The VCU Brandcenter Class of 2026 officially crossed the stage last week, marking the end of sixty intense, transformative weeks and the beginning of their next chapter in the creative industry.
The ceremony brought together graduates, faculty, staff, family members and industry leaders to celebrate the accomplishments of the class. This year’s commencement featured remarks from Brandcenter Executive Director Vann Graves, commencement speaker Shazzia Khan of Havas Health, emcees Geno Schellenberger and Jack Westerkamp of Breaking and Entering Media and student speaker Sandra Sanchez (Copywriting, 2026) in addition to some special awards and recognitions.
Brandcenter thanks all who attended the celebration, including Director’s Council members Tiffani Gautier and Ellie Parpis, Brandcenter leadership, faculty & staff, and families and friends.
“You made it. I know the past 60 weeks have been challenging and sometimes grueling, but you were never alone. We always had your back. Everyone in this room is here to celebrate you. We’re here for you today, tomorrow, and well into the future. You are a part of the Brandcenter family.”
Vann Graves, Executive Director / Brandcenter
Throughout the ceremony, speakers reflected on creativity, resilience and the value of community — themes that have shaped the Brandcenter experience for the Class of 2026.
Schellenberger and Westerkamp brought the charm and high energy seen in their work at Breaking and Entering to the ceremony as emcees.
Schellenberger shared his first experience visiting the Brandcenter as a young recruiter, recalling the energy and talent he encountered inside Mike Hughes Hall:
“VCU Brandcenter, this institution and you students, you have aura. People are attracted to you. The best agencies come to you. This is truly the greatest advertising institution in the world.”
Geno Schellenberger, Co-founder / Breaking and Entering Media
Westerkamp encouraged graduates to take pride in what they’ve accomplished while staying present in the moment:
“You all should be very proud of yourselves. This is an unbelievable institution. You all are the best of the best and wherever you go from here is going to work out. You’ll be good. So worry about all that stuff later and just focus on celebrating this moment right now.”
Jack Westerkamp, Co-founder / Breaking and Entering Media
Student speaker Sandra Sanchez, voted by her classmates to deliver the student graduation speech, reflected on her journey to Brandcenter and the vulnerability that often comes with pursuing creative ambitions.
“There will always be times where achieving your goals feels scary or unattainable, but what you all have shown me is that the things that we fear the most can mold us into who we were always meant to be.”
Sandra Sanchez (Copywriting, 2026)
Khan, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Havas Health and Brandcenter Director’s Council member, brought a unique perspective having spent over twenty years with Havas, a rarity in the industry. In her commencement address, Khan spoke about curiosity, adaptability and the importance of maintaining humanity in a rapidly evolving industry shaped by technology and AI.
“You are entering one of the most dynamic, demanding, and yes, most exciting industries in the world. Will it frustrate you at times? Absolutely. Will there be moments you question your choices? Of course.
But, you’ll also have the opportunity to influence how people think, feel, and connect to change how we see the world and each other. That’s not a job. That’s impact.”
Shazzia Khan, Global CMO / Havas Health
She also challenged graduates to continue seeking out perspectives and experiences beyond their own.
“Seek out people who are different from you, who think differently, live differently,” Khan said. “See the world through a lens you don’t yet understand. Sit with them not to debate but to learn because growth doesn’t happen inside your comfort zone.”
Chair of Strategy Jess Collins presented Judson Simpson with the 2026 Brandcenter Student Initiative Award, given to a student who has made a significant contribution to the Brandcenter community through leadership, collaboration and professionalism.
Associate Director Ashley Sommardahl announced names as graduates walked across the stage to receive a diploma from Graves and greet faculty.
Graves also took time to recognize several members of the Brandcenter community for their lasting contributions to the program. He honored former faculty member Andrew LeVasseur for his 17 years of teaching and mentorship at the Brandcenter and former Copywriting Chair Holly Hessler for her impact as both an alum and faculty member as she heads back to the industry full-time. Graves also thanked administrator Amy Robinson for her behind-the-scenes contributions that help make milestones like commencement possible.
As the ceremony came to a close, Graves sent graduates off with one final message.
“Sixty weeks ago, we welcomed you into the most demanding graduate program in the world. You didn’t just survive, you thrived. We pushed you, we challenged you, and you refused to quit. But today, we release you into the world as graduates and alumni of the VCU Brandcenter. The world is yours. Class of 2026, go forth and be amazing.”
Vann Graves, Executive Director / Brandcenter
All photos by Skip Rowland.
Want to see more?
Watch the full ceremony recording.