Pamplin celebrates graduates with twin ceremonies

The Pamplin College of Business celebrated the graduating members of the class of 2021 with twin ceremonies on May 16, marking the first in-person graduation since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ceremonies, the first at 1 p.m. and the second at 6 p.m., were held with safety protocols in place, and featured virtual keynote speakers Sonu Singh, founder of the 1901 Group, and Kim Shanahan, CEO and co-founder of accelHRate. The ceremonies also featured a poem by Newbery Medal-winning author and Virginia Tech alum, Kwame Alexander.

The 2021 graduation was also the first to include Pamplin graduation cords, which were recommended by the Dean’s Advisory Board of Students.

“The red strand was selected to recognize your courage and perseverance,” said Pamplin Dean Robert Sumichrast, describing the cords to the graduates. “The white strand to symbolize the hope, that we as Hokies share, for a bright and promising future. Wear this cord now and later when you cross the stage. Wear this cord with pride as you transition from students to alumni.”

Each ceremony can be viewed on the commencement website. The university virtual ceremony, held May 14, can be viewed on the Virginia Tech commencement website.

Images from commencement ceremonies

Photos by Justin Rocha