Spirit Squad
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by Megan Zirkle '06
"Peaceful" is how senior Laura Dudley describes Virginia Wesleyan's Chaplain, Robert Chapman.
Known to the Wesleyan community simply as Chappy, his "peaceful" attitude and presence are appreciated by all who participate in the variety of spiritual life activities he offers to the students, faculty and staff of the College.
That presence is just one of the services he brings.
Providing pastoral care is one of his many responsibilities, which he describes as "being a listener, a mentor, a counselor and an advocate." Additionally, Chappy has created and defined the terminology "unconditional positive regard," meaning "anybody who comes into my office will be received with welcome and grace unconditionally."
In his office, students find coffee, hot chocolate and hot tea -– a way for him to provide hospitality to those who enter his domain.
"Having Chappy's office with his open windows and being located on such a predominant place on campus offers a place of refuge for students from the stress of classes and other activities on campus," said Dudley.
Junior George Scott describes Chappy's office as "a safe haven for students – one of the few places on campus where students can drink coffee and relax."
Coordinating spiritual life activities on campus is another aspect of Chappy's job that he offers to everyone, regardless of their spiritual heritage or religious affiliation.
Dudley describes Chappy's attitude toward spiritual activities as "graceful," and adds, "He gives us the opportunity to openly express ourselves and does not judge us by our personal beliefs. He is open to different opinions."
Spirit 400 is a campus ecumenical worship geared toward students that is offered every Sunday during academic session at 4 p.m. in the Hospitality Suite of the Batten Center.
Growing up in a traditional Baptist church, freshman William Willard enjoys the "contemporary" worship service. "We praise God, read scripture and sing hymns – I love it," said Willard adding, "The service is a combination of students from all Christian dominations."
For Dudley, the presence of a chapel, chaplain and worship service “makes students feel comforted knowing that spiritual life is there regardless of the absence that some feel during the college years.”
"Push It!" is a unique bible study held weekly which offers students the chance to discuss scripture and current issues related to faith. Additionally, Chappy is the adviser for the focus group "Holy Fire," a student-led fellowship that meets weekly inside the Batten Center.
"My favorite spiritual activity is Holy Fire," said Scott, "because it's more on a personal level with students. You have the opportunity to meet and get to know other Christians on campus."
Famous for his black and white photographs of students that are displayed inside and outside his office, Chappy has also created a photography club named "Sacred Shooters" that is open to all students.
"The photography club is a way to look at photography as an art form in relation to faith," said Chappy. "There's something very sacred in capturing a moment in a person's life and rejoicing in the moment."
From bible study to weekly worship, all students are invited and welcomed at any spiritual event.
"Our services are free and aimed at being here as a familiar ingredient for students — a connection from home to campus," said Chappy.
In addition, Chappy presents two spiritual life retreats each year for students who enjoy nature and want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
For Dudley, the spiritual retreat to Holy Cross Abbey was one of the highlights of the fall 2005 semester.
"The retreat was in a great setting in the mountains – very peaceful," said Dudley. "The services offered were very serene and gave time for thought and reflection."
Although Virginia Wesleyan is a small campus with roughly 1,200 students, Dudley feels that "the lives of the small number of students who are actively involved with the spiritual activities are definitely touched by those activities offered."
Chappy is also a resource for students for those students contemplating careers in ministry, youth ministry or weighing the option of seminary.
Although he has many responsibilities, Chappy doesn't lose sight as to how he can help students engage in their spirituality. He has been pleased with the student involvement in various spiritual activities and hopes to continue the success and do even more for the students of Virginia Wesleyan.
Currently, he is working with Residence Life on the possibility of adding a Wellness Hall as an option for on-campus housing.
"The idea of the Wellness Hall is to have a residence hall with the focus of living in a community related to spirituality," said Chappy.
Although no decision has been made regarding the hall, students can still expect to see Chappy out in the spring, strolling around campus with his cantina, offering fresh-squeezed lemonade.
To him, offering students free lemonade represents the "things like God’s love in life that are still free."