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Graduation Day for the Class of 2011
Commencement ceremony held at the Jane P. Batten Student Center on Saturday, May 14
By Leona Baker | May 14, 2011
Caps? Check. Gowns? Check. Pomp and circumstance? Check and check. The approximately 250 members of Virginia Wesleyan College’s Class of 2011 were joined by their families, mentors and friends for the annual commencement ceremony in the Convocation Center inside the Jane P. Batten Student Center on Saturday, May 14.
Overcast skies couldn’t dampen the spirits or diminish the accomplishments of these scholars on such a monumental occasion.
Before the ceremony, seniors reflected on the paths that led them to the big day while anticipating what their futures might hold.
“Looking back from coming in freshman year and thinking that three-page paper was a huge deal to turning in a 40-page paper to graduate, it feels good to know how much I can handle and how much I can do,” said communication major Edward Phillips, 22.
Adult studies student and business major Cindy Slagle, 56, had mixed emotions as commencement approached.
“It's difficult to put graduation into words,” said Slagle. “One minute I'll have a surge of elation and the next I'm ‘verklempt.’ I'm thrilled for the accomplishment, but will miss my VWC family. I have learned and grown so much in the last 10 years, and definitely enjoyed myself along the way. I thank God for the strength and dedication to get the job done and the wonderful people I met along the way.”
A Celebration to Remember
The ceremony began with an invocation led by Rebecca Driscoll ’11 and Ksera Dyette ’11, followed by opening remarks from College President Billy Greer. Dr. Greer welcomed everyone to "a wonderful weekend of celebration."
Mr. O. L. Everett, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, awarded an honorary Doctorate of Laws to Dr. David L. Warren, president of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and a distinguished leader in higher education. Dr. Warren also delivered the commencement address.
"Do something in service to the community you live in. Change the life of just one person. The effect on you will be as great." – Dr. David L. Warren, commencement speaker
Dr. Timothy O’Rourke, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Kenneth R. Perry Dean of the College, recognized two Virginia Wesleyan faculty members during the ceremony. The thirty-second recipient of the Samuel Nelson Gray Distinguished Teaching Award went to Craig Wansink, Professor of Religious Studies. The eighth annual Frank and Jane P. Batten Distinguished Scholar Award went to Daniel Margolies, Professor of History.
In his address to the graduates, Dr. David L. Warren saluted the class for its choice of recycled “green” commencement gowns and, in a bit of academic burlesque, removed his own robe to reveal a green one underneath. Dr. Warren referred to the "boundary decisions" of President Harry S. Truman's years in office and how, at the end of his term, he left knowing he’d done the best he could and had no regrets. He encouraged the graduates to find that kind of centeredness in their lives and to carry on the Wesleyan tradition of giving back.
“Do something in service to the community you live in. Change the life of just one person. The effect on you will be as great. Do something of service to this college. Speak well about it. Encourage students to attend. Donate a dollar or two."
Featured musical soloist Michael Dailey ’01, a member of Opera San José, provided stirring renditions of “America the Beautiful” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from Carousel by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Dailey was accompanied on the piano by Lee Jordan-Anders, Professor of Music and Artist-in-Residence at Virginia Wesleyan.
To see more photos from Commencement 2011, click here.