Class of 2019 settles in during Scene II Orientation
By Stephanie Smaglo | August 24, 2015
Photo Gallery: Scene II Orientation 2015
“I consider this my ‘freshman’ year here as well,” new Virginia Wesleyan President Scott D. Miller told the Class of 2019 at their first Marlin Assembly on August 19. “Like you, I am becoming oriented to this new place and I look forward to sharing this first year experience with all of you.”
The College’s approximately 360 incoming freshmen arrived on campus earlier that morning for Scene II Orientation, marking the beginning of their journey as college students and their lives as Marlins. The assembly took place in the Convocation Hall inside the Jane P. Batten Student Center, where students were greeted by Student Government Association (SGA) President Cassandra McEwan ’16 in addition to Dr. Miller.
“You are about to embark on an incredible journey for the next four years—a journey that will have a profound impact on your future,” President Miller told students. “Right now, four years probably seems like an eternity for many of you. But, believe it or not, the time will go by very quickly, and my fondest hope is that we will all be back here together in 2019 to celebrate your graduation.”
As part of orientation, students began discussing the College’s 2015 summer read, Bad Feminist, a collection of essays by cultural critic, novelist and professor Roxane Gay that explores race, politics, gender, privilege, and popular media as they relate to feminist ideology. Students were required to read the book as part of “First Year Experience (FYE 101),” a one-credit course designed to engage new students in activities and exercises that explore the nature of liberal arts while connecting them to the campus community. The book was chosen by a 10-member committee consisting of faculty members, a library staff member and two SGA representatives.
“We chose Bad Feminist because we felt that freshmen would find it engaging, and it was something a little different than what we’ve done in the past,” says Director of First Year Experience Denise Wilkinson. “The author portrayed an interesting perspective on feminism; we wanted students to look at things that they may not be comfortable with and that may be new to them. The committee felt that by choosing this book of essays as the common read, freshmen would have the opportunity to stretch their minds and look at different perspectives, which is what a liberal arts education is all about.”
Discussion of the summer read is just one of the many activities that took place during the three-day orientation. Students also attended the annual Freshman Festival, Marlin Family Game Night and Freshman Honor Convocation, among other events. Each activity is carefully planned to help students acclimate to their new lives at Virginia Wesleyan, demonstrating the College’s profound sense of community and support.
“Immerse yourself in this new learning experience,” urged Dr. Miller at the Marlin Assembly. “Get connected, get involved, and discover your new community. All of us are rooting for your success at Virginia Wesleyan College.”
The Virginia Wesleyan community is excited to welcome the Class of 2019 to campus this fall. For additional information, please visit our Freshman FAQ page or call 757.455.3208 or 800.737.8684.