Virginia Intermont College in Bristol celebrated commencement exercises Saturday, May 8 with 102 seniors receiving bachelor degrees. Richard Cranwell, a political icon in Virginia and former longtime member of state House of Delegates, delivered the keynote address.
He predicted graduates will succeed “like no generation before,” despite economic challenges in the U.S. and world. He suggested graduates should embrace character, courage, commitment and charity to “step beyond your comfort level and achieve great things.”
A native of Richlands, Va., Cranwell is a practicing attorney in Roanoke, and since 2005, has been chairman of the state’s Democratic party. He served as a member of the House of Delegates 30 years, from 1972 to 2001, when he retired. He was the House of Delegates’ Democratic majority leader from 1991 to 1999.
Graduate Jon Bailey, a native of Elgin, Ill., who’s family now lives in Glade Spring, Va., was named “Ideal Intermont” student, based on academic achievement as well as all-around student service, activities and achievements. Bailey earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in photography and digital imaging, and art, and an associate’s in graphic design.
The event marked Virginia Intermont’s 135th commencement. A Baccalaureate Service preceded graduation on Friday, as well as the college’s traditional Torchlight ceremony.
Founded in 1884, Virginia Intermont is a private, four-year coeducational liberal arts-based institution, affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Social Work and Associate in Arts degrees. Virginia Intermont serves regional adults through flexible course offerings in its Evening and Weekend College program. A 2000 graduate of the college, Preston Gannaway, won the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography.
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