The distance from Christopher Newport to Riverside Elementary is short.

But the most recent Community Walk led by President William G. Kelly proved that while the path may not be long, it is paved with an abundance of optimism, intention, and promise. Plenty of smiles along the way, too.

As Captain Chris and more than 100 members of the Captain community strolled to the nearby elementary school, the message they carried to the young students was clear: CNU is not only your neighbor, but it is also a university that one day may make your educational and career dreams come true. And it’s just footsteps away.

"We will always be your hometown university,” President Kelly said. ”We are your neighbors and we are proud to be able to work with you. When the time comes, we hope you embrace us.”

It was a day to connect, to remind the students of the possibilities that are available less than a mile away. President Kelly spoke under a sign that read “Riverside to CNU. The Walk is Already Paved,” a nod to the fact that the connection between the two schools remains strong.

The relationship with Riverside is one that fits squarely within the University's Strategic Compass goal of connecting with the community. It was the fifth community walk to a local school, and the second one to Riverside. The effort is meant to both spread the word about CNU and for the University to reach out as a good neighbor and valuable educational partner.

“This is an opportunity for us to lean into our values,” President Kelly said.

The message of unity resonated with the Riverside students, who welcomed the CNU walkers with the Boomin’ Bears, their impressive drumline, and boundless enthusiasm.

“It is important for our students to see the community support for them and their dreams for the future,” said Riverside Principal Katherine Jenn. “This is about more than a walk. It’s about connection. Thank you for walking alongside us and the community. It shows our students what the possibilities are.”

The CNU delegation included faculty, staff, students, local law enforcement, and state and city leaders. Not only did the walkers come to power collaboration, they also brought a wagon full of sidewalk chalk as a gift for the children.

After the drumline finished their welcome, President Kelly told them that CNU also has a band and invited them to come to campus to hear it. 

Captain Chris offered the Bears high fives and encouragement to keep succeeding. It was a joyful reminder that they could become future Captain.

Before leading the walk back to campus, President Kelly took an “ussie” with the students, his version of a selfie to mark the occasion.

And he couldn’t leave without first leading the crowd in his trademark punchline of “Go Captains” and then a rousing collaborative rendition of “Go Bears.”

“The students are just so excited about this,” Jenn said.