February 15, 2017

VCU Globe graduates second cohort

During the annual VCU Globe graduation ceremony in January, senior vice provost for academic affairs Deborah Noble-Triplett, Ph.D., congratulated students for completing the requirements of the three-year living-learning program.  

“I am so pleased to be a part of a university that understands the importance of programs like this, which understands the global world that we live in and ways that we can provide opportunities for our students to be in touch with that,” she said. “You are living examples of what our future holds.”

Noble-Triplett touted several achievements of the graduating class including the completion of more than 2,000 community engagement hours last year, and more than half of the students having studied abroad. In addition, two graduates were Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships recipients and one student was awarded the Boren Award for International Study.  Notably, four students in the program have been accepted into the Peace Corps.

Senior Jordan McFarlane was chosen by his classmates to be the graduation’s student speaker. McFarlane delivered an inspiring speech that implored his fellow students to continue an exciting journey to conquer the next mountaintop after graduation, just as they did when entering the program three years ago.

“Remember what you learned here in the program,” McFarlane said. “Keep striving, keep pursuing your passions, and I have no doubt the people in the room will go out and have the impact they seek to make it in this world.”

During the ceremony, a total of 59 students received certificates of completion, 19 of whom received Peace Corps Prep designation. 

VCU Globe is the university’s largest living-learning program with 292 students currently enrolled. The VCU Globe program has achieved national recognition for excellence through competitive awards such as the NAFSA Senator Paul Simon Spotlight Award and the Peace Corps Prep Program.