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Seven years after earning his associate’s degree from Northern Virginia Community College, Jonathan “Jack” Ham returned to inspire its newest graduates—just 24 hours after becoming a doctor himself.

Ham addressed NOVA’s Class of 2026 during the college’s 60th commencement ceremony Monday morning, May 18, at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax.

“Be proud of where you came from,” Ham told the graduates. “There are some very unique things you have done to get to this moment. The unique challenges have taught you the skills you will use for the rest of your life. You’ve become resilient.”

Ham used his NOVA education as a springboard to George Mason University, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in biology in 2021. He then attended the University of Virginia’s medical school, concentrating in internal medicine and receiving his medical degree the day before NOVA’s commencement.

College president Anne Kress acknowledged that each graduate will follow a different path, but said commencement represents a significant milestone in turning aspirations into achievements.

“You kept reaching for that dream, no matter what,” Kress said. “You kept moving forward. You turned those dreams into reality. You are inspiring.”

Joel Frater, NOVA’s vice president of student affairs, similarly praised the Class of 2026 as “amazing individuals who have turned their ambitions into actions.”

The ceremony also celebrated six decades of graduations at NOVA. Founded in the 1960s, the college has grown into one of the nation’s largest higher-education institutions.

NOVA Board chair John Porter told graduates they had become role models by making education a priority and committing the time and effort needed to finish.

Isabella Aversano, the student liaison to the board, called NOVA a community of exceptional people before introducing Ham with a joke. She noted that the arena had at least one physician present, but warned the crowd that he had been a doctor for only 24 hours.

Kress also reminded graduates that their achievement was supported by relatives, friends and others who helped them continue through difficult days.

“These folks are as happy and as proud of you as you are of yourself,” she said.