2026

Feature Story

“Nothing You Learn is Ever Wasted”: Rick and Ellen James on Faith, Business, and Capitol Hill

Oct. 21, 2026 — On Oct. 16, the Southern Virginia University community gathered in the Knight Arena to hear from Rick and Ellen James, who have served in the U.S. Senate and the White House for over 15 years. There they spoke about what navigating career paths and life’s unexpected turns have taught them about gratitude, preparation, and being ready when opportunities come.

Feature Story

SVU Theatre Honors Amaree Cluff with Benefit Concert Reading of “Treasure Island”

Oct. 15, 2026 — On Oct. 9, members of the Southern Virginia University and local community gathered for a special benefit concert reading of “Treasure Island,” an original play adaptation written by Professor of Theatre Amaree Cluff. The evening honored Cluff’s years of service, celebrated her designation as professor emeritus, and offered support following her recent retirement as she focuses on treatment for pancreatic cancer.

Feature Story

SVU Breaks Ground for Beach Volleyball Court Generously Donated by the Elam Family

Oct. 14, 2026 — On Friday, Sept. 18, Southern Virginia University officially broke ground on a new beach volleyball court that will give the university’s beach volleyball team a dedicated place to practice on campus and provide another recreational space for students.The court is made possible by a generous gift from the Elam family, whose daughter, Celestial, spoke at the university’s forum earlier that morning. 

News Release

Finding the Extraordinary in Everyday Moments: Theatre Performs Pulitzer Prize Winner “Our Town”

Oct. 13, 2026 — In a moving production exploring the joys, simple pleasures, and everyday moments of life in a small town, Southern Virginia University’s theatre program performed Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” on Sept. 25–26 and Oct. 1–3 in the Performing Arts Center.

Speeches

Seeking Wisdom, Uncovering Truth: Professors Lee and Silver Speak at Annual Professor of the Year Forum

Oct. 13, 2026 — On Oct. 9, the Southern Virginia University community gathered in the Knight Arena to hear from Dr. Jared Lee and Dr. Ariel Clark Silver, who were named as Professors of the Year for the 2025-26 school year. As the inaugural recipients of the Kenneth F. MacDonnell Endowment Professor of the Year award, Lee and Silver spoke about scientific discovery, literary research, and the search for truth, identity, and wisdom.

News Release

Southern Virginia University’s Chapter of Sigma Delta Pi Earns National Award for Third Consecutive Year

Oct. 12, 2026 — Press release from the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society, Sigma Delta Pi

Speeches

Beloved From the Beginning: Overcoming Shame and Reclaiming Divine Worth with Kurt Francom

Oct. 8, 2026 — On Oct. 2, the Southern Virginia University community gathered in the Knight Arena to hear from Kurt Francom, the host and executive director of Leading Saints, a non-profit organization and podcast dedicated to helping Latter-day Saints be better prepared to lead. There, Francom spoke about grace, divine identity, and one of mortality's most universal questions: "Is God disappointed in me?"

Spotlight

More Than Resources: Why Paysen Grandy Chose Southern Virginia University Over SCAD

Oct. 6, 2026 — In 2023, Paysen Grandy (’26) was studying illustration on a full scholarship at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), one of the top art institutions in the country. But as the year progressed, she began to realize she wanted something more from her college experience.

Speeches

Finding Joy and Identity After a Life–Altering Trial with Celestial Elam

Sept. 21, 2026 — On Sept. 18, the Southern Virginia University community gathered in the Knight Arena to hear from 26 year-old Celestial Elam, who shared her powerful journey of faith, resilience, and discovering true identity following a life-altering car accident at age 16.

Speeches

SVU Convocation Encourages Students to Find Purpose and Think for Themselves 

Sept. 17, 2026 — On Sept. 11, the Southern Virginia University community gathered in Knight Arena for the annual Convocation to mark the start of a new academic year. Provost Brent Yergensen and professors Michael King and Kim Anderson challenged students to consider what will guide them through the year, and how purpose, community, and careful thinking can help them navigate an unpredictable world.

Spotlight

SVU Student and Alumna Named First President and Secretary for LDSPMA’s New NextGen Program

Sept. 16, 2026 — It started with an email from the Launch Center. When Aurora Johnson (‘27) and Paysen Grandy (‘26), opened a message highlighting new opportunities for artists, neither knew it would lead to transformative national leadership roles in a national initiative for young creators.

Speeches

“You Are the Fulfillment of That Prophecy”: Celebrating SVU’s History and Heritage

Sept. 14, 2026 — In celebration of the history, faith, and growth that defines Southern Virginia University, the campus community gathered in the Knight Arena on Friday, Sept. 4, for a special forum focused on the university’s origins, student journeys of belonging, and an invitation to share SVU with the world.