More than 2,400 Hokies officially became alumni on Dec. 14 during Virginia Tech’s commencement ceremonies honoring summer and fall graduates.

The morning’s University Commencement Ceremony recognized 1,380 undergraduates, while 1,200 graduate students were honored during the afternoon Graduate School Commencement. Both ceremonies were held in Cassell Coliseum.

“You are the authors, the writers of the book of your life,” said Josiah Showalter Jr. ’84, chief judge for the 27th Judicial Circuit of Virginia, while address undergraduates during the University Commencement Ceremony. “The pages of the future are there for you to experience and write.”

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Showalter also is an instructor of business law in the Pamplin College of Business.

See a full listing of undergraduates who received degrees.

Bill Hopkins, professor of wildlife in the College of Natural Resources and Environment, spoke during the Graduate School Commencement.

In his speech, he discussed two words that have shaped his professional life — passion and purpose.  He urged graduates to have a career for which they are passionate and to find meaning in it.

“Align your passion and purpose so that your career brings you both joy and energy that has a deeper meaning,” Hopkins said. “You will not only find tremendous fulfillment, but you will approach your work with a sense of urgency.”

See a full listing of graduate students who received degrees.

Speakers
President Tim Sands talks with Judge Josiah Showalter, who gave the address during the university ceremony.
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