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Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
Virginia Wesleyan University celebrated its newest graduates during Commencement Ceremonies May 17 and 18
University News | May 18, 2024
View Photo Gallery: May 2024 Commencement Ceremony View News Coverage
Virginia Wesleyan University’s Commencement Ceremony celebrated new graduates as the Class of 2024 crossed the stage to receive their diplomas on May 18 in TowneBank Arena in the Jane P. Batten Student Center. VWU President Scott D. Miller opened the program, delivering welcoming remarks to the graduating class and their families.
“We are delighted that you’ve joined us for this most special occasion in the life of our institution and in the lives of our graduates. We are mindful of everything it took to get here today. The start of your college career was a difficult time around the world, to say the least, but you made it! And you now join our 10,000 Marlin alumni whose experiences at Coastal Virginia’s premier university of the liberal arts and sciences will continue to inform careers and contributions in this region and around the world.”
During his remarks, President Miller recognized a first for Virginia Wesleyan University: the very first graduates in the joint Bachelor of Science in nursing program with Sentara College of Health Sciences. He then introduced the Commencement speaker, United States Senator for Virginia Mark Warner.
Senator Warner delivered the commencement address to the Class of 2024, sharing experiences and lessons he’s learned during his journey.
“I was the first person in my family to graduate from college,” said Senator Warner. “I know what it’s like trying to make ends meet, navigating student loans and scant budgets. I also knew that my education meant I would be able to do things and go places that my parents only dreamed about. Today, you share that same promise – but it also comes with a responsibility: Your obligation is to strive – to reach – and to not be afraid to fail.”
He told the graduates about some of his early career decisions and challenges, including risks he took and failures that eventually set him up for success. He summed up his messages with wise and insightful words of advice.
“First, don’t be afraid to fail. Failure teaches you important lessons that will pave the way to future successes. Second, always remember that, as a nation, we are at our best when we are all active, civil participants in our democracy and hire people – no matter the party – that can get to yes. And, finally, there’s this, never, ever, forget to call your mother!”
President Miller and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Susan Larkin conferred degrees for students earning a Master of Arts in Education, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Musical Arts, Bachelor of Social Work, and for the first time at VWU, Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 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 Senator Warner and Dr. Larry Hultgren, retiring professor of philosophy who has served Virginia Wesleyan University for 55 years! Senator Warner was presented the degree Doctor of Laws (honoris causa); and Dr. Hultgren, the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters (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. Craig Wansink, professor of religious studies and director of the Robert Nusbaum Center; the Birdsong Service and Community Engagement Award was presented to Dr. Jill Sturts, associate professor of sport and recreation professions and assistant dean of the Batten Honors College; and the United Methodist Church General Board of Higher Education and Ministry 2024 Exemplary Teacher Award was presented to Dr. Eric Johnson, associate professor of biology.
The ceremony concluded with the singing or the University’s Alma Mater led by Dr. Bryson Mortensen and Virginia Wesleyan Vox Vera, followed by a benediction from Marie Porter, director of campus ministries.
“We encourage you to return to our beautiful campus early and often,” President Miller told the graduates, “and we always promise you a warm Virginia Wesleyan welcome. Congratulations, graduates! The world awaits your brilliance.”
Baccalaureate Service
View Photo Gallery: 2024 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 17 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 was delivered by Rev. R. Perez Gatling, Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church. President Miller presented Rev. Gatling with the Wesley Award following his sermon.
Five members of the Class of 2024 — Amaris Nolan, Chloe Booher, Ashleigh Lockard, Brooke Underwood and Zion Purvis-Allen — participated in the service, delivering the invocation, reading scripture passages and offering student reflections.
During the ceremony, the Frank and Jane P. Batten Distinguished Scholar Award was presented to Dr. Larry Hultgren, retiring professor of philosophy.
Presentation of graduation tassels to students was followed by a recessional hymn and benediction.
Batten Honors College Capstone Ceremony
View Photo Gallery: 2024 Batten Honors College Capstone Ceremony
Also on May 17, the Batten Honors College recognized graduating seniors who have completed the honors college requirements during a special Capstone Ceremony. Edward McDonald, Class of 2024, 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 the elite community of scholars.
All ceremonies were livestreamed and will be archived on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network.
View the full programs for the 2024 Commencement Ceremony and Baccalaureate Service.
GradImages captured photographs of each graduate who crossed the dais during Commencement. Photos may be purchased at gradimages.com. Questions can be addressed to 800.261.2576, online at www.gradimages.com, or via email at ecc.giservice@gradimages.net. There is no obligation to purchase photos. Candid photography will also be available for download on the University Flickr page.