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Beacon Dedication Celebrates University's Bright Future
A special ceremony took place February 20 overlooking University Commons
University News | February 20, 2019
Photo Gallery: Dedication of The Beacon
Members of the Virginia Wesleyan University community braved the rain February 20 to celebrate a bright new light on campus—The Beacon. A dedication ceremony was held in the Atrium of the Greer Environmental Sciences Center where guests could look out at the updated structure in University Commons.
“The Bell Tower,” as it was previously known, was built adjacent to Monumental Chapel in 1975 and quickly became a campus icon. During the University’s campus master planning process in 2016, structural deficiencies were identified in the 44-year-old tower, and the choice was given to either strengthen it through complete restoration or remove it within three years for safety reasons.
Findings on this and other projects were presented to the University’s Board of Trustees, and longtime Trustee Jane P. Batten funded the initiative. At the dedication, Dr. Miller thanked Mrs. Batten for her untiring support of the University and this project.
“It is fitting and proper that this once proud symbol of our historic past is now, with its new look, an iconic beacon lighting the way for the future,” said Dr. Miller.
Lighthouse design has become a useful metaphor for work at Virginia Wesleyan. The University’s center for experiential learning is “The Lighthouse” in Clarke Hall. Rebranding from a college to university in 2017 prompted new logo designs and institutional imaging—featuring a lighthouse, a recognizable landmark in Coastal Virginia.
“Now we have one of our very own,” said Dr. Miller, “a soaring Beacon overlooking our University Commons.”
The Beacon, completed in January 2019, still maintains its original cross at the top—a symbol of Virginia Wesleyan’s United Methodist heritage. It tells the story of those who laid the University’s foundation and serves as a light of reason and knowledge that points us toward better shores of understanding, inclusion, and social justice.
“However we interpret the symbolism, let us celebrate this newest addition to our campus,” Dr. Miller said. “May it become a unifying point of reference, beckoning those of many faiths, backgrounds, and interests to common purpose, a joint commitment to opportunity through education.”
The dedication included a ceremonial “Posting of the Colors” by the Army ROTC Color Guard and a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Adam Kurek ’19.