Virginia Wesleyan’s Class of 2010 Graduates!
Read about all the details and view photos of the 41st Commencement Ceremony.
By Megan Z. Shearin | May 19, 2010
Nervous chatter and anticipation filled the Jane P. Batten Student Center on Saturday, May 15, as Virginia Wesleyan’s Class of 2010 entered the Convocation Hall for its Commencement ceremony.
Twenty-two-year-old Deirdre White from Suffolk, Va., was skeptical that she’d ever see this day. After having a child last year, she thought she was going to have to cancel her last semester of College.
“But I pushed through,” she boasted. “And I’m proud that my son is here today to see me cross the stage.”
Adult Studies student Colleen Stauffer, 38, started off as a junior when she entered Virginia Wesleyan. It took her five years to complete her degree in business.
“It’s something that no one can take away from me,” said Stauffer. “This is something I’ll have for the rest of my life.”
In his welcoming remarks, College President Dr. Billy Greer thanked the faculty, staff and family members for their continued support of the 290 graduates who embodied the Class of 2010. “To anyone who has cheered these graduates on, we thank you,” he said.
Referencing Aristotle’s questioning of the purpose of man, commencement speaker Dr. Edward E. Brickell, distinguished leader in Education, encouraged the graduates to use their liberal arts education, continue to learn and constantly raise the bar to reach their unlimited possibilities.
Brickell received an honorary degree during the ceremony, along with James R. Bergdoll, Virginia Wesleyan’s Vice President Emeritus and United Methodist leader and Joan Brock, former Chair of the Virginia Wesleyan Board of Trustees and community leader who has been a generous supporter of the College throughout the years. The honorary degrees were presented by Mr. George Birdsong, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Features soloist Michael Dailey ’01, currently a member of Opera San José, received a standing ovation for his performance of “Nessun dorma” from Turandot by Giacomo Puccini, followed by “Make Them Hear You,” from the musical Ragtime by Stephen Flaherty.
Commencement Address
There’s an old, old story about real life beginning after graduation, said Brickell.
‘Here I come, world. I’ve got my A.B.’ And the world replied, ‘come on, son, and I’ll teach you the rest of the alphabet.’
“You graduates have made a good start, and now you need to begin to learn the rest of that alphabet,” said Brickell.
During his address, Brickell compared Aristotle and his father’s teachings in an attempt to answer the question: “What is the purpose of man?” Aristotle concluded the purpose of man is action – and his father came to almost the same conclusion, but he called it work, remarked Brickell.
“He was an exemplar of the Protestant work ethic, the Puritan work ethic, believing absolutely that 40 hours of work was good, and 80 hours was twice as good,” said Brickell. “Don’t look for a handout; you have to work for what you want; don’t expect others to do what you should be doing for yourself.”
Having served in leadership roles at elementary and secondary schools, colleges, and medical school, Brickell encouraged students to listen to a song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and speak a few reasonable words at least every day.
“When this formulation is successful, your liberal arts education will have combined with the world in general to help you learn the rest of the alphabet,” he said. “These young men and women, admirably equipped now to learn the rest of the alphabet and apply it in word and deed that will change lives for the better, make real so many dreams, bring to fruition so many hopes, that indeed for many the world will begin all over again.”
Faculty Awards Recognize Excellence in Teaching and Scholarship
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Kenneth R. Perry Dean of the College Dr. Timothy O’Rourke recognized two Virginia Wesleyan faculty members during the ceremony.
The 31st recipient of the Samuel Nelson Gray Distinguished Teaching Award was presented to Dr. Rita Frank, professor of psychology. Established in 1980 by Mrs. Virginia Gray Backus in memory of her husband, the award recognizes effectiveness as a classroom teacher, creative activity within or pertaining to the classroom, demonstrated influence in developing professional interest and attitudes in one's academic field, and professional activity on or off campus. Annual recipients are selected by a group of students who are representative of various segments of the student body.
The seventh annual Frank and Jane P. Batten Distinguished Scholar Award was presented to Dr. Craig Wansink, professor of religious studies. Recipients of this award, recognizing outstanding scholarship in the form of research, writing, creative performances, active engagement with professional organizations and curricular development, are determined by nominations and votes cast by full-time teaching faculty of the College. The award was established in 2004 through the generous support of the late Frank Batten and his wife, Jane H’06, former Chair and current member of the Board of Trustees.
Record Attendance at Baccalaureate Worship Service
With roots in the universities of medieval Europe, the baccalaureate service is an annual service of worship in celebration and recognition of Virginia Wesleyan’s graduating seniors.
On Friday, May 14, more than 450 Virginia Wesleyan students, parents, faculty, staff and alumni attended this inspirational event held at Virginia Beach United Methodist Church. Led by The Rev. Florence F. Brooks, College Chaplain, the event included participation of Virginia Wesleyan faculty, members of the Student Government Association and a pre-service concert by the Wesleyan Singers.