Graduate students honored at D.C. Area commencement

It is a pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 Graduate Commencement ceremony. So my first thought is you made it. You made it through hardship. You made it through sorrow. You made it through many difficult circumstances. At the same time, you've thrived in your programs and have reached a high standard of excellence. I’m in awe of your strength and resilience. Your work tomorrow will help shape communities, inform policy and improve lives across Virginia, the nation and the world. As we leave this ceremony, we carry more than degrees. We carry a responsibility. Virginia Tech’s motto, Ut Prosim, is not merely a phrase reserved for campus walls. It's a change meant for every day that follows. We don't always have the answer. What tech taught us wasn't just how to find the answers, it was how to build them. Just like we built this campus. Just like we built traditions and just like we built community. Congratulations. I hope that every one of you is ready to take on the world, because we needed you yesterday. You guys have graduated! Let's go Hokies!

campus experience 1:44 Graduate students honored at D.C. Area commencement

By:

Craig Newcomb

18 May 2026 357

Graduate students from more than 45 degree and certificate programs were honored by faculty, family and friends at the 2026 greater Washington, D.C., area spring commencement.

Academics

Campus Experience

Culture

Impact

Research

Global Impact