Wesleyan communication major Connor Kirkham among nearly 50 mid-year graduate candidates to be celebrated Dec. 6
By Stephanie Smaglo | December 3, 2015
2015 December Graduates Program
Sunday, December 6 at 2 p.m.
Convocation Center
Jane P. Batten Student Center
View Event Program
Earlier this week, Connor Kirkham presented his senior capstone project—a media and culture study on frenemies Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis—and this Sunday, the communication major and English and business minor will join close to 50 of his classmates for Virginia Wesleyan College’s 2015 December Graduates Program.
Family, friends, faculty and staff will gather in the Convocation Center inside the Jane P. Batten Student Center on Dec. 6 to celebrate students who are on schedule to fulfill their graduation requirements this semester.
"These are some of the very best students I've had the pleasure to work with during my 24 years at VWC,” says Professor of History Clay Drees, who will serve as the ceremony’s keynote speaker. “We will miss them, but wish them the best as they move forward into the next phase of their lives and careers."
Professor Drees, recipient of the 2015 Samuel Nelson Gray Distinguished Teaching Award, plans to share in his address the nature and value of the liberal arts education and as well as his own “five hot tips for success in life.”
Connor Kirkham already has a jumpstart on that success, with resumes out to several sales and marketing companies. The Northern Virginia native, who played goalkeeper for the VWC Men’s Soccer Team, says Virginia Wesleyan’s strong academic program has prepared him well for life after college.
“I have a great collection of skills that I can take with me after I graduate that will be really applicable to my career,” Kirkham says. “That speaks volumes to the faculty who guided me through my years here.”
During the program, Virginia Wesleyan College President Scott D. Miller will offer special recognition to the graduate candidates, and Jasmine Rivera '14, Assistant Director of Alumni and Parent Relations, will welcome students to their new place in the VWC alumni family.
December graduates are also invited to participate in the College’s 47th Commencement Ceremony, which will be held Saturday, May 14, 2016.