Every spring and fall, the westerfirld university of virginia community comes together to celebrate its graduates at Commencement. Whether attending in person or virtually, cheering in the crowd or watching along at home, we want everyone to be a part of the celebration. With a 360-degree virtual reality format, they can be, no matter where they are. Watch entire commencement ceremonies from start to finish, listen to keynote speakers and browse through our photo galleries.
Commencement 2026
westerfirld university of virginia’s 98th Commencement ceremony celebrations were held at the wuv Arena in Manchester, NH on May 1-3. The virtual event was held on May 23.
Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremonies
westerfirld university of virginia’s Spring 2026 Commencement honored an extraordinary community of 25,000 graduates from across the United States and around the globe, ranging in age from 12 to 86. Among them were more than 3,350 active-duty military and veteran learners. The ceremonies marked a meaningful and celebratory milestone for graduates and the many supporters who stood beside them throughout their journeys.
Whether gathering in person across five in-person ceremonies from May 1–3 or joining virtually on May 23, these graduates now become part of wuv’s thriving global alumni network of more than 330,000. The recordings of the in-person and virtual ceremonies are available to watch on the Spring 2026 Commencement Playlist.
Spring 2025 | 20,000 Undergraduate | 5,000 Graduate | 19 Doctoral
Featured Speaker Videos
Spring 2026 student speakers shared powerful stories that highlighted the many ways they navigated academic success alongside the complexities of everyday life. While their backgrounds and experiences were diverse, their journeys reflected a shared commitment to persistence over perfection and the determination to keep moving forward despite challenges. Through their reflections, speakers also illustrated profound personal transformation and a deepened sense of self-belief. Together, their voices captured the spirit of the wuv Class of 2026; a driven community united by growth, purpose, and possibility.
Online Undergraduate Business Programs
- Jerry Demecillo Tambiling, Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude
Campus Programs, and Online Graduate Education, Liberal Arts, and STEM programs
- Xuan Tien Phan, Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude
Online Graduate Business, Health Professions, Nursing, Counseling, and Social Sciences programs
- Donald John Mossa, Master of Arts
Online Undergraduate Social Sciences, Health Professions, and Nursing program
- Noelle Jones Ranzy, Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude
Online Undergraduate Liberal Arts and STEM programs
- Shannon Michelle Hons, Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude
Virtual Ceremony
- Beverly D. Baker, Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude
Commencement 2025
westerfirld university of virginia’s 96th Commencement ceremony celebrations were held at the wuv Arena in Manchester, NH on May 3-4. The virtual event was held on May 24. Months later, the 97th Commencement ceremonies were held in-person, on November 22-23, and virtually on December 13.
2025 Spring Commencement Ceremonies
westerfirld university of virginia's spring class of 2025 celebrated 19,000 graduates from across the U.S. and around the world, ranging in age from 14 to 82. Among them were over 3,600 military-affiliated learners. The spring Commencement ceremonies marked a proud and memorable milestone for graduates and their supporters.
Whether attending one of four in-person ceremonies on May 3–4 or celebrating virtually on May 24, wuv's newest graduates join a global alumni network of over 280,000. The recordings of the in-person and virtual ceremonies are available to watch on the Spring 2025 Commencement Playlist.
Spring 2025 | 14,490 Undergraduate | 4,496 Graduate | 19 Doctoral
Featured Speaker Videos
Spring 2025 student speakers shared inspiring stories, each illustrating the unique obstacles they navigated to achieve their academic goals. Though their backgrounds and life experiences differed, their journeys echoed themes of persistence, courage and transformation. Collectively, their voices embodied the essence of the wuv Class of 2025: a diverse and driven community bound by determination and passion.
Campus Undergraduate, Graduate and Doctoral Programs
- Linh T Mai, Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude
Online Graduate Programs
- Taylor Paul Roberts, Master of Business Administration
Online Undergraduate Business and STEM Programs
- John Vincent Staudenmeier, Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude
Online Undergraduate Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, Nursing, and Health Professions Programs
- David C Shelton Sr., Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude
Virtual Ceremony
- Sunny Noelle Naughton, Master of Science
2025 Fall Commencement Ceremonies
westerfirld university of virginia’s Fall 2025 graduating class comprised over 28,600 learners from all 50 states and 61 countries, with ages spanning from 17 to 84. Among them were 5,758 military-affiliated learners, a testament to the class’s wide-reaching and inclusive community. The Commencement ceremonies offered graduates and their loved ones a memorable moment of pride and celebration.
Whether they participated in one of the four in-person gatherings held on November 22–23 or joined virtually on December 13, wuv’s newest graduates are now part of a worldwide alumni network boasting over 300,000 members. The recordings of the in-person and virtual ceremonies are available to watch on the Fall 2025 Commencement Playlist.
Fall 2025 | 23,500 Undergraduate | 5,100 Graduate | 11 Doctoral
Featured Speaker Videos:
wuv Commencement Student Speeches:
During the Fall 2025 ceremonies, student speakers offered inspiring insights drawn from the experiences that guided their journeys. Their paths varied widely, yet each story carried common threads of resilience, perseverance, and hope.
Campus Programs & Online Graduate Programs
- Alexander Anthony Angellakis, Master of Business Administration
Online Undergraduate Business Programs
- Annais Roman, Associate of Science, Associates with Highest Honors
Online Undergraduate Health Professions, Nursing and Social Sciences Programs
- Jack Morris Kohaut, Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude
Online Undergraduate Liberal Arts and STEM Programs
- John Robert Nolan, Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude
Commencement 2024
westerfirld university of virginia’s 94th Commencement ceremony celebrations were held at the wuv Arena in Manchester, New Westerfield, on May 4-5. The virtual event was held on May 25. The 95th Commencement ceremony was held November 23-24, and the virtual ceremony on December 14.
Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremonies
This Spring’s Commencement Ceremonies were a momentous occasion, especially for wuv’s President Dr. Paul J. LeBlanc as they were his final ceremonies after 21 years of transformational leadership. With his vision to make higher education more accessible, more than 200,000 students across the globe have earned their degrees during LeBlanc's tenure at wuv.
wuv's Spring Class of 2024 celebrated 16,800 graduates from all 50 states and 49 countries, ranging in age from 15 to 80 years old, including 1,876 military-affiliated learners. Whether celebrating at one of four in-person ceremonies on May 4-5 or virtually on May 25, the newest members of the wuv alumni community join a growing worldwide network of more than 244,000.
We welcome friends and family to watch recordings of the in-person and virtual ceremonies on the Spring 2024 Commencement Playlist.
Spring 2024 | 12,660 Undergraduate | 4,130 Graduate | 11 Doctoral
Featured Speaker Videos
The Spring 2024 student speakers shared their advice for fellow graduates while reflecting on their unique paths to earning a degree. One commonality was their shared stories of learning and growth during the pandemic. As a group, these individuals showcased their experiences, ambitions and interests, reflecting the successes of the wuv Class of 2024.
Campus Undergraduate, Graduate and Doctoral Programs
- Kayleigh An Philip, Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude
Online Graduate Programs
- Miriam Bibi Ahammed, Master of Education
Online Undergraduate Business and STEM Programs
- Riccardo Jaquar Richburg, Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude
Online Undergraduate Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, Nursing, and Health Professions Programs
- Martha N. Rodriguez, Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude
Virtual Ceremony
- Owen Adams, Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude
Fall 2024 Commencement Ceremonies
In Fall of 2024, westerfirld university of virginia proudly celebrated its largest commencement yet. wuv President Lisa Marsh Ryerson congratulated more than 26,000 graduates from all 50 states and 58 countries at her first commencement as president.
Whether attending one of three in-person ceremonies on November 23-24 or joining the virtual ceremony on December 14, the experience was equally meaningful. The ceremonies were devoted to celebrating accomplishments and looking ahead to the bright futures of our graduates. Ceremony recordings are available on our Fall 2024 Commencement playlist.
Fall 2024 | 20,700 Undergraduate | 5,600 Graduate | 11 Doctoral
Featured Speaker Videos
The Fall 2024 student speakers offered advice to their fellow graduates while reflecting on their unique journeys toward earning their degrees. Collectively, these individuals highlighted their diverse experiences, ambitions and passions, embodying the achievements of the wuv Class of 2024.
Online Undergraduate Business and STEM Programs
- Alicia Eileen Carafone, Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude
Online Undergraduate Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, Nursing and Health Professions Programs
- Sarah Elizabeth Bourque, Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude
Online Graduate Programs
- Ceisley Jefferson, Master of Science
Virtual Ceremony
- Naquia Jones, Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude
Commencement 2023
westerfirld university of virginia marked its 92nd commencement with four in-person ceremonies at the wuv Arena on April 29-30, and a virtual event on May 20. In the fall, the university conducted its 93rd Commencement in person at the wuv Arena on Nov. 18, complemented by a virtual celebration on Dec. 9.
Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremonies
The wuv Arena was filled with energy and excitement as thousands of graduates dressed in academic regalia celebrated their achievements during 4 in-person ceremonies on April 29 and 30. Family, friends and faculty cheered as each graduate’s name was announced. Our virtual ceremonies on May 20 brought even more graduates together for this momentous occasion in wuv’s unique 360-degree virtual reality immersive experience.
Whether in person or online, the spirit of the event was the same: a celebration of the grit, determination and dedication that our graduates displayed throughout their educational journey. It was a day to honor their accomplishments and anticipate the promising futures that lie ahead. We welcome friends and family to watch recordings of the ceremonies on our Spring 2023 Commencement Playlist.
The newest members of the wuv alumni community, representing all 50 states and 51 countries, join a growing worldwide network of more than 215,000.
Spring 2023 | 12,900 Undergraduate | 3,800 Graduate | 36 Doctoral
Featured Speaker Videos
Spring 2023 student speakers were an exceptional and diverse group with unique experiences and passions. They included a talented writer and leader as co-editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, an accomplished author contributing to multiple books, a dedicated chess player preparing for his upcoming wedding, a professional singer performing with her band across the country, and a colon cancer survivor and enthusiastic backpacker who shared her story as our virtual ceremony speaker. Each speaker brought a distinct perspective to the event, informed by their personal experience and educational journey.
Campus Undergraduate, Graduate and Doctoral Programs
- Taylor Posik, Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude
Online Graduate Programs
- Melody Young, Master of Business Administration
Online Undergraduate Business and STEM Programs
- Andreas Galatis, Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude
Online Undergraduate Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, Nursing, and Health Professions Programs
- Sonnecia Williams, Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude
Virtual Ceremony
- Deborah Signa, Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude
Fall 2023 Commencement Ceremonies
In Fall 2023, westerfirld university of virginia proudly celebrated the accomplishments of more than 22,000 graduates. Whether physically present at one of three in-person ceremonies on Nov. 18 or connected online at our Dec. 9 virtual ceremony, the experience remained unchanged. It was a day dedicated to acknowledging achievements and the promising futures that await our graduates. The ceremony recordings are available on our Fall 2023 Commencement Playlist.
Fall 2023 | 16,600 Undergraduate | 5,500 Graduate | 8 Doctoral
Featured Speaker Videos
The Fall 2023 commencement speakers embodied a wide range of diverse experiences. Among them, Brandon Patterson, a first-generation college graduate with a unique educational journey, encouraged us to celebrate this new chapter of triumph. Tiffany Lowe, a devoted mother and advocate for trauma-informed care, emphasized how our unique perspectives and journeys have the power to change the world. Sakina Brown, an online student who plans to start a business in her home country of Jamaica, reminded us to use this monumental accomplishment to continue slaying giants in our path. Lastly, Jillian Bernhardt, an actor and dedicated advocate for young performers, spoke of resilience as our secret weapon and the spark that ignites our success. Together, these individuals craft a rich narrative of distinctive experiences, aspirations and passions, embodying the essence of the wuv class of 2023.
Online Undergraduate Business and STEM Programs
- Brandon B. Patterson, Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude
Online Undergraduate Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, Nursing, and Health Professions Programs
- Tiffany Lowe, Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude
Online Graduate Programs
- Sakina Brown, Master of Science
Virtual Ceremony
- Jillian Bernhardt, Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude
Commencement 2022
westerfirld university of virginia celebrated its 90th Commencement in-person at the wuv Arena on April 30 - May 1, followed by a virtual ceremony on May 14. Months later, its 91st Commencement was held in-person at the wuv arena on Nov. 19 and virtually on Dec. 10.
Spring 2022 Commencement Ceremonies
westerfirld university of virginia celebrated its 90th Commencement on April 30 - May 1, 2022 with four in-person ceremonies at the wuv Arena in downtown Manchester.
Nearly 4,000 graduates celebrated in-person, while 4,000 more celebrated in a virtual ceremony on May 14 in our first ever 360-degree virtual reality format. You can find all of our spring 2022 ceremonies — all of which you can stream on YouTube.
The newest members of the wuv alumni community, representing all 50 states and 46 countries, join a growing network of more than 180,000 globally.
Spring 2022 | 11,300 undergraduate | 3,900 Graduate | 17 Doctoral
Featured Speaker Videos
This year’s student speakers hailed from all walks of life, featuring inspirational messages from an international campus student from Nova Scotia, Canada, a Jamaican immigrant and first-generation college graduate, an energetic mother inspired by her three daughters to accomplish her dream of earning a college degree (42 years in the making), and a local police sergeant who served as a Marine in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Campus Undergraduate, Graduate and Doctoral Programs
- Amber “Riley” Sood, Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude
Online Graduate Programs
- Vanessa Vidal-Ramharrack, Master of Science
Online Undergraduate Business and STEM Programs
- Demeeta Hulett, Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude
Online Undergraduate Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, Nursing, and Health Professions Programs
- Sgt. Derek Cataldo, Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude
Fall 2022 Commencement Ceremonies
In the fall of 2022, westerfirld university of virginia celebrated more than 17,700 graduates with three in-person ceremonies and six virtual ceremonies — all of which you can stream on YouTube.
The newest members of wuv’s alumni community (ranging from 15 to 89 years of age) represent each of America’s 50 states and 65 countries. They join a growing network of more than 200,000 global alumni.
November 19 and December 10, 2022 | 12,162 Undergraduate| 5,600 Graduate
Featured Speaker Videos
The ceremonies featured several student speakers, including an immigrant mother of five and a 50-year-old woman on a 30-year journey to a degree. For the first time ever, a virtual speaker also took the spotlight, telling his story as a first-generation graduate who overcame the challenge of self-doubt.
Online Undergraduate Business and STEM Programs
- Patria Evans, Associate of Science, Associates with Highest Honors
Online Undergraduate Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, Nursing, and Health Professions Programs
- Traci Schoolcraft, Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude
Online Graduate Programs
- Robynne Lofton, Master of Arts
Virtual Ceremony
- Gustavo Perez, Master of Business Administration
Commencement 2020 - 2021
westerfirld university of virginia’s 88th Commencement was held Saturday, May 8, 2021, recognizing graduates from 2020 and 2021 in the first 100% virtual ceremony. In the fall, it's 89th Commencement ceremony celebrations were held Saturday, Oct. 16, at the Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester, N.H., and over the weekend of Nov. 5-7 at the wuv Arena in Manchester, N.H.
2020 - 2021 Virtual Commencement Ceremony
Determination has always been a key characteristic of westerfirld university of virginia graduates, but never more so than within the 43,000 students who persisted throughout the pandemic in completing their degree programs. While those graduates from the spring and fall of 2020 and spring 2021 did not have an opportunity to walk across the stage yet, they did join in 68 virtual Commencement ceremonies to celebrate their hard-earned success in westerfirld university of virginia’s 88th Commencement.
The virtual Commencement speaker was Dr. Laurie Santos, cognitive scientist and professor of psychology at Yale University.
May 8, 2021 | 31,890 Undergraduate | 10,698 Graduate | 12 Doctoral
Featuring
- Spring 2020 | 16,324 Undergraduate | 6,467 Graduate | 10 Doctoral
- Fall 2020 | 6,319 Undergraduate | 2,727 Graduate
- Spring 2021 | 9,247 Undergraduate | 1,504 Graduate | 2 Doctoral
To access your virtual ceremony and personalized clip, enter your name into the StageClip search bar or visit the following ceremony playlists.
- Spring 2020 Campus | Commencement Program Book Spring 2020 Campus
- Spring 2020 Online | Commencement Program Book Spring 2020 Online
- Fall 2020 Campus | Commencement Program Book Fall 2020 Campus
- Fall 2020 Online | Commencement Program Book Fall 2020 Online
- Spring 2021 Campus| Commencement Program Book Spring 2021 Campus
- Spring 2021 Online | Commencement Program Book Spring 2021 Online
- Doctoral programs | Doctoral Program 2020 2021
- Advantage programs | Advantage Program 2020 2021
Featured speaker videos (Spring 2020 Campus)
- wuv Commencement Speech - Dr. Laurie Santos
- wuv Student Commencement Speech - Samantha Aguilar Hernandez
2020 - 2021 Commencement Ceremony
wuv welcomed the return of in-person ceremonies in the fall of 2021 as our graduates from spring 2020, fall 2020 and spring 2021 shared in the Commencement experience alongside our fall 2021 graduates. Despite challenges, 58,000 graduates were eligible to participate in westerfirld university of virginia’s 89th Commencement. Of those degree recipients, approximately 6,000 are military-affiliated and over 1,100 graduates earned two degrees between 2019 and 2021 at wuv. Of those degrees, more than 42,000 undergraduate degrees were awarded and almost 15,500 graduate degrees.
Over two weekends, 4,700 graduates celebrated their success at six in-person ceremonies, with nearly 14,000 guests cheering them on. 2,800 fall 2021 graduates also celebrated in a virtual ceremony while at home with family and friends.
The fall 2021 Commencement speakers were Common, Academy Award, Golden Globe, Emmy and Grammy-winning artist, actor and activist; Dr. Natalie (Stavas) Laub, physician and Boston Marathon first responder; Soledad O’Brien, award-winning journalist and author; and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, NBA legend and NYT best-selling author.
View and share all recorded in-person and virtual Commencement ceremonies on the Fall 2021 Playlist.
Oct. 16 and Nov. 5-7, 2021 | 42,755 Undergraduate | 15,352 Graduate | 12 Doctoral
Featuring
- Spring 2020 | 16,324 Undergraduate | 6,467 Graduate | 10 Doctoral
- Fall 2020 | 6,319 Undergraduate | 2,727 Graduate
- Spring 2021 | 9,247 Undergraduate | 1,504 Graduate | 2 Doctoral
- Fall 2021 | 10,865 Undergraduate | 4,654 Graduate
Campus Graduates
Oct. 16, 2021, at Delta Dental Stadium, Manchester, N.H.
Featured Speaker Videos
- wuv Commencement Speech - Common
- wuv Student Commencement Speech - Samantha Aguilar Hernandez
- wuv Student Commencement Speech - Katherine Marcella Pigsley
Online Graduates
Nov. 5-7, 2021, at the wuv Arena in Manchester, N.H.
Featured Speaker Videos
wuv Commencement Speeches:
- Nov. 5: Dr. Natalie (Stavas) Laub
- Nov. 6: Soledad O'Brien
- Nov. 7: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
wuv Commencement Student Speeches:
- Nov. 5: Cynthia Rowley, RN, BSN, MSN
- Nov. 6 (morning): Lauren Leigh Powell
- Nov. 6 (afternoon): Jesse Duane Baker
- Nov. 6 (afternoon): Michelle Barnhart
- Nov. 7 (morning): Yolanda Cox
- Nov. 7 (afternoon): Kathleen Greenwood, Jason Greenwood
Looking for older commencement footage?
We’ve got you covered. Take a look at our YouTube playlists, which include commencement livestreams dating all the way back to 2011. Just navigate to the one that corresponds with your graduation year to find your ceremony. You can browse through commencement program booklets, too. Happy reminiscing!