VWU Student Represents University at VTOP “Top Employers” Celebration (05-07-2025)
Virginia Wesleyan University junior Rebecca Haegele ’26 proudly represented the University at the recent “Top Employers” celebration hosted by the Virginia Talent and Opportunity Partnership (VTOP). Held to spotlight the power of work-based learning, the event brought together leaders in education, workforce development, and business to recognize the vital role internships play in shaping Virginia’s future workforce.
A computer science major, Haegele was one of six students selected from institutions across the region to share how internships have transformed their academic journeys and personal growth. Her remarks reflected the core values of experiential learning embraced at VWU.
According to VTOP, 24,094 students across 57 institutions completed credit-bearing internships in the 2023–2024 academic year—a 4.3% increase over the previous year. The event also honored top regional employers who support student internships, including Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group, Chartway Credit Union, LifeNet Health, Stihl, the YMCA, and others.
Virginia Wesleyan celebrates Rebecca and all the honored employers for advancing meaningful, real-world learning opportunities across the Commonwealth.