Virginia State University Hosts Buddhist Monks Who Are Drawing National Attention For Cross-Country Peace Walk

19 Buddhist monks and their team of more than 50 volunteers spent the night at VSU.

Virginia State University was honored to host a group of Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, who are undertaking a 2,300-mile peace walk from Texas to the White House to promote healing, unity, and compassion across the nation. The monks’ journey has drawn growing national attention, with communities across the country welcoming them as symbols of reflection, resilience, and hope.

On Saturday, January 31, 2026, 19 monks stopped at VSU on day 98 of their journey, spending the night on campus and engaging with students and members of the Trojan community during an evening program held in the Black Box Theatre at the Alfred W. Harris Academic Commons. Although the visit was not open to the public, the monks offered to speak with students and enjoy a live performance from the Trojan Explosion Marching Band, creating a meaningful opportunity for reflection, dialogue, and connection as they shared their message of peace and national healing. Watch a video recap of the visit.

Virginia State University also hosted the monks’ extended team of more than 50 volunteers. The monks were housed overnight in the gymnasium of the Alfred W. Harris Academic Commons, while their support staff stayed throughout the building. A medical treatment room was also established within the Academic Commons to support the group during their stay.

The University received confirmation at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday that the monks would be staying on campus, requiring swift coordination and preparation.

“Virginia State University is a place where dialogue, understanding, and community matter,” said Eldon Burton, Assistant Vice President for Government Relations. “We were honored to welcome the monks to campus and provide a space for our students and the Trojan community to engage with a message centered on compassion, unity, and healing—values that strongly align with our mission.”

Following their visit, the monks shared an extended message of gratitude on their Facebook page, thanking Virginia State University for its hospitality and care. “We would like to express our deep gratitude to Virginia State University for hosting us last night on Day 98,” the group wrote. “Thank you for opening your doors and welcoming us with such warmth and kindness. Your generosity, hospitality, and caring spirit made us feel comfortable and at peace during our rest. It is through the warm embrace of places like Virginia State University that this journey is sustained and nourished. You have given us not just a place to rest, but a place to feel welcomed and valued.”

The University extends sincere thanks to Eldon Burton, AVP of Government Relations; Gwen Williams Dandridge, AVP of Communications; and Yourdouns James, Executive Director of Conference and Event Services, for coordinating the monks’ visit. The University also expresses deep appreciation to Police Chief David Bragg and the VSU Police Department, Facilities staff, Office of Communications, Thompson Hospitality, and our extended VSU staff for their rapid response, collaboration, and professionalism in ensuring a safe, welcoming, and meaningful environment for the monks and their support team. A livestream of the monks’ visit and discussion with students is available on the University’s official Facebook page.

Since beginning their journey on October 26, 2025, the monks have traveled through communities, historic landmarks, and state capitols to spread a message rooted in compassion and understanding. Virginia State University was proud to be part of their inspiring journey, which is scheduled to conclude in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026.