Â鶹´«Ã½rtb

Dear friends,

October brought a vibrant flurry of activity to campus as Marlins gathered to reconnect, celebrate accomplishments, and prepare for the exciting months ahead. From spirited Homecoming traditions to meaningful opportunities for engagement and growth, the energy across our community continues to build as we move toward our historic transition to Batten University on July 1, 2026.

Homecoming and Family Weekend welcomed alumni, students, families, and friends back to campus for athletic competitions, reunions, theatre performances, and our annual FinFest picnic. The weekend also featured the induction of four outstanding alumni athletes and a generous benefactor into the Â鶹´«Ã½rtb Athletic Hall of Fame. This event recognized those whose achievements and service continue to elevate the Marlin legacy.

Sustainability remains central to our institutional identity, and we are proud that Â鶹´«Ã½rtb is once again included in The Princeton Review's Guide to Green Colleges for 2026. The recognition reflects our ongoing stewardship of campus resources and our dedication to environmentally responsible policies, programs, and education.

We also celebrate student leadership in advancing these values. Thanks to the initiative of graduate student Sarah Sterzing '25, the traveling recycled-materials LOVE sculpture is now on display in the Greer Environmental Sciences Center. This artistic installation serves as a reminder of the important choices we make each day to protect our shared environment.

Looking ahead, we are pleased to welcome Jody M. Wagner, VWU trustee, entrepreneur, and former Virginia Secretary of Finance, as keynote speaker for the fall Marlin Business Conference, November 17–20. This student-led event continues to exemplify the power of experiential learning and the distinctive advantages of a liberal arts education grounded in purpose.

We are delighted to share that the Rev. Brian Boettcher '12 will serve as speaker for our 2026 Baccalaureate service. His ministry, leadership, and connection to Virginia Wesleyan represent the heart of our mission. We also celebrate Associate Professor of Education and Director of Education Programs Clair Berube '83 on the release of the second edition of her influential book STEM and the City, exploring STEM education in America's urban schools.

As autumn unfolds across campus, we are reminded that every season brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and inspire. I am deeply grateful for your continued engagement and support as we honor our proud history and embrace a bold and transformative future.

Sincerely,

The third chapter of the 2025-2026 thought leadership series, Intentional Efforts in Belonging, is now available online. In "The Students See Everything," St. Thomas University President David A. Armstrong, J.D., reflects on how authentic leadership is defined not only by speeches or ceremonies, but by everyday actions visible to students.

He shares how university presidents can model presence and care by walking around campus, eating in the dining hall, attending games, helping on Move-In Day, and even serving meals during finals week.

Armstrong emphasizes that presidents cannot afford to lead from a distance; they must be human, vulnerable, accessible, and lead by example. Because, as he writes, "the students see everything."