Exploring the “Restless Planet” Connects Parents and Partners
The 2010 Spring Meeting of Virginia Wesleyan’s Parents’ Council included a visit to the Virginia Aquarium where the Marlins always feel right at home.
By Laynee H. Timlin | April 16, 2010
Spotted Eagle Rays, like caring parents, are found worldwide. The two were brought together, face to face actually, at the Virginia Aquarium’s Red Sea exhibit where members of Virginia Wesleyan’s Parents’ Council had the opportunity to learn about the rays, dracula trigger fish, dog face puffers, tiara bat fish, and 60 other species during a day spent exploring the area where their children are attending college.
The day began when fifty-three parents boarded a bus at the College and traveled just 17 miles to the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. They spent the day surrounded by 700,000 gallons of fun, touring Restless Planet exhibits like the Red Sea Aquarium and learning more about the Ocean Explorer, a 45-foot research vessel jointly owned by the Aquarium and the College. Virginia Wesleyan’s partnership with the Virginia Aquarium has expanded students’ opportunities for undergraduate research in outdoor classrooms in the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, opportunities only possible at a college located just miles from the beach.
During lunch in the Aquarium’s Promenade Room, Scott Tetzner ’10, a Virginia Wesleyan senior who is currently completing an internship at the Virginia Aquarium, shared his experiences, and Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson, assistant professor of biology, presented information about the academic opportunities available to students as a result of this mutually beneficial partnership. Dr. Gonsalves-Jackson says that she was in graduate school before she had experiences like Virginia Wesleyan’s students now do—opportunities to learn about marine life first-hand and to conduct undergraduate research on a vessel like the Ocean Explorer.
College President, Dr. Billy Greer, also addressed the Council, thanking parents for their continued support of the college and for their active engagement. “It is through meaningful collaboration with our parents and community partners that we can expand our academic experiences for the students at Virginia Wesleyan. We are located in an area rich with resources and we’re blessed with partners willing share those resources and help us create the very best learning opportunities for our students.” - Dr. Billy Greer
In addition, Dr. Greer recognized Lynn Clements, director of museums and historic preservation for the city of Virginia Beach, for her vital role in helping to maintain parent/partner connections. Ms. Clements, who oversees the operations for the Virginia Aquarium, is currently a member of Virginia Wesleyan’s Board of Trustees and a former member of the College’s Parents' Council.
The Fraziers’ Experience
For Dave and Ellie Frazier of Spring Grove, Pa., Parents’ Council weekend actually began a day early when they attended a Toby Mac and Skillet concert at Chrysler Hall on Thursday night. Their daughter, Megan Frazier ’10, is completing an internship with Seven Venues and was assisting with the Chrysler Hall production as part of her internship responsibilities. “It was exciting. We got to meet the staff and the performers. Our daughter is enjoying a great internship experience that will serve her well in the future,” said Dave Frazier, who reported that Megan has also had opportunities during her internship to meet other celebrities like Bill Cosby. But, when Megan graduates in May with a degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies, the Fraziers’ four year tenure on the VWC Parents’ Council will come to an end. “They ought to have an alumni association for the parents’ council members”, said Ellie Frazier, “we have loved visiting the area and serving on the council and we will miss it next year!” The Fraziers, like the other parents in attendance, had plans to talk with parents of prospective students during VWC Day on Saturday, leading parent panel discussion groups during the College’s Spring Open House.
Four decades of Parent Connections
For the past four decades, Virginia Wesleyan has welcomed the engagement of parents. The Parents’ Council began as the Parents’ Committee in the fall of 1969 with 12 members. The Council, like the College, has grown both in the size of membership and in the important role it fills. According to David Buckingham, dean of student affairs and coordinator of the Council, “Our parents are a valuable asset for the College. From helping us to identify potential students and sharing their input on important issues, to serving as ambassadors for our school and supporting our Annual Fund, they continue to impress me with their generosity of both time and talent”.
Once back on campus, the Parents’ Council business meeting included even more opportunities for partnership and collaborative support. Dr. Tom Lopez, professor of sociology and criminal justice and the college’s liaison to the ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Course) Marlin Detachment, and Lieutenant Colonel William Brown and his staff provided parents with information about our expanding partnership with ROTC and the many opportunities it provides for students. Dr. Joyce Howell, professor of art history, provided information about the value of a liberal arts education and the College’s quest for Phi-Beta Kappa, and Suzanne Savage, assistant vice president for college advancement, shared exciting news about the major modernization planned for the College’s science facilities and programs.
An Annual Fund gift from the Parents’ Council in the amount of nearly $26,000 was presented to Dr. Greer by Chris and Julie Hase, Parents’ Council Co-Chairs, and representatives from the Student Government Association presented the 3rd annual gift to the Hofheimer Library, funds donated from the proceeds from our Dancing with the Professors event. The business meeting ended with the introduction of new leadership for the 2010-2011 Parents’ Council.
A day that began with connections between the College’s parents and partners, culminated with parents reconnecting with their children during dinner on campus in the newly renovated Boyd Dining Center.
From exploring the “Restless Planet” to dining on our comfortable campus, the 2010 Spring Parents’ Council activities certainly provided a rich mix of the area’s coastal culture and campus/community collaboration.