Campus Events

Professor Phil Guilfoyle's exhibition will be on view from August 15 - December 15, 2026. Opening Reception is scheduled for Thursday, September 3 from 5 - 7 p.m.

Biology Faculty, Dr. Caitlin Williams will present "Incorporating Research into Courses: Developing a CURE for Genetic Students" in the Athenaeum Forum from 12-12:45pm.

Hosted by Hofheimer Library. Attendees may bring snacks/lunch to the event. Faculty are encouraged to invite their students to sessions relevant to their courses.

James Moskowitz, MA; Arin Shatto, MA; Kate Slayton; and Donna Tucker, MDiv

It's easy to check out when it feels like your voice doesn't matter or that one person can't make a difference. History tells a different story. Lasting change has often begun with ordinary people who chose to show up, speak out, and work together. In recognition of Vote Early Day, join civic leaders, educators, and community advocates for a conversation about how everyday acts of leadership and civic engagement—far beyond voting alone—can strengthen communities and remind us that our voices still matter.

For more information, contact the Robert Nusbaum Center at 757.455.3129 or NusbaumCenter@batten.edu. This panel discussion is in collaboration with Batten University's Office of Civic Engagement and Service Learning in recognition of Vote Early Day on October 27.

Batten University welcomes prospective students and their families to visit our campus! One of the best times to visit is during a Marlins Day Open House — a full day designed to help you experience everything Batten has to offer.
Marlins Day gives you the opportunity to:

Meet and hear from our students, faculty, and staff
Tour our beautiful 300-acre campus
Learn about academic offerings, scholarship opportunities, and the financial aid process
Enjoy lunch on us
 

VCIC WORKSHOP

Most of us have learned how to argue. Far fewer have learned how to have a productive conversation. Whether the topic is politics, religion, race, AI, gender, or everyday life, disagreement doesn't have to damage relationships. In this interactive workshop, led by
professionals from the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC), discover why conversations often go off the rails, learn practical strategies for navigating difficult discussions, and practice skills that foster understanding, thoughtful dialogue, and genuine connection.

For more information, contact the Robert Nusbaum Center at 757.455.3129 or NusbaumCenter@batten.edu.

Join the Batten University choirs and guests from Ohef Sholom Temple as they explore the ancient liturgical music of the Jewish High Holy Days as well as choral settings of Psalms drawn from across the choral tradition. Hearing these repertoires side by side reveals a shared vocabulary of awe, repentance, and hope: the searching melodies of the Kol Nidrei and Avinu Malkeinu alongside psalm settings by composers such as John Rutter. Explore how different traditions explore humility, forgiveness, and renewal with us.

Free and open to the public

CreatorVerse, a festival celebrating youth innovation, creativity, and live music, will take place Saturday, October 24, across Batten University, including the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. 

Created by Grammy Award-winning producer and Virginia Beach native Timbaland and his nonprofit Timbaland Way Cares, in partnership with Access College Foundation and Batten University, the festival will bring students and community members from across the region to explore emerging technologies, the creative economy, and future career pathways. Timbaland will be showcased in discussions at the Goode Center in addition to a ticketed event at Virginia MOCA. Learn More | WTKR News

Most events are free and open to students and the public, but registration is required.

Earth and Environmental Sciences major, Laila Jones will present "Statistical Analysis of Radio AGN Jets" in the Athenaeum Forum from 12-12:45pm.

Hosted by Hofheimer Library. Attendees may bring snacks/lunch to the event. Faculty are encouraged to invite their students to sessions relevant to their courses.

COOKSON LECTURE
Jonathan Zur

After two decades helping schools, businesses, nonprofits, and communities strengthen relationships across Virginia, Jonathan Zur reflects on what he has learned about creating genuine belonging. Why do some efforts bring people together while others deepen division? Which conversations make a lasting difference, and which approaches fall short? In one of his final public presentations as President & CEO of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, Zur shares the lessons, surprises, and practical insights from a career dedicated to building stronger, more connected communities.

For more information, contact the Robert Nusbaum Center at 757.455.3129 or NusbaumCenter@batten.edu.

DELIBERATIVE DIALOGUE

Few issues spark more passionate debate than immigration. Should the priority be compassion or security? Opportunity or order? National identity or human dignity? Through facilitated small-group conversations, participants explore three distinct approaches to U.S. immigration policy, consider the trade-offs of each, and engage respectfully with differing perspectives. Rather than seeking easy answers, this deliberative dialogue invites curiosity, thoughtful reflection, and a shared commitment to wrestling with one of our nation'ss most challenging issues.

For more information, contact the Robert Nusbaum Center at 757.455.3129 or NusbaumCenter@batten.edu. This discussion is offered through collaboration with the Batten University's Office of Civic Engagement and Service Learning.

NUSBAUM AT NIGHT: FIRESIDE CHATS OVER ZOOM
Craig Wansink, PhD

Sixty years after its release, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly remains more than a classic Western. Beneath the gunfights and unforgettable characters lies a timeless question: What if the people standing between you and your goal are also the only ones who can help you reach it? Join Professor Craig Wansink as he explores what Sergio Leone's iconic film can teach us about rivalry, cooperation, and learning to live with people we'd never choose as companions. Part of the Nusbaum at Night series with Batten University faculty.

Registration required by noon on the day of the program. Register by contacting the Robert Nusbaum Center at 757.455.3129 or NusbaumCenter@batten.edu.

Professor of Classics, Dr. Benjamin Haller will present "Polycrates, Petubastis, and the Poets: Betrayal, Murder, and Empire in a Sixth Century Greek Tyranny" in the Athenaeum Forum from 12-12:45pm.

Hosted by Hofheimer Library. Attendees may bring snacks/lunch to the event. Faculty are encouraged to invite their students to sessions relevant to their courses.

Michael Panitz, PhD

Can people who deeply disagree remain one community? In the 19th century, Rabbis Isaac Mayer Wise and Solomon Schechter offered competing visions for unifying American Judaism while navigating profound religious differences. Their debate raised a question that remains just as relevant today: Is unity possible without uniformity? Rabbi Michael Panitz explores how these influential leaders wrestled with disagreement, identity, and belonging—and what their efforts can teach us about sustaining diverse communities in our own time.

For more information, contact the Robert Nusbaum Center at 757.455.3129 or NusbaumCenter@batten.edu.

Performances: November 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m.; November 15 at 2 p.m.

Thousands of years ago, Sophocles crafted a character motivated by the belief that sometimes a higher authority calls upon us to do what is right despite what it costs us.  This unique, devised performance uses the ancient Greek play Antigone to frame the words and actions of individuals facing the current immigration/ICE crisis.  

Ticket information: Tickets are $15 General Admission, $10 Military/Teacher/First Responder, Free for Marlin Community, tickets can be purchased at buytickets.at/artsatbatten

The fall Marlin Business conference, themed “Creating Careers,” will take place November 16-19 and provide students with opportunities to explore career paths, build professional connections and learn directly from industry leaders.

Get ready for finals at Marlins Study Jam! Join us November 17 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in the Athenaeum Forum for an evening of study support, academic resources, snacks, prizes, and stress-relieving activities designed to help you finish the semester strong.

Hosted by Hofheimer Library and Student Success

Give, take, and swap your way into the holiday season at the Sustainable Story Swap. On November 19 from 4-6 p.m. in the Athenaeum Forum, discover a new favorite read, shop the Marlin Marketplace, and celebrate sustainable gift giving with the Batten community.

Hosted by Hofheimer Library and Batten Engaged

Join the Marlin Jazz Ensemble, String Orchestra, and Vox Verafor a collaborative joint concert in November. The Orchestra will celebrate the season by performing classics by Bach, Vivaldi, and premiering new compositions written by Batten Music Majors. The Jazz Ensemble will perform jazz favorites from a variety of different jazz styles, featuring stand-out student soloists. Vox Vera will perform jazz standards by George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, and Irving Berlin.

Free and open to the public.