By Chloe Cochran
Jan. 27’s forum marked the first University gathering of 2023. Provost Lambert, the starting speaker of the forum, announced firstly the transition of forum meetings. Southern Virginia will now be holding a forum every Friday for the Spring ’23 semester (something that hasn’t occurred since before the COVID-19 pandemic). Lambert quotes this transition as “just hitting different.”
Acting President Dr. Eric Denna also spoke to the attending students. He started as a professor 30 years ago and has been transitioning on and off campus within those years. Acting President Denna showed his appreciation for campus by announcing his commitment to attending and appreciating Southern Virginia’s forums. Specific to Jan. 27’s forum, Denna announced the re-introduction of Southern Virginia University’s Code of Conduct. “One thing that makes this place what it is is our code of conduct. I’m excited to have people speak to us about what this code of conduct means, and how to hold ourselves accountable for it,” Denna told us.
“When you show up to a forum, don’t show up alone. There’s no substitute for gathering,” Denna.
Following Denna’s speech, Southern Virginia’s acapella group, Accolade, performed “I Need a Hero.” After their performance, Provost Lambert came back on stage to give his impression of Southern Virginia’s Code of Conduct — Be Faithful, Honest, & Kind. Provost Lambert quickly handed over the stage to three individuals who defined their definition and explanation of the Code of Conduct.
Micheal Frye, Associate Director of Student Success, gave his explanation of faith and faithfulness. As a non-member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Frye shared his experience of Southern Virginia as a student with his journey to campus. Being asked to play football at Southern Virginia University, Frye knew that Southern Virginia was the place he needed to be. Frye recollected on entering Main Hall and seeing a portrait of Jesus Christ washing his disciples’ feet. Upon viewing this, Frye knew that Southern Virginia was the place for him.
“This is where I need to be. I couldn’t explain it, I knew if I needed to be my best self, I needed to be here,” Frye.
Since then, Frye has been faithful to his community on campus, believing in the University’s mission and purpose.
Dr. David Cox (Professor of History) stepped on stage next to establish his own meaning of honesty. Using the example of fraud, Cox goes on to explain the use of fraud and the impact it can cause to surrounding individuals. Cox explained that when an individual lies about different things, they’re allowing themselves to be dishonest towards the people around them and the Lord.
“What we are about here [Southern Virginia], is to help you make that [honesty] such a part of your life, that it is as natural as breathing. And as important and believing. This matters,” Cox.
Lastly, to explain kindness, Student Body President Brinley Pulsipher (’23) was brought on stage. Kindness, to her, was the actions of Professor Cox and his extended hand of gratitude. Using Professor Cox as an example, Pulsipher urged her peers to treat all people with kindness and respect, as Cox does for both his students and community. Engaging in kindness towards others, Pulsipher shared, allows for others to thrive.
“When I’m around those who are kind, I can thrive in love,” Pulsipher.
Once the Code of Conduct was explained personally by Frye, Cox, and Pulsipher, Anna Bowers re-announced the Dress Code for Southern Virginia: Dress and appearance should be clean, respectful, and appropriate for the occasion.
Forum ended with the singing of Love One Another and a closing prayer.
Forum Friday: A New(ish) Weekly Tradition was originally published in The Herald on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
