Collegiate Times

Preparing for December?s graduation ceremonies might be low on the priority list for some this semester, but for a large number of students it will be among the most significant events of the year.

Approximately 2,500 Virginia Tech students will be honored for the completion of their academic achievements here at the university, according to a university-wide statement.

Minnis E. Ridenour is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the University Commencement Ceremony while Philip S. Thompson will deliver the Graduate School Ceremony address.

Both are renowned members of the Virginia Tech community, said university spokesman Larry Hincker. Ridenour has served as executive vice president and chief operating officer and currently serves as senior fellow and director of the Office of Government and Non-Profit Organization Management.

?It?s only appropriate to have someone with his background to speak at the commencement ceremony,? Hincker said. ?He has served the university for over 30 years in various ways and the major success and fiscal integrity can be partly blamed on him. He has also brought in a substantial amount of funding for Virginia Tech.?

Hincker said Thompson retired from his job at IBM where he was vice president of emerging markets. He is not currently a member of the Virginia Tech board of visitors, but he does serve the board in a special capacity.
?Thompson chairs a special committee on research for the board of visitors,? Hincker said.

Hincker said the process for both spring and fall commencement ceremonies vary depending on different factors.
?The Fall Commencement (undergraduate) speaker is recommended by student leadership under the direction of SGA,? Hincker said. ?They put forward four recommended names (always from within the university) and the president selects the speaker.?

Some graduating seniors feel the ceremonies in the fall make for a different feel than that of the spring ceremonies.
?I think graduation in the fall is more toned down, because you do not have the individual ceremonies for each college,? said Amanda Cocco, senior human development major. ?And I do appreciate how Tech tried to find a keynote speaker that could address as many fields as possible.?

The pending ceremonies are also drawing anticipation for some.

?I am still excited though, and I'm glad that we have the opportunity to walk in December,? Cocco said. ?I know in the past Tech has toyed with the idea of canceling Fall Commencement, but it's nice to be able to have the ceremony when you actually graduate, instead of having to wait a whole semester before you are recognized.?

Ridenour and Thompson were both unavailable for commenting about their appearance at Virginia Tech?s commencement ceremonies.