Charlottesville, Va. – April 14, 2023 – Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) will hold its 50TH commencement ceremony Friday, May 12, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., at the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville. The keynote speaker for the ceremony honoring the spring graduation Class of 2023 is Baron Schwartz.

Schwartz attended PVCC from 1998-99 and transferred to the University of Virginia, where he completed an undergraduate degree in Computer Science. He remained in the Charlottesville area working as a computer programmer, specializing in database software and becoming an author and consultant. In 2012 Schwartz founded VividCortex, a technology startup company that developed innovative database performance management software. VividCortex was acquired by SolarWinds in 2019.

PVCC President Jean Runyon expressed, “Commencement is a time to celebrate successful lives and strong futures. Baron’s PVCC connection and his own success story provide the framework for an inspiring message for our graduates. We are pleased that Baron accepted our invitation to speak at this year’s commencement.”

This year, in addition to those who have earned an associate degree, graduates of adult learning programs offered by TJACE@PVCC and the Workforce Services division will participate in the ceremony.

PVCC will also celebrate graduates in the following special ceremonies:

• Early College Scholars Ceremony: May 4, at 6:30 p.m. – William Monroe High School, Greene County
• Radiography Pinning Ceremony: May 9, at 6 p.m. – PVCC Dickinson Building, Main Stage Theatre
• Sonography Pinning Ceremony: May 10, at 6 p.m. – PVCC Dickinson Building, Main Stage Theatre
• Nursing Pinning Ceremony: May 12, at 1 p.m. – John Paul Jones Arena

For additional information on graduation or to learn about current John Paul Jones Arena policies, visit pvcc.edu/graduation.

About Piedmont Virginia Community College 
Established in 1972, Piedmont Virginia Community College is a nonresidential two-year institution of higher education that serves Central Virginia – principally, residents of the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson. PVCC is one of 23 community colleges in Virginia that comprise the Virginia Community College System. PVCC is committed to providing access to a college education for all who can benefit, an opportunity for each student to reach her/his potential, and excellence in all programs and services. Visit pvcc.edu.