For Immediate Release
December 12, 2025
FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Germanna Community College celebrated the accomplishments of its Fall 2025 graduates during Thursday evening’s commencement ceremony at the University of Mary Washington’s Anderson Center.
During the event, the college conferred 1,042 degrees, certificates and credentials to more than 900 graduates, recognizing their hard work, perseverance and commitment to academic and personal growth. The milestone celebration underscored Germanna’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality education that fosters career readiness, lifelong learning and community impact.
LaRai Diamond-Fortune, student speaker. (Photo by Suzanne Rossi)
Among the evening’s highlights was an inspiring address from student speaker LaRai Diamond-Fortune, who shared her powerful journey of resilience and purpose.
Diamond-Fortune, born in Bay Shore, N.Y., and raised in Spotsylvania, earned an Associate of Applied Science in criminal justice with a focus on probation, parole and systemic reform. Through her work-study experience and active leadership in Germanna’s Criminal Justice Club, she supported justice-involved individuals and advanced civic engagement and second-chance advocacy.
Looking ahead, Diamond-Fortune plans to attend law school to further her commitment to systemic reform and to empower justice-involved individuals through ethical leadership and creative outreach.
Dr. Van Wilson, interim president, with Ann Marie Anderson, chair of the Local College Board. (Photo by Suzanne Rossi)
The ceremony marked a significant milestone for hundreds of graduates and their families — many of whom are the first in their families to attend or complete college. In his remarks to the graduates, Interim President Dr. Van Wilson shared a message of pride and encouragement:
For more information about Germanna Community College or to explore enrollment opportunities, visit germanna.edu.
Media Contact:
William Berry
Director of Marketing and Recruitment
540-834-1019
wberry@germanna.edu
About Germanna Community College
Established in 1970 as part of the Virginia Community College System, Germanna Community College is a comprehensive institution providing quality, accessible and affordable educational opportunities for residents of the city of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, Culpeper, King George, Madison, Orange, Spotsylvania and Stafford, as well as for online learners everywhere.