Gov. Abigail Spanberger will address Virginia Tech’s Class of 2026 during University Commencement exercises on Friday, May 15, continuing the tradition of inviting new Virginia governors to deliver the address.
The University Commencement ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m. May 15 in Lane Stadium. A complete schedule of commencement ceremonies and additional commencement information can be found on the commencement website.
“Our graduates face a future that needs their passion, ideas, and commitment to engage with their communities,” said Virginia Tech President Tim Sands. “Governor Spanberger’s insight and encouragement will be meaningful for them.”
Since 1990, first-year Virginia Governors L. Douglas Wilder, George F. Allen, James S. Gilmore III, Mark R. Warner, Timothy M. Kaine, Robert F. McDonnell, Terence “Terry” McAuliffe, Ralph Northam, and Glenn Youngkin have delivered the university’s commencement address.
Spanberger grew up in Virginia and has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia.
She has spent nearly her entire life in public service, first in the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and later at CIA, before she ran for Congress in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District in 2018 and won three consecutive terms. She and her husband have three children.
The University Commencement ceremony will also include remarks from members of the Class of 2026 leadership team. Class officer Shirin Mohammadian will offer opening remarks. Cadet Member-at-Large Darwin Otchere will provide closing remarks.
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