VWU MOURNS THE PASSING OF TRUSTEE EMERITA Susan T. Beverly

Susan Torma Beverly, Virginia Wesleyan University Trustee Emerita and alumna of the Class of 1972, passed away after a long and valiant battle with cancer.

Beverly graduated from Virginia Wesleyan with a bachelor of arts and earned a master of science degree from Old Dominion University in 1975, a certificate of advanced study from Old Dominion in 1978, and a doctorate in education administration from Virginia Tech in 1998. Most of her professional career was spent in elementary education, where she served as principal of White Oaks Elementary School before her retirement from Virginia Beach City Public Schools. She also earned certification as a nurse assistant and had worked part-time at Westminster Canterbury. She was active in the community, serving as a volunteer for several local organizations.

VWU was the recipient of Beverly’s wisdom and philanthropic generosity as she served on the University’s Board of Trustees for three terms. In 2011, she was inducted as an honorary member of the VWU Chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), the National Leadership Honor Society. In 2021, she was awarded a doctorate of humane letters, honoris causa, for her steadfast friendship and support of the University.

On the VWU campus, her legacy as a fierce lover of the arts and arts education is assured. Three years ago, the original fine arts building was renovated and formally dedicated as Susan T. Beverly Hall in gratitude for her generous support of the project. The Susan Beverly Grand Terrace and Pond, a serene space for outdoor programming, is outside of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center.

Dr. Lambuth M. Clarke, Virginia Wesleyan’s second president, called early graduates “pioneers,” as they charted their own course to help create the robust multi-versity of today. Beverly was very much a part of these pioneers, first as a student, and then as a proud alumna, trustee and philanthropist, helping guide the University to grow while remaining true to its mission. She loved Virginia Wesleyan and believed in its students. That love and belief will live on wherever Marlins create, imagine, delight and inspire.