Speeches
A Life of Consistent Correct Choices – Celebrating Jim Skeen at Third Annual Founder’s Day Forum
The Southern Virginia University campus community gathered in the Knight Arena on March 27 to celebrate the annual Founder’s Day Forum and honor board of trustees member Jim Skeen.
Board of trustees member Jim Skeen, who has served on the board for 25 years, was recognized for his contributions as finance committee chair and secretary. Former Chairman of the Board Dane McBride introduced Skeen, highlighting his background in tax law and accounting, and the steadiness he brought to the university’s financial oversight.
“Your knowledge of legal and accounting procedures, coupled with your keen eye for detail, have been invaluable to the forward progress of this university,” said McBride. “You have taken great worries off the shoulders of presidents and chairmen of the university.”
In his remarks, Skeen testified of the Lord’s hand in establishing Southern Virginia University. He recalled a church meeting he attended before the school was founded where the stake president stated that a Latter-day Saint stake would be established in Buena Vista. A few short years later Glade Knight purchased Southern Seminary.
In 1999, the Buena Vista Stake was organized and was followed in 2012 by the Buena Vista Young Single Adult Stake.
”Looking back, I realize the Lord had a plan. And I’ve seen that plan manifest so many times over the course of the last 30 years,” said Skeen. “I know the Lord’s hand is in this university.”
Jim’s wife, Tayna Skeen, expressed her love and respect for Jim’s lifelong commitment to integrity and service. She recalled conversations with her mother about the qualities she hoped to find in a husband, and said her husband had always striven to model his life after Christ.
”My mother, after getting to know Jim, said, ‘Who could be more correct than Jim Skeen?’” Tayna said. “Not only is he a tax attorney and certified public accountant — all things that require exactness — but he’s striven to do what’s right all his life.”
“A great life is not built in one moment. It’s built on small, consistent choices — choosing wisdom, love, unity, gratitude,” President Bonnie Cordon said, alluding to Southern Virginia’s Knight Virtues. “Jim Skeen has spent 25 years serving this university, but more importantly he has spent a lifetime becoming a man who could.”
The forum also featured remarks from the two winners of this year’s Founder’s Day Essay Contest. One of the winners, Marisa Marvel (‘26), shared how her time at Southern Virginia shaped her sense of purpose, pointing to experiences such as volunteering with Remote Area Medical Clinics and serving as president of the Just Serve club.
“I’ve found mentors, friendships, opportunities and a clearer sense of purpose,” said Marvel. “Most importantly, I have grown into someone who is ready to step forward and serve others. And for that, I will always be grateful.”
Emmalee Gabrylczyk (‘26), the second winner of the essay contest, shared that her life has been changed at Southern Virginia through small moments such as being a member of the cross country team, taking classes with Associate Professor of Philosophy Bryce Gessell, going to church, and meeting her husband.
”If you’re sitting here wondering if you’re in the right place or waiting for your life to change or something big to happen, don’t wait. It’s already happening,” Gabrylczyk said. “You’ll look back and realize that all these little and simple moments were building and adding up to be completely life-changing.”
The event included a musical number of “Shenandoah” directed by Professor Benjamin Gaughran and performed by the combined choirs and choir alumni. It ended with the traditional singing of “Love One Another.”
Founder’s Day weekend also included two classes offered for alumni taught by Professor Gessell and Associate Professor of Business Todd Brotherson, as well as a Saturday evening recital featuring 12 alumni singers and musicians.