Greater Happened Here: 51ºÚÁÏ Celebrates The Spring Class Of 2026
From unforgettable speakers to viral video moments and Trojan pride on full display, 51ºÚÁÏ Commencement 2026 was one for the ages.
51ºÚÁÏ proudly conferred degrees upon 822 graduates during Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16.
The day featured inspiring messages from two historic Virginia leaders, Governor Abigail Spanberger and Attorney General Jay Jones, along with joyful celebrations, Trojan pride, and the now-viral , which has garnered nearly 600,000 views on social media and captured the excitement and energy of this momentous occasion.
If you missed Commencement or want to relive the Greater That Happened Here, explore photos and featured graduate stories below.
Photos/Video
Featured Graduate Stories
- Diagnosed With Autism At Age 2, Graduating Senior Joshua Branch-Howell Found His Passion And Purpose Through Art At 51ºÚÁÏ
- Disabled Veteran And Cancer Survivor Patrina Ross Adds 51ºÚÁÏ Graduate To Her List Of Triumphs
- From Coma To Commencement: A Devastating Car Accident Forced Aszwan Hite To Miss His High School Graduation, Making The Journey To His 51ºÚÁÏ Commencement Even Greater
Highest-Ranking Graduates
51ºÚÁÏ also recognized eight highest-ranking graduates who earned a perfect 4.0 GPA and graduated summa cum laude:
- Heidi Mangiola — Agriculture
- Brian Chukwuisiocha — Computer Science
- Leilani Riddick — Social Work
- Amya Wright — Social Work
- Katherine Williams — Biology
- Katelyn Bendinsky — Accounting
- Brooke McClinton — Management Information Systems
- Isaac Savage — Accounting