BIG STONE GAP, Va. – Mountain Empire Community College will hold its 51st commencement ceremony on Friday, May 10 at 6 p.m. at the Big Stone Gap campus.
The Class of 2024 includes 587 graduates, who have earned 880 academic awards including 147 Associate of Arts & Sciences degrees, 160 Associate of Applied Science degrees, 193 Certificates, and 380 Career Studies Certificates.
Graduates participating in the commencement will be welcomed by MECC Local Advisory Board President Michael Abbott. Dr. Kristen Westover, MECC President, will introduce the featured student speakers for the commencement ceremony, which includes graduates Angela Nauss and Becky Nicole Sturgill. These student speakers were chosen because of their exceptional academic performance during their college careers.
Angela Nauss is the 19-year-old daughter of David and Patricia Nauss of Wise. She is the fifth of seven children and always strives to make time for her family and set a good example for her younger two siblings. Angela is graduating from MECC with her Associate of Arts & Sciences degree in Science as well as a Health Sciences Certificate.
Nauss represented MECC at the 2022 VCCS Student Leadership Conference, received the Smitty Baker Award in Psychology in 2023, the Above & Beyond Award for Anatomy & Physiology and General Biology and the Excellence in Chemistry Award all in 2024. She is graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, served as a tutor with Student Support Services while at MECC, and is a self-taught hobby painter. She plans to obtain her bachelor’s degree and later pursue medical school.
Becky Nicole Sturgill, of Wise, is graduating Summa Cum Laude with an Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Management and a Clinical Research Coordinator Certificate. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, an Anthem HealthKeepers Fellow recipient, was selected to introduce Governor Youngkin at the VCCS Legislative Reception and represented MECC at the 2023 VCCS Student Leadership Conference.
Sturgill is currently employed as a Clinical Research Coordinator with Holston Medical Group. She is the daughter of Rodney and Karen Sturgill and the mother of Madison Sturgill. She plans on furthering her education in the Fall by completing the Medical Assisting Program and gaining experience as a Registered Medical Assistant in Clinical Research before applying to PA School.
“Our graduates have each shown exceptional dedication and resilience,” President Westover said. “Their success is a testament to the power of commitment and the pursuit of knowledge. As they step forward into their next chapters, they carry not only the skills they have honed here but also the spirit of our community. We are immensely proud of them and confident that they will continue to excel and inspire wherever they go.”
