From left: Kenneth R. Perry, Lambuth M. Clarke,
Aubrey E. (Gene) Loving, Jr., and Frank Batten.
Not pictured: Jerry G. Bray, Jr.
Virginia Wesleyan awarded its first honorary doctorates at its 33rd Commencement ceremony on May 18, 2002, and at a specially arranged ceremony afterward.
Frank Batten
Doctor of Humane Letters (honoris causa)
Frank Batten's professional and volunteer leadership abilities are hallmarks of his life of service to his community and beyond. Now retired as chairman of Landmark Communications, Inc. and TeleCable Corporation, a cable television enterprise, he remains active as chairman of Landmark's executive committee. Landmark launched its first national medium, The Weather Channel, in 1982. Today it reaches more than 70 million cable subscribers. Batten has served as vice chairman of the State Council of Higher Education, as a trustee of numerous colleges and foundations, The Chrysler Museum, and as president and campaign chairman of the United Way in Norfolk.
Jerry G. Bray, Jr.
Doctor of Laws (honoris causa)
Judge Jerry Bray was a charter member of Virginia Wesleyan College's Board of Trustees and served as chairman for 31 years. He was a driving force in the success of the College and a source of reason and stability during its developing years. In October 2000, the College's original academic village was named Bray Village in his honor. His retirement as chief judge of the Chesapeake Circuit Court in 1980 after 26 years on the bench allowed him to devote more time to his role at the College and his service to The United Methodist Church, where he is a nationally recognized layperson.
Lambuth M. Clarke
Doctor of Humane Letters (honoris causa)
Lambuth Clarke was named Virginia Wesleyan's president in 1966, the same year that the first 75 freshman arrived. His tenure at the College saw the physical plant expand; enrollment grow from 75 to 1440 students; the faculty and staff increase from 20 to more than 200; and a $500,000 endowment become $7.3 million. At his retirement in 1992, Clarke was honored with the establishment of the Lambuth M. Clarke Professorship in English and was named President Emeritus. In 1999, the College's newest academic building was named in his honor. For 26 years, this deeply faithful family man led Virginia Wesleyan with grace, wit, character and the power of personal persuasion.
Aubrey E. (Gene) Loving, Jr.
Doctor of Humane Letters (honoris causa)
Gene Loving's role as an on-air radio personality for much of his early career helped shape popular culture in Hampton Roads and throughout Virginia. He continues to have an impact through his successful management career in the media industry. Loving is chairman and chief executive officer of Max Media LLC, a Virginia Beach company which owns and operates alternative media and radio and television stations. He serves on the boards of Sentara Health Care and the Virginia Marine Science Museum and was chairman of the Virginia Beach Board of Monarch Bank from 1999-2001.
Kenneth R. Perry
Doctor of Laws (honoris causa)
Kenneth Perry came to Norfolk at the age of 17, enrolled in barber school, and opened his first barber shop eight years later. His foray into retailing began in 1953 with the purchase of the Ben Franklin in Norfolk which later became K&K Toys. The chain eventually grew to 136 stores in 19 states before the company was sold in 1991 to KayBee Toys. Perry served on the College's President's Advisory Council for 12 years prior to his election to the Board of Trustees. Perry has also served as a board member of the local Salvation Army, Sentara Hospitals, and as a past District Governor of the Lions Club.