Campus Events

All Month Long: The Her-Story Wall
Located outside Campus Life throughout March, the Her-Story Wall highlights inspirational women from a variety of industries and backgrounds. Students are encouraged to pause, reflect, and discover the stories of trailblazers who have shaped our world—and continue to do so.

Paint and Sip
March 2 | 5 p.m. | Harbor Grill
Sponsored by Off the Hook and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Women’s History Month kicks off with creativity and community at Paint and Sip. Hosted by Off the Hook and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., this lively gathering invites students to relax, connect, and express themselves artistically while celebrating the contributions of women everywhere.

Carrying Freedom: The Hidden History of the Purse in America
March 5 | 12 p.m. | Brock Commons
Sponsored by The Robert Nusbaum Center

Historian Dr. Kathleen Casey, Director of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Furman University, presents a fascinating lecture exploring the purse as more than an accessory. In Carrying Freedom, Casey examines how purses served as portable private spaces—holding tools of resistance, survival, and autonomy during the civil rights and gay liberation movements. This thought-provoking discussion sheds light on overlooked dimensions of women’s history and agency.

Thank a Woman: Letter Writing Event
March 9 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Outside Boyd Dining Hall / Student Engagement Office

Gratitude takes center stage at this reflective event. Students are invited to write heartfelt letters to women who have made a lasting impact on their lives—whether a mentor, mother, sister, professor, coach, or friend. All materials will be provided, offering a simple but powerful opportunity to honor the women who have shaped personal journeys and inspired growth.

Democracy in Dialogue: Tamara Keith
March 10 | 6 p.m. | Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center
Reception at 6 p.m. | Address at 7 p.m. | Registration Required

As part of Women’s History Month, the World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads launches its new Democracy Series with an inaugural program featuring Tamara Keith, NPR’s senior White House correspondent. Hosted at the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, this timely conversation will advance informed civic dialogue and global engagement. A reception begins the evening, followed by Keith’s address—an opportunity for students and community members to hear directly from one of the nation’s leading political journalists.

Zumba with Charlotte Reese
March 11 | 4:30 p.m. | Dance Studio
Sponsored by Off the Hook

Get moving with an energetic Zumba class led by instructor Charlotte Reese. This high-energy session promises fun, fitness, and community spirit—plus prizes for participants. It’s a vibrant reminder that celebrating women includes honoring strength in all its forms.

Women Supporting Women
March 27 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Outside by the Big Blue Chair (weather permitting)

This impactful event centers on advocacy, awareness, and empowerment. Through mental health and safety resources, consent education, and conversations aimed at ending gender-based violence, Women Supporting Women underscores the power of collective action. Representatives from the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health and Girls on the Run will be present to connect with students and facilitate engaging activities.

Women’s Flag Football vs. Hollins University
March 28 | 4 p.m. | John A. Trinder Center

Close out the month by cheering on VWU’s Women’s Flag Football team as they face Hollins University in one of their first home games of their inaugural season. Spirit gear and student giveaways will be available—making it the perfect opportunity to show Marlin pride and celebrate women breaking new ground in athletics.

From honoring history to shaping the future, Women’s History Month at VWU reflects the University’s commitment to leadership, scholarship, service, and community. Mark your calendars, Marlins—and join in celebrating the voices, vision, and vitality of women all month long.

When conversations about endangered and extinct languages begin, they often center on preservation and loss. But SHIFT: Endangered & Extinct Languages, an exhibit in the Perrel Gallery at Norfolk Academy, invites viewers to consider language in motion—how it evolves, dissolves, resurfaces, and shapes identity. On display are the works of Virginia Wesleyan University Professors of Art Derek Eley and John Rudel, whose distinct artistic approaches examine language not only as communication, but as culture, memory, and self-definition. The exhibit will be open to the public Wednesday, March 11, from 5:30–7 p.m., with Artists’ and Curators’ Talks at 6 p.m.

27th Annual Empty Bowls Dinner, offering handcrafted bowls and soup to fight local hunger will be held at Virginia Wesleyan University (5:30–8 PM), benefiting local nonprofits through the Ceramic Designers Association.

Join Virginia Wesleyan Vox Vera, under the direction of Bryson Mortensen, and Deke Sharon for the annual A Cappella Festival. This year’s festival concert will be a collaboration between Virginia Wesleyan Vox Vera, Hampton Roads Academy, and St. Catherine's School for an exciting evening of a capella music.

Reserve your free ticket at buytickets.at/GoodeCenter

Production dates and times: April 9 through April 11 at 7:30 p.m.;  April 12 at 2 p.m.

AVENUE Q is a gut-bustingly hilarious modern musical focusing on a group of unique 20- somethings making their way in the big city, seeking their purpose in life. Although the show addresses humorous adult issues, it is similar to a beloved children's show; a place where puppets are friends, Monsters are good and life lessons are learned. Winner of the Tony "Triple Crown" for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, AVENUE Q is part flesh, part felt, and packed with heart. AVENUE Q is a laugh-out-loud musical that tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. He soon discovers that although the residents seem nice, it's clear that this is not your ordinary neighborhood. Together, Princeton and his new-found friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life. WARNING: Adult language, themes, and puppet nudity. Book by Jeff Whitty. Based on the original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx.

Directed by Travis Malone, Music Direction by Cristina Loyola, Choreography by Stephanie Greeves & Desiree Frogosa. Production is part of VWU Alumni Weekend.

TICKETS

Virginia Wesleyan University invites prospective students and their families to experience life as a Marlin at during Marlins Day Open House. This signature event is one of the best ways to explore all that VWU has to offer—academically, socially, and beyond.

Learn more

Virginia Wesleyan Camerata and Bravura join to perform music presenting a variety of vignettes of the human journey and the people that we meet along the way. The evening culminates with Footprints by Jake Runestad, a multi-movement work setting the texts of Guatemalan poet Humberto Ak'abal with instrumental accompaniment.  Bryson Mortensen, conductor

Reserve your free ticket at buytickets.at/GoodeCenter

Join The Virginia Wesleyan Orchestra for their Spring Semester Concert under musical director Alexander Chen. The Orchestra will celebrate American composers by performing a variety of classic and new works with a focus on small-ensemble chamber music. 

Concert is free and open to the public.

Senior student art majors share the culmination of their creative work with the campus community, family and friends on May 1 in the Neil Britton Gallery. The student artists will be on hand to explain the inspiration behind their creations during the opening reception.

Join the Marlins Jazz Ensemble for their spring semester concert. The Jazz Ensemble will perform jazz favorites from a variety of different styles. Hosted by Jason Squinobal.

Concert is free and open to the public.