2025

Speeches

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

April 30, 2025 — 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.

Spotlight

Learning to Understand Others and Oneself: Sydney Bassett’s Perspective

April 29, 2025 — Sydney Bassett (’25) has learned that life offers many lessons that only adversity and diversity can teach. By moving to unfamiliar places, becoming the captain of Southern Virginia University’s women’s volleyball team, and pursuing knowledge and self-discovery, Bassett understands that learning is central to the life she wants to live.

Spotlight

History Professors Utilize Student Conversations to Deepen Scholarship

April 29, 2025 — Bringing their academic passions to the forefront in recent book projects, three professors in the Southern Virginia University history program are utilizing classroom experiences to develop their scholarly works.

Spotlight

Third SVU Student Jasmine Rios (‘26) Receives Sigma Delta Pi’s Prestigious Gabriela Mistral Award

April 25, 2025 — Today, the national collegiate Spanish honors society Sigma Delta Pi awarded Jasmine Rios (‘26) the Gabriela Mistral Award, making her the third consecutive recipient of the award at Southern Virginia University.

Spotlight

Preparing to Protect Wildlife Species at Southern Virginia University

April 23, 2025 — Chase Pope (‘25) is a big fan of wildlife diversity, and the desire to protect wildlife from a current mass extinction of animals has led him to study biology, which will prepare him for his desired career in wildlife conservation.

Spotlight

How SVU Changed My Life

April 21, 2025 — The following essay was shared by the author at Southern Virginia University’s annual Founder’s Day forum on April 18.

Speeches

Launch Center Dedicated to Chairman of the Board Hugh and Cindy Redd at Annual Founder’s Day Forum

April 19, 2025 — On Apr. 18, the Southern Virginia University campus community gathered in the Knight Arena to celebrate the second annual Founder’s Day Forum and honor Chairman of the Board Hugh Redd and his wife, Cindy, for their nearly two decades of service and dedication to the university. 

Spotlight

Turning a Political Science Degree into a Career in Healthcare

April 18, 2025 — Majoring in political science, Cameron Gabrylczyk (‘25) originally planned to become an attorney after graduation. But after discovering an interest in healthcare administration, Gabrylczyk is utilizing the support of his professors to apply his major to his new career path.

Speeches

The Divine Unity of Faith and Freedom with Former Congressman Richard Swett and CEO Katrina Swett

April 8, 2025 — On April 4, the Southern Virginia University campus community gathered in the Knight Arena to listen to former congressman Richard Swett and CEO Katrina Lantos Swett speak on the importance of faith and the freedom to exercise it.

Spotlight

How Tennis Shaped Mason Pitcher’s Student and Mission Experience

April 8, 2025 — While exploring college options after graduating from high school, Mason Pitcher (‘27) found himself drawn to Southern Virginia University because it not only provided him the opportunity to continue playing tennis, but also allowed him to stay closely connected with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, an essential factor for him.

Spotlight

Taking Advantage of Every Experience and Opportunity on Campus

April 4, 2025 — Preparing to enter her senior year, Lauren Fowler (‘26) has fully embraced the opportunity and ability to participate in everything that interests her at Southern Virginia University, both in her studies and extracurriculars.

Spotlight

Rekindling Faith and Purpose Through Teammates and Institute: Harrison Moore’s Story

March 25, 2025 — After experiencing an injury that benched him from playing baseball in junior college and some family difficulties, Harrison Moore (’25) found himself unsure of what he wanted or which path to take in his life. After deciding to attend Southern Virginia University at his sister’s invitation, Moore found belonging and purpose through his teammates and institute classes.