2025

Feature Story

Building Upon a Foundation of Success: Southern Virginia University’s 2025 Commencement

May 9, 2025 — On May 9, 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 celebrate the Class of 2025—the largest graduating class in university history of 184 students.

Spotlight

Class of 2025 Heading Towards Internships, International Trips, and Masters Programs

May 7, 2025 — As graduation approaches this weekend, many seniors at Southern Virginia University are preparing to launch into their chosen career paths. Below are several students who are pursuing exciting opportunities through internships with major companies, international courses, and masters programs.

News Release

Coming to Terms with One’s Past in Theatre’s Emotional Performance of “Kindertransport”

May 6, 2025 — Delving into the consequences of sending Jewish children away to safety before World War II and the dynamics of hiding or accepting one’s past, the university’s theatre program performed Diane Samuels’ “Kindertransport,” on April 18-19 and 24-26 in the Performing Arts Center.

Speeches

Class of 2025 Encouraged to Continue Learning at the Annual Graduation Celebration

April 30, 2025 — As a precursor to Southern Virginia University’s upcoming Commencement ceremonies, the campus community gathered in the Knight Arena on April 25 for the annual graduation celebration–and last university forum of the academic year–to honor the Class of 2025, recognize senior awards, and hear from professors and a graduating senior.

Spotlight

Learning to Understand Others and Oneself: Sydney Bassett’s Perspective

April 29, 2025 — Sydney Bassett (’25) has learned that life offers many lessons that only adversity and diversity can teach. By moving to unfamiliar places, becoming the captain of Southern Virginia University’s women’s volleyball team, and pursuing knowledge and self-discovery, Bassett understands that learning is central to the life she wants to live.

Spotlight

History Professors Utilize Student Conversations to Deepen Scholarship

April 29, 2025 — Bringing their academic passions to the forefront in recent book projects, three professors in the Southern Virginia University history program are utilizing classroom experiences to develop their scholarly works.

Spotlight

Third SVU Student Jasmine Rios (‘26) Receives Sigma Delta Pi’s Prestigious Gabriela Mistral Award

April 25, 2025 — Today, the national collegiate Spanish honors society Sigma Delta Pi awarded Jasmine Rios (‘26) the Gabriela Mistral Award, making her the third consecutive recipient of the award at Southern Virginia University.

Spotlight

Preparing to Protect Wildlife Species at Southern Virginia University

April 23, 2025 — Chase Pope (‘25) is a big fan of wildlife diversity, and the desire to protect wildlife from a current mass extinction of animals has led him to study biology, which will prepare him for his desired career in wildlife conservation.

Spotlight

How SVU Changed My Life

April 21, 2025 — The following essay was shared by the author at Southern Virginia University’s annual Founder’s Day forum on April 18.

Speeches

Launch Center Dedicated to Chairman of the Board Hugh and Cindy Redd at Annual Founder’s Day Forum

April 19, 2025 — On Apr. 18, the Southern Virginia University campus community gathered in the Knight Arena to celebrate the second annual Founder’s Day Forum and honor Chairman of the Board Hugh Redd and his wife, Cindy, for their nearly two decades of service and dedication to the university. 

Spotlight

Turning a Political Science Degree into a Career in Healthcare

April 18, 2025 — Majoring in political science, Cameron Gabrylczyk (‘25) originally planned to become an attorney after graduation. But after discovering an interest in healthcare administration, Gabrylczyk is utilizing the support of his professors to apply his major to his new career path.

Speeches

The Divine Unity of Faith and Freedom with Former Congressman Richard Swett and CEO Katrina Swett

April 8, 2025 — On April 4, the Southern Virginia University campus community gathered in the Knight Arena to listen to former congressman Richard Swett and CEO Katrina Lantos Swett speak on the importance of faith and the freedom to exercise it.