.D. President

Susan Larkin, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Keith E. Moore, Ed.D. Senior Vice President Mary Ryberg Vice President for Finance

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship Meet.

Chief of Staff

ADVANCEMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS

David R. Black Chancellor, VWU Global Campus (Japan)

Lori L. Harris '94

Executive Assistant to the President

Sean Flynn Assistant to the President (Corporate Relations)

Welcome to the fall edition of Virginia Wesleyan University Magazine!

Construction has continued on campus, and we dedicated Brock Commons (cover story) and DeFord Manor, the oncampus president’s residence, in the last year. We also made significant modernizations and improvements in Clarke Hall, which have supported growth in many traditional majors as well as our talent development and continuing education programs.

Tina

Clark Milligan '88 Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement Imani Myint Director of Annual Giving

Michelle Lampley Director of Advancement Operations

We are delighted to now be offering our students a more normal classroom and residential experience. This return to our traditions has resulted in some incredible student and faculty accolades, which we are excited to share with you throughout the pages of this edition.

The University continues to devote much attention and resources to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community and region. We held an inaugural event for our new Africana Studies program. We reinvigorated our President’s Council on Inclusive Communities to become the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, which includes broader campus representation with a more focused mission.

Brandon

Elliott '03 Assistant Athletic Director for Advancement Head Softball Coach

alumni relations general inquiries alumni@vwu.edu

Among those accolades are a first-place finish by a Batten Honors College student team in the Intentional Endowments Network “Student Corporate Engagement Competition” and a sixth consecutive ODAC championship for our women’s softball program. Geni Roberts had a remarkable year, earning National Runner-Up honors in the Men’s Long Jump at the 2022 NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championship Meet and in the Men’s Triple Jump at the 2022

While much work remains at all levels, VWU will continue to endeavor to make positive change.

Enjoy reading our VWU news!

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

Heather Campbell ’04 Vice President for Enrollment

Kelly Cordova, MBA ’21

Andrea Hoover-Erbig Executive Director for Intercollegiate Athletics

Dedication of DeFord Manor

CELEBRATING THE OPENING OF THE PRESIDENT’S ON-CAMPUS RESIDENCE

Virginia Wesleyan University friends and supporters celebrated in May 2022 the official dedication of DeFord Manor, the private on-campus residence and entertainment space for the president of the University. The evening included a reception and ribbon cutting at the home, followed by dinner and a special presentation in the Watts Lobby of the Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. President Miller presented gifts of gratitude to Trustees and benefactors Bob and Nancy DeFord, for whom the residence is named.

“We’re grateful that Bob and Nancy saw the need for such a facility,” said Dr. Miller, “a place that is so much more than simply a house for the president of the University. It’s a special place to extend good will to the campus community and to friends who support VWU's mission and goals. When these kinds of important interactions occur, great things happen for Virginia Wesleyan.”

Constructed in 2021, DeFord Manor is a 14-room, five-bath, 7,771-square-foot home in federal-style architectural design. It features extensive indoor and outdoor entertainment areas on the ground level and

the president's private residence on the second floor. In keeping with the University's environmental sustainability initiatives, approximately 460 trees, shrubs and plants fill the landscape surrounding the home. Nearly a mile of underground stormwater chambers and a bio pond are also a part of the project. DeFord Manor circle and driveway are also "green," helping to control runoff, prevent flooding and replenish groundwater.

(From left): Dr. David Black, Annie Miller, President Miller, Susan S. Goode, John Malbon, Bob DeFord, Dr. Nancy DeFord, Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer, Michael Schnekser, and Jeff Knowles.

Jon Pruden Elected VWU Board Chair

Jonathan E. Pruden, a Hampton Roads business leader and entrepreneur, was elected chair of the Virginia Wesleyan University Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2022.

Pruden joined the VWU Board of Trustees in 2015. He currently serves on the Finance Committee after chairing the Student Affairs Committee for many years, and he also previously served as vice chair of the Board.

Pruden is president, chief executive officer and majority owner of the TASTE Family of Businesses. Prior to taking on ownership and operation of TASTE, Pruden was a corporate attorney and partner at Kaufman & Canoles.

Pruden earned bachelor’s degrees in finance and history from the University of Virginia and his law degree at the University of Richmond. He describes himself as “a lawyer by training and a food entrepreneur by choice.”

Pruden’s great grandfather was an early supporter of Virginia Wesleyan, and Pruden Hall on the VWU campus is named after the Pruden family.

The new chair succeeds John F. Malbon, who continues on the Board as immediate past chair.

Batten Honors College Symposium and Prize to Encourage Environmental Exploration

President Miller has announced the formation of two new initiatives for scholars in the University's Batten Honors College—the Louis and Prudence Ryan Research Symposium and a corresponding award, the Ryan Prize for Excellence in Research.

Under the mentorship of VWU faculty and community leaders, student scholarship presented in the Ryan Research Symposium will explore complex environmental challenges in a global context. Three students will be selected to present their work in a premier public event, and the top presenter will be awarded the Ryan Prize for Excellence in Research, which will include a cash prize.

These iniatives are gratefully named for longtime Virginia Wesleyan friends and benefactors. Louis Ryan has served since 2007 as a member of the VWU Board of Trustees, and since 2006 on the board of directors of the Elizabeth River Project—an important partner of VWU and the Batten Honors College.

State of the University 2022: Clear Vision of the Future

PRESIDENT MILLER CITES RECORD FUNDRAISING, AFFORDABILITY, GROWING ENROLLMENT, AND INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIPS AS THE UNIVERSITY’S PATHWAY FORWARD

Virginia Wesleyan University has “an immense respect and gratitude for the past, a clear vision of the future, and the commitment and creativity to solve the challenges of tomorrow,” President Miller said during his annual State of the University address in August 2022. The University is growing and prospering, he said, despite external challenges in higher education and the world.

In his address, Dr. Miller announced that the University’s capital campaign concluded June 30, 2022, with a record $181 million in private donations, allowing for construction of new buildings, renovation of existing structures, new instrumentation and technology, and significant expansion of scholarship offerings and endowment.

He noted that VWU’s endowment grew to $126 million last fiscal year, including an $80.3 million endowment for the Batten Honors College. All endowment funds are invested in an environmentally friendly portfolio with Brown Advisory of Baltimore, supporting the

adoption of long-term investment strategies that create an equitable, low-carbon, and regenerative economy. Affordability and accessibility for students were also a large focus of the address. Dr. Miller shared that the University is once again a leader in cost containment, with measures including freezing tuition for the fifth straight year; creating three-year degree pathways for 27 bachelor’s programs; funding tuition for 160 academically talented students through the endowed Batten Honors College; and growth of a Work and Learn Program that helps nearly 40 percent of traditional VWU students gain job experience while covering a portion of their education costs.

Dr. Miller shared key enrollment highlights that illustrate the non-traditional ways VWU is recruiting students, including the announcement of a new partnership with the Virginia Beach Police Department. The program awards VBPD officers credit for some of the college-level transferable content they received at Basic Recruit Academy, and officers are able to matriculate to VWU at a significantly discounted credit hour rate to complete their bachelor’s degree.

Watch the 2022 State of the University address in its entirety at vwu.edu/dbn.

Bob and Nancy DeFord at the dedication of DeFord Manor on May 11, 2022.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council Introduced

As a means of further enhancing Virginia Wesleyan University's institutional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, President Miller introduced the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council (DEIC) in 2022.

The DEIC leads institutional efforts to not only understand diversity, equity and inclusion issues, but also to provide resources and layers of support, and to ensure that Virginia Wesleyan is continually honoring and respecting differences and that all members of the campus community have a voice.

Passing of Trustee Emeritus Bob DeFord

With great sadness, the Virginia Wesleyan University community shares the passing of Trustee Emeritus Robert “Bob” H. DeFord, Jr. on October 29 at the age of 89.

Involved with Virginia Wesleyan since 1972, Bob began his distinguished service to the Board of Trustees in 1977. He served as chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee during Virginia Wesleyan’s formative construction years on campus and later on the Board's Executive Committee. Bob remained unwavering in his support of VWU and continued to serve as a Trustee Emeritus until his passing. Bob graduated from Virginia Tech and owned a number of businesses, including farming operations and auto dealerships. In 1987, Bob formed, and was president of, the DeFord Companies, a construction and development company. His wife Nancy became vice president of DeFord Companies upon retiring from a distinguished career in education. Nancy joined the VWU Board of Trustees in 2016 and currently serves as vice chair.

Bob and Nancy have been generous supporters of education and great believers in its importance. The University has benefitted from their guidance and significant contributions—the establishment of the Robert H. and Nancy DeFord Endowed Scholarship providing merit and need-based assistance for students, the DeFord Gatehouse, DeFord Hall in the Honors Village (IV), and most recently, DeFord Manor. Bob will be missed dearly by the Virginia Wesleyan community. Deepest sympathies are extended to Nancy and the DeFord family.

From purpose to function, the DEIC leads the institution in offering programs designed to enhance the educational value of the campus community through purposeful dialogue and celebration of difference. The council consists of the University's designated Chief Diversity Officer and five deputy diversity officers from key institutional areas: Academics, Athletics, Student Activities, the Lighthouse, and the Robert Nusbaum Center.

The University joined, at the beginning of 2021, a group of 68 National Liberal Arts Colleges collaborating to form the Liberal Arts Colleges Racial Equity Leadership Alliance (LACRELA), facilitated by the University of Southern California's Race & Equity Center. Meetings and resources from this group continue to inform and shape VWU's initiatives in this area.

THE WESLEYAN CHOIRS

1972-2022

Fifty years ago, in the fall of 1972, the premier concert of the newly formed Virginia Wesleyan Chorus took place in the dining hall on campus. The performance of the Vivaldi “Gloria” was led by Virginia Wesleyan’s very first choral director, Dr. David Clayton, during his first year on the faculty. Fast forward 50 years. The Wesleyan Choirs commemorated this significant anniversary with a special concert in April 2022 in the Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. The event began, as it did a half century ago, with the Vivaldi “Gloria.”

“The performance was an opportunity to celebrate the growth of the choral program over the past 50 years,” said choral director Dr. Bryson Mortensen, associate professor of music and chair of fine and performing arts. "It is such an honor to be present at this time and to look at how that foundation has helped us develop into the thriving community of singers we have now become."

Read more about the Arts at VWU at vwu.edu/arts.

Dr. Susan Larkin Named Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Susan E. Larkin is the new provost and vice president for academic affairs at Virginia Wesleyan University, effective September 30, 2022. Dr. Larkin served as acting vice president for academic affairs since January 2022. She previously served as associate vice president for academic affairs, and she has been a member of the VWU's English faculty for nearly 15 years.

Dr. Larkin received her B.A. in English Literature from Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts. She earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in English Studies and a graduate certificate in women’s studies from Illinois State University.

Her research is interdisciplinary and interweaves children’s and adolescent literature, women’s and gender studies, and cultural studies. She has published on Judy Blume, Harry Potter, Mr. Rogers, Walt Disney, Laura Ingalls Wilder, women’s memoir, and empowerment, identity, and gender in adolescent literature. She also teaches a variety of English, Women’s and Gender Studies, and Wesleyan Seminars at VWU.

"Dr. Larkin's track record as an educator and an administrator has proven her deep commitment to innovation, collaboration, and, most of all, student success," President Miller said following the highly participative selection process.

EYE ON

HOMECOMING AND FAMILY WEEKEND 2022

Marlins mean family. Virginia Wesleyan University alumni, friends, students, faculty and staff returned to campus in October 2022 for Homecoming and Family Weekend. Enjoy these memorable moments from the weekend.

Feast your eyes on a fresh new entree in campus dining. Finding your favorite foods on campus just got easier and much more inviting, as the VWU community and visitors can now enter Boyd Dining Center and the Jane P. Batten Student Center through the newly constructed Brock Commons, completed in spring 2022.

Named in honor of longtime Virginia Wesleyan University benefactor and Trustee Emerita Joan Brock and her late husband, Macon, Brock Commons also features the Joan P. Brock Room, which provides additional dining space and room for special events.

A few steps away from Brock Commons is "The Cove," a newly fashioned, multi-use outdoor eating and entertainment venue. Completed in fall 2022, The Cove

has comfortable spots for students to gather—at the natural gas fire pit table, in spacious lounge chairs, or umbrella-covered tables for those seeking shade from the Coastal Virginia sun. The open-air space is ideal for conversation, live music, or taking in a sand volleyball match.

These projects complete the final phase of renovations and expansion to VWU's dining facilities as outlined in the 2016 Campus Master Plan facilitated by Derck and Edson of Lititz, Pennsylvania. Earlier phases of the project included the refurbishment of Founders Foyer, the President's Dining Room, and the Board of Trustees Suite (Shafer Room).

Several projects were also completed in Batten Plaza, an

A New View

campus dining

area rebranded to better identify the multiple corridors of the Batten Student Center and Boyd Dining Center. These updates included the transformation of the Marlin Grille to the new and improved Harbor Grill and the opening of the Coastal Market convenience store. Renovation of the University Store, to include Duplication and Postal Services, was also completed, combining these campus functions into a more efficient one-stop shop.

The former campus mail center was also renovated, providing 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 now houses Human Resources and Payroll Services.

Brock Commons is named in honor of longtime Virginia Wesleyan University benefactor and Trustee Emerita Joan Brock and her late husband, Macon. Pictured (above, top) with Mrs. Brock are President Miller and senior Connor Merk. Brock Commons (above, center) provides additional dining space and room for special events. As part of the renovations and expansion of VWU's dining facilities, Boyd Dining Center (above, bottom) received modernized service areas and contemporary seating.

Brock Commons creates a new face for

"These important changes have all been part of a larger effort to increase efficiency, streamline services, and enhance the student experience."

- President Miller

Clarke Hall Modernization Supports Growth

Step into Clarke Hall on the Virginia Wesleyan University campus and you'll quickly discover that it is not business as usual. A new look and state-of-the-art technology has resulted in redesigned classrooms and spaces and improved instrumentation.

The upgrade is the first of a two-part process—the second of which is currently underway and expected to be completed in 2023. Phase one, which included modernization and upgrades to six major spaces in Clarke Hall, was completed in January 2022. The second phase will include additional instrumentation and classroom modernization.

"The management, business and economics program has grown significantly during the last five years," noted President Miller. "Both in person and online programs, offered for credit and non-credit, have grown in size, quality and impact, and we have become a preferred provider for the regional business community."

Offered jointly through VWU's D. Henry Watts School of Professional Studies and VWU Global Campus, courses and talent development programs are now available in person on campus, online via VWU Global

Campus, and off-site at The Hive in Virginia Beach Town Center, and various local businesses. The Hive is a partnership between VWU, Virginia Beach Economic Development, the Hampton Roads Workforce Council, and Tidewater Community College.

Constructed in 1998, Lambuth M. Clarke Hall has traditionally served as the academic center of the University, housing academic administration offices, the Center for Exploration and Discovery, Beazley Technology Center, Learning Center, and business classrooms. The renovation now also includes a new Faculty Collaboration Studio near the main entrance.

The upgrades were initiated to provide state-of-theart facilities to support Virginia Wesleyan University’s growing business and talent development and job training capabilities.

"We have terrific faculty in these programs," Dr. Miller said. "We needed to provide new centralized space for them to collaborate and new technology to support them and grow these initiatives."

With Virginia Wesleyan's transition from college to university status in 2017 came a graduate program in business and a variety of online programs. At the start

A live stock market display board and three high-definition video screens depicting financial news, University news, and an interactive world map have been added to the business center corridor.

of the COVID-19 pandemic, during the Governor's (then Gov. Ralph Northam) stay-at-home order, over 8,000 learners from Coastal Virginia enrolled in non-credit programs to prepare them to reenter the workforce. The success of the initial offerings attracted the attention of Taylor Adams, Virginia Beach Deputy City Manager/Director of Economic Development, who noted that 72 percent of those registered were from Virginia Beach. This led to a discussion about ways that a collaboration between VWU/VBED and the HRWC could benefit the Virginia Beach community.

Funding was acquired in the fall of 2021, putting the planning process in motion. Renovations were designed by technology solution provider NetTek in collaboration with business faculty. The renovations and improvements were funded through a series of gifts and grants from private sources.

In addition to the Faculty Collaboration Studio, the main corridor on the first floor now feels more like a high-tech global business center, with a fresh color scheme and artwork depicting Town Center of Virginia Beach, the Waterside area of Norfolk, and the skyline of Tokyo, Japan—home to the LUJ/VWU Global campus. A live stock market display board and three 75” highdefinition video screens share the latest financial news, VWU information, and an interactive world map.

A Business and Technology Hub, which doubles as a cyber security lab, with 24 new computers, test benches and moveable furniture creates a café style space

conducive to collaboration. Instructors have access to a new workstation and 50-inch monitor and eight-foot glass whiteboard with dual projectors.

The new Innovation Theater features additional instructional technology including presentation monitors, dual laser projectors on two motorized 12-foot projection screens, a 75-inch touch screen monitor and a light board with a fixed livestream camera for enhanced lectures and interviews.

The One Button Recording Studio offers a simple solution for creating instructional videos with minimal set-up. The light board associated with the dualmonitor projector can be described as a digital chalkboard, allowing faculty to face their audience while writing on a glass board. The image from the board is flipped and projected onto one of the projectors, alongside other displayed materials.

On the second floor, the Pearson Testing Center was created to provide certification exams to students and the local community. A second classroom serves as a broadcast studio for virtual classroom learning. The room is equipped with interactive projectors and a light board with a fixed camera to face the audience.

“The business faculty are very pleased with the upgrades,” said Dr. Michelle Vachris, Professor and Chair of Management, Business and Economics and Director of the Master of Business Administration program. “The enhanced presentation technologies add to our ability to facilitate learning in these welcoming spaces.”

U.S. Senator Tim Kaine visited Virginia Wesleyan in June 2022 to view progress on the Displaced Worker Initiative. This talent development program—which offers no-cost courses to Hampton Roads residents who have lost employment due to the pandemic—has led to local, state and federal accolades and resulted in grant funding for instructional updates to Clarke Hall. Sen. Kaine and President Miller visited with students in the new Business and Technology Hub/Cyber Security Lab.

TO OUR DONORS Thank You

With 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 2021-2022 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 at vwu.edu/donors.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Virginia Wesleyan University completed the fiscal year on June 30, 2022, with net operating revenues totaling $40,515,655, expenses of $39,482,568, and a net excess of revenues over expenses of $1,033,087. Contributed gifts and pledges for 2021-2022 totaled $61,237,342. Excellence Fund gifts totaled $1,173,694 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.

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 $115,549,539 on June 30, 2022, compared to $72,066,846 on June 30, 2021.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

ALUMNI COUNCIL

The 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.

2022-2023

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Jonathan E. Pruden Chair

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

Nancy T. DeFord, Ph.D. Vice Chair

Mavis E. McKenley ‘11

Secretary J. Timothy Bailey ’83 Treasurer

John F. Malbon H'22

Immediate Past Chair

G. Robert Aston, Jr. H'20

J. Timothy Bailey '83

Gary D. Bonnewell '79, H'16

Alisa W. Crider '10*

Nancy T. DeFord, Ph.D. W. Taylor Franklin '04

Susan S. Goode H'22

Sharon S. Goodwyn

William W. Granger III

David L. Kaufman H'19

Howard P. Kern

Sharma D. Lewis*

John F. Malbon H'22

Vincent J. Mastracco, Jr. Robert W. McFarland

Mavis E. McKenley '11

Scott D. Miller, Ph.D.*

Matthew R. Nusbaum

Eric C. Nyman '94

Tassos J. Paphites '79

Hon. Deborah M. Paxson '75

Jonathan E. Pruden

Michael R. Rawls '91

Robin D. Ray

Joseph P. Ruddy '83*

Louis F. Ryan

Alan H. Shaw

James H. Shumadine

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

*Ex officio

TRUSTEES EMERITI

Jane P. Batten H'06

Susan Torma Beverly, Ed.D. '72, H'21

George Y. Birdsong H'16

Joan P. Brock H'10

Thomas C. Broyles

Robert W. Collenberg II '90

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. H'07

As 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.

2022-2023

ALUMNI COUNCIL

Alisa W. Crider ‘10, Chair

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

Thomas W. Taylor ‘00, Ed.D., Vice Chair Tina Clark Milligan ’88,* Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement Dominique M. Fowler ‘12, Secretary

Brandon L. Adair ’12

Myles A. Baynard ’19

Jordan E. Bondurant ’12

Kadija S. Corinaldi ’15

Alisa W. Crider ’10

Ksera T. Dyette '11, Psy.D. Chiereme D. Fortune ’13

Dominique M. Fowler ’12

Gregory E. Freedland ’97

William R. Gobble ’03 Glynn F. Goodrich ’82

Nicholas G. Hipple ’18 Julie H. Kissell ’82

Taylor J. Major ’20

Katie Giwa-Osagie ’14

Andrew W. Petrey ’15

George W. Rogers ’03

Jaclyn B. Ruelle '04

Katherine Shea-Sword ’99

Thomas W. Taylor ’00, Ed.D. Megan A. Watts ’15

*Ex officio

PARENTS COUNCIL

PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL

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

CLASS OF 2022

Garret and Valerie Callahan Lee and Tanya Corbin Robert and Camilla Harrod Michele Hylton Stephanie Morris Robert ’92 and Amy Scott 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

CLASS OF 2025

Mark and Jennifer Bible Walter and Kellye Clarke Eugene and Margaret DiLorenzo Andrea Dukes '92 Mike and Kristen Gaffney Richard and Mindy Hoag Keith and Leanne McGhee Carter and Tracy Oates

CLASS OF 2025 continued

Cathy Oates

Joseph and Lori Palau John and Kim Pritchard Brad and Amy Smith Andrew and Karla Spicer Bill and Christine Stuart Chris and Danica Turner William Tuthill and Heather Greenfield Mike and Shelly Warden

CLASS OF 2026

Chris and Leah Cralle Scott Harris and Melisa Davis-Harris Stewart and Susan Gantt James and Colleen Gifford, Jr. Bradley and Michele Gordon Gary and Marybeth Haneline Paul and Amy Keane Warren and Martha Prosser Derek and Kari Queen Joe and Cathy Saunders Curtis and Tory Swanson John and Colleen Willson

The 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.

2022-2023 PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL

Taylor Adams

Bruce Alperin

Julie R. Anderson '96

Paula Bazemore Tiffany Boyle '14 John S. Burton, Esq. '95 Ellen Carver Lindsey Clark Bart Dexter Christopher Garran Stephanie Gorham Pierre Granger

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 Joseph P. Ruddy '83 Wendy Scott, Ph.D. Cynthia W. Spanoulis Scott Tominovich J. Benjamin Unkle, Jr. Thomas Watkins Al Wiegert Michelle Ellis Young

HONORING RETIRING EMPLOYEES

The Virginia Wesleyan community gathered to honor nine retirees for their years of dedicated service to the University at a special celebration in May 2022. Retirees included Professor of Political Science Dr. Bill Gibson, Associate Professor of Sport and Recreation Professions Dr. Wayne Pollock, Lambuth M. Clarke Professor of English Dr. Vivian Teter, Bookkeeper Elaine Aird '96, Director of Counseling Services Bill Brown, Director of Living Landscapes at Norfolk Botanical Garden Brian O’Neill, and Housekeepers Bernice Bledsoe, Sheila Rouson, and Deborah Ware.

“It’s bittersweet to be here today as we celebrate the retirement of our good friends and colleagues,” said President Miller. “Our nine retirees have 232 years of combined experience and knowledge at Virginia Wesleyan alone. On behalf of everyone here today, I say thank you for your years of service to Virginia Wesleyan.”

Prior to the community celebration in Brock Commons, members of the faculty gathered in the atrium of the Greer Environmental Sciences Center and the Wilson Arboretum for tributes to retiring faculty members and the traditional tree planting (pictured below).

DR. BILL GIBSON

Professor of Political Science 35 years of service

DR. WAYNE POLLOCK

Associate Professor of Sport and Recreation Professions 22 years of service

DR. VIVIAN TETER

Lambuth M. Clarke Professor of English 35 years of service

(From left): Sheila Rouson, Deborah Ware, Bernice Bledsoe, Bill Brown, Wayne Pollock, Bill Gibson, Elaine Aird, and Brian O'Neill (not pictured: Vivian Teter).

VWU Hosts Inaugural Event for Africana Studies Program

The inaugural event for Virginia Wesleyan’s new Africana Studies program introduced visiting scholar, Dr. Ophera A. Davis (pictured), who shared research documented in her book, “The Overlooked Voices of Hurricane Katrina: The Resilience and Recovery of Mississippi Black Women.” Davis' spring 2022 presentation, held in the Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, brought awareness to the experiences of Hurricane Katrina survivors, sharing stories and strategies of survival and recovery.

VWU first began the process to establish an Africana Studies program in 2019. The program is designed to engage students in critical analyses of current and historical sociological, economic, political, psychological, and cultural issues concerning the African-American experience, Africa, and the African Disapora—the global dispersion of peoples of African descent.

Coordinated by Assistant Professor of Political Science Dr. Modupe Oshikoya, the program offers students the opportunity to develop an individualized program, studying Black people’s religions, sociologies, cultures, cultural expressions, and history throughout the world.

Gift Funds Unique Instrumentation

NEW VIRTUAL DISSECTION TABLE IN BLOCKER HALL

More than 70 students enrolled in "Human Anatomy and Physiology" this fall—including many first-year students—will have an innovative educational experience that was simply not possible before. For the first time, students will examine and dissect the human body using the digital cadavers provided by VWU's newly acquired Anatomage (think anatomy and image) Table. This high-tech virtual dissection tool brings even more advanced learning to life in Blocker Hall’s freshly transformed anatomy and physiology laboratory. Primarily funded by an anonymous donation, the table is a crucial investment in VWU’s nursing, allied health and biology programs. The life-sized, three-dimensional virtual dissection tool includes digital representations of four human cadavers as captured by CT and MRI scans, high resolution regional anatomical scans, simulations of blood flow, a digital pregnancy, kinesiology demonstrations, and histological visualizations of the microstructure of major organs and tissues. The Anatomage Table will be used to support lectures as well as to provide demonstrations in labs for a variety of courses including "Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II," "Comparative Animal Physiology," and "Histology." The addition of this state-of-the-art technology significantly elevates learning and discovery for students studying the natural sciences at Virginia Wesleyan.

Professor of Biology Vic Townsend demonstrates capabilites of VWU's newly acquired Anatomage Table for seniors Garrett Page, Amruta Karkare and Abby Peterson.

FACULTY AWARDS

FACULTY FOCUS: DR. JILL STURTS

Dr. Jill Sturts believes that a college campus is the best place to work. Since she first came to Virginia Wesleyan in 2015, she's added many new roles to her primary responsibilities. She's currently an associate professor and chair of the Department of Sport and Recreation Professions, assistant dean of the Batten Honors College, chair of the General Education Committee, a faculty representative to athletics, and the faculty team advisor for the women’s soccer team.

What first attracted you to Virginia Wesleyan University?

In my search for a tenure track faculty position, I learned about the opening at Virginia Wesleyan through the listserv for our national association, The Academy of Leisure Sciences (TALS). The announcement spoke to the emphasis on teaching and the four-credit curriculum. I have a passion for student engagement and service learning, so I was excited about the potential for out-of-class experiences to enhance learning and understanding. When I visited campus, I had a sense of the tight-knit campus community, and that really appealed to me.

How did you decide on your current field as your focus of study?

In college, I became involved with campus recreation and went on to become a graduate assistant in facilities and programming. I enjoyed conducting research on the ways in which sport and recreation positively impact the human experience, and ultimately discovered that I wanted to spend a career sharing content and experiences with students in the

DR.

DEIRDRE GONSALVES-JACKSON Dean of VWU Global Campus and Associate Professor of Biology

SAMUEL NELSON GRAY DISTINGUISHED TEACHING AWARD

DR. KATHY STOLLEY Professor of Sociology

SERVICE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AWARD DR. BILL GIBSON Professor of Political Science

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH GENERAL BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND MINISTRY EXEMPLARY TEACHER AWARD

Living & Learning

classroom, facilitating experiences for them outside the classroom, and conducting my own research to grow the body of knowledge in my field. I work to continue to discover ways to become a more effective and impactful educator. Lifelong learning is a priority and I feel extremely fortunate to spend my career doing so.

What's the best thing about your chosen field?

Sport and recreation bring people together in meaningful ways. The ways in which physical movement, outdoor exploration, and participation in sport and recreation contribute to improved physical and health and sense of belonging are the best benefits.

Describe your teaching style or philosophy of education.

It's my goal to make my classroom a space where students are comfortable. I'm intentional about creating an atmosphere where students can feel free to inquire, share, respond, and participate in conversations that help us all learn. While I'm the expert in the room on content, I greatly appreciate learning from students.

How do you most want students to remember you?

I want students to remember me as someone who cared about them and their success in and out of the classroom. I want to be the type of professor that they remember who had high, clear expectations that maximized their potential. And that we had a bit of fun along the way!

What do you consider to be indicators of a successful career/life?

Indicators of a successful career/life for me are that my colleagues, students, and family knew they could count on me. They knew I was someone who gave my best, treated them with respect, and was honest all around, even when I wasn't delivering the best news. In my leadership and management class, we talk about leading with integrity, and it would be important to me that the people who I was closest to knew that I was an honest, selfless team player. I would also like for people to know that I never took myself too seriously!

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment(s) to date?

Conceiving, carrying, and nurturing twins! I love to challenge myself, mentally and physically. Before giving birth, I considered endeavors like marathons, a Ph.D., publishing, etc. to be accomplishments I held in high regard. However, I can say without a doubt that my journey to conceive, deliver, and nourish my children challenged me in every way, and I consider my work as a parent to be my greatest accomplishment thus far.

If you weren't a professor, what would you be?

I would work in campus recreation or some other aspect of student affairs within higher education. In my opinion, a college campus is the best place to work!

VWU Adds 27 Three-Year Bachelor's Degree Options

For students looking to graduate in an accelerated and more affordable time frame, Virginia Wesleyan is now offering three-year degree pathways for 27 bachelor's programs. These pathways provide students with the framework, if they choose, to complete their degree requirements for their chosen majors and minors in just three years. Three-year degree pathways are one of the many measures adopted by the University to keep a VWU education affordable. In addition to again freezing tuition and fees for the fifth consecutive year, the University has established the Work and Learn on-campus student work program; launched the Batten Honors College, which funds 40 new academically talented students each year; widened access to early- and dual-enrollment programs; made January Term more affordable; added online summer courses; and expanded institutional grants and scholarships.

(PATHWAYS, continued from page 23)

VWU offers competitive financial aid packages and assists students in identifying other sources of aid as well, with 99 percent of students receiving financial assistance. Special discounted tuition is also offered for students in the Evening and Weekend Program and VWU Online, where rates are almost 75 percent less than tuition for traditional day students.

Virginia Wesleyan has also fought for expansion of the state's Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) for students who reside in the Commonwealth. TAG annually supports educational opportunities for approximately 900 Virginia Wesleyan students and their families.

“All of these changes result in greater affordability, increased retention, and stronger graduation rates,” said President Miller. “Affordability continues to be in the forefront of our planning at Virginia Wesleyan, and three-year degree pathways are just one of many actions we are employing to help our students and their families benefit from the lifelong value of a world-class education.”

Prospective students and their families are encouraged to think value, not just advertised cost. The University’s coastal campus, in the middle of a vibrant urban area, is ideal for internships, career starts, sports activities, and many cultural and recreational attractions.

Henry Handley '24 Named Newman Civic Fellow

VWU junior Henry Handley '24 is one of just 173 students nationwide selected as a 2022-23 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a Boston-based nonprofit working to advance the public purposes of higher education. This year's fellows, who represent Campus Compact member colleges and universities from 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico, were nominated based on their potential for public leadership.

Handley is a psychology major and a member of the Batten Honors College. He is active with Student Ministries, serves as president of the campus chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and is the current chaplain of the Iota-Beta Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity.

“The social cause that drives me is special needs advocacy,” says Handley. “From volunteering at summer camps for special needs children and working as a special education para educator in my hometown teaching summer school, to working as a caretaker for a young man with special needs, working with people with special needs has always been a burning passion of mine.”

Through the fellowship, Campus Compact is providing Handley and the 2022-23 cohort with a year of learning and networking opportunities that emphasize personal, professional and civic growth. The cornerstone of the fellowship is the Annual Convening of Fellows, which offers intensive skill-building and networking over the course of two days. Fellows also have pathways to apply for exclusive scholarship and post-graduate opportunities.

Handley is currently researching ways to incorporate occupational therapy concepts into the various youth organizations for which he volunteers. He plans to pursue a doctorate in occupational therapy after graduation.

Batten Honors College Scholars Place First in Investment Competition

Scholars from VWU's Batten Honors College took first place in the undergraduate division at Intentional Endowments Network’s (IEN) Student Corporate Engagement Competition in April 2022. Congratulations to team members (pictured from left) Rowan Stuart, Jessica Wilson, Connor Merk, Kai Trehan and Eddie McDonald. In this first-of-its-kind competition, students pitch an investment in a publicly-traded company and recommend a shareholder engagement strategy focused on addressing inequality and the climate crisis—systemic risks that threaten a healthy society, and in turn, healthy portfolio returns.

VWU’s team studied Ford Motor Company, noting that Ford's corporate commitment to electric vehicle

production, changes to U.S.-based manufacturing, and commitment to reduce waste and emissions made it a worthy consideration for investment. The team also proposed a shareholder strategy that included the development of an EV-Lithium-Ion battery recycling program through Ford's factories and dealerships. Utilizing IEN standards, the VWU endowment—which grew to $126 million in the 2021-22 Academic Year, including an $80.3 million endowment for the Batten Honors College—is entirely invested in an environmentally friendly way with Brown Advisory of Baltimore. The Brown Advisory Foundation has also made a contribution to establish a student-managed investment fund at Virginia Wesleyan.

Marlin Chronicle Wins Record Number of Awards in Annual SCJ Competition

Virginia Wesleyan University’s student newspaper, The Marlin Chronicle, took home 20 awards in the annual Society for Collegiate Journalists (SCJ) National Contest. The SCJ announced the Chronicle, among other awards, as the first place winner of the newspaper overall excellence and mental health coverage categories, third place winner of the photo essay category, and honorable mention of the social media category. The student-led publication launched in 1982 and currently produces five issues per semester.

MARLINS SOFTBALL CLAIMS SIXTH CONSECUTIVE ODAC TITLE, ADVANCES TO SUPER REGIONALS

The Virginia Wesleyan University softball program had another successful year in 2022. The Marlins advanced to the NCAA Super Regional round after winning the Amherst Regional in Amherst, Massachusetts. Leading up to the NCAA Tournament, Virginia Wesleyan claimed the program’s sixth consecutive ODAC Softball Championship Title—the 14th in program history. Head Coach Brandon Elliott collected his 540th career win with the ODAC championship title, while five Marlins earned All-Tournament Team honors in Julia Sinnett (Most Outstanding Player), Emily Seale, Ariana Rolle, Caitlin Myers, and Madison Hudson.

Goldyn Goes Global

Virginia Wesleyan softball alumna Jessica Goldyn received the opportunity of a lifetime this spring—the chance to play professional softball. In April 2022, the former Marlins softball catcher took her talents overseas to play for Germany's Bonn Capitals, where she helped the club win its first German champions title following a 3-1 defeat of the Wesseling Vermins. Goldyn was picked up by Port Adelaide Softball Club of Australia to play during their summer season, but will return to the Bonn Capitals for a second year.

Goldyn says it's been tremendous for her former teammates and coaches to watch her play in a completely new environment as she represents not just America, but Virginia Wesleyan University.

Geni Roberts' Remarkable Year

Geni Roberts had a remarkable 2021-2022 season with not just one, but two National Runner Up finishes at the Indoor & Outdoor NCAA National Championship meets. Roberts finished second in the men's triple jump at the outdoor meet with a mark of 15.16M (May 2022) and jumped a distance of 7.32M in the men’s long jump at the indoor meet (March 2022). He garnered All-American honors for both second place performances at nationals. In addition, he earned USTFCCCA All-Region honors in long and triple jump. After winning the ODAC Individual Champion titles in the men's long and triple jump events, Roberts was named the 2022 ODAC Male Field Athlete of the Meet for his performance at the ODAC Championship Meet.

Athletics

Griffin Potter Named Third-Team All-American

Virginia Wesleyan University men's soccer senior goalkeeper Griffin Potter was named a United Soccer Coaches organization All-American following the conclusion of the 2021 season.

Potter is the first men's soccer USC All-American since 2003.

Potter earned All-American honors for the first time in his career, garnering third-team accolades. The keeper made 19 starts between the pipes for the Marlins this season amassing a record of 11-4-4 with nine shutouts, seven of them solo. Potter played in all but one match, totaling nearly 1,800 minutes in the net this season.

Potter led the conference and was sixth in the nation in saves, with 132 on the season for an 88% save percentage, tied for sixth best in the nation, on 162 shots on goal. He allowed only 18 goals on the season for a 0.91 goals against average, good for fifth best in the conference rankings. His ODAC first-team All-Conference nod was the first in the goalkeeper's career. He also earned ODAC Player of the Week honors earlier in the season.

Potter joins the ranks of Kelvin Murray ('02 & '03), Gary DePalma ('95 & '97), Scott Morgenroth ('95), Evan Whitson ('95), Mike Duffy ('94), Mike McFarland ('90, '91, '92), Mike Benne ('90), Alex Kee ('88), and Greg Plummer ('83), all who earned USC (formerly the NSCCA) All-American honors.

Upping Our Game

Esports, a fast growing global sport and billion-dollar industry, continues to grow and expand on college campuses across the country. Leagues and teams face off in competitive, organized video gaming as fans watch from all over the world.

The Virginia Wesleyan Esports program, which first pressed play in 2019, has grown to a roster of 37 competitors—25 of whom are first-year students. The players compete in collegiate matches against colleges and universities such as Clemson, Yale, and M.I.T.

The rapid growth of the program inspired the University to up its game. In spring 2022, VWU added Fortnite to its existing lineup of League of Legends, Overwatch, and Rocket League.

Players compete in the Marlin Esports Arena in the Jane P. Batten Student Center, and due to the expanding roster, additional practice space has been

added in the Digital Media Lab of the recently renovated Beverly Hall.

The program has also gained attention from area businesses and is currently sponsored by Endurance IT Services of Virginia Beach.

Brandon Kwon ’23 (pictured) has been competing at VWU since his freshman year. As team captain for Rocket League, he creates practice structures for his team, assists them in understanding the game and preparing for competitions. Kwon stays engaged with esports while maintaining a rigorous academic workload—he’s on track to graduate from VWU with a bachelor’s degree in May 2023 and will then complete a master’s degree in aerospace engineering.

Virginia Wesleyan University is a member of the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE). Learn more at vwu.edu/esports.

STUDENTS BRING THEIR PASSION FOR GAMING TO VWU'S GROWING ESPORTS PROGRAM

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME: FOURTEENTH CLASS

Virginia Wesleyan University inducted the fourteenth class of its Athletic Hall of Fame during a special dinner and ceremony presented by TowneBank on October 8, 2022, during Homecoming and Family Weekend.

Members of the fourteenth class represent the best of the best from Virginia Wesleyan's athletic history. The 2022 class includes two former Marlin athletic greats, Randy E. Lott ’14 and Ronald J. Yuhasz, Jr. ’01, the 2017 NCAA Division III National Championship Softball Team, and VWU benefactors O.L. “Butch” Everett and John A. Trinder, who were honored for their decades of support to the University’s intercollegiate athletics program.

The Virginia Wesleyan University Athletic Hall of Fame was established by resolution of the Virginia Wesleyan Board of Trustees in May 2007 to honor those who, by outstanding achievement in athletics, by service to athletics, or through significant contributions to athletics, have made lasting contributions to the University's intercollegiate athletic program. Read more at vwu.edu/hof.

RANDY E. LOTT, JR. ’14

Men’s Track & Field (2010-2014)

J. YUHASZ, JR. ’01

Men’s Basketball (1996-2001)

O.L. “BUTCH” EVERETT Benefactor

JOHN A. TRINDER Benefactor

RONALD

2017 NCAA DIVISION III NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SOFTBALL TEAM

Members of the 2017 NCAA Division III National Championship Softball Team.

2022 ALUMNI AWARDS

Virginia Wesleyan University's 2022 Alumni Awards recipients were recognized in September 2022 as part of the University’s annual Founders Day Convocation held in the Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. Celebrated for their outstanding professional and personal accomplishments, this year's honorees are Michael J. White ’81 (Distinguished Alumnus Award), Brandon L. Adair ’12 (Alumni Service Award), and Jessie K. Dawe ’08 (The Beacon Award). Keynote speaker and alumna Hon. Deborah Paxson ’75 was also presented with a 2022 Wesley Award in gratitude for her outstanding service, contributions and faithfulness to her alma mater.

Pictured top, from left: Gale Gillespie, mother of Brandon L. Adair '12, Jessie Dawe '08, Michael White '81, and Hon. Deborah Paxson '75. Pictured right, top: Brandon Adair accepts his award virtually. Pictured right, bottom: Jessie Dawe shares details about her life journey and expresses gratitude for the support of many.

Spring Alumni Weekend Returns

Marlin family and friends came home to campus in April 2022 for Virginia Wesleyan's first Spring Alumni Weekend since 2019. The weekend began with Bob Marlin’s Birthday Bash (pictured below) in the Batten Student Center. Alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends kicked back and enjoyed music by the evening's headliner Plastic Eddie and opener, the Matty Taylor Trio. Guests enjoyed refreshments and cotton candy by Astro DJ, games and, of course, Bob’s birthday cake!

A Marlin Family Picnic took place Saturday at Birdsong Field, with musical entertainment from Astro DJ, bounce houses for the kids and a Hoffman Beverage tent. Several alumni competitions took place throughout the day, including field hockey, women’s soccer, volleyball and men’s soccer.

Marlins softball held its 12th annual Strike Out Cancer Day. The fundraiser set an all-time record of $30,339 in donations, all of which went to the American Cancer Society specifically for cancer research.

The Annual Scroll Signing Celebration was held for 50th and 25th Commencement anniversary recognitions for the Classes of 1970, 1971, 1972, 1995, 1996 and 1997.

The Vox Vera student choir, led by Dr. Bryson Mortensen, held its “Juke Vox” concert that evening in the Goode Center. Save the date for the 2023 Spring Alumni Weekend set for April 14-15.

DAY OF GIVING Crushes Record

VWU's fourth annual Day of Giving, held on April 22, 2022, was bigger than ever. Support totaled $79,106.69 from 527 alumni, parents, and friends, crushing the 2021 record of $30,010.07 from 131 donors. Of the gifts, 173 came from new alumni donors.

The classes of 2010 until now won the alumni class decade challenge with the highest number of alumni to participate in the day. As a prize, they received a designated Reunion Tent—stocked with beverages, snacks, and VWU swag—during FinFest at Homecoming and Family Weekend in October.

Special thanks to five VWU Board of Trustees members/alumni who generously offered matching gifts to their respective decade: J. Timothy Bailey ’83, Gary D. Bonnewell ’79, H’16, W. Taylor Franklin ’04, Mavis E. McKenley ’11, and Michael R. Rawls ’91.

Two gift challenges were also held for VWU Athletics throughout the day. VWU women’s soccer had the highest number of giving participants and raised the most funds, and as a result, received their own gift of $5,000 toward their program courtesy of Tim Bailey ’83.

"I cannot tell you how proud I am to see this incredible show of support from our Marlin community," said President Miller. "I thank all those who were able to participate—be it by making a gift or by sharing the campaign with others."

It certainly was A Great Day To Be A Marlin!

Joe Ruddy '83 Elected to VWU Board of Trustees

Joseph P. Ruddy '83, chief operations officer for Virginia International Terminals (VIT), has been elected to the Virginia Wesleyan University Board of Trustees.

In his role at VIT, Ruddy is responsible for all operations, information technology, safety, security, capacity expansion projects and maintenance at state-owned and privatelyoperated marine terminal facilities in Norfolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Richmond and Front Royal, Virginia. He also oversees the Hampton Roads Chassis Pool, which operates and manages the intermodal chassis and empty container yards.

In 2014, Ruddy was appointed as The Port’s first chief innovation officer and prior to that served as director of operations and labor at VIT.

Ruddy is the 2018 recipient of the VWU Distinguished Alumni Award and has served since that time as chair of the President’s Council, the University’s advisory group of local business and community leaders.

Ruddy played soccer at Virginia Wesleyan and is still an avid supporter of the Marlins. He lives in Virginia Beach with his wife, Holly, and four sons.

CELEBRATING THE CLARKE HERITAGE SOCIETY

Each fall the Lambuth M. and Alice A. Clarke Heritage Society Luncheon is held on campus, honoring a special group of alumni and friends who have chosen to include Virginia Wesleyan in their estate plans, as well as those who are considering a bequest to the University as a future gift option. Alice Clarke (pictured above) attended the event last fall, held in the Watts Lobby of the Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. Mrs. Clarke and her late husband, Lambuth, president of Virginia Wesleyan from 1966 to 1992, planted many of the seeds of Wesleyan’s future success.

One of the University’s signature establishments, the Heritage Society was formed many years ago by Wesleyan friends and family with the Clarkes among the inaugural founders. In 2016, the society was named in recognition of the Clarkes, whose name has long stood for admirable values and extraordinary service.

“These individuals make a tremendous impact on Virginia Wesleyan,” says President Miller, “and we will be forever grateful for all they do for this University. They exemplify those who set the stage for Virginia Wesleyan’s progress and enable us to improve the campus by building new facilities, updating old facilities, modernizing our technology, and adding new opportunities for current and future students.”

For a confidential conversation about including the University in your estate plans, contact President Miller at president@vwu.edu. View a list of Clarke Heritage Society members at vwu.edu/giving.

From left: Virginia Hitch, Alice Clarke, Susan Goode, Annie Miller, and Martha Jo Wilson visit during the fall 2021 luncheon celebrating Clarke Heritage Society members.

Wesleyan

Your Gift Makes a Difference

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

Each year the University awards millions in scholarships to deserving and talented students. Scholarship assistance is imperative to student recruiting and retention. Last academic year, nearly 100% of students received some form of scholarship aid.

A gift to The Excellence Fund of Virginia Wesleyan University does so much more than show support. It provides students with high-impact academic experiences, vibrant campus life opportunities, updated technology resources, and scholarships that help make higher education possible.

NEW TECHNOLOGY

Technology resources help students connect the academic world to the larger community.

In the most recent academic year, the University modernized classroom space with the addition of a new Business and Technology Hub and Cyber Security Lab, a One-Button Recording Studio, and new laptops for student use.

High Impact Experiential Opportunities

Over 225 students took part in studyaway programs, undergraduate research, internships, and service learning. These opportunities give students relevant experi ences to make themselves more marketable.

Student Life

Much of a student’s formation takes place outside of the classroom through interest clubs, campus events and much more.

•Unity Block Party

•Bob Marlin’s Biggest Birthday Bash

•Prom: An Enchanted Evening

•Late-Night Breakfast

•Field Day