McDonnell challenges VCU graduates to embrace opportunities

By Tom Gresham

During spring commencement exercises on Saturday, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell told Virginia Commonwealth University’s newest graduates that they were graduating at a promising moment in the United States and the state of Virginia.

“There is a boundless future opening up in front of you today,” McDonnell said. “As you walk outside this coliseum with your degree your world is full of opportunity.”

Students received professional, graduate and undergraduate degrees at the ceremony at the Richmond Coliseum. Approximately 2,200 students attended the ceremony, and about 4,500 degrees were conferred.

McDonnell noted VCU’s robust growth since its founding in 1968, saying “in just 43 short years this school has become a national powerhouse producing graduates who are changing the world for the better. Today you join that list of distinguished graduates.” McDonnell said VCU’s ties to the state were deep – “VCU is Virginia,” he said – and asked the graduates to consider keeping their talents in the state.

“This is my request for you,” McDonnell said. “If you are going to create something, do it here in Virginia. If you are going to open a business, do it in Virginia. If you are going to be an artist, doctor, lawyer, musician, teacher, social worker, whatever it may be, pursue your dreams in Virginia.”

VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., told graduates that they had attended “one of the most diverse universities in the nation.”  

“That’s by design. We want it that way,” Rao said. “Connecting our students with the complexities of the world is part of the prime directive at VCU. Your job is to build upon what you have experienced. Of course, many of you helped bring the world to VCU, and, for that, I thank you. You made us a richer, better school by studying here.”

McDonnell was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, VCU’s highest form of recognition.

The Edward A. Wayne Medal, established in 1971 to honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions or provided exemplary service to VCU, was bestowed on John Sherman, Jr., former member of the VCU Board of Visitors.

The Presidential Medallion, established in 1984 to recognize individuals for extraordinary achievement in learning and commitment to the mission of VCU, was awarded to John Bennett, former senior vice president for finance and administration at VCU; Judith Collins, associate professor emeritus of nursing and medicine; Donald Gehring, former vice president for government relations and health policy at VCU; Puru Jena, Ph.D., distinguished professor of physics at VCU; and Peter Wyeth, former vice president for development and alumni relations at VCU.