Longwood University

09/12/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/12/2024 18:35

Convocation 2024

The Class of 2025 kicked off their senior year at Longwood's Convocation ceremony on Thursday-and, per tradition, the caps were tall, long and expertly crafted marvels of engineering

Members of the senior class assembled with their cappers, family, friends and distinguished guests inside the Joan Perry Brock Center to celebrate the beginning of their final undergraduate year. Convocation's hallmark is the traditional "capping" ceremony, where mortarboards are uniquely decorated with mementos of seniors' time at Longwood.

In his welcoming remarks, President W. Taylor Reveley IV told seniors they looked glorious in their graduation gowns and colorfully decorated caps-adding that he could tell that hot glue guns had been hard at work across campus. The caps feature a mixture of photographs, flowers and trinkets celebrating the memories made over the past three years and the future careers to come after graduation.

Look for the good in others, perhaps especially those who you disagree with. Look to dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Consider the other perspectives and take to heart that those who hold them earnestly are people of good will and integrity.

President W. Taylor Reveley IVTweet This

In a presidential election year marked by heightened tensions, Reveley urged the members of the Class of 2025 to act in keeping with the abiding spirit of Longwood.

"Look for the good in others, perhaps especially those who you disagree with," he said. "Look to dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Consider the other perspectives and take to heart that those who hold them earnestly are people of good will and integrity."

Celebrating alongside the senior class was keynote speaker Robert "Bob" Wertz Jr. '85, a former member of Longwood's Board of Visitors who served as Rector from 2016-2017. Wertz has the distinction of being the only individual in Longwood's 186-year history who has served as Rector, President of the University's Foundation Board and President of the Alumni Association.

Wertz, the longtime Commissioner of the Revenue for Loudoun County, noted that he attended his own convocation ceremony 40 years ago this fall. Among the pieces of advice he imparted to seniors was to build connections, find a mentor and take advantage of every internship and networking opportunity. He encouraged them to step out of their comfort zone and not to wait for change, but to be it.

Embrace the uncertainties as they often lead to remarkable opportunities. Consider every setback as a stepping stone rather than an obstacle. And don't shy away from taking risks.

Robert "Bob" Wertz Jr. '85Tweet This

"As you face the many challenges and transitions of this year remember that life is a series of experiences. Each challenge you encounter is a chance learn and grow," Wertz said. "Embrace the uncertainties as they often lead to remarkable opportunities. Consider every setback as a stepping stone rather than an obstacle. And don't shy away from taking risks."

In his remarks, Rector Ronald White told the assembled crowd that the world is in desperate need of citizen leaders. White is a former U.S. Army officer and graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where the traits of duty, honor and country were instilled in him. While he is not a Longwood alum, he said he has come to love the university and its mission of citizen leadership.

"The camaraderie with one another. The feeling of being a part of something bigger than yourself," White said. "The very attributes instilled in me at West Point in the shadows of the Hudson Valley are the very values that Longwood stands for. And it becomes a part of each of us as we go forward in the spirit of Joan of Arc."

In her reflections, Senior Class Vice President Abigail Livingstone '25 said she was filled with immense pride in looking back over the last four years. She noted that the class arrived on campus in the fall of 2021, when some pandemic precautions were still in place.

"Our legacy at Longwood is defined by our perseverance, leadership and unwavering commitment to our community," she said. "Our class has been instrumental in revitalizing Longwood's traditions and spirit. We welcomed back Dhall dates, basketball watch parties and nights at Press Club."

Following tradition, Senior Class President Nicholas Carlstrom '25 was capped on stage by his chosen capper and Dr. Larissa Smith, vice president for academic affairs and provost.

Six faculty awards are given annually at Convocation. This year's recipients were:

  • Maria Bristow Starke Faculty Excellence Award:
    Dr. Shannon Salley, professor of communication sciences
  • Maude Glenn Raiford Award for Excellence in Teaching:
    Dr. Mary Tackett, associate professor of education
  • Maude Glenn Raiford Assistant Professor Award for Excellence in Teaching:
    Dr. Scott Grether, associate professor of sociology
  • Provost's Scholarship Award:
    Dr. Rhonda Brock, professor of children's and young adult literature
  • William David Stuart Leadership and Service Award:
    Dr. Leigh Lunsford, professor of mathematics
  • Assistant Professor Award of Excellence:
    Dr. Lauretta Werner Merriman, assistant professor of music
  • Innovation in Teaching Award:
    Tena Ewing, senior lecturer of fitness concepts

Dr. Dina Leech, professor of biology in the department of biological and environmental sciences, was announced as Longwood's Murray and Cora Simpson Distinguished professor. The award, established in 2015, recognizes a tenured faculty member who has demonstrated a sustained commitment to pursuing outstanding scholarship resulting in publications, presentations, or creative work in the visual or performing arts.