We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your dedication and compassion. As we embrace this year’s theme of Rising Beyond, anticipation fills the air for another journey marked by academic excellence, innovation, and service.
Please be advised that NOVA will suspend all operations from 8:00 a.m. to noon during the convocation ceremony, ensuring that all members of our community can attend.
Monday, August 18, 2025
Convocation
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Lunch
11:30 a.m. – Noon
Schlesinger Center
Alexandria Campus
4915 East Campus Drive
Alexandria, VA 22311
Volunteer as a greeter, registration assistant, runner, meal overseer, or clock manager to be a part of the experience!
Alexandria Fine Arts, Room 118
Lunch Location: Alexandria Fine Arts, Room 132
CE Forum
Waddell Theater
Lunch Location: Higher Education Center, Room 203
MEC Forum
Colgan Theater
Lunch Location: Colgan Hall, Room 129
WS Lakeside Theater
Lunch Location: WAS Cafe
Note: All Pender and Brault employees will attend convocation at the Schlesinger Center for this annual in-person event.
President
Keynote Speaker
College Board Chair
College Senate Chair
Director of Data Analytics
Associate Director of Student Engagement and Leadership
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Emcee
Anne M. Kress, President
Greetings
John Porter, College Board Chair
Ashlie Warnick, College Senate Chair
Video Presentation
Rising Beyond: A New Chapter in Higher Education
Opening Remarks
Anne M. Kress, President
Keynote Address
The Future of Greater Washington, D.C.: Adapting to a New Federal Landscape
Amy Liu, Presidential Advisor and Senior Fellow, The Brookings Institution
Rising Beyond Panels
Rising Beyond the Norm: Adapting to New Changing Demographics and Expectations
Moderator: Melanie Jenkins, Director of Data Analytics
Panelists:
What We Need to Rise: A Conversation with NOVA Students
Moderator: Cecil Jackson, Associate Director of Student Leadership and Engagement
Panelists:
Avoid, Deny, Defend
Matthew Borders, Lieutenant
BOLDLY NOVA
Anne M. Kress, President
Lunch 11:30 a.m. – Noon