Virginia State University Announces Spring 2025 Commencement Speakers

VSU will celebrate its Spring 2025 graduates with two ceremonies featuring powerful keynote addresses from Virginia Speaker of the House Don Scott and Virginia Senator Louise Lucas. 

Virginia State University is pleased to announce the keynote speakers for its Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 17. The University will hold two graduation ceremonies featuring guest speakers Virginia Delegate and Virginia Speaker of the House Don Scott and Virginia Senator Louise Lucas. 

Speaker Scott has served in the Virginia House of Delegates since 2020, currently representing the 88th District. In January 2024, he was elected as the first African American speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates in its more than 400-year history. 

Prior to his political career, Speaker Scott served as a naval officer before earning his law degree. Currently, he is a partner at Breit & Biniazan law firm, where he advocates for clients as a personal injury attorney while also serving in public office. Beyond his legislative work, Speaker Scott remains deeply engaged in his community, serving on numerous boards, and is a lifelong member of organizations such as the NAACP and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. 

Speaker Scott will deliver the keynote address at the first commencement ceremony, starting with a processional at 8:30 am. The morning ceremony will celebrate graduates from the College of Education and the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. 

The University is also excited to welcome Senator Louise Lucas, who began her career in public service in 1971 in the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, becoming the first woman shipfitter in the Shipyard’s history. Her political career started in 1984 when she became the first African American woman to win election to the Portsmouth City Council. Seven years later, she was elected to represent Virginia's 18th District in the Senate of Virginia, a position she has held for over three decades. 

Following the 2019 election, Senator Lucas was elected as Senate Pro Tempore, making her the first woman and the first African American elected to this position. In January 2024, she became the first African American to chair the Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee. 

Additionally, Senator Lucas is the President and Chief Executive Officer for Lucas Lodge, Lucas Transportation, and Southside Direct Care Provider organizations operating in the Lucas Professional Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. 

Senator Lucas will speak at the second ceremony, starting with a processional at 1:30 pm. The afternoon ceremony will celebrate graduates from the College of Agriculture, College of Engineering & Technology, College of Natural & Health Sciences, and the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business. All degree recipients will march with their respective colleges.

VSU is honored to welcome these two trailblazers and distinguished leaders in public service to deliver inspiring messages to the Spring 2025 graduates. Both ceremonies will be held at the VSU Multipurpose Center. 

To learn more about Commencement or watch the live stream, visit www.vsu.edu/graduation.