Aila Boyd
ROANOKE—Virginia Western Community College welcomed 1,041 new alumni during the 2025-26 academic year, with students earning a total of 1,304 degrees and certificates.
More than 400 graduates attended the college’s 60th Commencement ceremony Friday, May 15, at the Berglund Center. The ceremony honored graduates who completed degrees and certificates during the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters, along with students projected to complete programs during the summer 2026 term.
A total of 418 students attended the ceremony, with 546 degrees and certificates awarded.
Laura Treanor presided over her first Commencement ceremony as president of Virginia Western. Treanor is the fifth person to serve as president in the college’s 60-year history.
“Each graduate seated before us represents determination, sacrifice, resilience, and hope for the future,” Treanor said. “We gather not only to recognize academic achievement, but also to celebrate the journeys, challenges, and accomplishments that have brought our graduates to this important moment.”
Three Virginia Western students participated as speakers during Commencement events.
Maureen Arthur, who graduated with an Associate of Science degree in business administration, served as student rehearsal speaker. Addressing graduates before the ceremony, Arthur spoke about the value of time and encouraged classmates not not let opportunities slip away.
“The concept of time is something we all have taken for granted,” Arthur said. “525,600 minutes. Regardless of circumstance, we all have the same amount of time in a year.”
Hagar Atef Youssef, who earned an Associate of Science degree in science, delivered the welcome during the ceremony. As a first-generation college student, Youssef reflected on lessons learned during her time at Virginia Western.
“Here at Virginia Western, we aren’t defined by our accents or our past, but by our effort, our courage, and our willingness to keep going,” Youssef said.
Youssef also encouraged classmates to reflect on their experiences with gratitude.
“Thank you, Virginia Western, for proving that one year can truly change a life,” she said. “Just look at our college president, Dr. Treanor, and everything she has accomplished in such a short time.”
Demetrice Peerman-Forrest, who graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in human services, delivered the keynote address and shared her personal journey.
“When I first started at Virginia Western, my life looked very different than it is today,” Peerman-Forrest said. “I started here homeless. I came here in a wheelchair. Some mornings, when I got off the city bus, there was a police officer waiting at the bus stop just to push me up the hill so I could make it to class.”
Peerman-Forrest credited faith, resilience and support from the college community for helping her succeed and encouraged graduates to persevere through challenges.
“Don’t give up just because it’s taking time,” she said. “Don’t quit just because it’s hard. And don’t count yourself out just because you feel out of place.”
