First Lady Dr. Jill Biden will be the commencement speaker at George Mason University’s commencement.
The virtual ceremony is scheduled to take place on Friday, May 14
The university writes:
First Lady Jill Biden will be George Mason University’s Commencement speaker, headlining the May 14 virtual event honoring nearly 9,700 graduates.
Dr. Biden will record a speech for graduates that will be broadcast during the livestream event. The university will also conduct smaller, in-person graduation recognition events during the week of May 10, culminating in the virtual Commencement.
Dr. Biden received a Doctor of Education in educational leadership from the University of Delaware. She began her teaching career in 1976 in Delaware as an English teacher and reading specialist. She also taught at a psychiatric hospital and at Delaware Technical Community College.
Graduates will be able to walk in person during an event the university calls a “Patriot Procession,” held on campus on Friday. Additionally, some students were given to option to hold mini in-person graduation ceremonies outside Eagle Bank Arena on the Fairfax Campus.
Biden’s speech will be given during what the university is calling its university-wide graduation event, which will be live-streamed here.
In other college graduation news, Northern Virginia Community College held its commencement events this week.
The college tells PLN:
Northern Virginia Community College’s 54th Annual Commencement was celebrated virtually on May 5th, May 6th and May 7th. This interactive virtual celebration honored students with the theme, Believe! Aspire! Achieve!
Opening with congratulatory vignettes from faculty and staff, this moving ceremony reminded students how important they remained to the faculty and staff through this past year, even while most courses were accomplished remotely. Dr.Donna Minnich, college Marshall and college Senate chair then officially announced the virtual celebration kick off for the 2020 and 2021 NOVA graduates.
Rosie O’Neil, college board chair offered remarks in both Spanish and English, greeting family and friends in a warm welcome that recognized the academic achievement and undeniable perseverance of NOVA’s graduates. As a reminder of the scale of impact, O’Neil shared some NOVA pride points: “NOVA is the 14th largest college or university in the nation and the largest public university in Virginia; nearly 20% of every graduating high school class in Northern Virginia start their college career at NOVA; each year, an estimated 12,000 high school students begin taking classes at NOVA, and, lastly, that NOVA is the largest supplier of trained talent for the region’s employers.”
NOVA is so proud of our graduates as they sat through “zoom after zoom in Canvas classes and virtual labs, on laptops in quiet corners and even on their phones in their cars, while serving as their own children’s remote teacher or as an essential worker – they have pushed through the pandemic and shown the grit that becomes greatness.”
Recent Stories
Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions and inclement weather. Here is the latest list of updates:
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
Spotsylvania County Public Schools are closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions.
Code 2: 12-month employees report two hours late as safety permits.
Essential personnel will report at specified times.
All school-sponsored activities and student externships are canceled.
—
King George County Public Schools
King George County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to adverse road conditions and inclement weather.
Code 2: 12-month employees report at 10 a.m.
Liberal leave will be in effect.
We’ll update this post with additional school closures and delays as they are announced.
In this episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, Delegate Ian Lovejoy joins us from Richmond to discuss key issues impacting Virginia residents: Richmond’s Water Crisis: Hear about the ongoing…
The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) will close all its locations early at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, citing icy road conditions that make travel hazardous. This decision follows a two-day closure of all CRRL locations earlier this week due to heavy snowfall that blanketed the region.
The library system made the announcement early Wednesday morning, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of staff and patrons.
CRRL serves a broad region, including the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland. With 10 branches and a robust online resource platform, the library offers services ranging from book lending and computer access to educational programs for all ages. The early closure will impact planned events and services scheduled for Wednesday evening. Patrons are encouraged to use the library’s extensive online catalog and digital resources during the closure.
A man wanted in connection with a fatal crash in Nokesville has been arrested. On January 8, 2025, Prince William County Police apprehended James Francis Byrd, 62, of Woodbridge. Byrd faces charges of involuntary manslaughter – DUI related and DUI for his role in the crash that occurred on August 28, 2024, along Bristow Road near Windy Hill Drive.
Police reported that Byrd, the driver of a 2021 Toyota Tundra, had a blood alcohol content (BAC) above the legal limit at the time of the crash. The collision claimed the life of Thomas Spencer Stark, 63, of Nokesville, who was driving a 2003 Lexus GX. Byrd’s court date is pending, and bond information is unavailable.
The crash occurred at 6:24 p.m. on August 28, 2024, when Byrd’s eastbound Tundra crossed the center line into the westbound lane, colliding head-on with Stark’s vehicle, police said. The impact caused Stark’s Lexus to spin off the roadway and rest in a ditch. Stark was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Byrd sustained minor injuries and was also transported to a hospital for treatment.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
