RICHMOND , VA - Thirty-Four student athletes received undergraduate degrees and one student-athlete (Arnold Davis) received his graduate degree at the 2007 commencement exercises at Hovey Field on Saturday, May 12, 2007.

Student-athletes that highlighted this year's graduating class include: Michaela Vanakova (Volleyball), Arnold “Win” Davis (Tennis) and B.J. Stevenson (Men's Basketball). Vanakova earned 1 st Team All-CIAA honors in 2004, 2005 and 2006. She was named the CIAA's Player of the Year in 2004. In addition, she led the Lady Panthers to 3 consecutive CIAA Eastern Division Championships. Davis is the only student-athlete to receive a graduate degree in VUU's 2007 Commencement exercises. Davis competed on the VUU men's tennis team during the 2007 season at the age of 47. He played in the #1 singles position for the Panthers, and finished with a record of 6-7. Stevenson was a member of the men's basketball team for 4 years. He received the Panther 100 Club's Male Scholar Athlete of the Year Award in 2003, 2004 and 2005 for being VUU's highest ranking male student-athlete academically. In 2006, he received the “Accelerate Your Life Award” presented by the US Navy. In addition, B.J. was a member of the 2005 NCAA Division II National Championship team.

Virginia Governor Tim Kaine delivered the commencement address to the graduates. Kaine was sworn in as Virginia 's 70 th Governor on January 14 , 2006. He has focused on education since moving into the Commonwealth's top political office. His other priorities include transportation, health care and “protecting the God-given beauty of the Commonwealth”.

Kaine informed the graduates that they were receiving their degrees on the 400 th Anniversary of the founding of Virginia . He also spoke about various experiences that shaped his personal life and his career. Kaine expressed to the graduates the importance of reconciling any differences that they may have with their classmates, because it could be that last time that they see each other.

A full listing of student-athletes that received their degrees will be posted on Monday, May 14, 2007. For additional information, please contact the VUU Office of Sports Information at tbsykes@vuu.edu .