UVa-Wise graduates largest class in College history

Virginia Senator John H. Chichester addresses the UVa-Wise Class of 2008 during Commencement exercises on May 17.

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise awarded bachelor’s degrees to 322 graduates on May 17, making the Class of 2008 the largest class in the College’s history.

Senator John H. Chichester delivered the keynote address to the graduates and hundreds of their friends and family who gathered for Saturday’s ceremony at Carl Smith Stadium.

Sen. Chichester, the longest-serving Republican in Virginia Senate history, challenged the graduates to take the civic spirit they developed and embraced at UVa-Wise and apply it to all the “communities of interest” they encounter in life.

“It’s no secret that our colleges produce the future leaders of this Commonwealth,” Sen. Chichester told the graduates. “You are going to be cast in that role. As a society, we need to know that future leaders will be just as devoted to the community at large as they are to their college community. The privilege of our pedigree as Virginians demands no less.”

Sarah Hamilton of St. Paul challenges her fellow graduates to make a difference in another person's life.

During his 29-year tenure in the Virginia General Assembly, Sen. Chichester focused attention on public and higher education. He secured funding to advance and develop Virginia’s public schools, colleges and universities as chair of both the Senate Finance Committee and its Subcommittee on Education. Sen. Chichester received widespread recognition for his distinguished service to Virginia and was tapped as one of Governing Magazine’s Public Officials of the Year in 2004. He received the prestigious Excellence in State Legislative Leadership Award in 2005 from the National Conference of State Legislatures and the State Legislative Leaders Foundation. He retired from the General Assembly in January.

“As leaders, you will be called upon to make tough decisions from time to time,” Chichester said. “The gravity of those decisions will depend on the exact path you choose as a profession. But rest assured that whatever your career choice, the decisions that you make have implications for those of your community of interest. That fact carries a huge weight of responsibility.”

UVa-Wise Chancellor David Prior reminded the graduates that, as educated people, they have the opportunity and responsibility to be leaders.

Donovan Mabe shares a moment of reflection with his fellow graduates.

“The complexities of our times shouldn’t discourage you, but rather should drive you to build a better world.” Prior said.

The Chancellor presented each graduate with a copy of the children’s book “The Little Engine That Could” as a gift from the College and the Napoleon Hill Foundation. He challenged the graduates to read the book to a child next week and to thank a former teacher that had a positive impact on their lives.

Two members of the Class of 2008 – Donovan L. Mabe of Appalachia and Sarah N. Hamilton of St. Paul – addressed their fellow graduates during Commencement.

Mabe reminded the graduates of the importance of reflecting on their years at UVa-Wise. He noted that the Class of 2008 will leave campus with a diploma, a solid group of lifelong friends and fond memories.

“Appreciate the present and embrace the past,” Mabe said.

Hamilton challenged her fellow graduates to make a difference in another person’s life and to make service a part of their lives.

“Find a need that is not being met and strive to meet that need,” she said. “Make a positive impact on someone’s life.”

Posted May 19, 2008