January 2009
Happy New Year!
At Virginia Wesleyan College, we began the new year by opening our facilities to shelter and feed the homeless. So often that term, "the homeless" serves to dehumanize or stigmatize those of God's children who are less fortunate. Please read the following journal entries and witness how transformational an event like the Winter Homeless Shelter can be, not only in the lives of those who are served, but also in the lives of those who serve.
Day One
January 5, 2009
Our Winter Homeless Shelter began last evening, bringing 62 Guests to campus for a hot meal, warm place to sleep and fellowship. No one was disappointed. Sixty-three students and staff members volunteered, serving spaghetti generously supplied by members of our campus community and making new friends. Aside from a late-night appearance of a mouse in the locker room hallway and a few rousing games of basketball between Guests and Students earlier in the night, the evening was otherwise uneventful. One guest was taken by ambulance to the hospital in the morning for a recurring medical condition.
Remarks from the Volunteer Reflection Log:
"All of the positive energy is absolutely amazing and heartwarming. Can't wait until the next days."
"I noticed all of the guys were really friendly and everyone was helping each other out."
"Another fun first day of the shelter!!! Looking forward to more laughs and meeting new interesting people throughout the week!"
"Our late-arriving guest remarked that if the world had more helpful people like us it would be a better place. Nice to hear; nicer yet that he felt that good about being here!"
On behalf of the Shelter Management Team, Thank You to the many folks who donated food, clothing, hygiene items and cash to help make this week possible. Without our volunteers and your generous donations, this much needed and very humbling, transformational experience would not be possible.
Diane E. Hotaling
Director of Community Service
Day Two
January 6, 2009
Day Two of Shelter brought 70 guests for vegetable soup and ham sandwiches. Buses arrived late and the 64 volunteers showed great patience, flexibilty and a marvelous spirit while waiting for and then greeting our Guests. Basketball continues to be a favorite activity. We added the Wii tonight to the delight of some Guests--and Volunteers, especially the Overnighters! Some card games and conversations lasted past lights out. No mouse sightings!
A highlight of the evening was when a Guest recognized a volunteer from last year. He approached her and pulled from his wallet a tattered photograph of him, her and another student taken a year ago! One volunteer reflected on the encounter, "This is evidence that relationships and freindships have been made. Lives have been changed for our guests and our volunteers as participants in the VWC Winter Shelter." This Guest subsequently gave us a gift we'd like to share with you as evidence of the impact Shelter has on all involved. Enjoy!
An Institution of Love and Understanding
By Larry Maye-Moore
There is a place I know of that houses many people of various origins and of different heritages.
People from all over the country, as well as the world, come here to gather good knowledge.
They come with their many ideas eager to learn all there is to know.
In their minds are the seeds to which our future will enhance and grow.
How do they find the time to help those of us who are in need?
Not only are they willing to follow, they also are willing to lead.
It's such a joy and a blessing to be around such a wonderful group of men and women.
Being around them helps you forget about the situations you are in.
For most of them, their lives are just beginning to unfold.
But they all seem eager to learn what their future may hold.
Seeing these young, intelligent men and women, fills my heart with so much pride.
A successful future for these courageous individuals cannot be denied.
While the world is filled with so much hatred, negativity and drama,
we now look for a change, with strong leadership for our future with Obama.
I feel deep in my heart and soul that Virginia Wesleyan is truly the best.
The students young and old must continue on with their quest.
To be the best they can be will be a challenge for one and all.
Trust in God to be there for you and for your faculty whenever you call…
Stay tuned for more updates.
Diane E. Hotaling
Director of Community Service
Day Three
January 7, 2009
Eighty-two volunteers served a whopping 78 Guests at Shelter last night. Chef Leon and the Kitchen Crew under Cassie Allison's direction prepared chicken breasts, pasta and green beans and Jello for dessert. Several Guests were able to go to the Women's Basketball game with Buddies. Checkers, Chess, poker and Uno were among theactivities going on. Lots of individual conversations; sharing, listening. Here are some excerpts from the reflection journal from Day 2 and 3. Thanks for sharing in our experience this way.
Day 2
"Last night I had a chance to talk to a few of our guests. One of my favorite things was staffing the piano while an elderly gentleman played. He kept asking my to sing with him, but I couldn't think of what to choose. Today, I've been thinking about it, so I already have a song in mind for tomorrow!"
"As a VWC staff member, my most memorable impression has been the incredible enthusiasm of our students! I am proud to work alongside the best of Wesleyan."
"I met a woman who just got in contact with her daughter and got word that she has a two-day old grandchild! I felt happy for her and relieved that she was able to get that news." (A phone is provided for local calls.)
"Tonight was my first night working in the Shelter and I just cannot believe how fun it was; how these people have such good relations with each other is so nice; and how nice and thankful they are toward us was wonderful."
"Today was avery interesting expereince. I met several interesting and nice people. BB and Rose were wonderful to talk to. Rosegossiped about celebrities and BB told us about his future plans and daily routine. I can't wait to come back and meet more people."
"I enjoy doing hair. It makes me feel good to see someone else happy because they feel and look better."
"It was great to be able to serve behind the scenes, to know that i can do something without being recognized for it, it's very humbling."
"I enjoyed being able to work and interact with the people in the Homeless Shelter. I was able to get to know many of the people here and was able to see their different personalities despite their situation. I just wish we were able to do more with the people here, even when it's after hours because not everyone is ready to go to sleep."
Day 3
"All of the Guests have been an inspiration to me... They inspired me to continue to thank God for all the Blessings he has bestowed on me. Meeting these wonderful people keeps me motivated to want to do more in the future. I have made new friends, from the volunteers to the guests."
"It was my first night at the shelter and it was definately an experience. Met a 21-year-old trying to join the Merchant Marines when I was working the computer station. It has been a great experience and I can't wait for tomorrow."
And from one Guest...
"My goal as being homeless is to get my own place to live. I wish no one would ever be homeless. May God Bless those who have a roof over their heads."
This campus community has been more than generous with donations and supplies for Shelter, yet still,I get asked daily about what we need for Shelter. Now that I'm more awake, I'd like to convey some requests from our volunteers for items requested by Shelter Guests. (I neglected to do this in the earlier email.)
-Deodorant
-Travel-sized toothpaste
-Extra, Extra Large andTallmen's clothing, especially pants and NEW underwear
In addition, it was suggested by a volunteer that we have a Home Baked Desserts Night. So, we'll offer that on Friday. We invite you to contribute your favorite recipie.
Last, Shelter Management would like to acknowledge Ginger Ferris fortaking it on her own to personally launder some 70 shelter blankets so our guests would have fresh, clean bedding. Now that's going beyond generous, but is an example of what makes our Wesleyan community so very special.
Thank you for your generosity.
Thursday, January 7, 2009
Day Four
January 8, 2009
We're halfway through Shelter and very comfortable with each other. It is a challenge for Volunteers to say "no" to Guests who now feel they can push the rules. A lesson in life.One of many this week.
Last night we had 74 Guests and 78 Volunteers, which made for quality social time. Lots of returning participants, with a smattering of new faces. The donations of men's clothing was awelcomed addition. A heavy coat to a cold Guest broughtwarm smile. Hot dogs, chicken fingers, beans and greens were on the menu. Coffee flowed into the morning. Among the many activities, there was an impromptu sing along with Raymond at the piano, another rousing basketball game organized by Lonnie, checkers with Hustler James, and deep conversations all around.
Tonight we look forward to a Mexican meal followed by a visit from Mavel Velaco's Salsa class! Our Guest Alfredo, who lit up when one of our students who is fluent in Spanish sat down to converse with him, is very excited!
Reflections on Day 4
"Today was a great experience for me. Playing basketball with the group of guys made me feel myself instead of out of place. After basketball, I listened to "Ray Ray" play the piano and we all had a great time singing along."
"So I missed the season premiere of Desperate Housewives and all my shows... Met some great people and it was worth it! I met a guy from Columbia. He spoke Spanish to me... didn't understand a word though!"
"...I feel a little out of place when I give orders or restrict adults from going in certain areas because they are a lot older than me... well, most of them. Besides that feeling, the staying up all night was not problem because I am a night owl and l love staying up. So I would definatetly enjoy doing this again in the near future."
"So tonight I worked from 6 p.m. to the morning. It was definately an experience interacting with all theGuests throughout thenight. I amglad I had this experience, though I am slightly tired. Ha!"
Diane E. Hotaling
Director of Community Service
Virginia Wesleyan College
1584 Wesleyan Drive
Norfolk, VA 23502
757-455-3216 (office)
757-461-4946 (fax)
dhotaling@vwc.edu
2008 Volunteer Hampton Roads Achievement Award Winner
in the Community Group Category
Day Five
January 9, 2009
Last night, our campus hosted 88 guests - the most so far this week. It was also our very first theme night of any of our seasons of sheltering. After a dinner of quesadillas, re-fried beans, and corn, our 79 volunteers were joined by Mavel Velasco's dance class for a Latin Night of salsa dancing. Guests and volunteers alike learned some new dance moves while salsa-ing around the dance floor with our team of great instructors.
Many reflections were entered, especially by our overnights staffers, who stayed awake and interacted with our guests while playing Uno, checkers, and many games board games.
Reflections Day 5
"I knew working this shelter was going to be a great experience. Meeting all the different people and listening to their stories was interesting. It was a good time and the overnight shift was not as bad as I thought."
"This is my second year with the homeless shelter...It's nice to meet people and find out who they are. It makes it so much better knowing that I can help the people that I meet...Too often a place to sleep is taken for granted."
"This experience was an eye-opener. It was a very humbling experience."
"It was a very good experience. I learned that stereotypes are often misleading and very false."
"I really enjoyed myself during my overnight session. We played a lot of fun games. It was hard not to smoke a cigarette all night, but I made it okay."
"I thought that the homeless shelter was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever been a part of. It was touching to know that if even for one meal, one conversation, one sleeping mat, etc., we did something that made one out of the 365 days in the year really amazing for them. I can't wait for next year."
Peace.
--
Kathy Stolley, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Sociology
Coordinator, Women's & Gender Studies
Virginia Wesleyan College
1584 Wesleyan Drive
Norfolk, Virginia 23502
757.233.8768
kstolley@vwc.edu
Day Six
January 10, 2009
A much more manageable evening than yesterday. We had 62 Guests and 78 Volunteers for another incredible night of fellowship. We were overwhelmed with donated baked goods from every corner of campus. Yummo! After lights out, Guests could be seen stuffing serving gloves with treats before learning that we had To-Go Baggies! A volunteer played the piano while guests sang. Greyhounds Leeder and Wyatt, along with Yello Lab Ernest T, visited Shelter for a little pet therapy. (Thank You Lina and Bill Stolley.)
Recognizing that this amazing week is coming to an end, Guests requested photos with their favorite volunteers. (We'll distribute copies on Saturday.)
Reflections, Day Six "The Shelter is like family now. After being here all week everyone knows everyone and we are comfortable. I will miss them and always treasure this experience. I can't wait until next year!"
"Working tonight was a lot of fun because I had a lot of interaction with the guests. I learned a lot about some of the individuals' personalities and lifestyles. I was also surprised that many of the guests were close to my age and we had so many things in common."
This in response to posting Shelter Reflections on Laitynet, the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church listserv:
Thanks for the two postings about Shelter at VWC. I am pleased beyond words that my alma mater is taking up a significant bit of its Wesleyan heritage to be concerned for, and active among, the poor and those who are in need! The sons and daughters of privilege being exposed to the children of marginalization and poverty is a cruicial piece of education and formation of those who will be taking up the reins of responsibility and leadership in only a few minutes. It warms my heart (another of those pesky Wesleyan references) to know that the students are making friends among those who may never find their ways into such halls of academia.... and perhaps will never forget that "those people" have names and stories and hopes and fears, just like their own.
To who ever received, and then decided to act on, such an inspiration, WELL DONE! ...Thanks for making my day.
Grace and peace.
Jim Earley '77
--
Step Up!
Go Green!
Diane E. Hotaling
Director of Community Service
Virginia Wesleyan College
1584 Wesleyan Drive
Norfolk, VA 23502
757-455-3216 (office)
757-461-4946 (fax)
dhotaling@vwc.edu
Day Seven
January 11, 2009
The last night of Shelter is always bittersweet--for Guests and Volunteers. We've made friends and don't want our daily meetings to end: Volunteers hope to see their new friends again, but not in Shelter; Guests hope for better days, but want to come back next year. Se la vie!
Sixty-eight guests partook of a mish-mash meal from the week's leftovers, which was superbly seasoned by Chef Leon who had worked all week long with volunteers, led by our Shelter Food Manager Cassie Allison, to provide on-time, filling and tasty meals.
Seventy-two Volunteers in all talked, listened, played board games, cards and basketball, watched football and gathered items for the road in awesome sturdy bags donated by members of our campus community, while Pat, Evan and Guest George provided a musical background. Photographs from the week were distributed to delighted Guests and more requests for pictures were accommodated. The ever-popular Ice Cream Celebration and Baked Goods distribution concluded a highly successful week at Shelter.
Success at Shelter is defined by the absence of incidents, the quality of our new relationships, and the satisfaction of our Guests and Volunteers. With very few exceptions, students embraced this opportunity and our Guests felt it.
For example, upon hearing a Guest who is a certified welder talk about not being able to find a job, a Volunteer went to the job kiosk near the aquarium and searched for welding jobs. She printed out what she found and presented it to a VERY grateful and much less discouraged Guest.
Another volunteer was able to fit a Guest with a suit jacket so he could look presentable going to church. He was deeply touched.
A Guest was able to find a pair of reading glasses that opened a whole new world for him. Caught reading a magazine early the following morning, he excitedly remarked to a volunteer, "I want to read everything now!"
As he was leaving, one college-aged Guest pulled from his wallet a drawing a Volunteer had given him, featuring their favorite football team and inscribed with a sentiment that clearly meant a lot to him. He remarked that he had made friends with another Volunteer and vowed to keep in touch with him, hoping to get together for a game of basketball when things got better. He was hopeful about his future and thankful for encouragement from all the Volunteers.
A summary of the week will be provided later this week. Stay tuned. In the meantime, enjoy another gift from our Shelter Poet Laureate Larry Thomas Maye-Moore. It pretty well summarizes our time together.
We Are Gone But YOU Are not Forgotten
by Larry Thomas Maye-Moore
from the men and women young and old of the homeless shelters
From the very moment you step foot on this wonderful campus,
The students and faculty greet you with their warm embrace.
A true feeling of calmness and tranquility surrounds your soul,
With love that glows on everyone's beautiful face.
The wisdom and knowledge that we give and receive,
I would not trade not even for a priceless pearl.
The little time that you spend with us means so much,
And I wouldn't change none of it for the world.
Even when some of us were not at our best,
There was always a certain bond we could feel.
The one sure thing I can say from all of us,
No matter how you felt, you kept it real.
We laughed together when times were going good,
And cried together when times got stormy and rough.
You lent a shoulder to lean on,
Especially when life seemed unbearable and tough.
I can only imagine the thoughts going through your heads,
About how so many got into the situation that they're in.
But it's not about how you arrive in these situations,
It's about getting out of it and bringing along a friend.
It's an experience that no one should have to go through,
But it is a lesson that we all should remember and learn.
God is only taking us on a special journey,
So for God's sake, make it everyone's concern...
--Step Up!
Go Green!
Diane E. Hotaling
Director of Community Service
Virginia Wesleyan College
1584 Wesleyan Drive
Norfolk, VA 23502
757-455-3216 (office)
757-461-4946 (fax)
dhotaling@vwc.edu
2008 Volunteer Hampton Roads Achievement Award Winner
September 2008
A message from the Office of Church Relations
As we welcome the Class of 2012 to Virginia Wesleyan College, it is a good time to introduce myself. I am Pat Gainer, Director of Church Relations and Stewardship at Virginia Wesleyan College. I am an alumnus who graduated in 2005. My job (I prefer to call it a ministry) is to maintain and strengthen the bond between Virginia Wesleyan College and the United Methodist Church that has been in place since the inception of the College in 1961. To accomplish this, I serve as an advocate for the College as well as for the Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
While I have a genuine concern for all of Virginia Wesleyan’s students, the primary focus of my work is on recruitment and retention of United Methodist students. If you are a student affiliated with the United Methodist Church*, please feel free to contact me at any time at 757.455.3287 or at pgainer@vwc.edu. I am happy to assist with United Methodist scholarships, finding a local church, introductions to Spiritual Life Communities on campus and any other issues that you may have. I am also happy just to sit and chat about music, art, history, philosophy, religion…and other topics of interest to you.
My door is always open. Please feel free to visit me in my office , Godwin Hall Room 206.
* Membership in a particular denomination or congregation is not necessary, although access to some scholarship funds may require membership.
July 2008
Student Receives Prestigious National Undergraduate Fellowship
Kori Robins
Virginia Wesleyan College student Kori Robins '09 from Chesapeake, Va., is the recipient of a 2008 Theological Education Undergraduate Fellowship (FTE).
As an FTE Undergraduate Fellow, Robins will receive $2,000 for tuition, other educational expenses or a self-designed experience related to the exploration of ministry. She also attended the 2008 FTE Conference on Excellence in Ministry June 11-15 at Emory University's Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Ga.
FTE Undergraduate Fellows are selected competitively from a pool of applicants from across the U.S. and Canada. They must be nominated by a professor, school administrator, pastor or campus minister; hold a minimum 3.0 grade point average; have an interest in exploring ministry as a vocation; and demonstrate leadership in a church or school community. The 2008 FTE Undergraduate Fellows were chosen by a national committee of theological educators and church leaders.
"Not only did the FTE provide me with an incredible financial gift, they also afforded me the opportunity to attend a conference in Atlanta with other fellows from around the country," said Robins. "Having the opportunity to worship and network with such passionate and amazing students is what makes FTE so special and successful, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be honored along with such incredible and inspiring young people."
A double major in religious studies and history, Robins was a 2007 VWC summer research grant recipient. In the summer of 2007, she spent a month studying Buddhism in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, at the Fo Guang Shan Monastery through the Woodenfish Program. The purpose of her journey was for an independent undergraduate research project titled, "Lifestyle of Chinese Buddhist Monastics." From her experience, she is now in the process of writing an introductory book on Buddhism with the help of her faculty adviser, Dr. Craig Wansink, Batten Professor of Religious Studies.
>> Read more about Robins' experience in Taiwan
Wansink, who nominated Robins for the fellowship award said, "Kori could eventually be a professor, a community organizer, a pastor, or – more likely — some combination of all three. She already has had particularly distinctive academic experiences with study
abroad, with independent studies and with community organization. I nominated her because this fellowship seemed like a good opportunity for her to explore – in more concrete ways – how parish ministry might shape her vocational interests."
The Fund for Theological Education is a leading ecumenical advocate for excellence and diversity in Christian ministry and theological scholarship. It supports the next generation of leaders among pastors and scholars, annually providing $1.5 million in fellowships and support to gifted young people from all denominations and racial/ethnic backgrounds. Since 1954, FTE has awarded nearly 6,000 fellowships in partnership with those committed to the future of quality leadership for the church.
June 2008
For his outstanding contribution to education, the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church bestowed upon Robert Friend Boyd the John Wesley award and medallion for his service.
By Megan Z. Shearin '06
Robert Friend Boyd and his wife, Sara.
It's been 43 years since Robert Friend Boyd, emeritus trustee member of Virginia Wesleyan's Board of Trustees, parked his station wagon in a cornfield for the groundbreaking ceremony of Virginia Wesleyan College on July 18, 1965.
In May, after years of dedication to the College, he received the John Wesley Distinguished Education Award, which recognizes a United Methodist who has made a distinguished contribution to higher education in the Virginia Methodist Conference.
Mr. Boyd's roots to the College start at the very beginning, when Virginia Wesleyan was just in the conceptual stages of being built. He is the only founder of the College still alive today and his memories of watching the College grow over the past four decades have not faded a bit.
In a candid one-on-one interview conducted in January 2008, Mr. Boyd, who has served longer than anyone else as a trustee, officer and member of the executive committee, and has chaired more committees than any other individual, spoke with me about his time and love for Virginia Wesleyan.
Both he and his wife, Sara, are devoted United Methodists and have experienced the years of ups and downs in establishing a college. From traveling to Europe to create the John Wesley statue and deciding the tiniest details down to the buttons on the coat, to a humorous incident that he remembers being stopped with the statue at the Newark Airport for suspicion of smuggling drugs into the United States in the statue, the duo have witnessed heartbreaking moments and made lasting friendships. Throughout all the years, throughout all the changes, Mr. Boyd's love and devotion for Virginia Wesleyan remains a part of him…and a part of the Boyd family.
Q: I hear that your wife, Sara, and you backed your station wagon into the cornfield of what is now Virginia Wesleyan to prepare a space for the groundbreaking. What was this like?
A: To get to the field for the groundbreaking, everybody had to go down a dirt road off of Wesleyan Drive. It had been raining and it was muddy so I went into town and got stacks of hay to put over the mud holes. This had to be done to physically get to the dedication of the groundbreaking.
Q: Who else was involved in the creation of Virginia Wesleyan?
A: The Methodist Church, which has sponsored 122 colleges and universities in the United States. They were persuaded by the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce that this area would be a great location to have what would be the only four-year, private co-ed college in the Eastern part of Virginia. It sort of came together and was a combination of a lot of efforts, but without the Church, it would not have happened.
Q: Why did these people come together? What was the cause?
A: These people came together and were selected by the Leadership of the Methodist Church when Virginia Wesleyan was chartered in 1961. These people were Norfolk's most prominent citizens, leaders of the Norfolk area – and a majority of them were Methodists.
Q: Who has had the most profound impact on the history of the College?
A: I would say two people: Judge Jerry G. Bray, Jr., and President Lambuth M. Clarke. Through all the years, Jerry gave the leadership and direction on almost every detail. He and I, as principal officers of the Board, served together for the time the College was founded until right before the time he died. Lambuth became the body and the spirit of the College itself, including the faculty and the student body. He inspired warm and caring relations with the faculty, staff, students and the board.
Q: It is my understanding that you served on the Executive Committee that selected the school colors and mascot. How were these decisions made? What influenced these decisions?
A: For the school colors, we took a whole series of ribbons and laid them across a desk and asked: What colors did other schools already have? The team name was little harder – everybody had an idea because of the location near the Atlantic [Ocean]. Somebody said Marlin….a fish… that would be just right. And we decided, let's make the colors match the fish. Of course, we had to check with all the other colleges around to make sure nobody else had them.
Incidentally, in 1974, I was fishing in Kona, Hawaii, and I caught a Marlin. I had the Marlin mounted in Florida and shipped to Virginia Wesleyan. The fish hung in Village I, and then it ended up on the wall in the Athletic Director's office.
Q: What challenges did the founders face? How did they overcome these challenges?
A: The Methodist Church agreed to give us $1,750,000.00 (a lot of money in those days) to start the college if we would match it. The first challenge was raising the money – getting people to donate money to a college that wasn't even built. The second was deciding what kind of college to build. We wanted a design that you would be no more than five minutes from one side of the campus to the other. So we selected the architectural firm of Shriver & Holland to develop the initial buildings, roads, etc., then a master plan for the future growth of the College. Getting started and all the things you do in getting started, is a challenge because every single detail such as establishment of the physical facilities and buildings, selection of the officers, staff, faculty and the curriculum had to be selected or decided.
» View an enlarged photo of the first Board of
Trustees meeting in 1961.
Q: Tell me about some of the memories you have of the College.
A: I have lots of memories. I'll never forget the first board meeting held at Admiralty Hotel next to Janaf on Military Highway (no longer in existence), the closest place to meet near the future campus. That was the first meeting of the Board of Trustees and Bishop Garber (Acting Chairman) handed me a note, which I still have today, and asked me to be acting secretary of the meeting and I continued as an officer for the next 40 years. I was 33 years old, and I don't believe anyone else was within 25 years of my age.
Q: Tell me about the John Wesley statue. Who made it, how were you involved?
A: We searched all over the world for a statue of John Wesley and there was none, except in London at the entrance to the world Methodist Center, across the street from Westminster. We tried to make a copy of the statue, but the only copy they ever allowed was in St. Paul's Courtyard. Sara and I found at Wesley Chapel in London that a British artist had done a bust of John Wesley's head which was on display. We contacted her and asked her to make a life-size statue for us. We traveled to London several times during the process and then they did a maquette (a half size model) which is done to look at before the final statue is designed and cast in bronze.
The John Wesley Statue
Q: I was told a story that customs stopped the delivery of the John Wesley statue. Can you tell me this story?
A: [Laughter] Mr. Martin Ludlow, head of the British Publishing House, carried the maquette statue from London to the United States, via air carrier. We got a call saying we needed to go to Newark Airport, where we were met by the police. We were interrogated and found out that Mr. Ludlow had been arrested. The police thought we were smuggling drugs in the United States in the statue. They wanted to open the box and break the statue to see if there were drugs inside. Here I am explaining the situation to the Chief of Police. Ultimately, I got Mr. Ludlow released and the package. We put it on a plane and brought it to Norfolk.
Q: What influenced you to give to the College a statue of John Wesley?
A: John Wesley is who the school is named for. He is the founder of Methodism. It would be very appropriate to have him located on the campus.
Q: How do you feel about being involved in the first idea of creating Virginia Wesleyan College?
A: It's a wonderful thing to be able to start an educational institution, and especially one related to the Church. Obviously I have pride in the accomplishment. I was enthused about the impact it would have on young people, and I am grateful to have worked with so many people to see its success.
It was sort of, in a lot of ways, a team effort of my wife and me. She was beside me and with me all the way. It also was a lot of fun for us.
Q:You've given to the College in so many ways. You handled public relations for the College in the early years, made a gift of the Boyd Dining Center, erected the statue of John Wesley, and much more. Why did you give to the College? What was, and is it, that keeps both Sara and you committed to Virginia Wesleyan?
A: Virginia Wesleyan is a Methodist school and we were both raised with very strong religious convictions about our lives. To see a church-related school have such great influences, we wanted to do everything we could to make it successful. That's why the College has been special to us… it's been a real part of us.
May 2008
College Chaplain receives National Francis Asbury United Methodist Award 
Rev. David Balcom and Rev. Ray Edmonds present "Chappy" the Francis Asbury Award
The Rev. Robert “Chappy” Chapman ’79 is recognized for fostering United Methodist Ministries in Higher Education.
Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Va. – Virginia Wesleyan College’s Chaplain Rev. Robert “Chappy” Chapman ’79 is the recipient of the Francis Asbury Award for Fostering United Methodist Ministries in Higher Education. Chapman was presented with the national award at a luncheon on Friday, May 2.
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministries annually presents the award to a United Methodist individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to fostering the church’s ministries in higher education at the local, district, annual or general conference level of the church. The award was presented to Chapman by the Reverend David A. Balcom and by the Rev. Raymond H. Edmonds, director of Higher Education and Campus Ministries of the Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
During the presentation, Balcom said “in all the areas of the award, Robert Chapman has demonstrated that he not only meets, but exceeds the qualifications.”
“I accept this award with great appreciation and honor,” said Chapman. “I receive this award on behalf of Virginia Wesleyan College and the honor and privilege it has been to serve as Chaplain of this College.”
The Reverend Robert M. Chapman, known on Virginia Wesleyan’s campus as “Chappy,” has been with the College since 1997. He is a 1979 alumnus and majored in communications. As part of his academic studies, he completed his internship at Haycox Photoramic in Norfolk, Va., where he worked for several years in commercial photography, film, editing and sound recording. Chapman attended graduate school at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. After graduation, he became a counselor/chaplain in the hospital residency program at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, Va. At Virginia Wesleyan, Chapman provides personal and spiritual support for students, faculty and staff through spiritual direction, religious services, pastoral care and counseling. Blending his work as chaplain with his love for photography, black and white photos on his office walls portray Virginia Wesleyan students, faculty and staff and demonstrate his ability to capture the spirit of the campus. In addition, many of his photographs have been published in several campus publications.
In nominating Chapman for the award, Virginia Wesleyan President Dr. William T. “Billy” Greer stated that during difficult times, Chappy has ministered through his uniquely comforting presence and by “quiet and inviting forms of outreach … models for our campus and ministry of human welcome, nurture and transformation.”
April 2008
Chapel Modernization and Expansion Project
On September 14, 2006, Virginia Wesleyan College announced the public phase of its Key to the Future Campaign. Among the goals of the $65 million campaign is a project to expand and renovate the College's Monumental Chapel. Dedicated in 1975, the Chapel was built using funds largely provided by generous gifts from Monumental United Methodist Church in Portsmouth, VA, which were matched by a grant from the Beazley Foundation, also of Portsmouth.
For many years, the Chapel served as a multi-purpose facility. It was used as a theater, book store, storage area, and classroom when not in use as a place of worship. Today, thanks to the addition of many buildings on campus, there is no longer a need for the Chapel to serve in so many capacities. Additionally, 33 years have taken their toll on the heating and air conditioning system as well as the roof and window systems. Despite continual and careful maintenance, these systems have reached a point where they need to be replaced.
While restoration of the building to its original condition would assure continued functionality, in order to become a dedicated place of worship there are many aesthetic considerations that must be addressed. At best, the existing structure is austere and uninviting. The vision for a newly renovated Monumental Chapel is to create a warm and inviting place where students, faculty and staff of the College can come and spend time in spiritual reflection. It will be a beautiful setting for campus worship services, baccalaureate celebrations, weddings and other spiritual events. The newly renovated Chapel will serve as a fitting testament to Virginia Wesleyan’s rich United Methodist heritage, while serving the spiritual needs of those of other Christian denominations and faith traditions. To see an overview of the Chapel Modernization and Expansion project, click on the “Project Overview” link. This will open an Adobe .pdf file.
How can I help?
The current estimated cost of the Chapel Modernization and Expansion stands at $650,000. If you or your church, Sunday school, Bible Study Class, Men’s or Women’s group would like to contribute to this extremely worthy project, click on the “Make a Chapel gift or pledge ” link on the right side bar.