The Power of Firsts: Breaking Barriers, Building Legacy

The Hon. Chris Taylor ’06 served as keynote speaker for VWU’s celebration of first-generation students

University News | November 12, 2025

Virginia Wesleyan University recently celebrated its first-generation students through a series of events that recognized their courage, perseverance, and achievements.

On November 6, the Office of Student Engagement and Success collaborated with Counseling and Student Health, Financial Aid, and Professional Development to host tabling activities in the Harbor Grill. Students had the opportunity to visit the Wesleyan wardrobe, receive financial literary resources, complete family strengths-based activities, and write thank you notes to support people. “I am 1st Gen” pins and stickers were also distributed to students to build community and celebrate being the first generation in their families to attend college. Later that day, the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC) led a “Belonging for First-Generation Students” workshop in the Athenaeum of Hofheimer Library.

"This is the first celebration of its kind at Wesleyan, but it will not be the last," said Kaza Dayton '25, coordinator of student success and engagement. "We want to continue celebrating students’ identities and their higher education journeys. We also want our first-gen students to know that they are not alone and many other students share their same background. We are already beginning to plan more ways to provide resources and support to our first-gen students in the spring."

An alumnus from the Class of 2006, Taylor stressed the importance of carrying both hope and responsibility while navigating uncharted territory as a first-generation college student.

The celebrations continued on November 10 with a First-Generation Mingling and Networking Event, which culminated with an inspiring keynote address from The Hon. Chris Taylor ’06, a proud first-generation VWU alumnus. Taylor, a sixth-generation resident of Virginia Beach’s Little Neck and King’s Grant communities, is a graduate of Virginia Beach City Public Schools, having attended Lynnhaven Middle School and First Colonial High School, where he played on the 2002 Boys’ Basketball City Championship team. At Virginia Wesleyan, he earned a degree in Business in 2006 and was part of the 2005 Men’s Basketball ODAC Conference Championship team. He credits Head Basketball Coach Dave Macedo and his fellow teammates for providing mentorship and support during his transition to college life.

A trailblazer in local government, Taylor made history as the first member of his family to be elected to public office, serving honorably on the Virginia Beach City Council. He also became the first Native American and African American man to run for mayor in the City of Virginia Beach. Currently a first-generation graduate student at Regent University, Taylor is pursuing advanced studies in public administration and leadership. He also serves as Chair of the VBCCO Academy through the Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations, where he promotes civic engagement and leadership development throughout the city.

In his remarks, Taylor reflected on what it means to be first: “It’s an honor to return to Virginia Wesleyan, the place where my journey as a first-generation college graduate began,” he said. “Today we celebrate not just achievement, but courage—the courage to be first. Being first isn’t about perfection. It’s about stepping forward in faith when the path isn’t clear and believing that your footsteps will one day guide others. Being a first-generation student means carrying both hope and responsibility. It means navigating uncharted territory, asking questions no one at home could answer, and sometimes doubting whether you belong. But it also means standing as a living testament to perseverance, community, and grace.”

Taylor encouraged students to remember the people and sacrifices that make their journeys possible. “A true first never forgets they are the product of other people’s prayers and persistence,” he said. “A true first rises to the occasion, no matter how heavy the moment feels.”

Speaking with conviction about faith, family, and fortitude, Taylor emphasized the values that have anchored him throughout his education and public service. “Every step we take stands on the strength and sacrifice of our ancestors,” he said. “Their stories remind us that we are not self-made; we are community-made.”

He concluded his address with a message of empowerment and perseverance. “That’s the beauty of growth, humility, and grace—learning that leadership isn’t just about winning; it’s about becoming. So to every first-generation student here today, hear me clearly: Don’t quit. Don’t despair. You can do it! Continue breaking barriers and building a legacy that endures.”