Pamplin College of Business Commencement Program

Dear Class of 2026,

On behalf of our Pamplin faculty, staff, and community, I want to congratulate you on the completion of your degree. From the day you stepped into the Pamplin College of Business, you have been preparing for this moment to step into your careers and make an impact on the world as Hokies.

From participating in student organizations, study abroad trips, internships, and other programs to collaborating with world-class faculty, these experiences have shaped who you are today. You have learned foundational business concepts and technology-focused skills to become agile problem solvers and as Pamplin graduates, you will be known as leaders in this ever evolving technology-driven business world.

Today, you officially join more than 50,000 Pamplin alumni who are making a difference as leaders in their workplaces and communities. Your engagement as alumni helps ensure that Pamplin continues to succeed in providing a heightened student experience for future Hokies who are following in your footsteps. I hope you will join your fellow Pamplin alumni in generously offering your time, ideas, and support. I also hope you stay in touch and keep us updated on your journey and triumphs, inspiring others along the way. Together, we can continue to grow Pamplin.

Congratulations, and let’s go Hokies!

Saonee Sarker
Richard E. Sorensen Dean

National Anthem

Dean’s Welcome
Saonee Sarker, Richard E. Sorensen Dean

Outstanding Senior, Class of 2026
Sara Prisinzano, Accounting and Information Systems

Keynote Speaker
Melissa Taylor, KPMG U.S. Vice Chair, Clients & Markets

Pamplin Master Degree Programs
Master of Accounting and Information System
Master of Business Administration
Master of Science in Business Administration - Business Analytics
Master of Science in Business Administration - Global Business Analytics
Master of Science in Business Administration - Hospitality and Tourism Management

Pamplin Bachelor Degree Majors
Accounting and Business Analysis
Accounting and Information Systems
Business Information Technology
Commercial Development and Investment
Cybersecurity Management and Analytics
Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology Management
Event and Experience Management
Finance
Finance and Real Estate
Financial Planning and Wealth Management
FinTech and Big Data Analytics
Hospitality and Tourism Management
Human Resource Management
Management
Management Consulting and Analytics
Marketing Management
Real Estate Finance
Real Estate for Commercial Properties
Real Estate for Residential Properties
Residential Development and Investment

Pamplin Executive Leadership Team
Saonee Sarker, Richard E. Sorensen Dean
Rajesh Bagchi, Associate Dean of Research, Centers, and Graduate Programs
Reza Barkhi, Associate Dean for Strategic Affairs
Parviz Ghandforoush, Associate Dean for Pamplin National Capital Region Operations
Steve Kleiber, Associate Dean for Operations
Michelle Seref, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs
Robert Davidson, Department Head, Accounting and Information Systems
Quinton Nottingham, Department Head, Business Information Technology
Raman Kumar, Interim Department Head, Finance, Insurance, and Business Law
Zheng (Phil) Xiang, Department Head, Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Devi Gnyawali, Department Head, Management
Meng Zhu, Department Head, Marketing
Dustin Read, Department Head, Blackwood Department of Real Estate

*not all members are in attendance

Pamplin Award Recipients

Outstanding Senior, Class of 2026
Sara Prisinzano, Accounting and Information Systems

H. H. Mitchell Leadership Award, Class of 2026
Samantha Sciortino, Hospitality and Tourism Management & Marketing Management
Carmella Wheeler, Management

College Service Award, Class of 2026
Julia Beal-Diaz, Financial Planning and Wealth Management & Management Consulting and Analytics
Emily Bedford, Management Consulting and Analytics & Marketing Management

First Honors Graduates, Class of 2026
Alexandra Cuellar, Accounting and Information Systems
Emily Dong, Cybersecurity Management and Analytics
Daria Manitiu, Business Information Technology
Dan Nguyen, Business Information Technology
Kashvi Patel, Business Information Technology
Gabriel Quimby, Accounting and Information Systems & Finance
Nathaniel Sonak, Finance

Diploma Distribution
Diplomas will not be distributed at the Pamplin Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 14, due to the time needed to finalize grades. Diplomas will be mailed to students.

Sara is a senior in the Pamplin College of Business pursuing a degree in Accounting and Information Systems. In addition to her academic accomplishments, she has exemplified outstanding leadership as an Engage Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Chief Operating Officer of Members for the Sigma Omega Upsilon International Business Fraternity, and an Intramural Sports Supervisor with Virginia Tech Recreational Sports. Sara has also demonstrated a strong commitment to service through her involvement with the Big Event, Relay for Life, Special Olympics, and the Hokie Half. Upon graduation, Sara will join EY as a GPS Assurance Associate.

Melissa Taylor is the Vice Chair of Clients & Markets and member of the U.S. Management Committee at KPMG LLP, a U.S. audit, tax, and advisory firm. As a trusted leader focused on creating long-term value, Melissa is at the forefront of driving firmwide growth by bringing the full breadth of KPMG together, strengthening client relationships, and elevating the KPMG brand across sectors and geographies. Her leadership is centered on listening closely to clients, tackling their most complex challenges, and empowering them to navigate change with confidence.

With a career spanning more than three decades at KPMG, Melissa has a proven track record of working alongside leaders of large, global companies, primarily in the Life Sciences and Consumer & Retail sectors. She has led some of the firm's most significant audit engagements and held several senior leadership roles, including serving on the KPMG Board of Directors and as Audit Sector Lead for Life Sciences. Her extensive global experience includes a four-year secondment in London and time as a former member of the IFRS Advisory Council Board (IASB/ISSB) and KPMG Global Board Audit Quality Committee.

Melissa’s time at Virginia Tech laid the foundation for the career and values that continue to guide her today. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the Pamplin College of Business, where she discovered not only a passion for accounting, but also the importance of community and mentorship.

What continues to motivate Melissa today is developing the next generation of leaders and helping others realize the power of relationships in shaping meaningful careers. She remains an active supporter of Virginia Tech and mentor to students and alumni.

Melissa resides in Virginia with her husband and daughter. Outside of work she enjoys traveling and is an avid Hokie sports fan.

Congratulations from Career Services

All of us here at Career Services are proud of each and every one of you! If you haven't secured a position yet, don't worry! Our team is here to help! Career services provides resume review, interview prep, offer decision tips, job search assistance, and more. Learn more. 

Let us know your post-graduation plans

Pay it forward and share information about your post-grad plans! Whether you are going to grad school, the military, volunteering, working, or taking a gap year. This is confidential and will never be shared with your name! Share your information. 

Hokies, stay connected to Virginia Tech and Pamplin. There are many ways to stay engaged with Pamplin, including attending events, participating on boards, speaking to students, recruiting, and hosting company visits. 

Stay current and update your contact information online so you don’t miss Pamplin events and updates.