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Congratulations, December Graduates!
VWU celebrated the Class of 2023 during the Global Campus Commencement Ceremony on December 16
University News | December 16, 2023
It was all sunshine, smiles, and celebrations for the Class of 2023 on Commencement Day at VWU! The Virginia Wesleyan University Global Campus Commencement Ceremony for December graduates took place December 16 in Brock Theatre in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center.
President Scott D. Miller welcomed the graduates, and their families and friends, encouraging them to savor this important accomplishment and milestone event.
“We are delighted that you’ve joined us for this most special occasion in the life of this institution and in the lives of our graduates. We are mindful of everything it took to get here today. But, you made it! And now you join our 10,000 Marlin alumni whose experiences at Coastal Virginia’s premier university of the liberal arts and sciences continue to inform careers and contributions in this region and around the world.”
Following President Miller’s remarks, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Susan Larkin presented awards to two distinguished Virginia Wesleyan faculty members. The 2023 Faculty Award for Distinguished Scholarship was presented to Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Robert Ariel. Professor of Chemistry Dr. Maury Howard was named the recipient of the 2023 Faculty Award for Campus Service.
President Miller introduced keynote speaker, Dr. Janice Underwood, Director of the White House Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. In her addresss to the graduates, Dr. Underwood talked about her role in public service, emphasizing the importance of serving others. She reminded the graduates that they all possess qualities of super heroes.
“As you go from undergraduate to graduate, think about living your life as a super hero,” she urged. “What is your super power? Think about the skills you have honed.”
Dr. Underwood encouraged the graduates to consider four important aspects for their futures: knowing their super powers; discovering their true identities and the values that make them who they really are; committing to a mission, as ‘mission drives super heroes;’ and, surrounding themselves with a great team.
“Surround yourselves with people that support you,” she said. “Super heroes almost never go at it alone, they surround themselves with a great team.”
Following her address, President Miller and Chair of the VWU Board of Trustees Jonathan E. Pruden presented Dr. Underwood with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (honoris causa).
President Miller and Dr. Larkin conferred degrees upon students earning a Master of Arts in Education, Master of Education, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts, or Bachelor of Science. Graduates of each academic school proudly crossed the stage to receive their diplomas, as family and friends applauded their accomplishments.
The ceremony concluded with the University’s Alma Mater led by Dr. Bryson Mortensen and Virginia Wesleyan Vox Vera, and a benediction from Rev. Beth Givens, Pastor of Haygood United Methodist Church.
“Today is not the end,” Dr. Miller told the graduates. “Today is just further proof that you can do anything you put your time, energy, and heart into. Congratulations to the Virginia Wesleyan University Class of 2023 on your arrival at this special occasion. Good luck and Godspeed as you savor this milestone.”
View the full ceremony: The VWU Global Campus Commencement Ceremony was livestreamed and will be archived on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network.
GradImages captured photographs of each graduate who crossed the stage during Commencement. Photos may be purchased at gradimages.com. 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.