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Dear friends,

December provided a fitting close to an extraordinary year while setting the stage for an exciting chapter ahead as we prepare for our transition to Batten University on July 1, 2026.

We proudly celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2025 during Winter Commencement on December 13. We were honored to welcome Dr. L.D. Britt, a renowned surgeon and national leader in medical education, whose keynote remarks reflected the values of service, excellence, and impact that guide both our graduates and the University. His message resonated deeply as we look ahead to the integration of Sentara College of Health Sciences, and we were pleased to recognize his extraordinary contributions by conferring upon him the Doctor of Science, honoris causa.

We were also proud to confer the Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, upon Gilbert "Gil" Bland, President and CEO of the Urban League of Hampton Roads, and to recognize outstanding faculty members Victor Townsend, recipient of the Faculty Award for Distinguished Scholarship, and Denise Wilkinson, recipient of the Faculty Award for Campus Service.

Academic excellence remained on full display during the Fall Academic Symposium, which highlighted exceptional student scholarship and creativity across disciplines. Students presented original research, capstone projects, internships, and creative work that reflect the rigor and curiosity at the heart of a Virginia Wesleyan education. We were also pleased to announce a new partnership with the Western Atlantic University School of Medicine, expanding pathways for students pursuing careers in the health professions and reinforcing our commitment to innovation and student success.

December also brought a record-breaking Giving Tuesday, as alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends came together in extraordinary support of our students and the University's future. This collective generosity continues to strengthen the foundation upon which our next chapter will be built.

Throughout the season, campus traditions fostered joy and connection, from the Tree Lighting and Children's Brunch with Santa to a themed Late Night Breakfast and the Wesleyan Christmas Cabaret. My annual once again reflected the spirit of care, gratitude, and community that defines our campus.

As we step into 2026, we do so with confidence and optimism, guided by a shared commitment to our mission and an ambitious vision for the future. I am deeply grateful to the students, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, and friends whose dedication continues to move VWU forward.

I wish you and your families a healthy, joyful, and fulfilling year ahead.

Sincerely,

The fourth chapter of the 2025-2026 thought leadership series, Intentional Efforts in Belonging, is now available online. In "Building Campus Belonging at Moravian University," President Bryon L. Grigsby reflects on how, since becoming president in 2013, he has collaborated with campus leaders to cultivate pride and belonging by creating new traditions that strengthen community at one of the nation's oldest institutions.

The chapter highlights a range of Moravian University traditions and initiatives—from the live greyhound mascot and Dog Pack T-shirts to Mo Paws, the "Hound'Em" rally cry, dinners with the President, Heritage Day service projects, and short-term global travel programs—that collectively build school spirit, celebrate student achievement, and foster a deep sense of connection across campus.