UVa-Wise graduates largest class in College history
|
Chancellor David J. Prior congratulates Caraline LaShea Burgess, of Wise, who received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. |
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise awarded bachelor’s degrees to 308 individuals on Saturday, May 19, making the Class of 2007 the largest in UVa-Wise history.
|
Keynote speaker Leonard W. Sandridge, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the University of Virginia |
| |
|
Commencement 2007 Photos |
|
| |
Leonard W. Sandridge, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the University of Virginia, delivered the keynote address while more than 3,000 family and friends of the graduates looked on from Carl Smith Stadium.
Sandridge encouraged the Class of 2007 to do three things: celebrate their accomplishments; remember their roots; and rely on their core values.
“As graduates and members of the largest class in the history of the College, you assume an obligation to share your success with others – an obligation to volunteer, to assist, to give back to the community and the College that helped you reach this important point in your life,” Sandridge said.
A staunch advocate for UVa-Wise who has played an integral role in the College’s growth, Sandridge was the 1998 recipient of the Samuel R. Crockett Award, which is presented to individuals at U.Va. who have done the most to further relations between the College and its parent institution. Sandridge, a member of U.Va.’s administration since 1967, currently oversees operations of all non-academic support areas at the University, including the architect for the university, athletics, student affairs, information technology and communication, management and budget, finance, police, and compliance, as well as the financial and managerial oversight of the Health System.
“With all your personal success, both present and future, remember your hometown; don’t lose sight of those who care about you; and keep the College at Wise in your heart and mind,” Sandridge said. “This is where you came from and this is the place to which you will return as alumni.”
Two members of the Class of 2007 were unable to participate in the Commencement ceremony because of military obligations. James A. “Andy” Corbett of Wise and Timothy J. “T.J.” Richey, Jr. of Williamsburg, were called away for training. However, they were awarded their diplomas last week during a special ceremony. Both men are platoon leaders in the 189th Engineer Company, a unit of the Virginia National Guard that is set to return to Iraq for a second tour of duty.
 |
Chancellor David J. Prior in the foreground; keynote speaker Leonard Sandridge in the background
|
Graduates received more than their diplomas on Saturday. UVa-Wise Chancellor David J. Prior presented each of the graduates with a copy of the children’s book “The Little Engine That Could.”
“This is a gift to you from the College as a reminder that reading has been essential to your success,” Prior said. “I ask that each of you take your book with you and find a time next week to read it to a child. And, if that child does not own a book, give the book to him or her. Help that child get started on a lifetime of learning, just as someone did for you.”
Two outstanding students were selected by their peers to speak during Commencement.
Andrea Elisabeth Jones of Bristol delivered the “Moment of Reflection,” reminding her fellow graduates of the many changes they and the College have undergone in the last four years. A magna cum laude graduate, Jones received a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. She will begin graduate study at Wheaton College in the fall.
Joshua V. Justice of Wise issued the “Challenge to the Graduates.” “In whatever you do, always remember the lessons that you learned here at UVa-Wise – the importance of liberties, caring for others, and the ideas of leadership to name just a few,” Justice said. “Carry the Highland Cavalier spirit with you and you will live a good and fulfilling life.”
Justice, who graduated summa cum laude with Bachelor of Arts degrees in history and government, will attend graduate school at James Madison University in the fall. Justice was also awarded College Honors in recognition of his successful completion of the rigorous Peake Honors Program, which requires a capstone research project.
Posted May 19, 2007
|
