Fall 2025
Thursday, December 11
Health Sciences Commencement and Pinning Ceremony · 2 p.m.
Commencement Ceremony · 7 p.m.
Letter From the Interim President
Dear Germanna Graduates:
Today, we celebrate you. This moment marks the culmination of years of dedication, late nights, and hard work. You have earned this milestone, and you should be deeply proud of all that it represents.
Pledge of Allegiance
I pledge allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America,
and to the Republic for which it stands,
one nation under God, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.
The Star-Spangled Banner
O say, can you see,
By the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed
At the twilight’s last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars,
Through the perilous fight
O’er the ramparts we watched
Were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket’s red glare,
The bombs bursting in air
Gave proof through the night
That our flag was still there.
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free
And the home of the brave?
Health Sciences Commencement and Pinning Ceremony
Please remain standing for the duration of the National Anthem. Additionally, we ask that you stay for the entire ceremony to minimize noise and disruption for the other guests.
| Processional | Sir Edward Elgar Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 |
| Pledge of Allegiance | Ms. Ann Marie Anderson, Chair, Germanna Community College Board |
| The National Anthem | Ms. Makiya Schoenberger, Graduate, Germanna Community College |
| Welcome and Introduction of Guests | Dr. Van C. Wilson, Interim President, Germanna Community College |
| Recognition of Honorary Marshals | Dr. Van C. Wilson |
| Greetings from the College Board | Ms. Ann Marie Anderson |
| Greetings from the Educational Foundation Board | Ms. Rhonda Fried, President, Germanna Community College Educational Foundation Board |
| Introduction of Speakers | Dr. Nanette Graham, Associate Vice President of Health Sciences |
| Student Speaker | Ms. Rivers Davis, Graduate, Germanna Community College |
| Presentation of Candidates for Graduation | Dr. Shashuna Gray, Vice President, Academic Affairs and Workforce Development |
| Reading Marshals | Ms. Barbara Hopkins, Interim Dean of Dual Enrollment and High School Programs Dr. Eric Earnhardt, Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Awarding of Degrees and Certificates | Dr. Van C. Wilson |
| Pinning Ceremony | Dr. Nanette Graham |
| Lighting of Nightingale Lamps | Dr. John Stroffolino, Associate Dean of Health Technologies Dr. April Morgan, Associate Dean of Nursing |
| Interprofessional Oath | Associate Deans, Faculty, Health Sciences Students and Professionals |
| Closing Remarks | Dr. Van C. Wilson |
| Recessional | Mr. Kenneth J. Alford Colonel Bogey March |
Please allow Germanna graduates and faculty to exit first.
Student Speaker
Rivers Joli Davis graduates with an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. A dedicated scholar, she maintained a 4.0 GPA and earned multiple scholarships, along with recognition on the President’s List. Rivers served as Secretary and Vice President of the Student Nursing Council, Historian of the Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society, and worked as a tutor in Germanna’s Academic Center for Excellence. She completed a nursing externship and currently serves as an Emergency Department Patient Care Technician at UVA Culpeper Medical Center. Following graduation, Rivers will begin her career as a Registered Nurse in UVA-CMC’s Emergency Department while pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Mary Washington.
Honorary Marshals
Dr. Kellie Bradshaw joined Germanna in 2005 as a full-time history instructor. She holds a master’s degree in history from the University of Charleston in South Carolina and a Ph.D. in history from George Mason University. Over the years, Dr. Bradshaw has served as chair of the History and Humanities Department and is a frequent presenter on active learning strategies for teaching history. In 2015, she founded Germanna’s annual Community History Day, an event that celebrates regional and national history while fostering civic engagement among students, faculty, and the broader community.
Mr. Jay Nyzowyj began teaching at Germanna in 2004 as a full-time mathematics instructor. Originally from Michigan, he earned his master’s degree in mathematics from Central Michigan University. As one of Germanna’s pioneering online educators, Mr. Nyzowyj has received multiple awards for his innovative approaches to online instruction. He brings a deep passion for mathematics to the classroom and cultivates a collaborative learning environment where students gain confidence and strengthen their mathematical skills.
Health Sciences Graduating Class of 2025
Fall Semester Graduates
Cum Laude (CL Honors), Magna Cum Laude (MCL High Honors), Summa Cum Laude (SCL Highest Honors)
I solemnly pledge to render service with full respect for the dignity of humanity. I will respect patient confidentiality. I will uphold the honor and high principles of the medical assisting profession. I will seek to continually improve knowledge and skills for the benefit of patients and colleagues. I will participate in service activities that help improve the health and well-being of the community.
As a Medical Laboratory Professional, I pledge to uphold my duty to the patient, the profession, and society by placing patients’ welfare above my own needs and desires; ensuring each patient receives care that is safe, effective, efficient, timely, equitable, and patient-centered; maintaining the dignity and respect for the profession; promoting the advancement of the profession; ensuring collegial intra and interprofessional relationships; improving access to laboratory services; promoting equitable distribution of healthcare resources; complying with laws and regulations and protecting patients from others’ incompetent or illegal practice; and changing conditions where necessary to advance the best interests of patients.
I hereby promise to dedicate myself to the pharmacy profession and the beneficiaries I serve. I will follow all laws, standards and directives applicable to my profession. I will continuously increase my pharmacy knowledge, experience and skills in order to provide the highest level of patient care. I will work closely with Pharmacists and other medical professionals to ensure optimal medication therapy is dispensed without error. I will ensure compliance with patient safety and ensure patient privacy in all matters. I am committed to this honorable profession and pledge to fulfill the duties and responsibilities placed upon me to the best of my abilities.
I pledge to preserve life, relieve suffering, promote health, do no harm, and support quality, equal access to emergency care.
I will serve every person with compassion and respect, regardless of nationality, race, creed, or status.
I will maintain confidentiality, unless legally required to disclose.
I will use professional judgment responsibly, continuing to improve my skills and knowledge.
I will uphold laws, standards, and ethical practice.
I will engage in legislative and regulatory matters affecting EMS.
I will collaborate with other health professionals and EMS colleagues.
I will not participate in unethical practices and will report concerns appropriately.
In my practice as a dental assistant, I affirm my commitment to improve the oral health of the public and to promote high standards of quality dental care. I shall faithfully respect the Principles of Professional Ethics by the profession.
I pledge to continually improve my professional knowledge and skills and to uphold the highest standards of professional competence and personal conduct in the interests of the dental assisting profession and the public I serve.
In my practice as a Dental hygienist,
I affirm my personal and professional commitment to improve the oral health of the public, to advance the art and science of dental hygiene, and to promote high standards of quality care. I pledge continually to improve my professional knowledge and skills, to render a full measure of service to each patient entrusted to my care, and to uphold the highest standards of professional competence and personal conduct in the interests of the dental hygiene profession and the public it serves.
I solemnly pledge to cooperate faithfully with the members of the healthcare team and carry out the instructions of those who supervise my work. I will take care of the patients entrusted to me in a professional and caring manner. I will ensure the safety, comfort, hygiene, and protection of those entrusted to my care. I will refrain from performing any task or service requiring a professional license. I pledge to myself and those here today to do all in my power to elevate the practice of my profession.
In the full knowledge of the obligations I am undertaking, I promise to care for the sick with all the skill and understanding I possess, without regard to race, creed, color, politics, or social status, sparing no effort to conserve life, to alleviate suffering and promote health.
I will respect at all times the dignity and religious beliefs of the patients under my care, holding in confidence all personal information entrusted to me, and refraining from any action which might endanger life or health.
I will endeavor to keep my professional knowledge and skill at the highest level and give loyal support and cooperation to all members of the healthcare team.
I will do my utmost to honor the International Code of Ethics applied to nursing, and to uphold the integrity of the nurse.
I pledge to respect all of my colleagues’ expertise and collaborate to provide care effectively, safely, and efficiently, for the betterment of those entrusted to our care. I pledge to encourage and assist in the lifelong development of all members of the healthcare team.
While serving our local and global communities before personal or material gain, I pledge to be an honorable and ethical member of the healthcare team. With this, I commit myself to those whom I serve in my profession and to practice collaboratively supporting high-quality, patient-centered care.
I solemnly pledge to render service with full respect for the dignity of humanity. I will respect patient confidentiality. I will uphold the honor and high principles of the medical assisting profession. I will seek to continually improve knowledge and skills for the benefit of patients and colleagues. I will participate in service activities that help improve the health and well-being of the community.
As a Medical Laboratory Professional, I pledge to uphold my duty to the patient, the profession, and society by placing patients’ welfare above my own needs and desires; ensuring each patient receives care that is safe, effective, efficient, timely, equitable, and patient-centered; maintaining the dignity and respect for the profession; promoting the advancement of the profession; ensuring collegial intra and interprofessional relationships; improving access to laboratory services; promoting equitable distribution of healthcare resources; complying with laws and regulations and protecting patients from others’ incompetent or illegal practice; and changing conditions where necessary to advance the best interests of patients.
I hereby promise to dedicate myself to the pharmacy profession and the beneficiaries I serve. I will follow all laws, standards and directives applicable to my profession. I will continuously increase my pharmacy knowledge, experience and skills in order to provide the highest level of patient care. I will work closely with Pharmacists and other medical professionals to ensure optimal medication therapy is dispensed without error. I will ensure compliance with patient safety and ensure patient privacy in all matters. I am committed to this honorable profession and pledge to fulfill the duties and responsibilities placed upon me to the best of my abilities.
I pledge to preserve life, relieve suffering, promote health, do no harm, and support quality, equal access to emergency care.
I will serve every person with compassion and respect, regardless of nationality, race, creed, or status.
I will maintain confidentiality, unless legally required to disclose.
I will use professional judgment responsibly, continuing to improve my skills and knowledge.
I will uphold laws, standards, and ethical practice.
I will engage in legislative and regulatory matters affecting EMS.
I will collaborate with other health professionals and EMS colleagues.
I will not participate in unethical practices and will report concerns appropriately.
In my practice as a dental assistant, I affirm my commitment to improve the oral health of the public and to promote high standards of quality dental care. I shall faithfully respect the Principles of Professional Ethics by the profession.
I pledge to continually improve my professional knowledge and skills and to uphold the highest standards of professional competence and personal conduct in the interests of the dental assisting profession and the public I serve.
In my practice as a Dental hygienist,
I affirm my personal and professional commitment to improve the oral health of the public, to advance the art and science of dental hygiene, and to promote high standards of quality care. I pledge continually to improve my professional knowledge and skills, to render a full measure of service to each patient entrusted to my care, and to uphold the highest standards of professional competence and personal conduct in the interests of the dental hygiene profession and the public it serves.
I solemnly pledge to cooperate faithfully with the members of the healthcare team and carry out the instructions of those who supervise my work. I will take care of the patients entrusted to me in a professional and caring manner. I will ensure the safety, comfort, hygiene, and protection of those entrusted to my care. I will refrain from performing any task or service requiring a professional license. I pledge to myself and those here today to do all in my power to elevate the practice of my profession.
In the full knowledge of the obligations I am undertaking, I promise to care for the sick with all the skill and understanding I possess, without regard to race, creed, color, politics, or social status, sparing no effort to conserve life, to alleviate suffering and promote health.
I will respect at all times the dignity and religious beliefs of the patients under my care, holding in confidence all personal information entrusted to me, and refraining from any action which might endanger life or health.
I will endeavor to keep my professional knowledge and skill at the highest level and give loyal support and cooperation to all members of the healthcare team.
I will do my utmost to honor the International Code of Ethics applied to nursing, and to uphold the integrity of the nurse.
I pledge to respect all of my colleagues’ expertise and collaborate to provide care effectively, safely, and efficiently, for the betterment of those entrusted to our care. I pledge to encourage and assist in the lifelong development of all members of the healthcare team.
While serving our local and global communities before personal or material gain, I pledge to be an honorable and ethical member of the healthcare team. With this, I commit myself to those whom I serve in my profession and to practice collaboratively supporting high-quality, patient-centered care.
Commencement Ceremony
Please remain standing for the duration of the National Anthem. Additionally, we ask that you stay for the entire ceremony to minimize noise and disruption for the other guests.
| Processional | Sir Edward Elgar Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 |
| Presentation of the Colors | Honor Guard Germanna, Spotsylvania, Culpeper, and Stafford Counties Law Enforcement |
| Pledge of Allegiance | Ms. Ann Marie Anderson, Chair, Germanna Community College Board |
| The National Anthem | Ms. Ella Stevens, Student, Germanna Community College |
| Welcome and Introduction of Guests | Dr. Van C. Wilson, Interim President, Germanna Community College |
| Recognition of Honorary Marshals | Dr. Van C. Wilson |
| Greetings from the College Board | Ms. Ann Marie Anderson |
| Greetings from the Educational Foundation Board | Ms. Rhonda Fried, President, Germanna Community College Educational Foundation Board |
| Student Speaker | Ms. LaRai Diamond-Fortune, Graduate, Germanna Community College |
| Presentation of Candidates for Graduation | Dr. Shashuna Gray, Vice President, Academic Affairs and Workforce Development |
| Reading Marshals | Ms. Barbara Hopkins, Interim Dean of Dual Enrollment and High School Programs Dr. Eric Earnhardt, Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Awarding of Degrees and Certificates | Dr. Van C. Wilson |
| Closing Remarks | Dr. Van C. Wilson |
| Recessional | Mr. Kenneth J. Alford Colonel Bogey March |
Please allow Germanna graduates and faculty to exit first.
Student Speaker
Ms. LaRai Diamond-Fortune was born in Bay Shore, New York, and raised in Spotsylvania, Virginia, a community that inspired her lifelong commitment to justice, empathy, and resilience. She is currently earning her Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice, with a focus on probation, parole, and systemic reform. Through a transformative work-study experience and active involvement in the Criminal Justice Club, LaRai has worked with justice-involved individuals and helped promote civic engagement and second-chance advocacy. Her professional background and experience spans healthcare, retail, and hospitality, where she’s been recognized for excellence in service, precision, and compassion. LaRai plans to attend law school to further advance systemic reform and empower justice-involved individuals through ethical leadership and creative outreach.
Honorary Marshals
Dr. Kellie Bradshaw joined Germanna in 2005 as a full-time history instructor. She holds a master’s degree in history from the University of Charleston in South Carolina and a Ph.D. in history from George Mason University. Over the years, Dr. Bradshaw has served as chair of the History and Humanities Department and is a frequent presenter on active learning strategies for teaching history. In 2015, she founded Germanna’s annual Community History Day, an event that celebrates regional and national history while fostering civic engagement among students, faculty, and the broader community.
Mr. Jay Nyzowyj began teaching at Germanna in 2004 as a full-time mathematics instructor. Originally from Michigan, he earned his master’s degree in mathematics from Central Michigan University. As one of Germanna’s pioneering online educators, Mr. Nyzowyj has received multiple awards for his innovative approaches to online instruction. He brings a deep passion for mathematics to the classroom and cultivates a collaborative learning environment where students gain confidence and strengthen their mathematical skills.
Graduating Class of 2025
Fall Semester Graduates
Cum Laude (CL Honors), Magna Cum Laude (MCL High Honors), Summa Cum Laude (SCL Highest Honors)
Attendance at the College’s commencement is voluntary. This program, therefore, lists the names of all those eligible to participate in this commencement, not just those attending the ceremony. The appearance of a name in this program is not necessarily a valid indication of graduation. The College reserves the right to withdraw or add names.
Academic Regalia
The academic costume has its origins in the universities of the Middle Ages. The warm gown and hood were useful in unheated buildings. Even after the Civil War, students at most American colleges and universities wore caps and gowns while attending classes. These costumes varied greatly until the design was standardized in 1894.