Moments of joy and achievement

Commencement events on Friday honored students who completed their academic degrees during the summer and fall terms. Executive Vice President and Provost Cyril R. Clarke delivered the keynote address at the University Commencement ceremony. In May, Clarke announced he was stepping down from his position as provost to return to the faculty.

Two graduate students — Whitley Johnson, who is receiving a doctoral degree in higher education, and Binita Saha, who is earning a doctoral degree in macromolecular science and engineering — spoke at the Graduate School’s ceremony, sharing their thoughts about their graduate education journeys.

In addition to ceremonies on Friday in Blacksburg, graduates receiving degrees from programs in the greater Washington, D.C., region were honored at an event on Dec. 15.