Greater Happened Here: Virginia State University Celebrates The Spring Class Of 2026
From unforgettable speakers to viral video moments and Trojan pride on full display, VSU Commencement 2026 was one for the ages.
From unforgettable speakers to viral video moments and Trojan pride on full display, VSU Commencement 2026 was one for the ages.
Virginia State University 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 “FLEX” video, 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
- Photos From the 1:30 p.m. Ceremony
- Photos From the 5:30 p.m. Ceremony
- 1:30 p.m. Graduates with President Abdullah
- 1:30 p.m. Graduates’ Individual Photos
- 5:30 p.m. Graduates with President Abdullah
- 5:30 p.m. Graduates’ Individual Photos
Featured Graduate Stories
- Diagnosed With Autism At Age 2, Graduating Senior Joshua Branch-Howell Found His Passion And Purpose Through Art At VSU
- Disabled Veteran And Cancer Survivor Patrina Ross Adds Virginia State University 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 Virginia State University Commencement Even Greater
Highest-Ranking Graduates
Virginia State University 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