Lacy Rodriguez

Spotlight

The Life-Changing Power of Scholarships

Nov. 17, 2023 — Aligned with the gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Southern Virginia University provides faithful Latter-day Saints and like-minded students with a premium education at a private university at less than half the price of comparable private colleges and universities.

Speeches

The Healing and Unifying Power of Art with Artists Esther Hi’ilani Candari and Barbara Crawford

Nov. 15, 2023 — On Nov. 10, the campus community gathered in the Knight Arena to hear artists Esther Hi’ilani Candari and Professor of Art Barbara Crawford speak on their combined decades of artistic works and experiences and art’s healing and uniting power throughout life.

News Release

Southern Virginia University Recognized as a Phi Kappa Phi Circle of Excellence Platinum Chapter

Nov. 15, 2023 — Phi Kappa Phi has recently recognized Southern Virginia University’s chapter of Phi Kappa Phi as a Circle of Excellence Platinum Chapter, the highest commendation a chapter can receive from the organization, for the fourth time since the Circle of Excellence distinction was created in 2018.

Spotlight

How Eryn Pawluk’s (‘21) Academic Experiences Prepared Her for Yale

Nov. 9, 2023 — A graduate in biochemistry and biology, Eryn Pawluk (‘21) praises her Southern Virginia University professors and undergraduate experiences as she prepares to complete her master’s degree at the Yale School of Public Health, where she is specializing in epidemiology of microbial diseases with a primary focus on environmental infectious diseases.

Speeches

Finding and Maintaining Happiness In Life with Alumni Scott (‘01) and Rachel (‘05) McKeon

Nov. 1, 2023 — On Oct. 27, the campus community and visiting alumni gathered in the Knight Arena to kick off the annual Homecoming Weekend and hear from alumni Scott (‘01) and Rachel (‘05) McKeon as they shared stories of their time as students and principles to find happiness throughout life.

News Release

Jared Covington Named Director of the Launch Center for Career Development

Oct. 26, 2023 — Southern Virginia University is pleased to name Instructor of Marketing Jared Covington as the director of the Launch Center for Career Development, a career- and student-focused initiative —the next evolution of the university’s Career Center. This initiative will equip students for success after graduation by providing personalized support and guidance with faculty and alumni connections and mentorship, career preparation, and tutoring for job and graduate school applications.

Speeches

Understanding the History of Race and the Priesthood in Latter-day Saint Tradition with Historian Dr. W. Paul Reeve

Oct. 18, 2023 — On Oct. 13, the campus community gathered in the Knight Arena to hear Dr. W. Paul Reeve, Simmons Chair of Mormon Studies at the University of Utah, share his research and insights on the history of race and the priesthood during the early years of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

News Release

Theatre Takes to the Seas With Original Adaptation of “Treasure Island”

Oct. 6, 2023 — In a high seas adventure filled with pirates, treasure, and sea shanties, Southern Virginia University Theatre performed Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island,” with an original adaptation by Associate Professor of Theatre Amaree Cluff, on Sept. 22–23, 28–29 as the first production of the 2023–24 academic year.

News Release

University Trustee Bianca Lisonbee Passes Away

Oct. 5, 2023 — The Southern Virginia University community is deeply saddened at the loss of trustee, Bianca Lisonbee, who passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, surrounded by her husband, children, and loved ones, after bravely battling a rare and aggressive cancer.

Speeches

Former Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon Testifies of the Blessings of Walking with the Lord

Oct. 3, 2023 — On Sept. 29, the university community gathered for a devotional to learn from Bonnie H. Cordon—former young women general president for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—as she shared her testimony of the blessings of walking with the Lord and trusting His guidance.

Spotlight

Alum Researches Genetic Variant in Polynesian Populations in Investigational Lab

Sept. 26, 2023 — For Jacob Taloa (‘23), going to college wasn’t originally in his life plan. Now, after graduating from Southern Virginia University with a 4.0 GPA, he is currently working as a research associate in the Summers/Holland Investigational Lab in the University of Utah molecular medicine program. With plans to become a doctor, Taloa hopes to be an example to Polynesians unsure about pursuing higher education.

Speeches

Acting President Eric Denna and Lyn Denna on the Blessings of Making Learning a Priority

Sept. 22, 2023 — On Sept. 22, the Southern Virginia University community gathered to hear Acting President Eric Denna and Lyn Denna speak on the blessings of pursuing learning and growth continuously.