Feature Story
Top 10 Stories of 2024
From installing President Bonnie H. Cordon as the new university president, having the inaugural Founder’s Day Forum, and celebrating our incredible Knights’ athletic, academic, and personal achievements, it’s been an unforgettable year at Southern Virginia University. Here are the top 10 news stories of 2024.
1. Bonnie H. Cordon Inaugurated as the 10th President of Southern Virginia University
On Friday, Sept. 13, Bonnie H. Cordon was officially installed as the tenth president of Southern Virginia University, marking a significant milestone and the largest campus gathering in the university’s history. Hundreds of distinguished visitors attended the ceremony, including Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who delivered the final address.
2. Inaugural Founder’s Day Forum Celebrates Glade Knight and Southern Virginia University
Wearing crimson and white, the Southern Virginia University community gathered on Friday, March 8, for the inaugural Founder’s Day Forum to celebrate founder Glade Knight and the continued growth and impact of the university on students’ lives.
3. Brotherhood and a Record-breaking Year: Inside Men’s Volleyball’s Undefeated Success
Undefeated and ranked number one in the nation by AVCA/NVA Division III, the Southern Virginia University men’s volleyball team shattered program records as they battled their way through the 2023–24 season. What’s the secret to their success this year? They say it’s team culture.
4. General Authority Seventy Vaiangina Sikahema Speaks at Commencement
On May 3, over 1200 family, friends, faculty, and professional staff of Southern Virginia University gathered on the front lawn of Main Hall for the university’s annual Commencement to hear from Elder Vai Sikahema and celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2024.
When Burke Soffe first came to Southern Virginia University, he did not anticipate that he would become the university’s first student to be accepted into dental school after completing his undergraduate in 2004. Now, twenty years later, he is serving as the founding dean for the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine, the first dental school in Arkansas.
6. Alum Ricardo Jensen (‘10) Appointed Superior Court Judge for North Carolina 6th District
A 2010 graduate of Southern Virginia University, Ricardo Jensen was recently appointed as Superior Court Judge in North Carolina for the 6th District of New Hanover/Pender counties to fill the remainder of the judicial term of the previous judge, Phyllis Gorham.
7. Chamber Singers Perform in Holy Week Celebration at the Washington D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center
On Easter Sunday, March 31, the Southern Virginia University Chamber Singers performed selections of sacred music as the final ensemble in the first Holy Week Easter Celebration held at the Washington D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center.
8. Hurricanes, Lost Transcripts, and Turning Setbacks into Success
Growing up, Luis Ortiz (‘09) had always been interested in attending Southern Virginia University. But, he was hesitant to leave his hometown of New Orleans. It took a hurricane, lost high school transcripts, and a spiritual prompting to take the leap to Buena Vista and start building a foundation for his future.
9. Creating Peace in a Divided World: Students and Faculty Attend Braver Angels Convention
For the weekend of June 27–29, ten Southern Virginia University students and Professors John Armstrong and Todd Brotherson traveled to Kenosha, Wisconsin, to attend the fourth national convention of Braver Angels—a grassroots movement that addresses political polarization—by invitation of the organization.
10. Southern Virginia University’s Teacher Education Program Recognized for National Excellence
The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) recently announced the accreditation renewal for the Rockbridge Teachers Education Consortium (RTEC), a partnership between Southern Virginia University and Washington and Lee University.