Virtual worlds education consortium Celebrates its 4th Anniversary With New Logo
On May 17th, 2025, the Virtual Worlds Education Consortium (VWEC) celebrated the anniversary of the organization with an event in Second Life. Here are the highlights.
In preparation for the event, the VWEC deck would be completely decorated for the occasion as Virtual Worlds Education Consortium celebrates its 4th anniversary.
Opening with some thank you mentions after live music by ARI, first presenter Elli Pinion discussed the work of Bryn Oh, which also was on display during the event. After this, Madori Linden spoke about the Virtual Worlds Education Consortium and the impact it has had on Second Life and its communities. Next up spoke Meryl McBride, a Virtual Worlds Education Consortium board member who also heads publication of The Avatar Scholar. The Avatar Scholar is a virtual world journal focused toward the higher education sector.
After this, Dirk McKinnon arrived with a message from Rockcliffe University, a major partner in the Virtual Worlds Education Consortium. Elli Pinion returned to the stage and recognized volunteers that have been helpful to the Virtual Worlds Education Consortium over the last year, as well as announcing upcoming events. Recognition was given to The Avatar Scholar First Edition team of Meryl McBride, and Shandra Lavendel and a tribute to the late Barbara Collazo. Shandra then would be recognized along with Dodge Threebeards and DeeDeeBeaker for efforts regarding data and outreach about the region. Unfortunately, the last scheduled speaker – Tom Boellstorff – was unable to make it to the presentation. Closing remarks were given by Valerie Hill, also known as ValLibrarian Gregg.
You can hear these events for yourself with a YouTube highlighting just the celebration speeches.
The event concluded with a dance with music from EXXX MAGIC, a former Second Life educator who now finds enjoyment spinning tunes as a disc jockey in Second Life.
The event also included an unveiling of a new logo for the Virtual Worlds Education Consortium.
Video of the full celebration is available now on YouTube of the recording of the livestream of the full event.
Congratulations to the Virtual Worlds Education Consortium as it celebrates its 4th anniversary!