NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) and the Virginia Living Museum (VLM) announced a new strategic alliance built around the two institutions’ love for alligators. The VLM is home to many species of animal and plant life native to the Chesapeake Bay watershed, but also is home to many other species. This includes Newt, a female American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), which VPCC has just adopted.
“Both Virginia Peninsula Community College and the Virginia Living Museum are rooted in teaching and inspiring curiosity through immersive learning,” said Dr. Towuanna Porter Brannon, President of VPCC. “By adopting Newt, VPCC connects its spirit symbol to a living ambassador — one that helps extend the reach and impact of both institutions within our community.”
Virginia Peninsula’s mascot is Gillie the Gator, and throughout the school’s campuses, there are alligator statues, photos, stuffed animals, and other paraphernalia to celebrate alligators. Just last semester, VPCC unveiled a new secondary logo, which features the gator mascot in the exact center.
“We are genuinely grateful to Virginia Peninsula Community College for their generous support of Newt and our educational mission,” said Rebecca Kleinhample, Executive Director of the VLM. “This partnership reflects VPCC’s commitment to real-world student education as well as conservation and environmental stewardship in our community.”
The Virginia Living Museum has been caring for Newt since she arrived as a baby in 2018. Newt, whose seventh birthday is today, has become a favorite among visitors not only for her impressive size, but also for her intelligence and playful personality. Through this sponsorship, Newt will continue to serve as an educational ambassador, helping students and community members learn about alligator biology, conservation, and the important role these apex predators play in their ecosystems.
“I think this new partnership between Virginia Peninsula and the Virginia Living Museum makes an incredible amount of sense,” said Dr. Brannon. “At our heart, both the VLM and VPCC were created to educate, and our new partnership will allow both institutions to reach more people in the community.”
In addition to the adoption of Newt, the college and the VLM will partner on to-be-announced initiatives, which may include camps and other learning opportunities for VPCC students.
“VPCC’s partnership of Newt demonstrates the kind of community partnership that makes real conservation education possible,” Kleinhample added. “We’re honored to have an educational partner who understands the value of real-life experiences and the important role our animal ambassadors play in inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.”
The partnership will help support Newt’s care, enrichment, and the educational programs she participates in throughout the year, ensuring she can continue to inspire and educate visitors of all ages.