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Congratulations to the Class of 2025! The World Awaits Your Ideas, Your Brilliance, Your Leadership
Virginia Wesleyan University celebrated its newest graduates during Commencement Ceremonies May 16 and 17
University News | May 17, 2025
View Photo Gallery: 2025 Commencement Ceremony
Virginia Wesleyan University’s Commencement Ceremony celebrated new graduates as the Class of 2025 crossed the stage to receive their diplomas on May 17 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 — a defining moment in the life of our institution, and in the lives of the extraordinary individuals we celebrate today. To the Class of 2025, we are mindful of everything it took to get to this moment.”
This year’s Commencement also marked Virginia Wesleyan’s participation in From Campus to Community, a national campaign launched by more than 60 college and university presidents to champion civil discourse and democratic engagement during graduation ceremonies. As a member of the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness, a nonpartisan coalition convened by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, President Miller used the occasion to remind graduates of the importance of civic responsibility, free inquiry, and empathy in today’s divided world.
“Make no mistake: we live in challenging times,” he said. “You’re graduating into a divided world—but you’re exactly what it needs. You’ve already done the hard work on our campus—learning to listen, to debate, to compromise, and ultimately, to work together. Carry these skills with you.”
He continued: “Higher education is a space where free expression thrives, where difficult questions are asked, and where democracy is not only studied, but strengthened. These aren’t just academic values. These are American values.”
Provost and Vice President Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson recognized three members of the faculty during the ceremony. She presented the Samuel Nelson Gray Distinguished Teaching Award to Dr. Lydia Kennedy, associate professor of mathematics; the Birdsong Service and Community Engagement Award to Dr. Craig Wansink, Batten professor of religious studies and leadership and director of the Robert Nusbaum Center; and the United Methodist Church General Board of Higher Education and Ministry 2025 Exemplary Teacher Award to Dr. Benjamin Dobrin, professor of social work and dean of the D. Henry Watts School of Professional Studies.
Dr. Gonsalves-Jackson also recognized graduates who were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the US Army.
“Virginia Wesleyan has the distinct honor of educating new officers of the United States Armed Forces through our ROTC program,” she said. “These young leaders have met the highest standards of character, scholarship, and service. Last week, they were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the US Army, marking the beginning of their journey of military leadership in service to our nation. In recognition of this milestone, we are proud to present the General Douglas MacArthur Award for Emerging Leaders, a tribute to the values of duty, honor, and country exemplified by General MacArthur throughout his distinguished career.”
She welcomed Major General Joseph Reynes, United States Air Force (Retired), Executive Director of the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation, to the stage to present the honor coins on behalf of the Foundation. Congratulations to Emily Burgess, Aanykka Jackson, and Shaunice Rone— newly commissioned officers and recipients of the General Douglas MacArthur Award for Emerging Leaders!
President Miller introduced the Commencement speaker: Director of Economic Development for the City of Suffolk, Virginia, and Former Commanding Officer of Naval Station Norfolk, Captain Janet H. Days, USN (Retired).
Captain Days delivered the commencement address to the Class of 2025, offering words of wisdom based on her vast experience and impressive career.
“Do not let the noise distract you from your purpose!” urged Captain Days. “Simon Sinek, one of the great leadership minds of our time—and someone whose every book I have read—reminds us to ‘Start with Why.’ Why are you here? What calls you? What motivates you? What irritates you? Not what the world tells you to chase—but what your inner compass knows to be true. That 'why' is your anchor in uncertain waters. Hold fast to it.”
She shared that, as a leader, she learned that leadership is not a rank. It is a choice.
“Simon Sinek teaches that leadership is about caring for the people around you—lifting them, empowering them, and putting their needs ahead of yours. And when leaders eat last—as he so powerfully wrote—they build teams that trust, innovate, and endure.”
Captain Days emphasized the importance of purpose and alignment, based on values. She told the graduates that “fit” matters. Fit with the organization. Fit with the mission. Fit with the people you are working alongside.
“Knowing your strengths and weaknesses isn’t just a professional advantage—it’s a personal compass. It helps you assess where you will thrive and, just as importantly, where you won’t. So, as you step into your next chapter—graduate school, a new job, or a passion project—don’t be afraid to ask: Does this align with my why? Is this the right fit for me? That’s not hesitation. That’s wisdom.”
President Miller and Dr. Gonsalves-Jackson conferred degrees for students earning a Master of Arts; Master of Business Administration; Master of Education; and for the first time at VWU, Master of Environmental Studies; Bachelor of Arts; Bachelor of Science; Bachelor of Musical Arts; Bachelor of Social Work; Bachelor of Science in Nursing; and Associate of Arts. Graduates of each academic school proudly crossed the stage to receive their diplomas as enthusiastic cheers from the crowd acknowledged their accomplishments.
The University also presented honorary degrees to Captain Days and Dr. B. Courtney McBath, President of Virginia Christian College and VWU’s 2025 Baccalaureate speaker. Captain Days was presented the degree Doctor of Laws (honoris causa); and Dr. McBath, the degree of Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa).
The ceremony concluded with the singing of the University’s Alma Mater led by Dr. Bryson Mortensen and Virginia Wesleyan Vox Vera, followed by a benediction from Bishop McBath.
“Graduates of Virginia Wesleyan University—no excuses,” declared Captain Days in her closing remarks. “The world is waiting for your ideas, your brilliance, your leadership. And whether you know it yet or not—you are ready! Congratulations! We are so very proud of you.”
Baccalaureate Service: The Promise of Tomorrow
View Photo Gallery: 2025 Baccalaureate Service
Following a pre-service concert performed by Virginia Wesleyan’s Vox Vera, under the direction of Dr. Bryson Mortensen, a Baccalaureate Service took place on May 16 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 Baccalaureate sermon was delivered by President of Virginia Christian College Bishop B. Courtney McBath.
“In the world in which we live, have you ever wondered if there is anything we can depend on?” he asked. He shared an acronym to describe the world we live in: Turbulent, Uncertain, Novel, and Ambiguous—TUNA.
“Tonight, I want to share what has remained certain in my life since I finished MIT at 20 and Oxford at 64: You were created with purpose!”
Bishop McBath acknowledged that even though each of the graduates come from different backgrounds and circumstances, they all share, a this moment, a similar promise.
“Some of you have the support of parents and family. Some of you have had to survive college on your own. Some of you find the classes simple and straightforward. Some of you are challenged to make the grade you need without working long into the night. But all of you are here now because of the promise of tomorrow—plans to graduate!”
He shared three things that brought victory to the Israelites, especially in the face of TUNA: certainty in the plans; certainty in the hope of the plans; and certainty of the planner. “Every room of my past has been a classroom for my future. I can look you in your eyes and tell that the plan is certain, the hope will carry you, and the planner is working for your great purpose.”
During the service, five members of the Class of 2025 — Michael Gilbert, Matthew Jung, Emily Pritchard, Casey Bennett, Corrine DeLawrence, — participated by delivering the invocation, reading scripture and offering student reflections.
The event closed with the presentation of graduation tassels to students, and was followed by a recessional hymn and a benediction from Bishop McBath.
Batten Honors College Capstone Ceremony
View Photo Gallery: 2025 Batten Honors College Capstone Ceremony
Also on May 16, the Batten Honors College recognized graduating seniors who have completed the honors college requirements during a special Capstone Ceremony. Christian Palmisano, Class of 2025, was selected by his classmates to deliver the keynote address. He reflected on his last four years at Virginia Wesleyan, the special place it has become for him and the gratitude he feels for his classmates and the campus community.
“The diploma we’ll be receiving tomorrow might seem like a paltry symbol for four years of rigorous schooling, bond forging, and internship opportunities, study abroad experiences, and cafeteria food. Pragmatically, your college diploma is a framed piece of paper with a signature that serves as a ticket to the next act of your amazing lives. But under careful consideration, it can serve as the culmination of all your labor. I hope you’re able to see your diploma as that proof of achievement, ability, and vitality. You are sitting here today as testament to your vast talent.”
Provost and Vice President Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson presented the Frank and Jane P. Batten Scholar Award to a distinguished faculty member who exemplifies excellent teaching and mentoring. Batten Lecturer of Political Science James Moskowitz was recognized as the recipient of the prestigious honor.
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.
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’s Flickr page.