Virginia Tech welcomes newest alumni during 2022 spring commencement ceremonies
The Virginia Tech community celebrated the Class of 2022 during commencement ceremonies May 7-15 in Blacksburg, Roanoke, and the Washington, D.C., area.
More than 6,300 Hokies graduated and were recognized for their achievements.
The university honored 40 associate degree candidates from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and a total of 5,549 bachelor’s degree candidates from all colleges.
In all, 830 students participated in the graduate school ceremonies, including 710 at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg and 120 in the Washington, D.C., area on Sunday.
The Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine handed out a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree to 120 recipients on Friday. The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine honored 41 graduates at its ceremony May 7.
During the University Commencement ceremony on Friday in Lane Stadium, Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivered the commencement address.
"It’s the shared values of Virginia Tech that unite you today. You go forth as representatives, as ambassadors, of this renowned campus, which has trained leaders for generations. Your journey starts here. So whether you are a member of the Corps of Cadets or an aspiring teacher ready to bring a nurturing spirit … or an artist, entrepreneur, or engineer, I ask you to go forward with confidence, with a sense of idealism to change the world around you."
In addition to the conferral of degrees, the university ceremony also honored seven alumni who have made significant contributions to Virginia Tech and their own communities. The ceremony was also a key moment in the history of the university because the Class of 2022 is its 150th class.
“This has been a milestone year, as we celebrate our sesquicentennial and also 100 years of women at Virginia Tech. Women were first admitted as full-time students in 1921,” said President Tim Sands. “We have marked our sesquicentennial year by reflecting on our past, celebrating our present, and looking to the future. All of our graduates here today are part of that future, and we’re proud to have them represent Virginia Tech as Hokie alums in the years to come.”
Deseria Creighton-Barney, the Virginia Tech Alumni Board president, welcomed the Class of 2022 as newly minted alumni.
“Welcome to the family,” she said. “You are now part of a special group of more than 260,000 people all over the world. Our community is large, but we share a common bond. Our commitment to service, to each other, and to the global community. Wherever your path after graduation takes you, remember you are always a Hokie and you always have a connection to your alma mater. Becoming an alum is not the end of your journey with the university, it is a milestone.”
