Robert Wayne Gillikin, II '00
Life is about connections. Dr. Bill Jones piqued my interest in law, which had me attend a campus legal seminar led by Rodney Smolla.
Full name/Class year:
Robert Wayne Gillikin, II (2000)
Major(s)/Minor(s) at VWU:
Major: Business (LAMP), Minor: Political Science
VWU sports/ extracurricular activities/clubs & organizations you were involved in:
Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Eta Sigma, Phi Kappa Tau, Wesleyan Honors& Scholars Association
Current city/state in which you live:
Norfolk, VA
Current job title:
Attorney
Professional recognition, accomplishments or special projects:
Virginia State Bar, West Virginia State Bar, Pennsylvania Bar Association, National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives, National Organization of Veterans Advocates Personal interests/hobbies: Virginia Wesleyan Alumni Council, Virginia Wesleyan President's Council, Southeastern Virginia Homeless Coalition, Hampton Roads Pride, West Ghent Civic League, mountain hiking, vegetarian cooking
Family:
Courtney (Fox) Gillikin '01 and two daughters (Madeleine and Eleanor)
How did your time at Òùµ´ÉÙ¸¾ shape the person you are today?
It opened many doors both intellectually and socially, particularly in philosophy, political science, literature, art history, and making new friends (including my wife).
Share your thoughts about the "small college difference":
It made it much easier for making new friends and trying new activities without feeling crowded out. Having small class sizes was also very beneficial for being more engaged in classes, and for interacting with professors both inside and outside of the classroom.
Share unique opportunities you had at VWU (internships, community service, study abroad, etc.):
Life is about connections. Dr. Bill Jones piqued my interest in law, which had me attend a campus legal seminar led by Rodney Smolla. While in law school at the University of Richmond, I became one of Smolla's legal research assistants, took several of his classes, and took a maritime law course taught by Brother Rutter, with whom years later I joined his law firm (Rutter Mills) where I have been for the past 11 years.
Anything else about your time at VWU you would like to share?
VWU gives you the opportunity to both broaden your mind and sharpen it, see things from different perspectives, and make lifelong friends.