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Congratulations to the VWU Class of 2023!
Virginia Wesleyan celebrated its newest graduates during Commencement Ceremonies May 12 and 13
University News | May 13, 2023
View Photo Gallery: 2023 Commencement Ceremony
Virginia Wesleyan University’s Commencement Ceremony celebrated new graduates as the Class of 2023 crossed the dais to receive their diplomas May 13 in TowneBank Arena in the Jane P. Batten Student Center.
VWU President Scott D. Miller delivered welcoming remarks to the graduating students.
“Your Virginia Wesleyan liberal arts education has prepared you well to embrace and participate in our multicultural world,” he said, “with a global economy, accelerating technology, medical breakthroughs and groundbreaking scientific research, urgent decisions to be made about public health, our natural environment and international security, and many more challenges that define modern existence. I urge your continued commitment to lifelong learning not only to adapt to these changes but also to seize the opportunities that may accompany them. And remember, many of these momentous issues will fall to you to address on behalf of all of us.”
Following his remarks, Dr. Miller introduced Commencement speaker Hilary Harp Falk, president and CEO of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Falk delivered the address to the Class of 2023, sharing thoughts on leadership and the graduates’ roles in building the future.
“Your challenges have made you stronger and more resilient,” she said. “You have individually and collectively faced obstacles and setbacks. Whether large or small, these experiences — and your ability to overcome them — mean that whatever comes next will also be possible to overcome."
Falk concluded by telling the new graduates, “You’ve got this.”
“You are prepared for the next challenge, even if you don’t know what it will be. Ask questions. Empower others. Choose optimism. Find your mentors and your champions. Stay connected. We will all be better for it. In the end, we know you are unstoppable. You have all the tools you need.”
President Miller and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Susan Larkin then conferred degrees for students earning a Master of Arts in Education, Master of Education, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and/or Bachelor of Social Work. Graduates of each academic school proudly crossed the platform to receive their diplomas as cheers from the crowd acknowledged their accomplishments.
The University also presented honorary degrees to Falk and Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson, Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church and VWU's baccalaureate speaker. Falk was presented the degree Doctor of Science (honoris causa); and Bishop Haupert-Johnson, the degree Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa).
Three distinguished Virginia Wesleyan faculty members received awards during the ceremony. The 2023 Samuel Nelson Gray Distinguished Teaching Award was presented to Dr. Terry Lindvall, C.S. Lewis endowed chair in communication and Christian thought and professor of communication; the Birdsong Service and Community Engagement Award to Dr. Jennifer Slivka, associate professor of English; and the United Methodist Church General Board of Higher Education and Ministry 2023 Exemplary Teacher Award to Dr. Craig Jackson, associate professor of psychology.
The ceremonies concluded with the University’s Alma Mater led by Dr. Bryson Mortensen and Virginia Wesleyan Vox Vera, followed by a benediction from Bishop Haupert-Johnson.
“Congratulations to the Virginia Wesleyan University Class of 2023,” President Miller said. “We wish you all the best as you make this giant leap. Know that this University is proud to have helped you take steps toward a meaningful personal and professional future. Good luck and Godspeed as you savor this milestone.”
Baccalaureate Service
View Photo Gallery: 2023 Baccalaureate Service
After a pre-service concert performed by Virginia Wesleyan’s Vox Vera, under the direction of Dr. Bryson Mortensen, a Baccalaureate Service took place May 12 in the Brock Theatre of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. The service was a prelude to the Commencement Ceremony and a service of worship in celebration of and thanksgiving for lives dedicated to learning and wisdom.
The sermon, “Trusted with Little, Trusted with Much,” was delivered by Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson, Virginia Annual Conference, United Methodist Church. Five members of the Class of 2023 — Hanna Carmona, Lauren Ford, Ryan Abraham, Kenneth Henry and Drake McGown — participated in the service, delivering the invocation, reading scripture passages and offering student reflections.
Batten Honors College Capstone Ceremony
View Photo Gallery: Batten Honors College Capstone Ceremony
Also on May 12, the Batten Honors College recognized graduating seniors who have completed the honors college requirements during a special Capstone Ceremony. Brooke Morris, Class of 2023, delivered a keynote address, and all graduates were presented with Batten Honors College medallions to wear during the Commencement Ceremony. The medallion represents the graduates’ accomplishments, as well as their participation in this elite community of scholars.
During the ceremony, the Jane P. Batten Distinguished Scholar Award was presented to Dr. Joyce Howell, retiring professor of art history.
Ceremonies were livestreamed and will be archived on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network. View the full programs for the 2023 Commencement Ceremony, Baccalaureate Service, and the Batten Honors College Capstone Ceremony.
GradImages captured photographs of each graduate who crossed the dais during Commencement. Photos may be purchased at gradimages.com (graduates will receive a coupon for 20% off photo orders when they pre-register before Commencement Day). Questions can be addressed to 800.261.2576, online at www.gradimages.com, or email ecc.giservice@gradimages.net. There is no obligation to purchase photos. Candid photography will also be available for download on the University Flickr page.