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2024 Homecoming Highlights
Marlins gathered for FinFest, athletic competitions, special dedications, and more during Homecoming & Family Weekend
University News | October 5, 2024
Photo Gallery: Homecoming and Family Weekend 2024
Homecoming & Family Weekend festivities were underway on Friday, October 4, with Marlin Spirit Day; Parents Council events; and the 23rd Annual Virginia Wesleyan University Golf Outing at Cypress Point Country Club. Evening activities included an Alumni Social Gathering at Shorebreak Pizza & Taphouse and the VWU Theatre’s fall mainstage production of Chicago in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center.
On Saturday morning, a kiln opening and dedication ceremony honoring alumnus Jim “Zulu” Zullinger, Class of 1970, was held in Susan T. Beverly Hall. Returning alumni and members of the campus community also gathered in Blocker Auditorium on Saturday morning for a special lecture from esteemed, Professor Emeritus of Management, Business, and Economics Dr. Dave Garraty, who came back to campus to share his expertise on the topic of, “Debt and Deficits: What, Me Worry?”
Alumni games for baseball, softball, men’s and women’s lacrosse started Saturday morning and continued throughout the day. The VWU Tennis program hosted Pickleball Play at the Everett Tennis Center. Conference Athletic Games were also part of the action Saturday, with competitions for field hockey and men’s and women’s soccer.
Homecoming FinFest brought Marlins together to mingle and enjoy music and a picnic-style lunch provided by Sodexo. Funnel cakes, face painting, and giant soccer darts kept the mini Marlins entertained as well.
A dedication ceremony for the Tassos Paphites Soccer Complex was held in between the women’s and men’s soccer matches. For over 45 years, the Paphites family has supported Virginia Wesleyan in many ways. Tassos has served on the Board of Trustees since 2010, and two of his children are proud VWU graduates. Their generosity has touched many areas of campus life, including athletics, academics, and student experiences.
Shortly thereafter, the Marlin Community gathered for the Dedication of G. Robert Aston Jr. Hall at Chesapeake Bay Academy (CBA). VWU and CBA have enjoyed a close relationship since 2000, when CBA built its current facility on land leased from Virginia Wesleyan. This past June, through the incredible generosity of donors, VWU purchased the CBA building and executed a long-term lease back to the academy. This transaction not only offers significant financial benefits for both VWU and CBA, but it also opens the door to new opportunities—academic, athletic, and extracurricular—that will enhance the student experience for both communities.
As the Founder and Executive Chairman of TowneBank, Bob Aston has been an extraordinary supporter of both institutions, providing leadership and philanthropic generosity that has helped shape their futures. “Bob, you and the TowneBank Foundation have been a constant source of support for this community, and we are deeply grateful,” said VWU President Scott D. Miller at the dedication ceremony. "This dedication is a tribute to Bob’s legacy of service, generosity, and his steadfast belief in the power of education to transform lives.”
The Virginia Wesleyan Theatre Department’s mainstage production, Chicago, continued throughout the weekend with performances at 8 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Throughout the week, the Office of Student Engagement sponsored a variety of spirited activities for students which culminated in a “BOBFIRE Homecoming Revv-up”— complete with s’mores and the introduction of Marlin Majesties— and the “Marlin Masquerade” in The Cove.
Alumni and friends are encouraged to return to campus often and stay connected with alumni news.