MGCC Celebrates Graduates
Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) celebrated the achievements of the class of 2025 at its 58th commencement ceremony on Friday, May 9, in the MGCC Convocation Center.
The event brought together faculty, staff, families, and community leaders to honor graduates who earned associate degrees, certificates, and workforce credentials.
The featured speaker, Deana Williams, a veteran teacher in Covington and this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award, talked about the college’s impact on her life and career.
“I came to MGCC as a young woman with a dream,” she said. “The faculty here saw something in me before I saw it in myself. My time at MGCC laid the foundation for a life of purpose and service.”
She added, “We need each other — our families, our teachers, our communities — to lift us up,” encouraging graduates to “be the steady, kind, and encouraging presence” in the lives of others.
Delivering the student commencement address was Casey Southall, a non-traditional student from Covington who returned to college at age 42 after a global career in international business and bomb disposal.
“Whether you started college while in high school, right after high school, or in your 40s like me,” Southall said, “there’s one thing that can’t be replaced, and that is real-world, hands-on experience.”
The commencement began with the singing of the National Anthem by 2016 MGCC graduate Mahaley Reyns-Broughman. The platform party included college board members, MGCC Educational Foundation leaders, and retiring faculty member Mike Bryant, who was recognized for his dedicated service as a welding instructor and mace bearer.
MGCC President Dr. John Rainone then officially opened the ceremony with heartfelt remarks.
“You’ve worked hard, overcome challenges, and shown extraordinary dedication to reach this point,” Rainone said. “Do not let the sight of hundreds in caps and gowns fool you into thinking this was easy — it wasn’t. Enrolling in college takes courage. Finishing takes tenacity.”
Following his address, Rainone welcomed local college board chair Marylin Alexander of Lexington, who offered a message of encouragement to the graduates.
“You are ready and wellequipped for what is ahead of you,” Alexander said. “You not only had the audacity to take charge of your life, but you also surpassed every obstacle before you. You did that.”
This year’s graduating class demonstrated outstanding academic, professional, and personal achievements, said a school spokeswoman. A total of 85 high school students earned 109 credentials, certificates, and degrees through MGCC’s dual enrollment programs. In fact, 35% of graduates began their journey while still in high school, and 70% paid no tuition thanks to scholarships or Virginia’s G3 program. Ninety percent of the class is already employed or has immediate plans to transfer to a four-year institution, with over 90% of applicants accepted. Additionally, more than 360 workforce credentials were awarded.
The class of 2025 also includes a number of remarkable personal stories: an uncle and niece graduated together, a mother and daughter earned phlebotomy technician certifications, and one graduate received three associate degrees. One student is already contributing to pediatric liver transplant efforts through her employer. And at just 17 years old, Baylee Slagle is set to become Old Dominion University’s youngest graduate this year after completing her RN to BSN degree — all while volunteering as an EMT.
The Gary Lee Miller Outstanding Graduate Award —named for the MGCC alumnus and Medal of Honor recipient —was presented to Kyleigh Mills, a studentathlete, entrepreneur, and community volunteer from Botetourt County. She earned multiple academic honors, including the Foreign Language Excellence Award and service as student marshal.
The ceremony also acknowledged the crucial role of families, faculty, and the broader community in helping students succeed.
“Graduates,” Rainone reminded, “take a moment to thank your loved ones. None of us gets here alone.”
MOUNTAIN Gateway Community College 2025 graduates make their way to the Convocation Center. (all photos courtesy of MGCC)
DEANA WILLIAMS, the featured speaker at commencement, addresses the graduates and their family members.
