Jobaaj Stories
VCU: A Year in Review – From Commencement to Controversy
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) experienced a whirlwind year, marked by both celebratory graduations and unexpected controversy. From a vibrant commencement ceremony featuring a prominent speaker to a post-graduation dispute over student conduct, VCU's story in 2025 was one of highs and lows.
A Celebration of Achievement
The 2025 VCU commencement ceremony, held on May 10th at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, was a momentous occasion for nearly 4,900 graduates. This impressive number included over 3,100 undergraduate degrees, nearly 1,000 master's degrees, 365 first-professional degrees, and approximately 300 doctoral degrees. These graduates hailed from 38 states and 47 countries, showcasing VCU's global reach.
- Keynote Speaker: Everette Taylor, CEO of Kickstarter, delivered an inspiring speech, urging graduates to pursue their "wildest dreams," even those deemed impossible by others. He emphasized the importance of making a real impact on people's lives as the true measure of a lasting legacy, rather than material success or social media fame.
- Notable Graduates: The graduating class included individuals with unique stories, such as Lindai Xie, who earned her doctorate before her driver's license, and Stephen Kouevi, a former VCU Police Officer who graduated from the School of Business. The heartwarming story of Jason and Laila Hendricks, a father and daughter graduating together, also captured attention.
- VCUarts Qatar Graduation: VCU's Qatar campus also celebrated its own graduating class, with a ceremony featuring renowned designer Peter Gould as the keynote speaker. The event highlighted the global impact of VCU's educational programs.
Beyond the celebrations, VCU's baseball team faced a challenging season, culminating in a tough final home game against Richmond.
- Baseball Season: Despite strong individual performances, such as Sean Swenson's ninth home run and five RBIs, the team's record ended at 14-37 overall and 7-20 in conference play, highlighting areas for improvement.
Controversy and Consequences
The celebratory atmosphere was somewhat overshadowed by a post-graduation controversy. Approximately 40 students held an unauthorized event on April 29th, resulting in disciplinary action.
- Unauthorized Event: The event, held on the lawn outside James Branch Cabell Library, marked the anniversary of a previous protest. Despite repeated warnings, the students refused to relocate, leading to one arrest.
- Degree Withholding: As a consequence of violating student conduct policies, some graduates had their degrees temporarily withheld pending an investigation. This decision sparked debate and reactions from affected students, who felt the punishment was disproportionate to the offense.
- Student Reaction: Sereen Haddad, a senior, voiced the sentiment of many students, expressing frustration with the university's response and the perceived unfairness of the disciplinary action.
VCU officials stated that the actions were in accordance with established procedures, emphasizing the importance of adhering to campus rules and regulations.
Conclusion
The 2025 academic year at VCU was a mixture of triumphs and challenges. While the commencement ceremonies celebrated the achievements of thousands of graduates, the controversy surrounding the unauthorized student event highlighted the complexities of balancing student rights with institutional regulations. The university's response underscores the ongoing dialogue about student conduct and the consequences of violating campus policies. VCU continues to strive for excellence, both academically and in fostering a positive learning environment for all students.
