The Center is made possible by a gracious gift of $5 million from The van Vlissingen Student Foundation. John Fentener van Vlissingen (pictured left at the College’s 2019 Commencement) is the founder and chairman of the board of BCD Group, the third largest business travel company in the world.
The van Vlissingens are a well-known Dutch family who founded one of the world’s largest private trading groups, SHV, in Utrecht, in 1896. Originally coal traders, today their interests include transport, animal feed, oil and gas exploration and financial services. Van Vlissingen made a career outside of the family business when he formed BCD Group. Originally established in 1975 as a real estate investment company, van Vlissingen expanded the company’s interests into travel and travel-related services.
“We are fortunate for the van Vlissingen family’s interest in Emory & Henry students,” said President Wells.
“John van Vlissingen has great empathy for students who thirst for the guidance and skills that will lead them to the working world. His support to build and staff this professional development center will leave a legacy for the College and the region.”
Emory & Henry is remodeling Carriger Hall to house the new School of Business on the Emory campus. The first step toward that end was the demolition of Matthews Hall to make room for significant upgrades to Carriger and an updated outdoor space for the entire campus to enjoy. Until the renovation is complete, McGlothlin Street Hall will be home to the Business Department.
You can feel the energy as you walk into the modern interior of the building, formerly known as the Ampersand Center, and now the new van Vlissingen Center for Career and Professional Development (VVC). The ampersands painted on the wall are still relevant as the Career Center is all about connections. But, there are new faces, new ideas and fresh perspectives that lead the work of the Center.