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Founders Day Celebrates Students, Alumni
Speaker Anthony Walters honors students as his heroes while Alumni Awards recipients are recognized for their achievements
University News | September 10, 2020
"You were born to save the world,” Anthony Walters, President and CEO of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, told current students during Virginia Wesleyan’s virtual Founders Day celebration on September 10.
"I do not exaggerate,” he continued, “when I say that the answers to modern day issues lie not in those who have come before me, nor do they come for those who are my peers. No, I'm deeply convinced that I'm talking to the brightest and bravest. Those that are poised to save the world."
The VWU Trustee addressed community members, specifically speaking to the members of the incoming Class of 2024, as though he were speaking to his own child. An easy perspective to imagine, it turns out, as his own son is a freshman at VWU this fall.
Walters urged students, in list form, to be confident, bold, inquisitive, to take action, take accountability, and be steadfast. Finally, he asked them to look in the mirror—or place their phones in selfie mode—and take a look at his heroes: themselves.
"While I have just a few people that I would categorize as heroes,” he said, “it's you who were born to save the world, whom I admire most. This is real advice for my real heroes. Not the ones with capes and not the ones with security personnel. It's the ones with backpacks that take selfies. You're my heroes.”
He closed the address by asking his heroes to take action: "Lead us. We're counting on you, Virginia Wesleyan University Marlins."
Following the keynote speech, VWU President Scott D. Miller presented Walters with the 2020 Wesley Award. In alignment with the YMCA’s cause to strengthen the community, Walters works every day to uphold the “For All” portion of the Y’s mission statement, reminding the community that the its doors are open to people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and incomes. As president and CEO, his priorities include the work he does side-by-side with donors, volunteers, and community partners. Walters joined the Virginia Wesleyan University Board of Trustees in January.
“It is my pleasure to honor you with the Wesley Award for outstanding contributions to human relations, social inclusiveness, and interpersonal understanding,” Dr. Miller said. “You exemplify the values of Virginia Wesleyan, and we are proud to bestow this honor upon you.”
Dr. Miller and Lori L. (Simpers) Harris '94, Associate Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of Alumni Relations, also honored this year's Alumni Awards recipients during the convocation. Celebrated for their outstanding professional and personal accomplishments, this year's honorees are Lee Stevenson '85 (Distinguished Alumnus Award), Dr. James Embrey '72 (Alumni Service Award), and Dominique Fowler '12 (Graduate of the Last Decade Award). A surprise award was also presented to Harris for Outstanding Service to Alma Mater. Read more about the 2020 Alumni Awards recipients.
Founders Day was launched in 2016 as an annual event to honor the history and heritage of Virginia Wesleyan. View the convocation in its entirety on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network.