Dr. Ian Solomon celebrated the two institutions' special Batten bond as students completed ceremonial pinning
University News | September 10, 2020
Batten Honors College Convocation 2020: Video | Photos
“What a moment to be alive,” Dr. Ian Solomon, Dean of the University of Virginia's Frank Batten School for Leadership and Public Policy, told Batten Honors College students September 10, streamed from the Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. “Twenty-twenty has been an ordeal. A crucible of character and courage—a training boot camp in building resilience, perseverance, and adaptability.”
Dean Solomon served virtually as keynote speaker for the Batten Honors College Convocation, an occasion that has grown from an intimate recognition ceremony at the program’s founding in 2017, to a larger convocation format that this year brought together the program’s full capacity of 160 Batten Fellows and Shumadine Scholars. The first three classes also joined virtually, due to COVID-19 health and safety precautions, as the fourth cohort completed the ceremonial pinning representing completion of orientation, matriculation, and full integration as members of the University community.
“You are connected by a spirit of common purpose and community,” Dean Solomon said. “Your personal investments in the character and kindness of the Virginia Wesleyan community will enrich us all. I say that with confidence because there's a special bond that exists between our two institutions, between the Batten Honors College at VWU and the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at UVA.”
This special Batten bond comes in the form of an affiliation agreement between the schools that was formalized in 2018. The partnership facilitates enrollment of graduating Batten Honors College students in the Master of Public Policy program at UVA. Ebonie Johnson ’20, the first graduate of the Batten Honors College, began her graduate studies in the program this fall.
“As Batten students in either institution, you bear both a special honor and a timeless responsibility,” said Solomon. “You are the beneficiaries of a compelling vision, a profound trust and the deep generosity of the Batten family. As such you are—all of us are—expected to act with integrity, excellence, a spirit of service and moral courage. We're expected to be leaders, to be environmental stewards, to be impactful citizens in the global community. We're expected to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and values of global citizens who are ethical, thoughtful, compassionate and influential. We're expected to understand the interdependence of society, culture, and the environment. We're expected to meet the moment and rise to the occasion of leadership.”
Following the keynote address, President Miller presented Dr. Solomon with Virginia Wesleyan's prestigious Wesley Award for outstanding contributions to human relations, social inclusiveness, and interpersonal understanding throughout his more than 20 years of experience as an educator, policymaker, diplomat and businessman.
"You exemplify the values of Virginia Wesleyan and our namesake," said Dr. Miller, "and we are proud to bestow this honor upon you."
Dr. Joyce Easter, Dean of the Batten Honors College, presented the students with a challenge to uphold the values and expectations of the program. Dr. Maynard Schaus, Vice President for Academic Affairs, called each of the students’ names as they stepped forward to accept their pins.
The profound words of Dr. Solomon hung in the air: “To those beginning your journey here at VWU this fall, do not be overwhelmed. Be inspired. Use your time to listen, to learn, to reflect and to experiment. Seize the opportunity to be the artist of your own life, the author of your own story… You've got this.”
Watch the Batten Honors College Convocation in its entirety on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network.
The Batten Honors College of Virginia Wesleyan University, launched in fall 2017, is gratefully named for VWU Trustee Emerita Jane P. Batten and her late husband, Frank Batten, Sr. For nearly 40 years, Mrs. Batten has made Virginia Wesleyan a priority in many different ways, the latest of which is the development of the Batten Honors College.