For most graduates, commencement day is a celebration shared with family cheering from the crowd. For WVU Tech graduate Roxana Vazquez, the day looked very different, but thanks to the compassion and collaboration of a caring community, it became a moment her family will never forget.

After four years of hard work studying chemical engineering while balancing collegiate volleyball and life away from her family in Puerto Rico, Roxana was preparing to celebrate her graduation from West Virginia University Institute of Technology with loved ones by her side. With a new career opportunity ahead at Smurfit Westrock, graduation marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

But the day before commencement, Roxana’s father suffered a heart attack and was rushed to Raleigh General Hospital for emergency care.

Although Roxana walked across the stage to receive her diploma, her father was unable to be there to witness the moment in person.

When WVU Tech President T. Ramon Stuart, P.h.D., learned what had happened, university leadership quickly partnered with Raleigh General Hospital to bring commencement directly to the bedside.

“The notion that we needed to take commencement to the hospital was not a second thought. It was what we needed to do. Thanks to Raleigh General Hospital, under the leadership of David Brash, a proud Tech alum, Justin LeMoine, the nursing staff, as well as the faculty and staff members at Tech, who have worked with Roxana for four years. Our aim was to bring a little bit of sunshine on a dark day for Roxana’s father, from our Golden Bear family to theirs.”

Dressed in cap and gown, Roxana was joined at the hospital by university leadership, faculty members, family, and loved ones for a special bedside graduation ceremony. Surrounded by those who supported her throughout her journey, she officially moved her tassel while her father watched proudly from his hospital room.

“At Raleigh General Hospital, being part of this community means showing up for people during life’s most important moments, not just medically, but personally. Hosting this graduation ceremony at the hospital was a powerful example of compassion and the personal connections that make healthcare so meaningful. This collaboration reflects what makes our community special: neighbors, organizations, and local leaders working together to create meaningful experiences and ensure families feel connected, even when they are far from home. We are honored to have played a small part in making such a special milestone possible for this family,” said David Brash, CEO of Raleigh General Hospital.

"Being part of this graduation ceremony is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life,” said Justin LeMoine, COO of Raleigh General Hospital. “To witness the pride, emotion, and strength of this student and family in such a personal setting was incredibly powerful. Moments like this remind us that hospitals are more than places of care; they are part of the community, part of people’s lives, and part of their most meaningful milestones.”