Jaiden Picot, with the assistance of a robotic exoskeleton, was one of many graduates to walk across the stage at Virginia Union University’s spring commencement on Saturday morning at Hovey Field. Picot, a business student paralyzed in an accident last year, was among the 352 members of the VUU spring Class of 2025. The class includes 170 bachelor’s degrees, 168 master’s degrees and 15 doctoral candidates. The ceremony also marked VUU’s ongoing 160th anniversary celebration. Meanwhile, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, approximately 4,900 graduates from Virginia Commonwealth University were recognized, including over 3,100 undergraduate degrees, 980 master’s degrees, 365 first-professional degrees and about 300 doctoral degrees.

Paralyzed from the chest down after an accident, 22-year-old Jaiden Picot uses advanced robotic technology to walk across the stage and receive his diploma from Virginia Union University’s Sydney Lewis School of Business on Saturday, May 10.

Ariel Jones Sr. (right) and Brianna Galloway (left) graduated from the School of Arts & Sciences at Virginia Union University.

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock received an honorary doctor of laws degree and delivered the commencement address during Virginia Union University’s ceremony.

Abigail Akyea embraces presenters on stage after receiving the 2025 Board of Visitors Award at VCU. The award recognizes students who have demonstrated leadership, academic excellence and a commitment to service.

Family, friends and supporters celebrate graduates’ achievements at VCU’s commencement.

Keynote speaker and South Side Richmond native Everette Taylor addresses graduates during Virginia Commonwealth University’s commencement May 10 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Taylor, CEO of Kickstarter, received an honorary doctor of humane Letters.

Libbie Mill Midtown in Henrico County is a 90-acre mixed-use development built on the site of post-World War II housing, which was demolished in 2004. The project is one of the largest revi- talization efforts in Henrico’s 400-year history and includes residential, retail and public spaces. The development continues to grow, with new residential and retail projects in the pipeline, such as Harp’s Landing and Wrighthaven Square Apartments.

Cherry blossoms on North Side