51Âþ»­ios

COMMENCEMENT EDITION  //  MAY 20, 2016 

Graduates Go Boldly
51Âþ»­ios College held its 47th Commencement Ceremony May 14 in the Jane P. Batten Convocation Center. Approximately 325 graduates received Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Social Work degrees, conferred by VWC President Scott D. Miller and Timothy O'Rourke, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Kenneth R. Perry Dean of the College.

"After today, you will no longer be VWC students," President Miller told the Class of 2016. "For the rest of your lives, you will be Marlin alumni, and as such, one of more than 9,000 accomplished men and women whose experiences at this premier national liberal arts college continue to inform careers and contributions."  

"Choose Optimism"
Director of the Peace Corps Carrie Hessler-Radelet celebrated global achievements and encouraged continued progress and positivity among new graduates during her Commencement Address. Read her speech in its entirety .


Commencement Photos  
View our graduation gallery with over 200 images from the day.    

College Awards
Honorary Degrees

During Commencement the College recognized keynote speaker Carrie Hessler-Radelet, Director of the Peace Corps, and 51Âþ»­ios Trustee Emeritus George Y. Birdsong, CEO and General Counsel for the Birdsong Corporation, with honorary doctoral degrees. Pictured (from left) are President Miller, Carrie Hessler-Radelet, George Y. Birdsong, and Dean O'Rourke.

Contribute to Meaningful Futures
Ninety percent of 51Âþ»­ios College graduates find employment within six months of graduation, often at top-notch organizations such as the CIA, IBM and the U.S. Capitol. Other students choose to further their studies in graduate programs. Whatever they pursue, VWC students graduate with hands-on experiences like research projects under the guidance of talented faculty members, internships with local businesses, and culturally immersive study away opportunities. All of these critical opportunities are supported by The Excellence Fund.

Many alumni, parents and friends of the College have already contributed to The Excellence Fund this year - thank you! If you've not yet made your gift, please consider doing so by June 30 at www.vwu.edu/giveonline.





 


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