VWU Alum Bob Valvano Declares "Take My Name OUT" of VWU Hall of Fame
- Staff
- Oct 4, 2025
- 2 min read
The fight for the soul of Virginia Wesleyan University reached a dramatic turning point this weekend as a legendary figure in Marlin athletics took a definitive stand against the transition to "Batten University."
Bob Valvano, a hall-of-fame three-sport athlete and one of the most celebrated names in the school’s history, used the "No Home Homecoming" boycott to deliver a stinging rebuke to the administration. Valvano, who describes himself as "blindsided" by the 2026 rebranding, announced that he no longer wishes to be associated with an institution that he believes is erasing its own heritage.
For Valvano, the renaming of the university isn't just a corporate update—it is an act of historical erasure.
"I’m announcing tonight, I’m taking my name out of the Virginia Wesleyan Athletic Hall of Fame," Valvano told 13News Now. "Nothing has meant more to me than my experience at Virginia Wesleyan, and they’re wiping it out by doing this, no matter what they say."
Valvano joins a coalition of over 6,000 petition signers who feel the Board of Trustees prioritized a "final" decision over the voices of the alumni who built the school’s reputation.
The President’s Defense vs. Alumni Reality
In response to the growing dissent, University President Dr. Scott D. Miller issued a statement claiming a commitment to "preserve Virginia Wesleyan's legacy," even while moving forward with the July 1, 2026, rebrand.
Valvano and other organizers remain unconvinced. “To not have been included in the process, I would respectfully disagree with the president," Valvano stated. He noted the frustration of a community that hasn't received a single outreach from the university since the initial Labor Day Weekend protests.
A Quest for Transparency
Devin Cowhey, the alumna spearheading the petition and organizing the weekend’s alternative events, emphasized that the movement is a critique of process, not a personal attack on the school’s benefactors.
"This is not an indictment of the Batten family," Cowhey clarified. "They are loved and respected... We just know there are better ways this could have been handled."
The "No Home Homecoming" schedule proves the resilience of the movement, featuring:
The Shorebreak Boycott: Reclaiming the traditional alumni hangout.
The Saturday Rally: A peaceful demonstration held just off-campus to ensure the alumni voice is seen and heard.
The Sunday Service: A reflection on the school's founding Methodist values that many feel are being sidelined.
What’s Next?
As the clock ticks toward the 2026 deadline, the Saving Virginia Wesleyan campaign is making one thing clear: The legacy of a university isn't found in a name on a building, but in the people who are willing to fight for its history.
Stand With Bob and Devin. The fight isn't over. You can help us protect the Wesleyan legacy by:
[Signing the Petition] Join the 6,000+ voices demanding transparency.
[Sharing Your Story] Tell us what the Wesleyan name means to your career and your life.
[Viewing the Legal Archive] See the documents tracking our journey to hold the administration accountable.
Join our fight! Act now. Learn the truth. Share our cause. Stand up for Virginia Wesleyan—before it’s too late.
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