Virginia Tech sees off nearly 8,000 graduates

The ceremony is the largest of Virginia Tech’s graduation weekend, with students walking across the stage to kick off a three-day ceremony.

Mehul Sanghani, a graduate of the university and founder of the tech company Octo, spoke at this year’s commencement address not only about his experience attending Virginia Tech, but also about being raised in Blacksburg by parents who immigrated from India. He also talked about

“My parents pursued what was better for me and my family and eventually started my own business,” Sanghani said. “They borrowed money from friends and eventually bought a small motel in Blacksburg, the Red Carpet Inn, a stone’s throw from where they are today.”

Much of Sanghani’s speech focused on advice for graduates, and some of his remarks referenced ongoing protests on college campuses across the U.S. and Canada against Israel’s current war effort. .

“Although I did not mention this in my speech, it is no secret that mass demonstrations have occurred on university campuses across our country in recent weeks,” Sanghani said. “The protests highlight the conflicts currently raging across the globe. These are historical conflicts that highlight religious and ideological differences and challenge our collective views and values. It will challenge you and raise questions.”

The speech came two weeks after a Virginia Tech protest encampment was cleared by police, and was the only explicit reminder of recent local protests. The local chapter of the Palestine Students for Peace and Justice group posted on social media urging students to wear keffiyeh to graduation, but no attempt was made to protest the event, and the group announced that it would not be able to congratulate graduates after the ceremony. Posted a message.

Sanghani noted that this will be the first official graduation ceremony for several of the students honored at the ceremony, as many students graduated from high school in the midst of the pandemic.

Several people were also honored at the ceremony. Gladys West received the 2024 University Achievement Award. She is a “hidden figure” and she is the second African American woman to be recruited to the Naval Proving Grounds in Dahlgren, Virginia. Her research contributed to the creation of her GPS technology and won awards. She received her PhD from Virginia Tech in 2000 at the age of 70.

Sanghani concluded his speech by giving away a free slice of pizza from Benny Marzano’s, a popular spot for Virginia Tech students.

“You have to wear a cap and gown there to receive it,” Sanghani said.

A total of 7,951 undergraduate and graduate students will receive their degrees this weekend.