On Sunday, NOVA hosted its 58th commencement ceremony at George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Va. The theme, “Inspiring Excellence and Empowering Our Future,” encapsulated the spirit of the event. Nearly 1,600 students proudly celebrated their success, with more than 7,000 family members, friends and guests cheering them on. Throughout the 2023–24 academic year, approximately 6,200 students earned degrees or certificates.
Following George Mason Army ROTC’s presentation of the colors, Annandale Campus Provost Diane Mucci introduced NOVA student Alondra Gutierrez-Rivera, who sang the National Anthem. NOVA College Senate Chair Jack Lechelt then warmly welcomed all attendees, thanking faculty, staff and administrators for their invaluable contributions and commitment to student success.
Ambassador Joseph Huggins, chair of the NOVA College Board, addressed the graduates on behalf of the board, commending them for their perseverance, dedication and resilience. “Never forget the power you possess to inspire excellence in others, to empower future generations and to create a positive impact in the world,” he told them.
On this special Mother’s Day, Dr. Richmond Hill, Woodbridge Campus provost, took a moment to honor and recognize all the mothers in attendance — both those graduating and those in the audience. When Dr. Hill said, “I have the honor of introducing … the great talent and diversity of this class,” it was time to get the graduates on their feet.
Dr. Hill prompted the graduates to stand and declare, “I am NOVA,” when a particular attribute applied to them: If they were the first in their family to graduate college, had children, attended NOVA while also raising a family, participated in dual enrollment courses or held down a job while taking classes. In conclusion, Dr. Hill urged the graduates to “raise the roof, in one loud voice.” He further instructed: “If you are a proud member of NOVA’s Class of 2024, please stand and say, ‘ I AM NOVA’”!
Next, Brionna Walker, student liaison to the College Board, introduced JR Bontrager, this year's commencement speaker, who epitomizes resilience and believes that learning is a lifelong endeavor. JR shared his story, having only recently returned to NOVA at 46 years old to pursue an engineering degree. In 1996, after graduating from Leesburg’s Loudoun County High School, JR took classes at NOVA but did not finish. He went on to earn degrees in music and fine arts from other institutions.
More than six years ago, JR joined the staff of 3D Herndon, where he specializes in 3D printing and design. He creates adaptive prosthetics, among other solutions, for a range of clients with unique needs. It’s work he absolutely loves. JR was excited to supplement his already fulfilling career with a degree in engineering, so he returned to NOVA in 2023 with the intention of starting coursework. Shortly after enrolling, however, JR was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), an incurable condition. Devastated, he withdrew from NOVA to begin treatment to slow the progression of the disease. After a year of aggressive therapies, JR is thrilled to be back at NOVA with a renewed sense of purpose — and “a burning desire to learn.”
JR shared the following with Sunday’s graduates: “To my fellow Nighthawks — and to everyone here today — you are never finished learning. Where you end up today might look completely different than what you imagined, and that’s OK. In fact, it’s wonderful. Embrace the change life brings and know that you can always change course. NOVA is here to support you, wherever that path leads.”
President Anne M. Kress addressed the graduates, as well, saying, “I want to thank you for everything that you have brought to NOVA, and I want to congratulate you on your remarkable success.”
President Kress passionately urged, “When the Class of 2024 chose ‘Inspiring Excellence and Empowering Our Future’ as the theme for commencement, they set a powerful precedent. I implore you to embrace this theme — to carry it with you as a beacon of inspiration in your future endeavors. Let it not only guide your forward steps but also illuminate your past, as you reach back to help others find the pathway to success that you have forged. Remember, excellence is not a destination, but a lifelong journey of growth, learning and self-discovery.”
- To view the full video of the commencement recording, please click here.
- NOVA’s "Meet the Grads" series showcases an array of students and their incredible accomplishments. Click here for more.
For questions about commencement, please email commencement@nvcc.edu. For media questions, please contact Kathy Parkinson, PIO, at KParkinson@nvcc.edu.
