Making Waves is a newsletter for faculty, staff, alumni and friends of Norfolk State University
June 2021
Historic Commencement Graduates Two Classes In One Day
Even though the Class of 2020 had a virtual graduation in December of 2020, those who wanted to have the excitement of walking across the stage in front of family and friends got their chance on Saturday, May 15, 2021. In an historic feat, Norfolk State University held two graduation ceremonies on the same day in William “Dick” Price Stadium.
The May Class of 2021 commencement was at 9 a.m. and the ​May and December Classes of 2020 commencement were at 3 p.m. Degrees were conferred for 383 students who finished their course of study in December 2020. 469 degrees were conferred for those who finished in May 2021. And 532 degrees were conferred on those students who finished in May 2020 during the pandemic lockdown.
Celebrity and alumnus J.B. Smoove was the 9 a.m. commencement speaker, where he received an honorary doctorate for his longtime support of the University. Outgoing Rector Joan G. Wilmer served as commencement speaker for the 3 p.m. ceremony. Both ceremonies were attended by family and friends of the graduates who maintained social distance while showing support for their loved ones.
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Norfolk State University Library Renovation
While the Lyman Beecher Brooks Library in the middle of the Norfolk State University campus was servicing patrons digitally 24/7 during the pandemic, the iconic building was closed from March 2020 to September 2020. Nonetheless, a lot was happening in that building over this past year. The majority of the first floor was undergoing major renovation. Now the first phase of that renovation is complete.
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I AM NSU Campaign Raises $161,878
The “I AM NSU because I believe in the University” fundraising campaign was a success despite a worldwide pandemic characterized by social distance, virtual learning, and—in many cases—financial hardship. Nonetheless, in a noon ceremony Thursday, May 20, 2021, recognizing the culmination of the fundraising event, Vice President Clifford Porter said he was “…ecstatic about the support that we received from the campus community in support of this campaign.”
The annual fundraising event is just one portion of this year’s fundraising goal, but it’s an excellent start in supporting Norfolk State University and NSU students. This year’s campaign raised $161,878. President Javaunne Adams-Gaston thanked all those who gave to this year’s campaign saying “Norfolk State University is a better place because of your support.”
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The New "Budget to Actuals" Web Applications Coming Soon
The project will integrate Ellucian’s Self-Service Budget to Actuals Web application with Colleague, the existing Student and Financials Information System utilized by NSU. The product is self-service based allowing 24x7 application access. Budget to Actuals will be accessible on PCs, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices.
Virginia College Affordability Network (VCAN) Scholarship
Norfolk State University presents the Virginia College Affordability Network (VCAN) Scholarship. VCAN will provide free tuition for a select number for first-year students in the local proximity of NSU’s campus (25 miles). This includes the cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach. NSU is proud to be able to provide college access to students within our community!
Visit the VCAN Scholarship Webpage.