Elizabeth River Project Inducts VWU into River Star Hall of Fame

Virginia Wesleyan University was recognized by the Elizabeth River Project for “Sustained Distinguished Performance at Model Level” at the Annual River Star Businesses Recognition Luncheon. Sustained Distinguished Performance represents completion of significant new initiatives by a River Star Business. The Elizabeth River Project and “Inside Business,” the project’s media partner, inducted the University into the Inside Business Hall of Fame for River Stars.

“It is so appropriate that VWU is recognized as a leader on this topic,” said President Scott D. Miller. “Our commitment goes beyond our beautiful 300-acre campus in Virginia Beach. We are distinctively unique in two very important ways: the mission and vision of our honors college and the investment of our full endowment in an environmentally friendly way.”

In 2021, Virginia Wesleyan received a series of private gifts, increasing its endowment to $123.5 million. Of those funds, $80.2 million are designated for the endowment of the Batten Honors College, a highly selective residential program of the University with a focus on environmental stewardship, global engagement and leadership. The entire endowment for the Batten Honors College and the University has been invested following environmental, social and governance criteria.

Sustainability efforts at VWU reflect a larger commitment to ethical conduct and social responsibility through environmental stewardship and education. In 2020, the University’s Board of Trustees adopted Environmental Guiding Principles that have been embedded in the permanent institutional mindset. Among numerous other examples of VWU’s commitment to sustainability are joining the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment with a pledge to be carbon neutral by 2040. VWU’s Greer Environmental Sciences Center is LEED Gold certified for solar, green roof, cool roof, geothermal, LED, extra insulation and low-flow fixtures. Virginia Wesleyan’s wildlife-habitat enhancement efforts include the teaching gardens surrounding the Greer center, with more than two acres of vegetated open space and over 23,000 native plants.

One example of Virginia Wesleyan's commitment to sustainability is its wildlife-habitat enhancement efforts, which include the expansive teaching gardens surrounding the Greer Environmental Sciences Center.