Campus Events

Mar 18 - 22

Spring Break

Mar 25 - Apr 5

Student Juried Exhibition

The work of VWU student artists, regardless of major or media

Artists Reception: March 28 (12:00 - 1:00 p.m.)

Mar 26

Conflict and Peace in Jordan: From International Geopolitics to Individual Identity
11 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.

Studying away in Jordan creates many opportunities for reflection and examination on peace as it relates to identity, exploitation and alliances within the international community. Within that scope of development, identity, peace and geopolitics is a mini lesson on life. Join VWU Senior Selena Chambers ’19 in Pearce Hospitality Suite in the Batten Student Center. Selena is majoring in International Relations, with minors in Business, Philosophy, and Religious Studies. During fall 2018 she studied international politics at the School for International Training in Amman, Jordan. Sponsored by the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact the CSRF at 757-455-3129 or csrf@vwu.edu.

Mar 28

On Deck Speaker Series: COREY DOLGON- In Search of One Big Union Folk Songs and Social Movement in the United States
11 a.m.

Corey Dolgon is a professor of sociology, a folk singer, and a labor activist. Through his “singing lecture,” Dolgon brings history and theory to life. His presentation will focus on U.S. labor history, examining the role of folk songs in workers’ lives, labor, and organizing from a multicultural perspective. This event is in Blocker Auditorium. Sponsored by The Lighthouse: Center for Exploration and Discovery.

Mar 28

Meet the Author/Book Signing: Corey Dolgon
3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Corey Dolgon, Ph.D., author of "Kill It to Save It: An Autopsy of Capitalism's Triumph over Democracy" will greet guests and sign copies of his book on Thursday, March 28, from 3:00-4:30 p.m. in The Lighthouse Commons. Dolgon has been a folksinger, activist and organizer for 25 years. His words and music bring both history and theory to life through a focus on the role that folksongs play in the U.S. labor movement. Free and open to the public.

Apr 1

Aura CuriAtlas
7:30 p.m.

Aura CuriAtlas will perform in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center on Monday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Virginia Wesleyan University Concert Series. Blending dance, theatre, and acrobatics to tell stories, the company keeps the qualities of lightness (Aura), strength (Atlas), and play (Curiosity) at the center. Lightheartedness, athleticism, and physical storytelling mark their delightful performances. $15 for general public; $10 for military/seniors; free to the VWU community with ID. Reservations: 757.455.2101.

Apr 2

Equal Pay Day - Start Smart Salary Negotiation Workshop
4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

In honor of Equal Pay Day, the Career Development and Internship Program and the Women's Resource Center are sponsoring a Start Smart workshop that will be run by the American Association for University Women (AAUW) in the Lighthouse. Salary negotiation helps women put a fair price on their worth and sets a benchmark for future salary increases. Pizza and snacks will be provided. The event is free for VWU students but you must RSVP by email to wrc@vwu.edu by Friday, March 29 by NOON.

Apr 4

Let Heaven and Nature Sing Series - An exploration of the nature of sound
11 a.m.

Don’t Stop the Music - Becky Watson, Board Certified Music Therapist, explores the therapeutic effects of music in various populations and the differences between listening, performing, and teaching in Fine Arts Building, Room 9.

Apr 4

Making Bad Histories Good: Narrative and Nostalgia in the Age of AIDS
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Dr. Cormac O'Brien, a Fulbright Scholar from University College Dublin, will examine the ways in which popular narratives about HIV and AIDS have been made into easily digestible stories for mainstream audiences. Reading familiar characters such as the "heterosexual savior" and the "straight gal pal" against lived histories and archival materials from the AIDS crisis years, the talk will reveal such characters as insincere tropes created to soothe the consciences of middle-class heterosexual audiences and lead them to mistakenly believe that they are on the right side of AIDS history. The talk will take place on Thursday, April 4 at 11 a.m. in Greer Environmental Sciences Center, RM 255. The event is sponsored by the Women's Resource Center and is free and open to the public.

Apr 4

Life Matters: Brandon Elliott ‘03
12 p.m. - 12:50 p.m.

In “Life Matters,” members of the Wesleyan community offer autobiographical reflections on their emotional, intellectual, and spiritual experiences. These deeply personal talks create meaningful opportunities for greater understanding and connection, encouraging each of us to think about what has shaped us and given our own life meaning. Join VWU Head Softball Coach Brandon Elliott ’03 in the Pearce Hospitality Suite in the Jane P. Batten Student Center for his talk. The series is sponsored by the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom, the Chaplain’s Office, and the Center for Innovative Teaching and Engaged Learning (INTEL) at Virginia Wesleyan University. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact the CSRF at 757-455-3129 or csrf@vwu.edu.

Apr 4

Two Stories of Immigration: Challenges Past and Present
7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

'Whosoever saves one life...': The SS Quanza and the Battle Over Jewish Refugees, 1940

One man—who lost a “turf war” against fellow government officials with whom he disagreed—is all that stood between millions of people facing internment or death simply because of who they were and the United States of America where they could be free of persecution and danger. The man was Breckinridge Long; the “turf war” was the Portuguese ship SS Quanza; and the year was 1940. Join VWU Gloria and David Furman Professor of Judaic Studies Dr. Eric Mazur in Blocker Hall for his talk.  

A Look into the Lives of Resettled Refugees in Coastal Virginia

Since 1932, Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia has resettled thousands of refugees, from many different countries. They often arrive with very few possessions, having fled their home countries in fear of persecution and death. Currently, many refugees are coming from the Middle Eastern countries of Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan.  The arduous, often years-long, journey from refugee camps to the Virginia Peninsula is daunting, but their challenges don’t stop when they arrive in the U.S. Join Dr. Rabia Jafri and Saher Mirza in Blocker Hall as they offer insights into the challenges faced by resettled refugees. Dr. Rabia Jafri works as a psychiatrist in Newport News, VA and is founder of the Hampton Roads Refugee Relief organization. Saher Mirza is a community volunteer and founder of the “Coffee with a Refugee” program. Sponsored by the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact the CSRF at 757-455-3129 or csrf@vwu.edu.

Apr 6

Military Family Scholarship & College Fair
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Virginia Beach Scholarship Sharing and the Virginia Advisory Council on Military Education (VA-ACME) are joining forces to host a Military Family Scholarship & College Fair at VWU in the Jane P. Batten Student Center on April 6, 2019 from 11-4 pm. Open to military veterans, spouses, and children of all branches including active duty, retired, and reserve, and first responders. During the Scholarship & College Fair students and their families will network with local and national nonprofit foundation representatives for college scholarships. In-state and out of state colleges will also be exhibiting tables with information on their institutional scholarship and financial aid programs for military families. Several colleges will also be waiving admissions fees and providing on-site applications for enrollment & awarding scholarships to their schools. Presentations on military family scholarship programs and other funding resources will be given. Students will also be able to get free professional headshots for portfolios and scholarship applications by Navy veteran photographer Laura Bryant of LB Studio Image. General admission is free, and students of all ages, teachers, and parents are encouraged to attend. This includes high school 9-12, current undergraduate and graduate students. Students can pre-register to avoid lines at the entrance through the Scholarship Sharing website: www.scholarshipsharing.org. Tickets will also be available at the door, but pre-registration is highly encouraged.

Apr 8 - May 10

Senior Art Exhibition

This annual exhibition highlights the work of VWU senior art majors.

Dates and reception TBA

Apr 8 - 9

Robert F. Boyd Institute

The annual Robert F. Boyd Institute will take place April 8-9, 2019, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Scott Kisker. For registration and more information, please visit vwu.edu/boyd.

Apr 11 - 14

Legally Blonde - The Musical

Virginia Wesleyan's Theatre Department presents Legally Blonde - The Musical as the first theatre production in the Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. Music and Lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin; Book by Heather Hatch based on the popular novel and MGM film. In Legally Blonde- The Musical,  Elle Woods appears to have it all. When her boyfriend dumps her so he can start getting serious about his life and attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle uses her charm and hard-work to get into Harvard Law. At school, she struggles against social prejudice, peers, professors, and her ex. On the journey, Elle discovers that helping others and being true to yourself "never goes out of style." Equal parts hilarious and heart-warming, this award-winning musical is so much fun it should be illegal! Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). www.MTIshows.com $15 Adults, $10 student/Senior/Military, Free to VWU Students, Faculty, and Staff

Performances: April 11-13, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.; April 14 at 2:00 p.m.

Apr 11

On Deck Speaker Series: JULIO CARRASCO BRETON - Life in the Arts, A Retrospective View of an Artist
11 a.m.

Julio Carrasco Bretón is a Mexican painter and author whose murals around the world have received significant praise. His formative years in the natural sciences, his dedication to the humanities, and a lifetime as an advocate for art and the artist make him an influential voice for the importance of the Liberal Arts. This event is in Blocker Auditorium. Sponsored by The Lighthouse: Center for Exploration and Discovery.

Apr 11

Cookson Lecture: Presumed Guilty: Why We Shouldn’t Ask Muslims to Condemn Terrorism
7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

In this year’s Cookson Lecture in Blocker Hall Auditorium, Dr. Todd Green argues that asking Muslims to condemn terrorist attacks is wrong for a variety of reasons, including that it misunderstands the role of religion in terrorism and it ignores the many instances in which Muslims already condemn terrorism. Most important, asking Muslims to condemn terrorism functions as a distraction. It prevents majority populations in the U.S. and Europe both from facing their own violent histories and from asking critical questions about how their countries' national security initiatives and foreign policies contribute to a violent world order. Dr. Green is Associate Professor of Religion at Luther College. A nationally recognized expert on Islamophobia, he served as a Franklin Fellow at the U.S. State Department in 2016-17, where he analyzed and assessed the impact of anti-Muslim prejudice in Europe on countering violent extremism initiatives, refugee and migrant policies, and human rights. Sponsored by the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact the CSRF at 757-455-3129 or csrf@vwu.edu.

More (http://www.vwu.edu/center-for-the-study-of-religious-freedom/)  

Apr 12 - 13

Spring Alumni Weekend

Come home for Spring Alumni Weekend April 12-13 to enjoy the Pig Pickin' Picnic, Pie Eating Contest, and much more.

Apr 13

Marlins Day Open House
8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Future Marlins and their families are invited to visit Virginia Wesleyan University on Saturday, April 13, for Marlins Day Open House. Prospective students will have the opportunity to tour our beautiful 300-acre campus, meet VWU faculty and staff, and learn about academic offerings, scholarship opportunities, and the financial aid process. Register today: www.vwu.edu/marlinsdays

Apr 15

Nexus Interfaith Dialogue: Same Sex Relationships, the Bible, and Christianity
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Same-sex relationships are legal in the United States, but for some people of faith, such relationships still raise questions. Rev. Brandon Nichols ’12, Pastor of Jolliff United Methodist Church in Chesapeake, and Dr. Craig Wansink, Senior Pastor of Second Presbyterian Church in Norfolk, discuss how they read the Bible -- and how Christians in general read the Bible -- when thinking about the role scripture plays in discussions of same sex relationships in the church. In the Pearce Hospitality Suite in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. Sponsored by the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom in partnership with Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities and Hands United Building Bridges. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact the CSRF at 757-455-3129 or csrf@vwu.edu. 

Apr 16

Wild Men of the Seicento
7:30 p.m.

"Wild Men of the Seicento" will take place Tuesday, April 16, at 7:30 p.m. in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center as Red Priest's Piers Adams (recorder) and David Wright (harpsichord) focus on the extraordinary, trailblazing music of the Seicento—the 17th Century. Frequently overlooked nowadays in favor of the baroque ‘household names’ who followed, the musicians of the Seicento were truly innovative—surprising, expressive, quirky, and often demonically virtuosic. Adams follows historical precedent adapting the music for his arsenal of recorders. $15 for general public; $10 for military/seniors; free to the VWU community with ID. Reservations: 757.455.2101. Part of the Virginia Wesleyan University Concert Series.

Apr 18

Public Policy and Healing Through Prayer: Christian Scientists’ Practice in 21st Century Perspective
7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

In the 1880s and 1890s, the emergence of Christian Science as a new religious denomination raised significant issues at the border between religious practice and public policy. Much has changed in the last 130 years, but questions about the relationship between faith, science, healing, and medicine still stand out: What is the place of serious religious, or Christian, healing in today’s high tech world? Do Christian Scientists recognize public health concerns such as vaccination? Can common ground be found on care of children and similar deeply universal values? How do Christian Scientists relate to Medicare and other government programs? Join Richard Geiger and Dr. Thomas Johnsen, both Christian Science practitioners who serve in the denomination's ministry of healing through prayer, in Blocker Hall Auditorium, in discussing the relation between public policy and religious practice in the life of a distinctly American faith, Christian Science. Sponsored by the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact the CSRF at 757-455-3129 or csrf@vwu.edu.

Apr 20

Darkness into Light
7:30 p.m.

The darkness of the human experience gives way to redemptive light through the music of Tallis’ Lamentations of Jeremiah (c.1560) to Forrest’s 2018 work Lux: The Dawn from on High. Performed by the VWU Choirs joined by high school choristers from throughout the region. Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. Free and open to the public.

Apr 24

duoJalal
7:30 p.m.

duoJalal will perform in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Virginia Wesleyan University Concert Series. Classically trained Australian violist Kathryn Lockwood, a member of the renowned Lark Quartet, embodies a gypsy violinist one minute and a Middle Eastern reed flute in the next. Lebanese Yousif Sheronick, percussion, has been hailed by the New York Times for “dazzling improvisations,” and his “wizardry on a range of humble frame drums.” Tickets: $15 for general public; $10 for military/seniors; free to the VWU community with ID. Reservations: 757.455.2101.

Apr 25

Let Heaven and Nature Sing Series - An exploration of the nature of sound
11 a.m.

All the Better to Hear You With - Dr. Stephanie Moody-Antonio, Associate Professor of Otology and Director of the Cochlear Implant Program at EVMS, explores the hearing apparatus and how to keep it functioning for a lifetime. In Fine Arts, Room 9.

Apr 25

Life Matters: Dr. Mavel Velasco
12 p.m. - 12:50 p.m.

In “Life Matters,” members of the Wesleyan community offer autobiographical reflections on their emotional, intellectual, and spiritual experiences. These deeply personal talks create meaningful opportunities for greater understanding and connection, encouraging each of us to think about what has shaped us and given our own life meaning. Join VWU Professor of Hispanic Studies Dr. Mavel Velasco in Pearce Hospitality Suite in the Jane P. Batten Student Center for her talk. The series is sponsored by the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom, the Chaplain’s Office, and the Center for Innovative Teaching and Engaged Learning (INTEL) at Virginia Wesleyan University. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact the CSRF at 757-455-3129 or csrf@vwu.edu.

Apr 25

From Dialogue to Action: An Interactive Workshop
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

*Registration required for this event.

Susan Feit and Teresa Stanley, practitioners in community organizing and conflict resolution, highlight important ingredients for moving from dialogue to action. Hear real-life success stories of diverse groups who have found common ground and taken action together, and participate in an interactive exercise designed to demonstrate this transformative process. Susan Feit is a Social Justice Strategist and a former Executive Director of the National Conference for Community and Justice of the Piedmont Triad. Teresa Stanley coordinates the Interspiritual Empowerment Project, a Joint Plan of Work Program of Virginia Organizing. The event is in the Greer Environmental Sciences Center (Room 155) and is sponsored by the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom. *Free and open to the public, but space is limited and registration is required. To register, contact Kelly Jackson at 757-455-3129 or kjackson@vwu.edu.

Apr 27

Wesleyan Jazz Ensemble & VWU Orchestra
7:30 p.m.

Join the Wesleyan Jazz Ensemble and VWU Orchestra for an evening of well-known classics and new works. Directed by Jason Squinobal, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Music. Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. Free and open to the public.

Apr 29

St. Petersburg Piano Quartet
7:30 p.m.

The Grammy-nominated piano quartet, winner of numerous top prizes at chamber music competitions in Melbourne, Tokyo, and Florence, and praised throughout North and South America, Europe, and Asia, features Alla Aranovskaya, violin; Boris Vayner, viola; Thomas Mesa, cello; and Tao Lin, piano. ($20; $15)  Part of the Virginia Wesleyan University Concert Series, the event is in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center.

“Sparkling, elegant, and flawlessly performed.”   (Palm Beach Daily News)

“You might think that discipline, passion and impetuousness inhabit different universes, but the St. Petersburg Quartet has morphed the three into a powerful musical persona.  Unassailable technique and intonation . . . an astonishingly calibrated range of voicings and dynamics with breathtaking assurance and laugh-out-loud wit.”  (Washington Post)

“Bliss, for this listener, doesn’t get much more unequivocal than this quartet’s performance.” (Toronto Globe and Mail)

“Virtuosic and sumptuous-toned.”  (London Sunday Times)

May 1

Vox Vera: JukeVox
7:30 p.m.

Join the Vox Vera student choir as they present JukeVox, their first fully a capella concert with hits from all styles and decades. Selections will include popular hits such as "Eight Days a Week," "Send Me On My Way", and "Lost in the Stars." Wednesday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m. in the Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center.

May 2

Port Day

Port Day is a signature Virginia Wesleyan event that demonstrates and promotes the academic achievement of students completing capstone research, internship, and semester study away experiences. During the conference-style event, held on the VWU campus, students share their work with either an oral or poster presentation. Port Day also features Virginia Wesleyan’s own Pathway to See Change Panels in which students reflect upon their experiences and offer advice about preparing for capstone research, internship, and semester study away experiences. Student presenters should visit the Port Day page on Virginia Wesleyan’s Portal (located under The Lighthouse) for deadline information, presentation suggestions, and poster design tips. View the schedule for the Fall 2018 Port Day.

May 3

Spring Honors Convocation

May 3

Jimmy Greene Quartet
7:30 p.m.

One of the most respected saxophonists of his generation, Greene’s quartet performs regularly in jazz venues worldwide including NYC, Moscow, Rome, Paris, Israel, Uruguay, and Brazil, and Greene appears on 75 albums as both sideman and featured artist.  Grammy nominated saxophonist, composer, and arranger, Greene’s two most recent albums “Beautiful” and “Flowers” celebrate the life of his 6-year daughter, Ana, who was murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012 with 25 other children and educators. ($20; $15)  Part of the Virginia Wesleyan University Concert Series, the event is in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center.

“He’s good for a couple body chills every time you see him. He’s got a big barrelhouse sound, and a way of negotiating changes that make academic moves seem natural.”  (Village Voice).   

May 6

Squinobal and Mortensen: Unplugged
7:30 p.m.

Jason Squinobal, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Music, and Bryson Mortensen, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Music, will present a variety of music that has been composed just for their instruments, saxophone and voice, without the addition of piano accompaniment. The concert will include Ralph Vaughn Williams' Ten Blake Songs, on Monday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m. in the Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center.

May 8

Sonatas and Stories
6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

WHRO 90.3-FM and WHRV 89.5-FM present an evening of classical music, poetry, and storytelling featuring outstanding local writers and performers, with hosts Barry Graham and Wayla Chambo. Part of the Virginia Wesleyan University Concert Series. (Refreshments, Cash bar; doors open at 6:00pm.) Event is in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center.

May 9

Reading Day

May 12

Pioneering Voices: Celebrating Women Composers
4 p.m.

The Virginia Chorale with Charles Woodward, artistic director, celebrates its 35th anniversary with a tribute to women composers including works by Hildegard von Bingen, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, Lili Boulanger, and the legendary Alice Parker. Flautist Debra Wendells Cross, and pianists Stephen Coxe and Rebecca Raydo collaborate. This event will take place in the Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. Tickets $25; $10-students. Reservations: 757.627.8375 or info@virginiachorale.org.

May 17

Baccalaureate Service

May 18

2019 Commencement Ceremony

May 20 - Aug 23

Summer Session

May 20

Olga Kern Masterclass
7 p.m.