As I think back on the last month, I realize that much of what's occurred here on campus is about unity—a collective desire to move forward together as we prepared for the start of another semester with in-person instruction during a time of national strife. At VWU, faculty, staff, students, and parents have worked together to make our Marlins' return to campus as safe as possible. As a campus community, we are united in our efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 so that we can continue with our spring semester as planned.
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we continued with our tradition of presenting an award to a student who practices the ideals set forth by Dr. King—courage and conviction in valuing differences, commitment to seeing beyond borders by building inclusion, compassion for humanity, and/or commitment to social change. I am proud to say that the distinction is now named The Mavis McKenley '11 Award in honor of our valued alumna and Board of Trustees member. Congratulations to senior India Khanna who was named this year's award recipient.
Our alumni and friends of Marlin Athletics united for our #HelpUsPlay campaign and raised nearly $60,000 to fund NCAA-mandated COVID-19 testing for all 22 intercollegiate athletics teams that will play this spring. The Unity Flag Project started its exhibition in the Neil Britton Gallery of the Henry Clay Hofheimer II Library on Inauguration Day. We welcomed new members to the VWU Board of Trustees.
As we continue to embrace the new year within our new normal, we are grateful for the opportunity to be together once again, united in the hope that a brighter future is ahead.
Sincerely,
