Richard Bland College Celebrates Record-Breaking Commencement
For Immediate Release: May 23, 2025
Contact: Jesse Vaughan, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer/jvaughan@rbc.edu
Richard Bland College recently celebrated its 2025 graduates at an outdoor ceremony on the lawn of the Academic Innovation Center. With proud family members, faculty and friends cheering them on, hundreds of graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas. This year, RBC celebrated a record-breaking 2,064 Dual Enrollment students enrolled for the 2024-25 academic year—including triplets from Hopewell, VA.
As participants in Richard Bland College’s Dual Enrollment partnership with Hopewell High School, the Mackin triplets—Jeremiah, Jaydyn and Jazmyn—have earned associate degrees simultaneously with their high school diplomas.
“The Mackins embody the very best of Hopewell High School’s Dual Enrollment program,” said Mr. Malik Wheat, the Director of Dual Enrollment at the high school. “They are not only outstanding students but also dedicated athletes who have shown remarkable discipline and drive.”
While participating in RBC’s Dual Enrollment program, Jeremiah Mackin played on the high school’s football and soccer teams, while Jaydyn and Jazmyn showcased their athletic versatility in field hockey, wrestling and track and field. Despite their packed schedules, the triplets remained focused on academics. They all have an impressive 4.1 GPA.
On May 31, the siblings will graduate from their high school. From there, Jeremiah and Jaydyn will attend Virginia State University to pursue degrees in Sports Management and Social Work, respectively. Jazmyn is headed to Virginia Military Institute, where she will study Psychology.
RBC graduates Ana Conner and Melia Grady were selected as RBC’s 2025 student commencement speakers. Both were selected for their academic excellence, leadership and positive impact on campus. Their speeches will soon be posted on the RBC website.
In addition, Dr. Belle Wheelan, President and CEO of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, prepared an inspiring message for this year’s graduating class. Her speech, which will also be posted on the RBC website in the near future, focuses on resilience, purpose and the power of education to transform lives.
“Richard Bland College takes immense pride in our graduates,” RBC spokesperson Dr. Tiffany Birdsong said. “These dedicated students have worked tirelessly to earn their RBC degrees and are poised for bright futures as they transition seamlessly to the four-year institutions of their choice.
“We are thrilled to announce that this year, several of our students have been admitted to prestigious Ivy League universities, including Yale University, Princeton University, in addition to other highly selective institutions.”
