ANNANDALE, Va. (April 25, 2025) - Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) proudly hosts its 59th commencement on May 12, celebrating the dedication and achievements of this year’s graduating Nighthawks as they prepare to embark on inspiring journeys toward a bright, successful future.
Since last summer, more than 7,500 NOVA students have earned associate degrees and credentials that prepare them for the workforce or transfer to a four-year institution. Of those students, 1,840 – the maximum capacity of the Commencement venue - will participate in the Commencement ceremony.
- When: 11 a.m. on May 12 (Monday)
- Where: George Mason University’s EagleBank Arena (4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax, Va. 22030)
- Live Streaming: Watch the Live-stream
- Commencement Speaker: Hannah Williams, a social media activist who gained widespread recognition for her bold street interviews, where she asks strangers on camera, “What do you do, and how much do you make?”
From NOVA to Social Media Superstar:
A NOVA alum, Williams turned her experience of being underpaid by $25,000 as a senior data analyst into a mission for salary transparency, leveraging social media to spread the message.
Her advocacy work began with a simple idea: "I’m just going to go out on the street and ask people how much they make." Those video interviews went viral, and launched her company, Salary Transparent Street was in April 2022. As of early 2025, she has nearly three million followers across platforms, dismantling the taboo surrounding salary discussions.
Her advocacy earned her spots on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list (Social Media, 2024) and as a Money.com Changemaker (2023).
NOVA’s Commencement Ceremony:
- Frequenctly Asked Questions, visit Spring 2025 Commencement
- Commencement questions, email commencement@nvcc.edu
More Details:
- Will be live-streamed, recorded and closed-captioned for viewing purposes
- Recording will be made available on the NOVA website
Media questions, please contact Kathy Parkinson, public information officer
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About Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)
Northern Virginia Community College is the largest public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia and one of America’s largest community colleges. NOVA enrolls more than 70,000 students at its six campuses in Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Springfield and Woodbridge and through NOVA Online. For more information about NOVA and its programs or services, call 703-323-3000 or visit NOVA’s website.