Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin to speak at Liberty University Commencement

Liberty University will welcome the 74^th Governor of Virginia Glenn Youngkin to deliver the keynote address for its 52nd Commencement on May 9.

“The opportunity to address Liberty University’s Class of 2025 is a tremendous honor,” Youngkin said. “Liberty’s commitment to academic excellence and steadfast faith equips its graduates to lead with conviction and purpose. I look forward to celebrating this momentous occasion with the graduates, their families, and the entire Liberty community as they embark on their next chapter as Champions for Christ.”

Commencement will mark Youngkin’s third visit to Liberty’s campus. He addressed students in the spring of 2022 at Convocation, the largest biweekly gathering of Christian young people in the world, and spoke at the Inauguration Ceremony for Liberty President Dr. Dondi E. Costin in the fall of 2023.

“The Class of 2025 will no doubt be encouraged and inspired to fulfill their callings as Champions for Christ when Governor Youngkin is welcomed to our Commencement stage in May,” said Liberty President Dr. Dondi E. Costin. “He is a man of God who speaks unashamedly about his faith and how his daily walk with the Lord informs his role as a public servant. We are excited to host him as he returns to Liberty for our 52nd Commencement.”

“We are blessed in the Commonwealth to have a leader who stands for truth, stands for families, and stands for God’s Word,” said Liberty Chancellor Jonathan Falwell. “And we are blessed at Liberty to call Gov. Glenn Youngkin and his family our friends. It will be an honor to have him join us in this celebration of our graduates’ accomplishments, along with their families and distinguished guests from all across the country and even around the world.”

Youngkin is a Virginia native, born in Richmond and raised in both Virginia’s capital and Virginia Beach. He earned degrees in mechanical engineering and management studies from Rice University, where he played basketball. He later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. Youngkin spent 25 years at The Carlyle Group, eventually serving as co-CEO from 2018-20 before committing to the gubernatorial race in 2020.

As governor, he has prioritized educational excellence, job growth, and tax relief. He oversaw historic investments in education and significant business development, supported law enforcement, and initiated $5 billion in tax relief for working families.

Youngkin and his wife, Suzanne, have been married for over 30 years, have raised four children, and are committed to their faith and family. Youngkin will address the Class of 2025 at the Main Commencement Ceremony scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, May 9, at Williams Stadium.

Commencement 2025 is expected to be one of the largest in the school’s history. Liberty is preparing to host over 60,000 on campus, including family members, friends, and other special guests, to celebrate the more than 29,000 graduates in the Class of 2025. Individual degree presentation ceremonies will be held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 8-10.