“Remember, if it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you. Be better, be great.”
~Beverly McCorkle, Virginia Beach Campus Student Speaker
“Hatred, and fear, and anger are your enemies. They will prevent you from being as good as you can be. Half the world is too busy being angry to be productive, and the other is too busy being productive to be angry. Which half do you want to be?”
~Congressman Thomas Garrett, Virginia Beach Campus Commencement Speaker
“I pray that we all have the courage to live as a people of honor and integrity, despite the fact that others may not. There is room for improvement. Let’s do our part.”
~Silke C. Maxey, Newport News Campus Student Speaker
“Take a moment, look around, and soak it all up, because this feeling you have right now is what it feels like to be proud of yourself.”
~Rachel A. Owens, Newport News Campus Student Speaker
“Always seek out a mentor. Your mentor, like mine, could be that little voice or action that tells you that you’re strong enough, that you’re smart enough, that you’re capable.”
~Congressman Scott Taylor, Newport News Campus Commencement Speaker
“Go out there and cook with creativity, passion, and purpose. Let the industry know that CIV graduates are a force to be reckoned with!”
~Arlandio Green, Culinary Institute of Virginia Newport News Campus Fellowship Award Winner
“You’re going to work with some people that you don’t like. Get over it. Treat them with respect. Respect and communicate with people. That’s how we move forward.”
~Mark Dreyfus, ECPI University President
“This should not be the end of your dream. In your eyes, it should be a new beginning.”
~Preston Carter, Richmond/Innsbrook Campus Student Speaker
“Don’t become complacent. While your dreams will last forever, the time you have to make them a reality will not.”
~Chad Spangler, Richmond/Moorefield Campus Student Speaker
“You’ve got to surround yourself with positive people, people who are always moving onward and upward.”
~Anita Thompson, Richmond/Moorefield Health Science Campus Speaker
“Love your life, love what you do, love why you do it, love who you’re doing it with, and love who you are ultimately doing it for.”
~Jasmyn Blackwell, Richmond/Emerywood Campus Student Speaker
“Doors do not open for whiners and naysayers. Doors, windows, and opportunities fly wide open for problem solvers and solution-minded individuals.”
~Dan Schmitt, President of RMC Events, Richmond Commencement Speaker