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VWU Named a Civic 50 Honoree
The designation, awarded by VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads and Points of Light, recognizes community-minded organizations in Hampton Roads
University News | November 4, 2024
VWU has been named an honoree of The Civic 50 Hampton Roads by VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads and Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service. The award recognizes Virginia Wesleyan University as one of the most community-minded organizations in Hampton Roads, as determined by an independently administered and scored survey. The Civic 50 Hampton Roads initiative, modeled after the Points of Light’s national program, provides a standard for superior corporate citizenship and showcases how companies can use their time, skills and resources to drive social impact in their company and communities. The initiative selects companies based on four dimensions of their community engagement program: investment of resources, integration across business functions, institutionalization through policies and systems, and impact measurement.
Virginia Wesleyan engages in a wide array of community initiatives. Through these efforts, the university fosters a sense of social responsibility and strengthens its connections with the surrounding community.
“As a nonprofit organization of higher education, we are dedicated to the community at large,” said Bethany Tsiaras, director of civic engagement and service learning at VWU. “We provide services, facilities and other contributions that make an impact on the lives of others.”
The University houses the offices of Girls on the Run Hampton Roads on campus and supports their events, such as the spring 5K held at VWU in the spring. Virginia Wesleyan also partners with The Hive, along with Tidewater Community College, offering workforce and talent development programs. No-cost workshops address the needs of displaced workers and those looking to upskill by providing short-term training opportunities that focus on computer-based training, supply chain and logistics, and prep workshops for the Microsoft Office Specialty Certification.
In addition, more than 50 volunteers from Virginia Wesleyan University, Samaritan House and Lynnhaven River Now came together to plant trees at “The Hallow,” Samaritan House’s new shelter for trafficked youth, and at the nearby Church of the Holy Apostles. The planting sites are located in an area of Virginia Beach that is susceptible to extreme heat as identified as part of the “Heat Watch” project conducted statewide by students in 2021. The study revealed urban heat islands, where there is more pavement and less green space, and made them eligible for a community tree planting project funded by the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) via a grant from the Virginia Department of Forestry.
In August 2022, Virginia Wesleyan announced a partnership with the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) to place officers on an accelerated path to degree completion. VBPD officers can matriculate to VWU at a significantly discounted credit hour rate to complete their bachelor’s degree through one of two paths: the individual officer option where officers can pursue their degree at their own pace; or the cohort option where a group of 15-20 VBPD officers will complete the program together, taking classes online, in-person, or in a hybrid of both, to complete degree requirements.
“These initiatives are representive of Virginia Wesleyan's efforts in civic engagement. Being part of the Civic 50, however, is more than receiving recognition,” notes Tsiaras. “It reflects Virginia Wesleyan University's dedication to using our resources and influence to create meaningful change in the community. Together, we can inspire others to prioritize civic engagement and make a lasting impact.”
For more information about The Civic 50 Hampton Roads and this year’s honorees, visit www.volunteerhr.org/civic50hr.