To show highlights and photos from 23 college graduations, we need to publish several blog posts. Here’s Part Two, which includes Germanna, Laurel Ridge, Mountain Empire, Mountain Gateway New River and NOVA:
Germanna Community College:
Germanna Community College awarded 867 students a total of 1,307 degrees and credentials during its spring commencement May 7. The event featured a nod to the school’s growing Early College programs with commencement speaker Ava Conway, who received her associate degree, summa cum laude about two weeks before she graduated from an area high school. “I knew that I didn’t want to only attend my high school full time, and I wanted the opportunity to get ahead and earn my associate degree before I moved on to a four-year university,” said Conway.
Learn more about Germanna’s Graduation
Laurel Ridge Community College:
More than 1,000 people joined the ranks of Laurel Ridge Community College alumni following commencement ceremonies on May 9 and 10. The college also honored local civic and business leader Anne Conner Hall, who has been instrumental in supporting Laurel Ridge over the years. College president Kim Blosser presented an honorary associate degree of humane letters to Hall, saying, “Many nonprofits, schools, and healthcare organizations have benefitted from Anne’s passion to help others – perhaps none more than Laurel Ridge Community College.”
Learn more about Laurel Ridge’s Graduation
Mountain Empire Community College:
Graduation ceremonies at Mountain Empire Community College were held on May 10. The class of 2024 included 587 graduates, who earned 880 academic awards, including associate degrees and other credentials. Said MECC President Kim Westover, “Our graduates have each shown exceptional dedication and resilience. As they step forward into their next chapters, they carry not only the skills they have honed here but also the spirit of our community.”
Learn more about MECC’s Graduation
Mountain Gateway Community College:
Mountain Gateway Community College celebrated the Class of 2024 at a memorable Commencement ceremony on May 10. President John Rainone commended the graduates for their hard work and perseverance. LaShonda Ochieng received the 2024 Gary Lee Miller Outstanding Graduate Award, and Chris Fisher was honored with the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award. 152 graduates participated in the ceremony. 76 high school students graduated earning 107 credentials, certificates, and degrees. More than 380 workforce credentials were awarded. Thirty nursing students were celebrated in a pinning ceremony at MGCC on May 8.
Learn more about Mountain Gateway’s Graduation
New River Community College:
New River Community College celebrated this year’s commencement with three ceremonies on May 10 and May 13, with more than 300 students participating. The Class of 2024 completed more than 1,000 degrees, certificates and diplomas in 82 different programs, with many graduates receiving multiple awards. NRCC also was keenly aware that after 35 years of service to New River, the last seven as the college’s president, Dr. Pat Huber (above, left) presided over her final graduation ceremony at NRCC, with plans to retire in December.
View a video of New River’s Graduation
Northern Virginia Community College:
Graduation ceremonies at Northern Virginia Community College were NOVA-sized, meaning big. Almost 1,600 students participated in the main commencement event May 12, walking across the stage to cheers and applause from more than 7,000 friends and family members. Over the course of AY 2023-24, approximately 6,200 students earned degrees and other credentials at the college. NOVA President Anne M. Kress proudly stated, “At Sunday’s commencement, we celebrated our newest alumni — students whose intelligence, dedication, resilience, drive and achievements make them boldly NOVA!”
Learn more about NOVA’s Graduation
You can access the other parts of the 2024 VCCS Graduations Wrap-up here.
