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Winter Graduates To Be Celebrated During Commencement Ceremony on December 13
After graduation, Julia Hathaway looks forward to launching her teaching career
University News | December 10, 2025
A sense of excitement—and a touch of bittersweet pride—fills the air for senior Julia Hathaway, who will walk across the stage during Virginia Wesleyan University's Winter Commencement Ceremony on December 13 at 10 a.m. in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. A special education major from New Kent, Virginia, Hathaway has built a remarkable legacy during her time at VWU, one grounded in leadership, service, and a passion for inclusive education.
When she first stepped on campus, Hathaway knew she had found her place.
“I immediately felt the close-knit community and welcoming atmosphere,” she recalled. “Outside of athletics, I was drawn to the small-school environment.” That feeling of connection guided her through four years filled with opportunities she fully embraced.
Throughout her time at Virginia Wesleyan, Hathaway engaged deeply in campus life. She competed as a member of the Track and Field Team, served as a Marlin Ambassador, and took on leadership roles in VWU SAAC, ODAC SAAC, and NCAA Division III National SAAC. She also served on the VWU Athletic Management Council, worked as a Resident Assistant, and is a proud soror of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
One of her most memorable experiences came beyond campus boundaries—attending her first NCAA Convention in Nashville, where she collaborated with athletes, coaches, and administrators from across all three divisions.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the connections I made and the people I met during that experience,” she said. “It was unforgettable.”
As she prepares to graduate, Hathaway looks ahead with purpose. She plans to begin her career in education and continue advocating for diverse learners, ensuring that every student has access to meaningful learning experiences.
Her journey to this point has been supported by a community she describes fondly. Hathaway credits her boyfriend, teammates, and coaches—Coach KV (K’Vonte Scott), Assistant Coach Richmond Letterio, and Coach Cameia (Cameia Alexander)—as well as the athletic training staff for guiding her through the ups and downs of athletics. She also expresses appreciation for Head Women’s Soccer Coach Jeff Bowers and Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Andrea Hoover, who opened leadership pathways through SAAC participation, and for Dr. John, Dr. McConnell, Professor Berube, and Professor Lively from the Education Department, who she says helped shape her into the educator she is ready to become. "I’d also like to thank New Kent County Public Schools for allowing me to complete my student teaching in a community I love dearly. Thank you to Dr Nichols, Principal Strickland, Dr. Odea, Mr. Crump, Mr. Proffitt, and Mrs Craig for welcoming me and guiding me through this experience!"
“It’s bittersweet,” she reflected as Commencement approaches. “I’m grateful for the relationships, memories, and experiences VWU has given me, and I know they will support me as I enter this new chapter.”
Her advice to future Marlins is simple: get involved.
“There are so many doors waiting to be opened,” she said. “But you won’t know unless you try!”
Julia Hathaway is one of many students whose achievements and spirit will be celebrated during Winter Commencement—a day marking the end of one journey and the launch of another.
Watch VWU’s Winter Commencement Ceremony live on the Digital Broadcasting Network.