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Batten Honors College Convocation 2023
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Hampton Roads Director Christy Everett Delivers Keynote Address to Newest Class of Scholars
University News | September 8, 2023
Photo Gallery: Batten Honors College Convocation 2023
The Batten Honors College Convocation at Virginia Wesleyan University, held on September 7th, brought together its newest scholars for an impactful event. Christy Everett, Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, took the stage as the keynote speaker, delivering an inspiring message that resonated with the audience.
In her address, Everett encouraged the incoming scholars to explore their passions and inner callings. She emphasized the importance of nurturing their interests and talents, underlining the need to find daily inspiration. "Listen to that inner voice inside of you," she advised, "Make sure you get to know and develop your interests and gifts. Find what will inspire you daily."
The Convocation has evolved over the years, growing from a small recognition ceremony in 2017 to a larger gathering that now unites Batten scholars and the broader campus community every September at the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center.
Everett also shared a transformative environmental experience from her own life that led her to her current work in protecting waterways. In closing, she congratulated the scholars, saying, "Congratulations on the difference you will make in the world. Congratulations on the way that will make you feel. I look forward to seeing the impact you will make."
After Everett's address, President Miller presented her with the Wesley Award for her outstanding leadership in climate action and education, highlighting the strong partnership between the university, the Batten Honors College, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. "We are so proud to have you and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation as friends and partners for our University and the Batten Honors College," Dr. Miller remarked.
Dr. Travis Malone formally welcomed the new members of the Batten Honors College community. He drew parallels between the symbolic pin they were about to receive and their role as representatives within the community. "The pin symbolizes your acceptance into the community. It also symbolizes your representation of that community," he explained.
During the traditional pinning ceremony that followed, each student received their pin, symbolizing a challenge and responsibility to uphold the values and expectations of the program. This ceremony marked the completion of the scholars' orientation, matriculation, and full integration as members of the University community.
The Batten Honors College, known for its selectivity, stands as a national program within the university, aiming to graduate students from diverse professional backgrounds who share a common commitment: addressing the pressing issues of climate change and environmental degradation. It is named in honor of Virginia Wesleyan Trustee Emerita Jane P. Batten and her late husband, Frank Batten, Sr.
Learn more about the Batten Honors College and watch the convocation in its entirety on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network.