Commencement 2023

VCU, VUU, VSU graduates celebrate diligence, hard work and promising futures

Free press, wire reports

Mo Alie-Cox, who constantly brought excitement to Virginia Commonwealth University as a standout basketball player, brought that same energy during VCU’s graduation ceremonies on Saturday at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

“You guys should be no strangers to hard work, or you wouldn’t be here in these seats right now,” said Mr. Alie-Cox, who now plays for the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL. “The satisfaction and happiness that you get from knowing you put the work in to achieve something and it actually happens is second to none. As you take the next steps of your journey, you’re going to have to work even harder.”

The ceremony honored VCU’s approximately 4,700 spring graduates, including more than 3,000 earning undergraduate degrees, according to VCU’s website.

Mr. Alie-Cox, who received an honorary doctorate of humane letters at the ceremony, told the graduates to always have faith that their goals are attainable. He revealed that at one point early in his NFL career he questioned if playing professional football was something he still wanted to do.

“Being young, you often want to see immediate success and for me that didn’t happen right away,” Mr. Alie-Cox said. “I had a talk with my mom, and she pretty much told me to finish what you started and have faith that everything will work out.

“A month went by, and I got called up to the active roster, and six years later I’m still there. I don’t want to even know where I would be right now had I lost faith.”

Dr. Faye Z. Belgrave received the Presidential Medallion during the ceremony. The Presidential Medallion honors members of the university community for extraordinary achievement in learning and commitment to the mission of VCU. Dr. Belgrave is an internationally recognized author, teacher, researcher and equity advocate. She joined the VCU faculty in 1997 as a professor of psychology and was appointed associate dean for equity and community partnerships in the College of Humanities and Sciences in 2020.

Graduation ceremonies also took place May 13 at Virginia Union University and Virginia State University. Sen. Lamont Bagby of Virginia’s 9th District delivered the 124th commence- ment speech at VUU’s Hovey Stadium. During his speech, the newly elected state senator often became emotional as he spoke about VUU’s history and being asked to deliver the commencement address. VUU awarded Sen. Bagby an Honorary Doctor of Laws in recognition of his public service.

Sen. Bagby currently is the chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus. Prior to his senatorial term, Sen. Bagby was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, where he served for eight years. He also is a former member of the Henrico County School Board and the Norfolk State University Board of Visitors. Meanwhile, Harry Black, city manager of Stockton, Calif. and a Virginia State University alumnus, was the speaker for VSU’s spring 2023 graduation ceremonies. The university graduated nearly 600 students in ceremonies at its Multi-Purpose Center. Mr. Black served as a member of the VSU Board of Visitors from 2010 until 2018, and as the rector of the board from 2013 to 2018. Before becoming city manager of Stockton, Mr. Black, a VCU alumnus, served in several executive municipal posts including chief financial officer for the City of Richmond from 2005 to 2008.

Hakim J. Lucas places an honorary doctoral hood over the head of Dr. John W. Kinney in conferring his honorary doctor of divinity degree for the impact he has had on theological education at VUU for more than 35 years. Assisting with the hooding ceremony Saturday is Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson VUU board president. Octavia Davis, 32, above, of Alexandria walks with members of her VUU Class of 2023 during the 124th commencement exercises at VUU’s Hovey Stadium. Ms. Davis is a communications major with a focus in public relations.

Virginia State University graduates celebrate the 2023 Spring Commencement in the university’s Multi-Purpose Center on May 13. Joy Watson, Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame and Blaise Davenport, class valedictorian, listen as Harry Black, a VSU alumnus, right, gives the keynote address.

PLACES TO GO, PEOPLE TO SEE

1600 Westwood Ave. When it takes place: Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: Free. More information: www.hermitagerichmond. org/arts-on-the-lawn, or contact Jennifer Young at CulturalArtsHermitageRichmond@ pinnacleliving.org or 804-474-1802.

Price varies for each activity, and includes some select free events.

More information: www.riverrockrva.com

Lebanese Food Festival

Organized by: Lebanese Food Festival.

Where it takes place: St. Anthony Maronite Church, 4611 Sadler Road. When it takes place: Friday, May 19, to Sunday, May 21, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Cost: Varies for food purchased.

More information: 804-277-9566, lebanesefoodfestival@gmail.com

Arts on the Lawn

Organized by: Hermitage Richmond.

Where it takes place: Hermitage Richmond,

The 25th Annual Asian American Celebration

Organized by: The Asian American Society of Central Virginia. Where it takes place: Greater Richmond Convention Center at 403 N. 3rd St. When it

Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 7 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. through September.

Cost: Tickets: $12 for adults, $8 for children between ages 5 to 12 years, and $8 for seniors 65 years and older. Children ages 4 or younger can ride for free. Tickets sold on a first-come, first serve basis in person and online. More information: www.venturerichmond.com/ our-services/riverfront-canal-cruises.

Friday Cheers 38th Concert Season

Organized by: Friday Cheers.

Where it takes place: season runs