q Governor McDonnell with Chancellor Henry and Phillip Blevins ’13
McDonnell delivers Commencement address
V
irginia Governor Bob McDonnell told the 316 graduates of The University of Virginia’s College at Wise that their diplomas will open doors to new opportunities, and he urged the Class of 2013 to use those opportunities to boost Virginia. “In this competitive global marketplace, a college degree means more than ever,” the Governor said. “It is increasingly the key to a successful and prosperous future. The diploma you will receive today is the key to your futures, and it is the key to the future of Virginia.” Virginia and America depend upon the Class of 2013 deciding that character, integrity, service to others and involvement in the life of the nation will be their guideposts, McDonnell said. McDonnell said UVa-Wise offers more and more course offerings and is a leader in fields like nursing, software engineering, and science, technology, engineering and mathematic disciplines. “The sky is the limit for this region, so I ask you, if you are going to open a business, open it in Virginia,” McDonnell said. “If you are going to be an artist, doctor, lawyer, musician, counselor, teacher, whatever it may be, pursue your profession in Virginia.” In her first Commencement at UVa-Wise, Chancellor Donna Henry told the graduates that they are well prepared for successful careers, citizenship and service. “You have a great future to explore,” Henry said. “You have choices to make and much work to do. You have the opportunity and the responsibility to be a leader in your communities, your nation and the world.” She gave each of the graduates a copy of the book “The Little Prince,” and urged them to not only to remember some lessons from the book but to also read it to a child. Marcia Gilliam ’82, chair of the UVa-Wise College Board, said the graduates likely attended college to become better educated, productive, and to grow into the person they wanted to be.
Chancellor Henry and p Chris Draper ’13
David Amos ’03 p
“I am betting that your time at UVa-Wise has helped you realize that those were not just the only reasons to come to college, but remain reasons to move forward into your new lives,” Gilliam said. “If you realize that, then our College has done its job. As you keep moving forward toward what is next, remember to learn more, to love more, to do more and to be more.” Zachary Holcomb, the honorary class speaker, urged his classmates to remember the words of Winston Churchill when he said that each person is offered a chance to do something special or unique that matches their particular talent. “You, my fellow graduates, have completed an extraordinary educational journey here at UVa-Wise,” Holcomb said. “I assure you that each and every one of you are truly prepared and highly qualified, and your finest hour lies ahead. When that moment comes, don’t be afraid to take advantage of it and change the world.” Phillip Blevins, the Student Government Association president and 2013 graduate, reminded his classmates that success is not always measured by wealth. “I am told that we cannot take our checkbooks with us after death,” he said. “If you share this belief with me, then you also know that by measuring success in net worth, we are limiting ourselves to only a lifetime of potential success. Therefore, I challenge you to measure your success by the positive differences you make in your community, commonwealth, and nation.” Alumni Association President David Amos ’03 encouraged the graduates to remember that it is important to give back to the community. “Remember that we all shape the world around us,” Amos said before inducting the Class of 2013 into the Alumni Association. “Remember, you will always be a part of the UVa-Wise family.”
q Shelby Adams ’13 takes a moment to reflect
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