Business leader challenges VCU’s newest graduates to make the most of the future

By Mike Porter

During fall commencement ceremonies today, Tonya S. Mallory, a VCU alumna and co-founder, president and CEO of Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Inc., challenged graduates to be curious, determined and passionate as they embrace whatever the future holds.

“As you move forward to the exciting years to come, take advantage of all opportunities, keep your eyes wide open, embrace uncertainty, follow your heart – don’t worry about finding your passion, your passion will find you. Relax and wait for it,” Mallory said. “Keep pushing forward. Keep asking questions and be brave enough to hear the answers. You will fail at times, that’s what experience is sometimes made of. Find the courage to take all of this and make it your reality. Make it real.”

Mallory was named Ernst & Young’s “National Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year” in 2012. Earlier this month, she was named “2013 Virginia Business Person of the Year.”

Mallory earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry in 1987 and a master’s degree in forensic science in 1989 and has been a longtime supporter of VCU. Her health management company was developed in VCU’s technology incubator. On Saturday she received an honorary doctor of humane letters.

Students received professional, graduate and undergraduate degrees at the ceremony at the VCU Siegel Center. Approximately 1,600 students attended the ceremony, and about 2,800 degrees were conferred.

VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., challenged graduates to use their VCU education to change their own lives and to change the world.

“What will you do with your education?  What innovations will you pioneer?  How will you help your fellow human beings? I know we can count on you to do just that,” Rao said.