Batten University
Re “Virginia Wesleyan to change name” (A1, Aug. 21): As a proud alumnus of Virginia Wesleyan University, Class of 1980, I was shocked and saddened to learn of the proposed name change to Batten University, effective on July 1.
While I deeply appreciate the Batten family’s generous contributions, I believe the name of a respected academic institution should not be transactional. Naming rights may suit sports or entertainment, but they feel misplaced in higher education — especially at a university built on Methodist tradition and purpose.
The Batten name is already well honored on campus through several named buildings and programs. These tributes thoughtfully recognize their support without altering the university’s identity.
With sincere respect to Batten, I believe there is great dignity in declining a renaming gift in order to preserve institutional legacy.
Equally troubling is the lack of transparency surrounding this decision. A change of this scale — impacting the university’s name and identity — should include input from alumni, students, faculty and the broader community. Instead, it appears to have been decided behind closed doors.
I can’t help but think of Lambuth Clarke, the college’s second president who served from 1966 to 1992. He remarkably knew every student by name and helped shape VWU’s spirit and direction. I believe he would oppose this change, standing for heritage over rebranding.
Though I lack the financial means to influence this decision, I offer my voice and deep concern. I respectfully urge the administration to preserve the name and legacy of Virginia Wesleyan University.
Terry L. Siviter, Virginia Beach
Wesleyan origin
Re “Virginia Wesleyan to change name” (A1, Aug. 21): My father Robert F. Boyd was crucial in building Virginia Wesleyan College, giving a very large part of the foundational money to start the school.
The one and only reason for naming the school after John Wesley is the tremendous spiritual influence Wesley left, leading hundreds of thousands to Christ. We want all of the students who attend this college to know about Wesley, and more importantly, the main message that he preached — to know God and his son, Jesus Christ. May The Virginian-Pilot stand against the renaming of a university titled after a hero of the Methodist faith.
Bob Boyd Jr., Norfolk
Ghent School
My children, siblings and I attended Maury High School in Norfolk. It was a wonderful school for us.
My granddaughter now attends the Ghent School. Maury High wants the land for its expansion. Do you think it may be coincidental that all the sudden Ghent School needs to close?
This is wrong. Ghent School is a wonderful school with a principal, assistant principal and staff that make it an exceptional place for our children to get an education.
Maury needs to figure out another strategy to get what they want without taking the Ghent School. Shame on those who think this is a good idea.
Mary Lou Anderson, Norfolk
22nd Street library
Re “Historic building” (Your Views, Aug. 20): Thank you for the letter to the editor regarding the 22nd Street Library in Virginia Beach. It makes me sad to read that a 98-year-old building will be razed for more condos. In 1967, I became the first professional branch librarian at that site. If someone has enjoyed the children’s story hour or the summer reading program in Virginia Beach, we started those programs.
When the news of the building’s demise first came out, I emailed the city councilman representing the Oceanfront and have yet to get a reply.
I find it hard to believe that no one could come up with an idea for this building’s usage. Citizens of Virginia Beach, beware; the de Witt Cottage and the Lifesaving Station are also on prime Oceanfront property.
Ellen Wagner Stott, Virginia Beach
