Excelsis | Summer 2025

XCELSIS E SUMMER 2025

A B AT T E N H O N O R S C O L L E G E P U B L I C AT I O N | 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

Research

Goes Global

Laila Jones ‘27, Spain

A BATTEN HONORS COLLEGE PUBLICATION | VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

GLOBAL EXPLORATION AND GROWTH T

he global residency experience is arguably one of the most significant and impactful experiences for our students in the Batten Honors College (BHC). They start thinking about their experience abroad the moment they step foot on campus. During the spring semester of their first year, students take Honors 210: Self and Global Citizenship, where they have the opportunity to think about themselves in a variety of ways: as a leader, as a student abroad, and as an American. The course gives students a space to think practically and theoretically about the global residency experience.

The BHC offers transformative international experiences that combine rigorous academic study with hands-on research opportunities across the globe. Every semester, students develop a global perspective while contributing meaningful scholarship to their fields. The immersive global residency within the BHC transcends traditional tourism. Students engage deeply with host families and experience other cultures through customized academic programs, language immersion, and community partnership. Whether studying at Lakeland University Japan (LUJ) in Tokyo or pursuing passions in Finland, Ireland, or South Korea, Batten scholars approach global education with intellectual curiosity and cultural humility.

One of the most distinguishing factors is the emphasis on student-led research. Students actively investigate global challenges as they work alongside international faculty mentors and advisors to address real-world issues. Students develop the methodological skills necessary to pursue their passions. While our BHC graduates are globally aware, they are most importantly ready to address complex challenges across national and cultural boundaries, a skill that becomes increasingly needed with a constantly changing landscape.

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In a world of conflict and polarization, more than ever, travel can be a tool for positive change - but only if that travel is done respectfully and reflectively. Travel thus has to start with a change of heart and a new frame of mind. Whether spending time with those who hold different political opinions or meeting members of different ethnic communities, travel must begin with a willingness to listen and learn.

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Aziz Abu Sarah, Crossing Boundaries

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Jill R. Sturts, PhD Assistant Dean, Batten Honors College Batten Associate Professor of Sport and Recreation Professions Chair of Sport and Recreation Professions

A BATTEN HONORS COLLEGE PUBLICATION | VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

PUFFS Maestro

ERIN ANDREWS

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s a Music and Theatre double major, I know I might not be what you think of when you picture a BHC student.

Now that I’ve reached my senior year, rather than spending my days in a classroom or a lab, I spend my days backstage, in the Goode scene shop, next to a piano, or in front of a choir. As my capstone project for the Theatre major, I directed PUFFS, Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years At A Certain School of Magic and Magic by Matt Cox in the Hofheimer Theater on February 14 and 15. The play follows the Puffs, a house at a certain wizard school, as they explore love, friendship, and heroism, all while a certain boy wizard grows up alongside them.

My goal with PUFFS was to create a rehearsal environment that encouraged play. The show can’t take itself too seriously, and if the cast doesn’t have fun with it, the audience won’t have fun with it. The show originated at the People’s Improv Theatre in New York, so the script is full of all kinds of oddities and references to magic school that must be approached with excitement and joy. It was also important to me to have genuine portrayals of the characters, since the show’s heart comes from its honesty. No one wants to watch a cast make fun of the Puffs for 90ish minutes.

This show would not have been possible without my cast, many of them also BHC students. They embraced these characters and their crazy world with open arms and dove in headfirst, trusting me to lead them to the other side. I wrote in my directorial concept at the beginning of my process, “I want the audience to have fun, and I want the audience to have fun because the cast is having fun, and I want the cast to have fun because they are so dedicated to these silly little guys and their silly little lives and stories.” I think that pretty much sums it up.

EXCELSIS / 3

A BATTEN HONORS COLLEGE PUBLICATION | VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

Marlins at Work A

Seed Ambassador

LANDON ROCKWELL

ll my life, I have loved nature and animals. I loved to watch nature documentaries and walk through the woods behind my house looking for tiny creatures. I never paid much attention to any of the plants. I thought “they were boring because they couldn’t move or make cool noises like the animals could.” However, since coming to college, I realized that without plants, those animals I loved so much would not be here. I started to discover all of the intricate ways that life is connected and the vital role that plants play as a source of nutrients, habitat, water, and so much more. I knew I had to learn more. So, I did an internship with the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Most of my days were spent either pulling invasive plants or identifying plants native to Virginia Beach. I was able to tie this experience into my Honors Senior Capstone project, which focused on the native hibiscus, the Swamp rosemallow (Hibiscus moscheutos). Through this opportunity, I was able to design my own outreach event where I handed out seeds I harvested and helped educate garden guests on native plants. Additionally, I was able to gain a more well-rounded perspective on the circle of life, while gaining skills necessary to expand my interest in biodiversity.

Home Economics

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KAYLEE GRIMSTEAD

hroughout the summer of 2024, I was given the opportunity to intern with the City of Norfolk’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for 3 months. The department consisted of 4 divisions: Federal Programs Management, Neighborhood and Housing Preservation, Neighborhood Transformation, and Real Estate. I worked under the Fair Housing Compliance Specialist, Kimalesha Brown. She was very flexible in that she allowed me to work within each division, allowing me to learn and contribute in every way that I could. Before beginning my internship, I had limited knowledge of the challenges surrounding affordable housing. This internship opened my eyes to the issue and many stigmas and policies that come around it. It ignited my passion for real estate and affordable housing. It gives me the hope that one day all humans, regardless of race, income, or nationality will be able to afford quality housing.

One of my favorite memories from the internship has to be the retreat the department participated in to build morale. During the retreat, we got to learn about our different personality types, and how to work well with others who do not share the same personality type. This activity was very similar to one we did in HON 210: Self and Global Citizenship class that the Batten Honors College offers, so it was interesting to see how much my personality changed in just a year. Ultimately, I had a lovely experience within the DHCD, by making connections with the people I worked with, working on various projects, and the opportunity to learn around every corner. This experience deepened my appreciation for the impact of equitable affordable housing policies and the role they play in creating stronger, more inclusive communities.

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Pictured above from left to right is my supervisor, Kimalesha Brown, myself, TraQuita Simmons, and Director of Housing and Community Development, Dr. Susan Perry. This was after my end of internship presentation.

Pictured above is me and all the other interns of the Executive Internship Program at the City of Norfolk.

Pictured above is the whole Department of Housing and Community Development, including myself after a retreat to build morale.

A BATTEN HONORS COLLEGE PUBLICATION | VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

Senior Spotlight The

Yes Future MINDSET

Fearless

KAZA DAYTON

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fter graduating, I will remain at Virginia Wesleyan University and begin the MAEd (Master of Arts in Education) Program.

I plan to pursue a career as a Spanish educator after I complete the program in 2026.

The Batten Honors College has provided me with a positive peer network and supportive faculty, enabling me to take the next steps toward my dream career as an educator. Through growing my perspective on the world in study abroad experiences and challenging myself in BHC coursework, I have grown personally and professionally during my time in the BHC. My favorite memory from the BHC is building strong relationships with my peers by taking classes, performing, and joining clubs like Marlins Go Green and Student Government.

Through these experiences, I have had the opportunity to lead and cheer on others in their leadership roles. My favorite moment from the BHC is last Spring’s rock painting and friendship bracelet-making Programs Council event. It was such a lovely day, and events like that truly embody the sense of community that the Batten Honors College provides.

One piece of advice is to say yes. Say yes to the things you stumble upon that pique your interest, and join organizations you may know little about. Say yes to putting yourself out there by meeting people whose perspectives may differ from your own. Go to events, join clubs, and get to know people outside of your major or sport. You will be given many chances to better yourself professionally, academically, and personally, and you will never get to relive this moment in your life, so say YES!

SAINANDAN CHALLAGUNDLA

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fter graduation, I plan to pursue a higher education in chemistry. Afterwards, I’ll attempt to go into the industry.

The BHC has helped me connect with people to further my career while supporting my interests. It has led to me meeting lifelong friends and experiencing things that I will cherish and hold dear to me for the rest of my life.

My favorite BHC memory is easily my trip to Japan for the Honors 200 course. Japan was always a bucket list location that I had wanted to experience, so being able to go there and experience the things that I had been dreaming about was an incredible opportunity.

For a first-year student, I would tell them to experience the present and not be scared of the future. I am a graduating senior, and I am still confused and scared of what the future holds in store for me. I somehow feel like I know my path less now than I did freshman year, but that’s ok. Don’t let the fear of the future stop you from experiencing the joy of the present. Rather than freaking out about a test you did bad on, do something with your friends.

Go to the beach, go to a concert, do karaoke, but do not dwell on the past. I promise that by the time you graduate, you will not remember that one test during sophomore year that you got a bad grade on, but you will remember going to the beach at 2 am with all your friends while blasting music.

EXCELSIS / 5

A BATTEN HONORS COLLEGE PUBLICATION | VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY STONE STERLING

SPOTLIGHT ON JAPAN Lakeland University Japan | Tokyo, Japan

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ontemporary American Higher Education promotes a mode of acquiring knowledge primarily by learning through distinct and sometimes disparate courses. The Batten Honors College and Virginia Wesleyan push back on this by providing holistic learning experiences where students must unite courses through cultural immersion and the promotion of intellectual curiosity and cultural humility. The liberal arts and sciences are a distinctively Western contribution to society. Global understanding is one of the three pillars of the BHC experience. Scholars need to be able to examine knowledge and global problems holistically, rather than seeking a single approach through one mode of thinking or a course-based approach.

The BHC Global Residency program is built upon the Eastern principles of cultural humility and immersion, which lead to a true understanding of global communities. intentionally comparative. For example, many students will pursue this comparative approach to learning through VWU Global and our collaborative campus in Tokyo, Japan. Where better to explore this holistic experience than immersed in a Pan-Asian Pacific region that values harmony, aesthetics, and sustainability? The holistic experience helps build the skills necessary to effectively collaborate and communicate with people from around the world by bridging academic, cultural, political, and ethnic divides.

VWU’s unique program and international study abroad opportunity in Tokyo, Japan. The Batten & Black School is built on the experience of cultural immersion. The Batten & Black School features a diverse faculty and student body working together to build knowledge and understanding through English-based coursework. As a global leader in sustainability and the hub of Southeast Asian finance and trade, Tokyo presents an incredible opportunity to better understand the challenges facing the world.

Our collaborative campus in Tokyo, Japan, comes with many benefits through the Batten Honors College. This includes a grant totaling $5,000 to be used toward airfare, room, and travel assistance. In addition, becoming a Batten & Black School of International Studies Fellow with the experience of cultural immersion. This opportunity is offered abroad very often, with it being in Fall, Spring, or Summer. Going abroad to LUJ, there are so many opportunities that include exploring issues of sustainability, global finance, politics, and culture while living in one of the world’s largest cities.

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“I had professors from all over the world. I, of course, had a Japanese teacher, but I also had a Chinese, Hispanic, and American teacher, all teaching completely different classes. With the help of one of my professors, I was also given the opportunity to work on a project with other college students in Chile! Japan is also a very trusting society. Many rules and regulations only work because of the inherited trust of all people within Japan.”

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A BATTEN HONORS COLLEGE PUBLICATION | VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

MAGIC BY

DESIGN M

MEGAN SETLAK

y study away trip to Disney World was an eye-opening experience. Before traveling, our class conducted research on the creation of Disney Parks around the globe and how different rides were created. Each day at Disney, we were given morning and afternoon questions that we would have to answer, whether it was about a certain ride or aspect of the park, in a journal. The journals we kept allowed me to look at Disney with a different perspective, rather than just being a tourist. I was able to notice how hard Disney works to make the experience special for everyone who goes, not just one age group. This is what stood out to me the most. Disney uses a multitude of factors to make that immersive experience in the park, whether it’s with spatial audio or changing the texture of the ground. After our trip, we shared different presentations about a certain aspect of the parks we researched while we were there. It was very interesting to see the different areas that my classmates chose to research. For example, Emma Wehr conducted research on the different bathrooms in the Disney Parks and how Disney can continue that immersive experience even in a place that maybe you wouldn’t think to put as much detail into. This class was a great learning opportunity as a business major because I was able to see the different aspects that go into making a guest’s experience unforgettable. E X C E L S I S / 7

A BATTEN HONORS COLLEGE PUBLICATION | VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

LEARNING WITHOUT BORDERS I

IZZY GROSSWILER

woke up to my alarm. It was early and still dark outside. I wasn’t dragging myself to an 8 am calculus class. Instead, I stepped outside and walked just a few steps from the door to the edge of the desert. I could see the camels and their handlers, nomadic Amazigh tribesmen, patiently waiting for me and the other students. The endless orange dunes stretched for as far as the eye could see: the Sahara. After mounting the camel, we began trekking up the side of the tallest dune, led by an Amazigh boy, who was only 10 years old. It was fascinating to see this culture in person after learning about it in my class just a few days before. As he led our caravan higher up the dune, the sky was brightening, perfect timing; we would be right at the top for sunrise. As we awaited the climatic burst over the horizon, I spoke some basic phrases that I had learned in my Arabic class to speak with the boy. We laughed over a joke I can’t remember; he was likely laughing at how awful my Arabic was. I realized how similar we all are despite being worlds apart. Just then, the sun’s rays lit up everything. This is study abroad.

I became enthralled with the adventure. So, when I returned to VWU and presented at the academic symposium, I was already planning my next journey.

With the unbridled support of my amazing family and Brooke Novkovic, I went abroad again in the Fall to Valparaíso, Chile. I lived with a host family that treated me like I was family. They only spoke Spanish, so it was good that I was taking two classes learning it because they invited me to my host dad’s 55th. They could tell I was nervous and included me in all of the prep-work.

I helped grill in El Quincho, picked lemons from the tree in the backyard, and, best of all, tasted everything to make sure it was perfect for guests. Suddenly, people were arriving, pouring in with huge smiles, unbelievably fast Spanish, and lots of cheek kisses and wine. Everyone was so excited to meet me and was patient with my Spanish. I spoke with generations of Chileans about the culture and history I was learning in my classes. To hear personal stories from times of dictatorship and military coups d’états was a remarkable academic experience. This is study abroad.

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You’ll make lifelong friends that you can visit all over the world. These experiences transformed my life, and I can’t wait for what my next semester in New Zealand will bring.

A BATTEN HONORS COLLEGE PUBLICATION | VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

Global Perspective LAILA JONES

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efore my trip to Spain, I prepared for my course by intentionally practicing my Spanish. Fortunately, my mom is fluent in Spanish and became somewhat of my personal Spanish tutor. During the summer before my study trip to Spain, I made it a priority to learn the basic phrases that I knew I would need on a daily basis. I also chose to take a Spanish course the semester before going abroad. In this course, I learned a bit about Spanish culture and did further research afterward to learn more.

One main takeaway from my course was personal development.

I became very culturally aware and open to learning about and understanding other cultures, as well as the cultural differences and similarities between us. At the beginning of my trip abroad, it almost felt as if I had an unintentional chip on my shoulder because I was from America. However, as I began to meet people from all over the world, this pride started to show itself. As the semester progressed, I recognized this and began to humble myself, shifting my focus from representing my country well to showcasing my personality in the best way possible to the world. While where you come from is crucial to how people are raised and their outlook on life, it is essential to balance this with the understanding of how one’s country influences their views.

The most special moment during my course was when I traveled outside of Spain. I took a trip to Iceland and had the opportunity to see the Northern Lights. It was incredibly beautiful! I truly had the best five months of my life while abroad, and I look forward to going again in the future!

EXCELSIS / 9

A BATTEN HONORS COLLEGE PUBLICATION | VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

The Power of Yes, And: VWU World’s Stage Improv

JULIA LOGUE

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uring my first semester at VWU, I never expected to have the opportunity to create something with real impact, but the World’s Stage Improv Club has already become a space where creativity and confidence flourish. Many students are passionate abou theatre, but find the idea of performing intimidating, especially when memorization, auditions and the pressure of getting a role stands in the way.

Improv offers a different kind of stage, one where spontaneity reigns and the stakes are low, allowing performers to step outside their comfort zones while having fun.

My own journey with theatre has been shaped by both excitement and nerves. I have struggled with stage anxiety, the fear of forgetting lines, and the self-doubt that comes with auditions. Improv; however, has been a game-changer. It forces quick thinking, encourages collaboration, and most importantly allows me to simply be myself. That is what I, along with a friend, wanted to share with others through this club. It all started with a friendship formed in my tech theatre course, taught by Trey Delpo, with a junior here at VWU, Pauly Bolt, and an inspiring improv workshop led by Dr. Sally Shedd. Now, Pauly is standing as President and I, Vice President, the clear desire and passion for this club came straight from him.

Just a few months later, the club became official. With the enthusiasm of our peers, it showed us that there was a real demand for a space where students could explore performance without fear, where they can explore the many possibilities in improv.

One of my favorite moments so far was our first open Intro to Improv meeting, where students came to try out the club and they all jumped in with incredible energy, and for a few, it was their first time, but about halfway into the meeting, you could suddenly see the smiles on their faces and the laughter that was brought to them. Watching people discover their comedic timing and creativity reminded Pauly and I why we started this in the first place. The next big thing for the club is for our first show coming in April. We are so excited to see where we go and what fun games, outings, and community events we can do. Leading this club alongside Pauly, has taught me that building a community takes initiative, but once you do, the rewards are immeasurable.

Student Government Association A

LUCAS GORDON

t the end of the Fall 2024 semester, after a change in membership among the Student Government Association (SGA), I was nominated and elected to the office of Vice President. This leadership role most certainly was not something I had planned to pursue this academic year, as I felt as though I would have needed more experience for such a role, but when my name was put into the pool of potential candidates, I recognized that answering the call to help others was more important than my personal opinion on the matter.

I absolutely do not regret taking this role, though, as I have been able to learn quite a bit about leadership dynamics, the importance of team communication, and how to inspire others to answer the very same call that I had.

As Vice President, I also serve as the head of the Legislative Committee, which has allowed me to oversee the creation of legislation and to work with Student Senators on how to optimize them as much as possible. This road has not been easy, though, as urging Student Senators to find ideas that inspire positive changes to our campus has been quite the challenge. Additionally, training the Student Senators on how legislation is formatted to begin with is equally difficult; however, this has in no way discouraged me from trying. Leadership within the SGA is all about making sacrifices for the betterment of the student body, which I will always rise to the occasion for.

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Marlin’s Business Conference M

CLARISSA THURSTON

y goal for the Marlin Business Conference is to create an event that is both inspiring and impactful. We aim to bring students together with industry leaders, fostering connections and real-world learning experiences that go beyond the classroom.

Business excites me because it’s all about innovation, leadership, and problem-solving skills we’ve put to the test while organizing this conference. I can’t wait to see our hard work come to life!

A BATTEN HONORS COLLEGE PUBLICATION | VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

IMPACT IN ACTION AVERY BELISLE

Left to right - Laila Jones, Jocelin Kaelin, Avery Belisle, Clarissa Thurston, and Jessica Wilson

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he Lang Sustainability Conference (LSC) 2025 in Guelph, Canada, brought together students, professionals, and sustainability experts from around the world to explore how business can drive positive change in the context of sustainability. As a delegate on the team from Virginia Wesleyan’s Batten Honors college, my primary role was to compete in the LSC Case Competition, but also included engaging in various networking opportunities and listening to a variety of speakers from around Canada.

Sponsored by Bruce Power, the case competition required teams to develop a structured strategy for the company to measure and report its biodiversity impact. With ESG standards moving toward hard data, Bruce Power needed clear, measurable biodiversity KPIs that aligned with industry best practices; meaning our team used our combined passions for business, environmentalism, and international politics to consider everything from maximizing sustainable practices, appealing to potential investors, and geopolitical factors while creating our solution.

As delegates, we also heard from keynote speakers like Gillian Davison from Co-Operators and Shenali Madhanaroopan from Riverside Natural Foods, who shared insights on sustainability in business; while workshops with professionals from The Globe and Mail, Goodlot Brewing, and Mackenzie Investments gave us a chance to explore different angles of sustainable leadership.

The conference gave the members of our team a chance to further develop our understanding of environmental stewardship, pushing us to think beyond simple sustainability efforts and toward real, measurable impact.

EXCELSIS / 11

EVENTS & ACHIEVEMENTS A BATTEN HONORS COLLEGE PUBLICATION | VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

Ethics Bowl

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CASEY BENNETT

his year, the ethics bowl topic was ethics and artificial intelligence.

We were given four cases a couple of months before the competition to look over and prepare both a position and ethical arguments for. Because the questions we needed to answer for the case were not provided ahead of time, we had to make sure to leave some flexibility in our arguments due to the importance of shaping our case around what the other team proposed. There were four rounds, each of which randomly selected one of the cases we were given in advance. It was another challenge in itself to adapt our usual extemporaneous, onsite case preparation to this longer prep time format. However, we did a great job of placing pre-preparation and leaving room for expansion during the actual debates.

We won all four of our rounds (4-0) after a productive day of debating.

Although at the end of the contest we were the only undefeated team, our record was tied with Washington and Lee before the final match.

They ended up being picked to compete in the finals as they were deemed to have a stronger schedule strength and point differential between the teams they faced. Regardless of this, I am so proud of our team and our performance! I am excited to pass the torch to the up and upcoming students to represent our team in the future.

There is not one BHC course in particular that I could contribute to our success, but I do strongly believe the emphasis the BHC places on a multidisciplinary approach helped us navigate complex issues from diverse viewpoints. With the entire team being BHC students, we have practiced exploring different perspectives in our BHC courses time and time again from HON110 to HON480.

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DR. KATHY MERLOCK JACKSON

ur Ethics Bowl team arrived home undefeated after winning rounds against Virginia Union University, Hollins University (last year’s Ethics Bowl champions), Marymount University, and Randolph College in the Cardinal Division. Washington and Lee, in the same division, was also undefeated but had accrued more overall points, qualifying it for the championship round. It faced the Commonwealth Division winner, the University of Richmond, which had tied with two other schools with 3-1 records but had the highest number of points. The University of Richmond won the Ethics Bowl. Virginia Wesleyan, though, was the only school to win all of its rounds! Our team of Casey Bennett, Christian Palmisano, Abigail Villacrusis, and Andrew Steiner (with Avery Belisle traveling with the team as the alternate) did an amazing job.

This was the fourth Ethics Bowl for Casey and Christian, who joined the team as first-year students when it had to be rebuilt after Covid. Over the past four years, their teams won thirteen of its rounds and lost three, a fine record. Christian has been accepted into law school, and Casey is awaiting word from EVMS for medical school.

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Model UN

BREANNE BESSETTE

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chose to take Model UN for a few reasons, one of which was I was able to take the Political Science International Law course last spring. This class went in-depth about the workings of the UN and the pursuit of a global system of law. This content fascinated me, and I knew that Model UN could give me a more hands-on approach to getting a closer look at the UN and its functions.

The nation that VWU is representing at Model UN this year is Montenegro. As far as preparing to go to New York to represent them, the most crucial preparation has been getting to know the political climate of that state. While Model UN is a simulation of the UN made up of college students representing states around the world, it is still important to have a good understanding of that state. For example, recently, one of the big things we’ve done to prepare has been writing position papers, which are short papers regarding the position your state/country would take on particular issues. This topic, for me, was: the protection of and assistance for refugees, returnees, and displaced persons and the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation. In writing this paper, I had to research and take my best guess as to what Montenegro would have to say on these topics. This preparation is so vital to a good experience in New York because it gives you an idea about the kinds of policies and resolutions that you would like to propose or sign onto.

This is my first year attending Model UN, and I have heard some things in the class and students that have gone in the past that shape my expectations. I expect a busy few days in which our committees meet, which could be hundreds of people in a room discussing important global conflicts. As a smaller and less known country, it may be a little more difficult to get into the spotlight, but we can have our voices heard by joining allies with the same goals. It will be some very full days interacting with lots of people, but it will give me a good feel of how these kinds of international politics can go.

One of the topics that my committee is discussing is the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation. This parallels closely with sustainable development goal (SDG) number 6, clean water and sanitation. The BHC coursework that has focused on the SDGs and sustainable development, which has contributed to my ability to form positions on ways to address these major global issues. Learning about international approaches to global problems is a main goal of the UN and is emphasized and encouraged in both BHC coursework and participation as global scholars who are encouraged to consider multiple perspectives.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

A BATTEN HONORS COLLEGE PUBLICATION | VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

LINDSAY WHITE Lindsay White '22 and fiance, CJ Morris '22

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ne of the greatest skills I gained during my time in the BHC was communication. Whether it be the townhouse living community, the interdisciplinary honors courses, or the study away trips, the BHC constantly provides you with chances to learn how to interact with and communicate with people of diverse strengths and weaknesses. For example, I got to take some of the honors courses with one of my best friends, who is not the strongest at math but could write a 20-page paper like nobody’s business. Being a math person, I was able to help and lead in the math-centric courses while he helped me write and edit during our English-heavy classes. Through this and similar experiences in the BHC, I learned a lot about how to know when to speak up and take the lead and when to listen and learn from others who have different strengths than me. I saw this come into play pretty quickly in my career when I started as an engineer with the Navy almost 3 and a half years ago. In my first year as a full-time employee, I was granted the incredible opportunity to take the lead on a multi-year project to transform our workplace environment and brief our senior leadership on our progress and achievements. The communication skills I gained in the BHC were crucial in working effectively with employees of other strengths than my own, whether it be conveying requirements to contractors, asking questions to those working on contracts, or briefing and listening to a Senior Executive civilian.

My worldview was forever changed after I had the chance to participate in my fully-funded study away trip through the BHC. In January 2020, I traveled abroad to Israel to study the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for 2 weeks. A math and mechanical engineering major at the time, this was way outside of my field of study, and if not for the BHC, I would’ve never taken a trip like this on my own. However, I am extremely grateful for the BHC pushing me outside of my comfort zone to experience new cultures and perspectives. That trip taught me so much about balancing truth and empathy in a tense climate and provided a solid foundation for me to understand the current events of our world today.

The BHC has a great partnership with ODU that allowed me to take engineering courses at ODU while I was completing my undergraduate studies at VWU. This was very helpful for me when I became a graduate student as I already knew the campus, system, expectations, etc.

One huge growth moment I had in my career was last December when I had the opportunity to represent my team at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC). This happens to be the largest modeling, simulation, and training event in the world. While there, I had the chance to meet the Secretary of the Navy as well as present to and speak with a four-star admiral of the United States Navy, a direct user of the tactical training programs I work on. It was no doubt nerve-racking, but incredibly rewarding. It was not only a chance for networking with experienced and distinguished leaders in the Navy, but a time to gain experience in presenting and fielding questions from direct stakeholders.

What I would say to any young scholar considering grad school is this: grad school is hard. It takes up a lot of your time, it’s expensive, it’s all you think about when you’re in it, it’s hard work, it’s a lot of work. However, you will learn more than you ever have in your life.

One of the great things about grad school is that you are focusing on the thing you want to study and learn. I loved every minute of every class I was in and have used so many of my skills from grad school in my career today. All that being said, my advice is that if you want to go to grad school just to get a higher degree or because you think it’s the natural next step, it may not be for you.

But if you truly love a topic or are passionate about a particular field of study, it’s absolutely for you. Be prepared to work hard but don’t forget to enjoy it and take in all the new thoughts, ideas, algorithms, facts, and studies it has for you!

EXCELSIS / 13

Congratulations

Class of 2025