BRCC 2017 Commencement

“What you and I hungered for were those things that feed our passions. It was our passions that brought us to BRCC,” said John Butler Jr., Human Services graduate and student speaker.

The ceremony took place in the JMU Convocation Center rather than at the BRCC campus because of the rain, but grads and their families didn’t let the weather dampen their spirits. More than 240 grads were there to walk across the stage, and receive their degree, diploma or certificate from BRCC President, Dr. John Downey.

“We leave BRCC with tools for our various journeys. We have developed networks and friendships that will last us our individual lifetimes,” added Mr. Butler.

The College was conferring 897 degrees, which included 596 associate’s degrees, 4 diplomas, 163 certificates, and 134 career studies certificates.

Ms. Holly Rasheed, a 2011 BRCC graduate, and currently the youngest attorney in Virginia, delivered the commencement address. She spoke about the relationship between the elements of a good story and one’s own life. Linking character development in a book, to the lives of the graduates, she noted, “After all, that is why you chose to continue your education. You wanted to continue to develop your character and write your story. Keep doing that, always challenge yourself, always grow and develop your character.”