Speeches

Class of 2025 Encouraged to Continue Learning at the Annual Graduation Celebration

April 30, 2025 · Lacy Pullan

As a precursor to Southern Virginia University’s upcoming Commencement ceremonies, the campus community gathered in the Knight Arena on April 25 for the annual graduation celebration–and last university forum of the academic year–to honor the Class of 2025, recognize senior awards, and hear from professors and a graduating senior.

“As you step into what’s next, remember that life doesn’t hand you purpose. It invites you to live with purpose,” said President Bonnie H. Cordon. “Continue to be people who see the hand of the Lord in the details. Walk with integrity even when no one’s watching. Be someone who treats others with kindness, and never stop learning. Let your education be a foundation of life built on faith, service and courageous action.”

The Class of 2025 graduate speaker, Cameron Gabrylczyk shared how a conversation with Interim President Eric Denna on why he was at Southern Virginia propelled him to find his reason for being there, and how that challenge helped him find his passion and career path.

“I made it a point to talk with people, and it was in a meeting with Professor Armstrong that I learned about a new career path after a very, very strong recruitment to the philosophy program,” said Gabrylczyk. “He taught me about the opportunities to make a difference in the healthcare administration, and my mind went back to my mission in Ghana, where many families struggle to have access to basic health care.”

“A degree is an empowering tool that can help us receive potential opportunities,” Gabrylczyk continued, “But knowledge is the tool that applies anywhere, in any setting, and allows us to do more.”

Sharing excerpts from the classic novel “Don Quixote,” Professor of Spanish Iana Konstantinova reiterated Quixote’s words to his neighbor about serving others, forming a relationship with God, and finding your own worth.

“Over the last four years or so, you have studied history, literature, philosophy, psychology, politics, science, mathematics, art, music, cultures and other subjects, in an effort to enrich yourself and come to a better understanding of the world and your place within it,” said Konstantinova. ‘Keep true to yourself as you were created in the image of our Creator, and keep searching for deeper truths as you set out into your journey. Your studies are not over. There is more to learn out there.”

Professor of Politics Jeremiah John spoke on the importance of continuously learning after graduation, not just in an academic or structured setting, but also from the people and places one is surrounded by.

“I heard an award winning novelist once say that everyone in their daily lives passes by 50 great story ideas. The good writers may notice five or six of them, and everybody else may not notice any at all,” said John. “I think the moral of that story is that truth, wisdom, and insight are all around us. We live in a world full of lessons and things waiting to be discovered.”

“Soon to be graduates, I invite you to continue in the life of discovery, growth, and learning you have begun here,” John continued.

The event featured a musical performance of “Jig: Vivace,” performed by the Camerata Orchestra and directed by Assistant Professor of Music Jakob Hofer. Senior awards were announced, and Professor of the Year was awarded to Assistant Professor of Humanities and HistoryDrew Sorber and Professor of Philosophy Jan-Erik Jones.

At the conclusion of the forum, the university choirs and alumni sang “Oh Shenandoah,” and the faculty members lined up as the audience cheered on the graduates during the recessional.

Graduate Awards
Below are the valedictorian, salutatorian, and awards announced in the Graduation Celebration.