Friday, May 9, 2025
Commencement Ceremonies
Join us in celebrating the graduation of the Southern Virginia University Class of 2025!
Fair Weather Plan
11 a.m. on the front steps of Main Hall
Graduates should report to the Performing Arts Center by 9:45 a.m.
As rain showers are common in May, please prepare for the chance of inclement weather. In the case of severe weather such as lightning, the Commencement ceremonies will follow the severe weather plan.
Severe Weather Plan
11 a.m. in the Knight Arena
Graduates should report to the Stoddard Center by 9:45 p.m.
The University will determine which plan to follow by May 8. By the evening of May 8, the event time and location will be updated on this page and emailed to graduates with instructions on when and where they need to be prior to the event. Please check this page carefully for any updates.
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Live-streaming
The Commencement ceremonies will be broadcast live on this webpage.
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Order of Exercises
Details to be announced soon.
Processional
Administration and Official Guests
Faculty
Class of 2025
Welcome
James Lambert, Provost
Hymn
“How Firm a Foundation”
Text Attr. to Robert Keen, ca. 1787;
Music attr. to J. Ellis, ca. 1889
Invocation
—, Class of 2025
Opening Remarks and Introduction of Speakers
James Lambert, Provost
Valedictorian Address
—, Class of 2025
Honorary Degree Conferral
Address
Sheri L. Dew, CEO of Deseret Book Company
Conferral of Degrees
Bonnie H. Cordon, President
James Lambert, Provost
Hugh Redd, Chair, Board of Trustees
Glade Knight, Emeritus Board of Trustees
Samuel Hirt, Associate Provost
Sarah Maitland, Associate Provost
Closing Remarks
Bonnie H. Cordon, President
Music
“Shenandoah”
American Folk Song, 19th century
Benediction
—, Class of 2025
Music
“Pomp and Circumstance”
Composed by Edward Elgar, 1857–1934
“How Firm a Foundation”
Text Attr. to Robert Keen, ca. 1787;
Music attr. to J. Ellis, ca. 1889
“Shenandoah”
American Folk Song, 19th century
Conductors
—, Director of Choral Studies
—, Class of 2025
String Quartet
—, violin
—, violin
—, viola
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Graduates
To be announced soon.
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Awards & Recognitions
To be announced soon.
Academic Honors
Latin Honors
Latin honors are noted on the transcripts of students who have completed all requirements for graduation, earned at least sixty credit hours at Southern Virginia, and achieved the following cumulative grade-point averages:
3.95–4.00, summa cum laude (“with highest praise”)
3.85–3.949, magna cum laude (“with great praise”)
3.70–3.849, cum laude (“with praise”)
Valedictorian (gold cord)
Cumulative grade-point average 4.0
Salutatorian (gold cord)
Cumulative grade-point average 4.0
Cumulative Grade-point Average 4.0 (gold cord)
University Honors (antique gold cord)
Completion of the Honors Program and Honors Thesis
President’s List for Two or More Semesters
Semester grade-point average in the top ten percent of current students
Provost’s List for Four or More Semesters
Semester grade-point average at or above 3.5
Barrus Scholars (green chord)
Excellence in the Liberal Arts
Chi Epsilon Omega (purple & gold cord)
Business Honor Society
Omicron Delta Kappa (white, black & light blue cord)
National Leadership Honor Society
Phi Alpha Theta (red & light blue cord)
History Honor Society
Phi Kappa Phi (blue & gold medallion)
All-Discipline Honor Society
Phi Sigma Tau (white & purple cords)
Philosophy Honor Society
Psi Chi (navy & silver cord)
International Honor Society
Sigma Delta Pi (red & gold cord)
Spanish Honor Society
Graduation Distinctions
Leader-Servant Graduation Distinction (crimson & gold medallion)
Completed 100 hours of community service, including a capstone project
Institute Graduates (white cord)
Church Educational System
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Campus Map
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Lodging, Dining & Activities
As one of the most beautiful times to visit the Shenandoah Valley, we recommend all visitors review the below recommendations for lodging, dining, and activities.
Local Businesses & Deals
Straws
2047 Magnolia Ave., Buena Vista, VA
Family-friendly soda shop in downtown Buena Vista offering mixed drinks, snacks, and games.
The BeeVe: Sweet Souvenirs
2175 Magnolia Ave., Buena Vista, VA
Ice cream, soda, and souvenir shop. New merchandise designs, ice cream flavors, and sales will be available during graduation week.
Katana: Sushi and Hibachi Express
1913 Magnolia Ave., Buena Vista, VA
Authentic Japanese sushi and hibachi restaurant with dine-in and takeout options.
Vinyl Cuts
2159 Magnolia Ave., Buena Vista, VA
Gift shop specializing in custom cut shirts, banners, and signs.