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Devoted Arts Advocates David and Susan Goode Named Outstanding Philanthropists
Longtime Virginia Wesleyan supporters to be honored Nov. 15 at 2016 National Philanthropy Day Luncheon
News Release | September 6, 2016
Community leaders, devoted advocates for the arts and longtime friends of Virginia Wesleyan David R. and Susan S. Goode have been named Outstanding Philanthropists by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Hampton Roads Chapter.
David and Susan Goode recognize the critical importance of the arts and believe they are vital to a liberal arts education. In honor of their steadfast support and in recognition of Susan's service to the College's Board of Trustees, President Scott D. Miller recently announced the establishment of the Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities during his State of the College Address on August 23.
In 2013, David and Susan, along with their daughters, Christina and Martha, and their son-in-law, Blair Mielnik, made a lead gift of $5 million for the construction of a new fine and performing arts center on the Virginia Wesleyan campus. The family’s gift, which is among the five largest in VWC history, launched the planning and fundraising for the forthcoming Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. To date, the accumulation of $12.7 million in gifts and pledges—including a new gift of $5 million by Joan and Macon Brock—has put the College in range of the $14 million needed to begin construction on the new 28,200-square-foot building.
Between 2006 and 2010, the Goodes also invested more than $1 million in Virginia Wesleyan’s science programs through renovations of the College’s math and natural sciences building, Blocker Hall. Their lead gift was part of a $4 million investment in the sciences, which provided renovated science labs, student access to a research vessel and STEM scholarships. These investments ignited growth in the College’s science programs—students majoring in the sciences grew by 111 percent over a five-year period, and biology became the top major, representing 12 percent of enrolled students.
Mrs. Goode served as a member of the President’s Advisory Council from 1998-2005 and has been an active member of the Virginia Wesleyan College Board of Trustees since 2006. She served as secretary of the Board from 2014-2015 and has chaired its Academic Affairs Committee since 2005. She has played a major role in the revision of the College’s promotion and tenure policy (2007-08); encouraged comprehensive curricular reform (designed from 2007-2011 and implemented in 2011); helped to shape the academic elements in the new strategic plan adopted in 2014 (VWC 2020: Pathway to Prominence); supported the 2013-2015 effort to establish the Lighthouse: Center for Exploration & Discovery, which integrates and enhances the College’s study away, undergraduate research, and internship programs; assisted the College’s successful 10-year reaffirmation of SACSCOC accreditation (2014-2016); and continues to encourage the College’s move into master’s level and online degree programs.
The Goodes care deeply about cultivating the arts in Virginia and ensuring the future of the arts in America. Their philanthropic philosophy has impact far beyond the capital areas of their giving. They understand that construction and enhancement of facilities signal growth, vitality, and service to the wider community to which VWC is committed.
Virginia Wesleyan College is proud to have nominated the Goodes for the Association of Fundraising Professionals' prestigious award and offers its sincerest gratitude and congratulations to these outstanding philanthropists. Their support will have a tremendous impact on the College for decades to come.
The Goodes will be honored November 15 at the 2016 National Philanthropy Day Luncheon.