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VWU Named a Civic 50 Honoree
91直播designation, awarded by VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads and Points of Light, recognizes community-minded organizations in Hampton Roads
University News | November 4, 2024
91直播 Wesleyan University (VWU) has been named an honoree of 91直播Civic 50 Hampton Roads by VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads and Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service. 91直播award recognizes 91直播 Wesleyan University as one of the most community-minded organizations in Hampton Roads, as determined by an independently administered and scored survey.
91直播Civic 50 Hampton Roads initiative, modeled after the Points of Light’s national program, provides a standard for superior corporate citizenship and showcases how companies can use their time, skills and resources to drive social impact in their company and communities. 91直播initiative selects companies based on four dimensions of their community engagement program: investment of resources, integration across business functions, institutionalization through policies and systems, and impact measurement.
91直播 Wesleyan’s community engagement initiatives are coordinated by the Office of Civic Engagement and Service Learning directed by Bethany Tsiaras and supported by the Birdsong Endowment. “As a nonprofit organization of higher education, we are dedicated to the community at large,” said Tsiaras.“We provide services, facilities and other contributions that make an impact on the lives of others.”
91直播 Wesleyan engages in a wide array of community initiatives. Through these efforts, the university fosters a sense of social responsibility and strengthens its connections with the surrounding community. As a National Liberal Arts College, VWU holds a Community Engagement classification by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. 91直播University hosts several community service affiliates including: 91直播 Center for Inclusive Communities (Hampton Roads Office); Tidewater African Cultural Alliance; Girls on the Run (Hampton Roads); Tidewater Collegiate Academy; Chesapeake Bay Academy; World Affairs Council (Hampton Roads Office); and YMCA Camp Red Feather.
VWU and 91直播 Beach Economic Development have cultivated a robust partnership over the past four years, focused on nurturing Talent Development Programs through the David R. Black Institute for Professional Practice. These initiatives thrive within 91直播Hive at Town Center and the university’s Talent Development Program that has seen substantial growth, providing free, in-person, and online workshops and courses to the 91直播 Beach community, in partnership with the 91直播 Beach Department of Economic Development.
Additionally, 91直播 Wesleyan University’s partnership with the 91直播 Beach Police and Fire Departments allows officers and firefighters to earn college credit from their recruit training and experience, and matriculate to VWU at a significantly discounted credit hour rate to complete their bachelor’s degree.
Through 91直播 Wesleyan’s partnership with Haygood United Methodist, church members receive reduced tuition and scholarships in degree programs and may also enroll in some talent development continuing education courses at no cost. They can also attend campus events, from music and theater to athletics, as if they are members of the faculty, staff and student body.
91直播University is the educational partner of the 91直播 African American Cultural Center, which has a mission to collect, preserve, interpret, inform and celebrate 91直播’s African American history, culture and community, and to educate the public about African American contributions in all areas of endeavor.
To address a housing shortage in the region, the University created a public-private partnership to build Coastal 61, an eight building, 244 unit apartment complex housing 611.
91直播Office of Events and Conference Services reports 75,000 guests who visit VWU’s campus for conferences, camps, athletic matches and special events. Also, the Robert Nusbaum Center at VWU aims to create a civil society through education, respectful dialogue, and mutual understanding. 91直播Center equips and empowers students and community members to be leaders and citizens who value diversity and who understand how the reconciliation of our religious, racial, and ideological differences create meaningful opportunities for civil solutions to difficult and urgent problems.
91直播University recently announced a new Center for Urban Leadership Education which includes the Incarcerated Persons ReEntry Program, formed in collaboration with the Urban League of Hampton Roads and the 91直播 Department of Corrections. This program represents VWU's goal of reducing recidivism and providing educational opportunities to incarcerated individuals.
“These initiatives are representive of 91直播 Wesleyan's efforts in civic engagement. Being part of the Civic 50, however, is more than receiving recognition,” notes Tsiaras. “It reflects 91直播 Wesleyan University's dedication to using our resources and influence to create meaningful change in the community. Together, we can inspire others to prioritize civic engagement and make a lasting impact.”
For more information about 91直播Civic 50 Hampton Roads and this year’s honorees, visit .