"I will try to leave you with a message that's easy to remember," Congresswoman Elaine Luria told the nearly 290 members of the Virginia Wesleyan University Class of 2019 on May 18. "Be good and do good work."
Commencement keynote speaker Rep. Luria, a retired Navy commander who represents Virginia's Second Congressional District, explained that this was her command philosophy when she commanded 400 sailors at Assault Craft Unit Two at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Norfolk. She credits the six-word slogan to Dr. Charles Stuppard, who used it himself as a commanding officer.
Four distinguished faculty members received awards during the ceremony. President Miller and Provost O'Rourke presented the 2019 Samuel Nelson Gray Distinguished Teaching Award to Professor of Theatre and Dean of the Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities Travis Malone; the Frank and Jane P. Batten Distinguished Scholar Award to Assistant Professor of Music Bryson Mortensen; the Service and Community Engagement Award to Professor of History Clayton Drees; and the United Methodist Church General Board of Higher Education and Ministry 2019 Exemplary Teacher Award to retiring Professor of Hispanic Studies Mavel Velasco.
Honorary Degrees
Virginia Wesleyan University President Scott D. Miller (right) presented both Rep. Elaine Luria (center) and VWU Board Chair David Kaufman (left) with honorary doctoral degrees during the ceremony.
Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony
The traditional Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony took place following Commencement, where new VWU graduate Gavin Steel was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army.
Baccalaureate Service 2019
The University's Baccalaureate Service celebrated lives dedicated to learning and wisdom on May 17. Jonathan C. Zur (center), President/CEO of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, delivered the Baccalaureate sermon and received the Wesley Award. Pictured with President Scott D. Miller and VWU Board Chair David Kaufman.Photos
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