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Batten Honors College Welcomes Fourth Class
The newest cohort participated in its formal Matriculation Ceremony August 20
University News | August 20, 2020
Photo Gallery: Batten Honors College Matriculation Ceremony 2020
The fourth cohort of Virginia Wesleyan University’s Batten Honors College gathered in the Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center August 20 for their formal Matriculation Ceremony.
"Today each of you becomes an important part of our story, and you will contribute more than you may realize to the legacy of Virginia Wesleyan University," President Scott D. Miller told the students. "Never again will you have such an unparalleled environment in which to expand your horizons, take calculated risks, and find new passions—to chart a meaningful purpose for your life and for our society, culture, and the natural environment."
Following remarks from Dr. Miller and Dr. Larry Hultgren, Assistant Dean of the Batten Honors College, each of the students came forward to pen their names in the matriculation book. Their signatures mark the students' commitment to be responsible and contributing members of the Batten Honors College academic community and to realize the full potential of their own unique gifts and abilities.
Launched in fall 2017, the highly selective Batten Honors College has quickly emerged as a national niche program of the University. It was created to inspire, engage and prepare academically talented students to become impactful leaders and environmental stewards globally. Signature program features include small class sizes, a living-learning community, personalized instruction, funded international study, and full academic-leadership scholarships. The Batten Honors College is gratefully named for Virginia Wesleyan Trustee Emerita Jane P. Batten and her late husband, Frank Batten, Sr. The program fully or partially funds 40 new academically talented students each year and this year reaches its full capacity of 160 endowed scholarships.
The fourth cohort, collectively, boasts a grade point average of 4.21 on a 4.0 scale, an average SAT score of 1382, and an average ACT score of 30—both ACT and SAT are a four-year high. Students hail from all over the country and world.
“Your potential for success is unlimited,” said Dr. Miller. “and Virginia Wesleyan University is the place to achieve it.”
View the Batten Honors College Matriculation Ceremony in its entirety on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network.