Feature Story
“You Are the Fulfillment of That Prophecy”: Celebrating SVU’s History and Heritage
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.
Opening the forum, President Aaron Hale reflected on how SVU came to be, tracing the university’s roots back 140 years to early missionary efforts, the faith of local members, and prophecies about students gathering in Buena Vista.
“You are the fulfillment of that prophecy,” said President Hale, referencing founder Glade Knight’s early vision of Main Hall filled with students. “The Lord loves this university. He wants this place to grow—not for our sake, but for all those out there who need to come and find belonging, a community where they fit in, where they can learn, grow, and be gathered.”
Students then shared their own stories of finding their way to Southern Virginia, and what they discovered when they arrived.
Amee Newman, a junior from Wyoming and former Utah Valley University student studying biology, shared how coming to SVU helped her find purpose beyond athletics.
“SVU is a place full of opportunities—academic, athletic, and spiritual,” Newman said. “I truly believe that the Lord is aware of SVU, and that’s why we have experiences here that are different. This institution truly is different.”
For Mark Grimmer, the path to SVU came together quickly. A biochemistry major from Oregon, Grimmer transferred from Brigham Young University after feeling lost among tens of thousands of students. Just one week before the semester began, his mother encouraged him to apply to SVU. He saw the move come together seamlessly.
“Looking back, I can see that the Lord’s hand was guiding me here the entire time,” said Grimmer, who is now in his junior year. “There are lots of people who may feel lost or not understand where they need to be, and I encourage you to take a few seconds to reach out to someone you know would benefit from coming here. Sometimes us reaching out can be the one thing to help guide people to where they can thrive.”
Lily Calderwood McBride, a sophomore who transferred from BYU-Idaho, spoke of the unique academic support and close-knit community she found at SVU, sharing that several of her professors even attended her recent wedding.
“There is something special and magical about SVU, and if you put in the effort to leave your dorm room and get to know your teachers, you’re going to find that magic too,” McBride said. “The faculty here genuinely care about you as an individual, and when you build those relationships, you find a support system that goes far beyond the classroom.”
McBride then concluded by extending an invitation: She asked members of the campus community to join in a 24-hour fast the following Sunday for the continued growth and prosperity of the university and to pray that more young adults would be led to SVU.
The forum opened with the audience singing “High on a Mountain Top,” followed by a performance of “Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah” by the Chamber Singers, and concluded with the campus community singing the traditional hymn “Love One Another.”
