VIR GINIA WESLE YAN UNIVERSIT Y
5817 Wesleyan Drive | Virginia Beach | Virginia 23455
December 16, 2023
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VWU GLOBAL CAMPUS COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY December 16, 2023 Joan and Macon Brock Theatre Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center
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UNIVERSITY MARSHAL
Dr. Lawrence D. Hultgren, Professor of Philosophy
ASSISTANT MARSHALS
Dr. Felipe Huegeno, Assistant Professor of Hispanic Studies Dr. Rebecca John, Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Taryn Myers, Professor of Psychology Dr. Arthur Pantelides, Associate Professor of Management, Business and Economics Dr. Sally Shedd, Professor of Theatre
STUDENT MARSHALS
Alexis Flowers ’27 Austin King ’25 Hannah Keane ’26 Liam Murphy ’26 Zion Purvis-Allen ’23
Music is provided by VIRGINIA WESLEYAN VOX VERA
Dr. Bryson Mortensen, Music Director
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PROCESSIONAL Pomp And Circumstance by Sir Edward Elgar University Mace Dr. Lawrence D. Hultgren, University Marshal Members of the Class of 2023 Faculty Academic Administration Officers of the University Trustees Rev. Beth Givens, Pastor of Haygood United Methodist Church Dr. Janice Underwood, Director of the White House Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, Keynote Speaker and Candidate for Doctor of Humane Letters (honoris causa) Jonathan E. Pruden, Chair, Board of Trustees Dr. Susan Larkin, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Scott D. Miller, President of the University
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The Star-Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key (arranged by Tim Sharp) Virginia Wesleyan Vox Vera Invocation Kayleigh M. Poggioli ’23 Welcoming Remarks President Miller Presentation of Awards Dr. Larkin Faculty Award for Distinguished Scholarship Faculty Award for Campus Service Homeward Bound by Marta Keen (arranged by Jay Althouse) Virginia Wesleyan Vox Vera Introduction of Speaker President Miller Address to the Class of 2023 Dr. Janice Underwood, Director of the White House Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Presentation of Dr. Underwood for Doctoral Degree (honoris causa) Dr. Craig S. Wansink, Professor of Religious Studies, Joan P. and Macon F. Brock, Jr. Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center, and Chair of Religious Studies The Conferring of Degrees to the Class of 2023 President Miller, Dr. Larkin Alma Mater Virginia Wesleyan Vox Vera Benediction Rev. Givens Recessional Please remain seated until the graduates and faculty have recessed.
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Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipient
Dr. Janice Underwood Director, Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility for the White House Candidate for Doctor of Humane Letters (honoris causa)
Dr. Janice Underwood, former Commonwealth of Virginia Chief Diversity Officer, is currently Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (ODEIA) at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) within the Biden-Harris administration. Throughout her career, Dr. Underwood has exemplified her commitment to making structural inequity visible in government and education sectors. Her extensive background includes roles as a state official, a university administrator, teacher educator, researcher, and national board-certified special education science teacher, all of which have contributed to her expertise in diversity, equity and inclusion. Dr. Underwood’s contributions have been recognized through numerous awards and publications in prominent journals, acknowledging her outstanding efforts in advancing equity and justice. Her groundbreaking work as the inaugural Virginia Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer (CDO) to Governor Ralph Northam established a precedent both within the Commonwealth and nationally. Notably, during her tenure as Virginia CDO, Dr. Underwood led the development and implementation of the ONE Virginia Plan, a groundbreaking statewide DEI strategy involving more than 100 agencies. She also spearheaded the Virginia COVID-19 Equity Leadership Taskforce, setting an example for other states and local governments in responding to the pandemic with equity in mind. Dr. Underwood’s educational journey is equally impressive, with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology and behavior/learning disorders from Hampton University, and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Old Dominion University, focusing on culturally relevant pedagogy in STEM-H fields and public education.
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VWU GLOBAL CAMPUS Candidate for the Degree of Master of Arts in Education Rachel E. DeMay Education
Virginia Beach, VA
Candidates for the Degree of Master of Education Samantha Che Cumming
* Kylah A. Jackson-Lott
Bristow, VA
Woodbridge, VA
Education
Education
* Tyrone Gould III
* Brittanee Rontaè Jones
Durham, NC
Alexandria, VA
Education
Education
Candidates for the Degree of Master of Business Administration * Kingsley E. Abakpa
* Jada Nicole Jones
Business Administration
Business Administration
Chesapeake, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
* Maya Begovic
Walter K. Mfuko
Virginia Beach, VA
Fairfax, Virginia
Business Administration
Business Administration
* Orlanda B. Bullock
Kayleigh M. Poggioli
Virginia Beach, VA
Chesapeake, VA
Business Administration * Troy K. Ferebee
Business Administration Elizabeth City, NC
Stephanie G. Gorham
Business Administration Chesapeake, VA
Audwin A. Harris
Business Administration Chesapeake, VA
Business Administration
Dalton M. Powers
Business Administration Chesterfield, VA
* Jonna Turner
Business Administration Virginia Beach, VA
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BIRDSONG SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE Candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts * Ashawnte Monét Anderson
Jayson M. Rubis, magna cum laude
Psychology
Political Science Virginia Beach, VA
* Erin Elizabeth Brooks
* Amie B. Saidy Psychology Burtonsville, MD
Roanoke, VA
Psychology Chester, VA BHC
Phoebe E. Cox, magna cum laude
History
Bridgewater, Virginia
Jade Sunshine East, magna cum laude
Psychology Kilgore, TX
Trinity Monae’ Fauntleroy Psychology Mount Holly, VA
* Courtney J. Holimon Social Science Newport News, VA
Jaelyn A. Sapp Sociology Waldorf, MD
Mayu Shimosuga Psychology
Saitama, Japan
* Mirchime Saintil Criminal Justice Boynton Beach, FL
Taylor S. Skyles
Social Science Chesapeake, VA * Jason P. Story Maya R. Hunter-Holmes, summa cum laude Criminal Justice History Centreville, VA
Chesapeake, VA
Damien J. Kelly Political Science Gloucester Point, VA Elseanne S. Richardson-Garris Criminal Justice Hampton, VA
Tyler J. Strong
Criminal Justice Burke, VA * Miranda H. Taylor Criminal Justice Dumfries, VA
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BIRDSONG SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE Candidate for the Degree of Bachelor of Science Elijah O. Eley Psychology
Manalapan, NJ
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JOAN P. BROCK SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS AND NATURAL SCIENCES Candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts Reilly M. Barnhart Derry, PA
* Oscar I. Manosalvas Intriago Environmental Studies Leesburg, VA
* Braxton D. Downum Computer Information Systems Henrico, VA
David Oppong Computer Science Petersburg, VA
* Samantha Falls Environmental Studies Reva, VA
* Taylor M. Randall Computer Information Systems Glen Burnie, MD
* Sam J. Gazala Mathematics Lexington, KY
Christian J. Taylor Computer Information Systems Wilmington, DE
* Samantha A. Hill Environmental Studies Norfolk, VA
Tyler A. Tricarico Environmental Studies Lynbrook, NY
Jessica F. Humm, cum laude Environmental Studies Lovettsville, VA
Gracie M. Wenzel Biology Brunswick, GA
Biology
* Heaven E. Johnson Biology Toano, VA
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JOAN P. BROCK SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS AND NATURAL SCIENCES Candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Science Abigail M. Craige, cum laude Earth & Environmental Studies
Gavin M. Prouty, magna cum laude Mathematics Round Hill, VA
Makenna P. Good Biology
* Caleb A. Smith Earth and Environmental Sciences Fredericksburg, VA
JaLea Shauntel Moody Biology Surry, VA
Davon J. Young, magna cum laude Computer Science Hampton, VA
BHC
Virginia Beach, VA BHC
Lebanon, PA
* Tiara J. Morris Chemistry Woodbridge, VA
BHC
BHC
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SUSAN S. GOODE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES Candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts * Kathryn Anne Baca, summa cum laude Art Virginia Beach, VA * Emma G. Janney, magna cum laude German Studies Newport News, VA
Allison J. Reavis English Portsmouth, VA * Alaycia R. Williams Art
Norfolk, VA
Kylea S. McCarel Communication Virginia Beach, VA
Kamal Rasheed Womack Communication Alexandria, VA
Matthew A. Myers
Kazuki Yamada Communication Saitama, Japan
Comprehensive Liberal Studies
Smithfield, VA
Dahlia M. Perez, magna cum laude English Virginia Beach, VA
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D. HENRY WATTS SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES Candidates for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts Bella B. Aminov, cum laude Business
Chesapeake, VA
Tayla N. Hargraves Business Suffolk, VA
Ian P. Brennan Business Virginia Beach, VA
* Katlin A. Haywood Business
Melina L. Cabral, summa cum laude Business Seekonk, MA
* Jaelen I. Hines Sport and Recreation Management North Chesterfield, VA
* Maliek K. Conaway Sport and Recreation Management Richmond, VA
Keasia M. Howington Allied Health Studies Hampton, VA
Logan J. Cook Business Virginia Beach, VA
+ Madison L. Hudson, magna cum laude Special Education Monroe, VA
BHC
+* Danielle A. D’arcy
Comprehensive Liberal Studies - Curricular Emphasis
Bremerton, WA
* Camryn E. Gavula Sport and Recreation Management Aston, PA Skai R. Guity Allied Health Studies Suffolk, VA
Marion, VA
* Dawn E. King, cum laude Business
Suffolk, VA * Kiersten M. Lee, magna cum laude Business Chesapeake, VA +* William J. McConnell V
Comprehensive Liberal Studies - Curricular Emphasis
Chesapeake, VA
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Aaron E. Oman, summa cum laude Business New Market, MD
BHC
* Kathryn A. Parsons, magna cum laude Business Virginia Beach, VA
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* BHC Ronaldinio Stickley, magna cum laude Business West Point, VA Earl M. Toler III, cum laude Business
Norfolk, VA
Gavin M. Prouty, magna cum laude Business
* Tarrah L. Turner
* Geni N. Roberts
+* Emilie E. Van Bourgondien Elementary Education
BHC
Round Hill, VA
Sport and Recreation Management
Denton, MD
Business
Norfolk, VA
Chesapeake, VA
+* Dana T. Smith
Comprehensive Liberal Studies - Curricular Emphasis
Chapel Hill, NC
Degree candidates and Latin honors are listed as of December 8, 2023. *
August 2023 graduate
BHC Batten Honors College
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Military Veteran Graduates who have completed requirement for teacher licensure in Virginia
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Musical selections performed by Virginia Wesleyan Vox Vera VIRGINIA WESLEYAN VOX VERA Erin Andrews ’25 Isaac Awogboro ’26 Jacob Barnett ’22 Aidan Foley ’26 Aviana Medina ’26
Amaris Nolan ’24 Robert Nolin ’24 Elizabeth O’Shea ’25 Caroline Tovar ’25 Jacob Underwood ’25
Dr. Bryson Mortensen, Music Director Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities
VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY ALMA MATER Music by David Clayton, Words by Sandra Billy
On Lake Taylor by the Bay, seagulls soar where Marlins play. Sunlight streams across the fields and shimmers through the trees. Truth and honor. Service, knowledge.Wisdom lights the way. Our paths may lead around the world, but our hearts stay at Wesleyan.
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Academic Regalia
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The three academic degrees generally recognized are the bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate. The name of each degree seems to have been determined by medieval custom. The bachelor’s degree, the baccalaureate, takes its name from the practice of referring to novices in trade guilds, knightly orders and universities as “bachelors.” The master’s degree was equivalent to a license to teach, and sometimes was followed by the express words licentia docendi. The doctorate degree derived from the habit of addressing scholars of great learning by the title “doctor.” Today, of course, all three degrees are generally earned by following a prescribed course of academic study. However, honorary degrees are granted for meritorious service and for distinction in public or private endeavor. In the medieval university, students and teachers wore gowns indicating their status and scholastic achievement. In 1895, an intercollegiate commission drafted a uniform code governing the use of academic caps, gowns and hoods in the United States. The vast majority of colleges and universities in the nation, including Virginia Wesleyan University, adhere to those guidelines. Those holding the bachelor’s degree wear a black gown distinguished by long pointed sleeves hanging to the knees. The master’s gown, worn open, features even longer sleeves which are closed at the bottom. There are slits about midway for the arms. The doctorate gown has full-length lapels of velvet and bell-shaped sleeves with three horizontal velvet bars. A hood may be worn with the gown and is made of the same material. Each hood is lined in silk with the colors of the institution which granted the degree. In the case of Virginia Wesleyan, for example, the colors are blue and white. The bachelor’s hood is three feet long, with a twoinch strip of velvet. The master’s hood is three and one-half feet long, faced with a three-inch velvet strip. The doctor’s hood is four feet long,
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faced with a five-inch strip of velvet. The color of the velvet strip on the hood indicates the field of study in which the University degree was earned or granted, for example: Arts White Science Yellow Music Pink Social Welfare Citron Theology Scarlet
Public Health Salmon Fine Arts Brown Education Light Blue Business Drab Philosophy Blue
The appropriate cap for all degrees is the familiar “mortar board.” A tassel, hanging to the left of the face, is also appropriate for all degrees. Holders of the doctoral degree may wear a soft velvet cap of the color indicating their field of study and a tassel of gold thread.
Gonfalons
Serving as the backdrop for the Virginia Wesleyan University Commencement Ceremony are the institutional banners, or gonfalons. The institutional gonfalon leads the procession, reflecting the University’s rich history and commitment to liberal arts education. It is followed by banners for the Batten Honors College, the Birdsong School of Social Science, the Joan P. Brock School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, the Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities, the D. Henry Watts School of Professional Studies, and Virginia Wesleyan University Global Campus. Each contains imagery and colors signifying its respective area of discipline. The style of the gonfalons processing today was unveiled in 2017 with design by Christine Hall and hand stitching by McIlhenny Banners of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. They replace the University’s original gonfalons, which were created and hand stitched by Judy Tinsley and Judy Coltrane, with additional design from the Art Department. The first set of gonfalons are preserved in the Office of Academic Affairs and remain an important visual tribute of Virginia Wesleyan history.
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Presidential Medallion
A symbol of the Office of the President of Virginia Wesleyan University, the medallion was commissioned upon Virginia Wesleyan’s transition from College to University status in 2017. It features the official University seal and hangs on a cloth ribbon in VWU blue. The original sterling silver and blue enamel medallion (1993-2017) also utilized the University seal as its main design element.
Honorary Degrees
Doctor of Arts (honoris causa): This degree is awarded to individuals who have distinguished themselves in the Arts. Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa): First awarded in 1786, this degree is awarded to individuals who have distinguished themselves in endeavors related to religion. Doctor of Humane Letters (honoris causa): First awarded in the 1880s, this degree is awarded to individuals who have distinguised themselves in the humanities. Doctor of Laws (honoris causa): First awarded in 1773, this degree is awarded to individuals who have distinguished themselves in general service to state, to learning and to mankind. Doctor of Science (honoris causa): First awarded in 1884, this degree is awarded to individuals who have made distinguished contributions and performed services in the sciences.
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C eremonial Mace A mace, once designed for use as a tool of medieval warfare, has served in recent centuries as a symbol of authority and vitality by legislative bodies and institutions of higher education. In the latter context it becomes a ceremonial staff, bearing engraved images and words which represent distinguishing characteristics of the institution. The Virginia Wesleyan University mace was created by goldsmith Suzannah Wagner of Ashland, Virginia. The cherry wood for the mace was harvested in southeastern Virginia in the 1930s and the base of the shaft contains grains of earth preserved from the original campus groundbreaking ceremony on July 18, 1965. Latin inscriptions on crystal panels evoke mind, body, spirit and community. Additional engravings on crystal and silver reflect agricultural, maritime and other regional symbols; the United Methodist cross and flame; and scenes of the campus. The mace is carried in academic processions and at other times is displayed on the campus accompanied by a narrative describing the symbols which it bears.
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Thank You Thank you for attending the VWU GLOBAL CAMPUS COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY at Virginia Wesleyan University As a courtesy to others, please silence and refrain from using cell phones and other devices during the ceremony. Smoking is prohibited in all campus buildings at Virginia Wesleyan University. Your consideration and cooperation are greatly appreciated.
Photography GradImages is pleased to provide photographs of each graduate who crosses the dais during Commencement. Photos may be purchased at gradimages.com. Questions can be addressed to 800.261.2576, online at gradimages.com, or by email at ecc.giservice@gradimages.net. There is no obligation to purchase photos. Candid photography will also be available for download on the University Flickr page. Please DO NOT approach the stage to take your own photographs, as this may interfere with the ceremony and the work of the photographers.
Livestreaming The Virginia Wesleyan University Global Campus Commencement Ceremony is being livestreamed on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network and will be archived for future viewing. All greenery and floral arrangements are living plants and will be returned safely to their natural environment. Special thank you to our volunteers.
VIR GINIA WESLE YAN UNIVERSIT Y
5817 Wesleyan Drive | Virginia Beach | Virginia 23455
December 16, 2023