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by Brenton Smith '07
After 26 years at Virginia Wesleyan, Associate Director of Development for Planned Giving, Jesse H. Fanshaw III, is retiring.
Fanshaw's years at Virginia Wesleyan began not as a staff member, but as a student. In 1972, he earned a bachelor's degree in history and political science as a member of the third graduating class at Virginia Wesleyan.
"Going to school here was different then," he said. "Classes started in 
September and you were still in your dorm room on Christmas writing your term papers."
Before coming to work for Virginia Wesleyan, Fanshaw had a job at the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce doing tourist promotions. On Dec. 1, 1978, he began working at the College as the director of alumni affairs. During his years at Virginia Wesleyan he also served as director of summer conferences, director of church and community relations and as director of the Elderhostel Program. He moved to the Advancement Office in 1994 at the beginning of the "Consider the Harvest" capital campaign. It was his involvement with summer programs, which were a source of income for the College, that led to his position as a fund-raiser.
"I was scared when I first started fundraising, but I ended up enjoying it much more than thought I would," he said.
Fanshaw has created many great opportunities for the College as a development officer.
"It is satisfying when I succeed because it opens up a lot of doors, such as scholarships," said Fanshaw. Such scholarships give many students struggling to afford college a chance at pursuing higher education.
Fanshaw will have plenty to keep him busy after retirement. His wife, Mary, got him a job working three days a week at Holloman-Brown Funeral Home. He will also be volunteering at his church. However, not all of his time will be spent working.
"I am looking forward to a slower pace," he said. "Retirement will give me a chance to do things that I haven’t had time for, such as visiting friends and family."
Fanshaw grew up locally in Norfolk, Va., where he attended Maury High School. He decided to stay in the area because this is where his family was.
"We put down our roots here and liked it."
His friendly and easygoing personality have made Fanshaw a well-liked member of the Virginia Wesleyan community.
"Jesse was a very kind, giving and gracious person. He does not have a mean bone in his body," said Ann Shappell '70, assistant to the director of the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom and former director of church relations, who has worked at the College with Fanshaw for 26 years. "He was very loyal to the school as an employee and a graduate."
When asked about his fondest memory of Virginia Wesleyan, Fanshaw simply replied, "It's a fond memory to have so many memories."