VWC E-news August 2008
E-News
Featured at VWC | News and Events | Bits and Blurbs | Sports Briefs | Alumni News and Events
Featured at VWC
Batten Scholar Award

Batten Professor of Biology Dr. Maynard Schaus recognized for his work in the field of biology.
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Gray Teaching Award

For the third time in 20 years, Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies Dr. Doug Kennedy is honored.
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The Arts
The Arts at Virginia Wesleyan

The Music, Art and Theatre Departments at the College offer an extraordinary array of events throughout the academic year.
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News and Events

Summer Internship in Japan
Christina Smith from Stafford, Va., completes internship with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service in Okinawa, Japan.
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Hearing in Marine Sea Turtles
Student and professor conduct sea turtle hearing research in Galveston, Texas.
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Trinidad: A Holistic Opportunity
Students explore a new culture, travel abroad, conduct research and receive course credit.
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Professor participates in Faculty Exchange Program in Mexico
Professor of Management, Business and Economics Dr. Ehsan Salek spent two weeks teaching in Puebla, Mexico.
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Virginia Wesleyan named a "Best in the Southeast" College by the Princeton Review for 2009
The College was one of 139 institutions designated from twelve states.
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Bits and Blurbs

There's Still Time to Apply!
The Admissions Office continues to work with students interested in enrolling at Virginia Wesleyan for fall 2008. Freshmen orientation will take place from August 20 through August 23 and classes begin on August 25.  Transfer orientation will be held on August 22.  To learn more about enrollment opportunities, contact the Admissions Office at 800.737.8684, 757.455.3208 or admissions@vwc.edu.

Students present to Virginia Beach City Council
Shelby Dorsey '09 and Jessica Moehring '09 who attended Magna Carta Conference in England this summer, presented their experiences at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12. Read More

Annual Fund Achieves Goal of $1.4 million
Thanks to the 2,037 alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff, churches, corporations and foundations that supported the Annual Fund for Academic Excellence during the 2007-08 year. The goal of $1,406,016 was achieved for the fifth consecutive year. Gifts to the Annual Fund support scholarships, library resources, undergraduate research, faculty recruitment and retention and critical needs as they arise on campus. View the honor roll of donors or make a gift to support the 2008-09 Annual Fund.

Going to College with the Adult Studies Program
Are you an adult looking for a career change, or do you know someone who is? Take the time to visit Virginia Wesleyan at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4 in Clarke Hall for an informational session specifically for adults. This session will cover topics such as degree programs offered, tips for success, support available for non-traditional students, credit transfers, guaranteed admission for Virginia community college students, employer tuition deferral programs, financial aid options and how to enroll. Advisers will be available to answer questions and set up appointments. For more information, call 757.455.3263, e-mail asp@vwc.edu or visit www.vwc.edu/asp.

Sport Briefs
Marlin
  • High honors across the board in 2008: Brandon Massie (men's soccer) was named Virginia Player of the Year and Rebecca Leedom (Volleyball) was named Virginia Rookie of the year. 55 athletes were named to All-ODAC teams.
  • Fall sports kick off soon! Check out the schedules:
  • Cross Country
  • Field Hockey
  • Men's Soccer
  • Women's Soccer
  • Volleyball
  • Last call for nominations! The Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is accepting nominations for the inaugural class through August 31, 2008. Make a nomination online.
Alumni News and Events
Featured Alumna
Barbara Sessoms '82

Barbara Sessoms '82

Barbara Sessoms '82 has been an educator with Virginia Beach Public Schools for 26 years. She currently serves as Principal at Cooke Elementary School and previously was principal at four other Virginia Beach elementary schools. Barbara received her Masters in Education Administration from Old Dominion University and her Education Specialist degree from George Washington University.

Barbara's dedication to her students has caused her to participate in some interesting events. While principal of Glenwood Elementary, Barbara was asked to fly out and land on the USS Harry S. Truman for a visit with parents of some of her students. When she was at Birdneck Elementary, she made a bet with the students that she would jump out of a plane if PTA membership reached 100%. She lost the bet and had to jump. Barbara added that she is afraid of heights and doesn't enjoy flying. 

She is active with the Boardwalk Art Show, fundraising for the Contemporary Art Center and is working in her brother, Will Sessoms', campaign for Mayor of Virginia Beach.

Alumni News

Have you been caught in FishNet yet?
Virginia Wesleyan alumni can now keep in touch for FREE! FishNet is an online community where alumni can search for old friends, post alumni announcements such as marriages, births and employment updates, upload resumes and view photographs - all from the convenience of their personal computers. So don't delay - register and reconnect with someone today!

Use GoodSearch.com to find what you need
Don't Google it, don't even use Wikipedia - GoodSeach it! Need to find something on the web? Visit GoodSearch.com and raise funds for the Alumni Association while you're at it. GoodSearch.com is a new Yahoo!-powered search engine that donates half of its advertising revenue, to the charities its users designate. Use it just as you would any search engine. And be sure to enter "Virginia Wesleyan College Alumni Association" as the charity you want to support.

The Alumni Association needs you!
We are looking for dynamic alumni to join the Alumni Association volunteers.  Our volunteers are an essential part of the Marlin community. From helping with admissions and freshmen move-in to serving on a committee and working at homecoming - they do it all! Be a part of the fun, hardworking group by filling out a volunteer form and sending it to: The Office of Alumni Relations, Virginia Wesleyan College, 1584 Wesleyan Drive, Norfolk, Virginia 23502-5599. 

Alumni Events

Wesleyan Wednesday is here!
Join us on August 13 for food, music and fun from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center. Admission is free and includes a free drink coupon and hors d'ouevres! Don't miss out and register today! For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 757.455.3298. Sponsored by the VWC Alumni Association.

Women's Soccer Alumni Game
The Virginia Wesleyan women's soccer team will be hosting an alumni game Saturday, Aug. 23 at 6 p.m. on Foster Field. This game is open to former members of the women's soccer team.  Interested participants should contact Julia Green at NYCjulia@yahoo.com.

2008 Homecoming & Family Weekend AND Reunion
Join Virginia Wesleyan students, alumni, parents, faculty and friends on Oct. 3-5 and experience a weekend full of great activities. From the alumni tailgate to athletic events - there is something for everyone. The Classes of '98 and '83 will be celebrating their reunions on Saturday, Oct 4. The Class of 1998 will celebrate its 10-year reunion at the alumni tailgate under the main tent, and the Class of 1983 will mingle and catch up with fellow classmates that evening. Watch your mailboxes and e-mail accounts for more details. For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 757.455.3298.

Class Notes
Thomas Whitten (1991) and Rachel Whitten are proud to announce the birth of a baby girl, Grace Olivia. She was born on July 25, 2008 in The Woodlands, Tx, and weighed 7 lb., 2 oz. Big sister Naomi could not be more excited about the new addition.

Kathleen (Riley) Damm (1993) recently accepted a position at Winfree Business Growth Advisors located in Norfolk, Va., as Associate Coach. Kathleen recently was employed at Sterling Ideas, Ltd. as President.

Miracle King (2001) writes, "Miracle has become an AFAA Certified Primary Group Fitness Instructor and has begun work as an aerobic fitness coach. Miracle works with clients either one-on-one or in a group setting."

Ada (Johnson) Gregory (2003) writes, "Ada Michele Gregory '02 just started her own business. CreativeControlStudio.net is an online resource for professionals and non-professionals who are seeking an experienced artist specializing in photography post production Photoshop work. The studio also serves as a world-wide venue for exhibiting original artwork by Ada Michele Gregory (all work available for purchase). Please visit us online today!"

Linda De Rosa (2004) was recently promoted to Design Editor at The Northern Virginia Daily located in Strasburg, Va. "As the newly appointed design editor, I now manage the design staff of a daily newspaper in the Shenandoah Valley. I am also responsible for a redesign to be launched March 2009 and other changes to follow. I continue to design pages on a daily basis and am tasked with training new employees to our style and content structure."

» More class notes

Upcoming Events

Monday, Aug. 25
Fall 2008 Semester Begins

Thursday, Sept. 4
6 p.m.

Going to College with the Adult Studies Program

Thursday, Sept. 11
11 a.m.

A Time to Remember: 9/11 Memorial Service


Friday, Sept. 12

7:30 p.m.
VWC Concert Series:

Carol Thomas Downing and Sporting Molly

See entire events calendar

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Virginia Wesleyan College, 1584 Wesleyan Drive, Norfolk, VA 23502
Phone 757.455.3200 | Admissions 800.737.8684
Web site www.vwc.edu