(NSU Newsroom — May 5, 2021) — Norfolk State University will hold two in-person commencement ceremonies for the Spring 2020 graduation class and students from the Class of 2021 on Saturday, May 15, at William “Dick” Price Stadium where nearly 500 students will be presented their college degrees. The ceremonies, which will be the first large events held on campus since the pandemic, will feature keynote speakers JB Smoove and NSU Board of Visitors Rector Joan Wilmer.
The first ceremony will take place at the stadium at 9 a.m. Actor and Comedian JB Smoove will serve as the keynote speaker. Smoove, who attended Norfolk State in the 90s as Jerry Angelo Brooks, is known for his popular role on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and his podcast, “May I Elaborate,” on Apple Music.
Wilmer will deliver the second keynote address at the 3 p.m. She currently serves as vice president for human resources at ViacomCBS. She is a 1999 Norfolk State graduate who has more than 20 years of experience as a human resources executive. Wilmer is the first woman to serve as the university’s rector since former BOV member Teresa H. Carrington in 1998.
Masks will be required for entrance into the stadium and strict social distancing guidelines will be implemented. Guests may only attend one ceremony and tickets will be required for entry. Both events will be streamed live on www.nsu.edu.
In addition to undergraduate students who will earn their college diplomas, Norfolk State administrators will present more than 70 master’s or doctoral degrees to graduate-level students. An honorary degree will also be presented. In addition, NSU Army students will take their oath of commissioned officers for their respective military branches.
If your media organization plans to attend either of the commencement ceremonies, please contact the NSU Office of University Events at 757-823-8323.