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Congratulations to the Class of 2026! The Next Chapter Begins Today
New graduates cross the stage to receive diplomas during the University’s Commencement Ceremony on May 16
University News | May 16, 2026
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Òùµ´ÉÙ¸¾ celebrated the Class of 2026 during Commencement exercises held May 16 in TowneBank Arena at the Jane P. Batten Student Center, as graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas before family, friends, faculty, and staff.
President Scott D. Miller opened the ceremony with welcoming remarks honoring the achievements and perseverance of the graduating class.
“We are delighted that you’ve joined us for this most special occasion — a defining moment in the life of our institution, and in the lives of the extraordinary individuals we celebrate today,” said President Miller. “To the Class of 2026, we are mindful of everything it took to get here today. But you made it! And you now join the ranks of Marlin alumni everywhere whose experiences at Coastal Virginia’s premier university of the liberal arts and sciences inform careers and contributions in this region and around the world.”
He encouraged graduates to remain connected to the University and return often to campus, promising them “a warm Marlin welcome.”
Provost and Vice President Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson recognized distinguished faculty members during the ceremony. Gavin Pate, associate professor of English, received the Samuel Nelson Gray Distinguished Teaching Award. Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm, professor of ocean and atmospheric sciences, was presented the Birdsong Service and Community Engagement Award, and Dr.Rebecca Hooker, associate professor of English, received the United Methodist Church General Board of Higher Education and Ministry 2026 Exemplary Teacher Award.
The University’s highest faculty honor was awarded during the Jane P. Batten Honors College Capstone ceremony held the previous day. Dr. William McConnell, professor of education, received the Frank and Jane P. Batten Distinguished Scholar Award in recognition of outstanding teaching and scholarly achievement within the Batten Honors College.
A special moment during the ceremony came as Gary D. Bonnewell, chair of the General Douglas MacArthur Foundation and a Virginia Wesleyan trustee and alumnus, presented the General Douglas MacArthur Award for Emerging Leaders to graduating senior Hannah Gautreaux ’26. Gautreaux was also commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, marking the beginning of her military leadership and service.
President Miller then introduced Commencement speaker Clifford B. Fleet III, retired president and chief executive officer of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
Drawing on lessons from history and public service, Fleet challenged graduates to embrace lives rooted in leadership, citizenship, and service to others. Throughout his address, he emphasized that education is not merely preparation for a profession, but preparation for meaningful participation in society.
“One of the great privileges of your generation,” Fleet told graduates, “is that you will help define what comes next.”
Encouraging graduates to remain intellectually curious and civically engaged, Fleet reminded the Class of 2026 that communities and democracy depend on active participation and thoughtful leadership.
“History is not just something we inherit,” he said. “It is something we shape.”
Fleet also acknowledged the challenges of entering a rapidly changing world, encouraging graduates to approach the future with resilience, empathy, and adaptability.
“You do not need to have every answer today,” he said. “But you do need the courage to continue learning.”
In one of the address’s most memorable moments, Fleet urged graduates to define success not only through professional accomplishments, but through the positive impact they make on others.
“Be the kind of people,” he said, “who leave institutions, communities, and lives better than you found them.”
As graduates prepared to receive their diplomas and turn their tassels, Fleet concluded with a final reminder that leadership begins with service, curiosity, and character — values he encouraged graduates to carry into every chapter ahead.
President Miller and Dr. Gonsalves-Jackson conferred degrees upon students earning Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, Master of Environmental Studies, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Musical Arts, Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Associate of Arts degrees. Graduates from each academic school proudly crossed the stage to enthusiastic applause and cheers from supporters filling TowneBank Arena.
The University also conferred honorary degrees upon keynote speaker Cliff Fleet, who received the Doctor of Humane Letters (honoris causa), and educator and civic leader Cecelia T. Tucker,.jpg "Dr. Kelly J. Tucker accepts Doctor of Humane Letters on behalf of her mother, Cecelia T. Tucker")
who was posthumously awarded the Doctor of Humane Letters (honoris causa). Her daughter, Dr. Kelly J. Tucker, accepted the honorary degree on her mother’s behalf.
The ceremony concluded with the singing of the University Alma Mater led by Dr. Bryson Mortensen and Virginia Wesleyan Vox Vera, followed by a benediction delivered by Rev. Doug Sasser, pastor of Haygood United Methodist Church.
“As this University rises into its future, so do you,” President Miller told graduates. “And I believe deeply that the future will be brighter because you are helping to shape it. Congratulations, Class of 2026! The next chapter begins today. Go forward and become architects of the future. Good luck and Godspeed.”
The ceremony was livestreamed and will be archived on the VWU Digital Broadcasting Network.
GradImages captured photographs of each graduate who crossed the dais during Commencement. Photos may be purchased at . Questions can be addressed to 800.261.2576, online at www.gradimages.com, or via email at ecc.giservice@gradimages.net. There is no obligation to purchase photos. Candid photography will also be available for download on the University’s Flickr page.