We’re proud to be able to share some highlights from our springtime community college commencement ceremonies across Virginia. With 23 colleges to share, we needed to break things up into three blog posts.
In this story, we feature Mountain Empire through Reynolds Community College.
For Southside Virginia through Wytheville Community College, click here.
For Blue Ridge through Laurel Ridge Community College, click here.
Mountain Empire Community College:
MECC’s 50th commencement ceremony was held May 12 at its Big Stone Gap campus, celebrating 585 graduates who earned 790 academic awards, 143 certificates and 382 career studies certificates. Students Grace Rhoton and Buffy Bell, seen above on the right, were chosen to speak because of their exceptional academic performance and unwavering commitment to overcoming challenges during their college career.
Mountain Gateway Community College:
Mountain Gateway Community College hosted its 56th Commencement Exercises May 12 at its Clifton Forge campus. The college welcomed a standing-room only crowd of graduates, family members and friends. FastForward Phlebotomy Tech graduate Zana Helton, above, seemed delighted to receive a celebratory bouquet of currency.
New River Community College:
New River Community College celebrated its 53rd annual commencement on May 12. Dr. Pat Huber, NRCC president, conferred approximately 900 degrees, diplomas and certificates during the ceremony held on NRCC’s campus in Dublin.
Northern Virginia Community College:
NOVA held its 57th commencement ceremony recognizing student excellence and achievement on May 15. This year’s spring commencement was held at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena in Fairfax. More than 7,000 students received degrees and certificates this spring; and nearly 2,000 of those participated in commencement. Students were invited to shout “I am NOVA” in celebration and unity.
Patrick & Henry Community College:
In the 2022-23 academic year, 488 students earned 586 academic credentials with 206 of these students participating in the P&HCC graduation ceremony on May 13. P&H was excited to share the moment of celebration with the day’s speaker, retired professor Joe Gravely, who was named professor emeritus along with his colleague John Buck; and with married graduates Kevin and Katie Perkins, seen above on the right.
Piedmont Virginia Community College:
PVCC held its fiftieth commencement ceremony on May 12 at the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville. This year, in addition to those who earned an associate degree, graduates of adult learning programs offered by Thomas Jefferson Adult Career Education@PVCC (TJACE@PVCC) and the PVCC Workforce Services division participated in the ceremony.
Rappahannock Community College:
RCC held two Commencement ceremonies on May 11 to accommodate graduates and guests. 550 degrees and certificates were conferred at the school’s 51st Commencement. Joseph Plumb, Army veteran, nurse, and parent, who came to RCC to earn an associate degree as a prerequisite to a bachelor’s degree in business told the crowd, “The pursuit of knowledge is not limited to one particular time in your life. Nor is it limited to an institute of higher learning. This pursuit is a lifelong process. My standing here tonight is a testament to that.”
Reynolds Community College:
Reynolds Community College awarded degrees, certificates, and credentials to the 1,446 members of the Class of 2023 on May 15 at the Stuart C. Siegel Center in Richmond. Graduates ranged in age from 17 to 73. The highlight of the ceremony was the graduation of Khalil Watson. Khalil was shot in 2016 and paralyzed from the chest down. But after years of rehabilitation and with the assistance of a robotic exoskeleton he triumphantly rose and walked across the stage to thunderous applause.
For Southside Virginia through Wytheville Community College, click here.
For Blue Ridge through Laurel Ridge Community College, click here.
