Feature Story
Overcome Fears and Fulfill Your Mission: Southern Virginia University’s 2026 Commencement
On May 1, family, friends, faculty, and staff of Southern Virginia University gathered on the front lawn of Main Hall for the University’s annual Commencement ceremonies to celebrate the graduation of over 150 students.
Commencement speaker and sports entertainment executive Dave Checketts shared how his struggle with panic and anxiety attacks drew him closer to the Lord.. Highlighting some of his career accomplishments, he reminded graduates that internal struggles do not disqualify one from a life of significance. He encouraged them to view their challenges as opportunities for strength and bravery, urging them not to let the songs in their hearts go unsung.
“Go sing your song. Add all you can add to the lives around you. Take 100% responsibility wherever you are for making things better,” said Checketts. “Don’t become part of the group-think that is always complaining or pointing out why things are not working. It will mean taking chances and risking making a fool of yourself. You might fail, but you will learn from your mistakes and you will succeed.”
Checketts recounted how, when he was CEO of Madison Square Gardens, he invited President Gordon B. Hinkley to speak to 25,000 Latter-day Saints there despite personal fears of career repercussions. He then challenged the graduates to move beyond their fears and step into their roles as leaders and builders of peace in the world.
“Make your faith in Jesus Christ stronger than your anxieties and fears,” Checketts said. “Jesus said so often ‘fear not.’ It is said at the end of every road you meet yourself. Meeting yourself will teach you that you are indeed a child of heavenly parents. You have been sent to Earth for a higher purpose than your own.”
Highlighting how SVU’s professors pour themselves into the growth and success of their students, Valedictorian Emma Farnsworth shared how their mentorship shaped her and her academic experience. She then reminded the graduates that they now had the responsibility to be mentors to others.
“For years, we have been the recipients of guidance,” said Farnsworth. “We have asked the questions, we have sought the advice, and we have leaned on the wisdom of coaches, professors, parents and friends. As graduates of Southern Virginia University, we carry with us more than degrees. We carry a tradition of learning deeply and caring intentionally. A tradition of seeing others, not as obstacles or competitors, but as individuals worthy of time, attention, and our belief.”
President Bonnie H. Cordon recalled the biblical story of Jesus Christ inviting Peter to cast his fishing nets back into the water after a night of no success. Despite being tired and disheartened at the lack of fish, Peter followed the Savior’s directions and his nets were overflowed.
“If you’ve learned anything at Southern Virginia University, you’ve learned how to think, how to discern, how to ask really good questions, how to recognize truth, and just how important it is to also recognize what is not true,” said President Cordon. “So say ‘yes’ to the Lord, even when it’s hard, even if it seems small, even when it doesn’t make sense, and even when you’re already tried and you’ve come up empty.”
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Chair Wendy Kimber thanked President Cordon for her and Derek’s dedicated service to SVU for the last three years and listed some of their contributions, prompting a standing ovation from those in attendance.
“The Cordons have deepened this University’s focus on Jesus Christ and His gospel, and that legacy will outlast any program, building, or milestone,” said Kimber. “You will always have a home here at Southern Virginia University. Your influence is lasting. Your fingerprints are on the heart of this institution, and they will remain for generations to come.”
After the conferral of degrees, choral graduates and alumni gathered on the steps of Main Hall with a combined university choir to follow the University’s tradition of singing the American folk song, “Oh Shenandoah.” As the ceremony closed, faculty members lined up as those in attendance cheered the recessing graduates.
Special guests in attendance included members of the Board of Trustees, University co-founder Glade Knight, Virginia Private Colleges President Chris Peace, and president-elect Aaron Hale and Becky Hale.
