Student Richard Bagby, adjunct professor Sarah Calveric & alum Sabrina Guerin are SPCS Commencement 2025 speakers

As part of a long-standing tradition, a graduating student, faculty member, and an alum will address School of Professional and Continuing Studies graduates during the the School’s graduation ceremony at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 10. This year’s speakers are undergraduate student Richard M. Bagby, adjunct associate professor Dr. Sarah B. Calveric, and alum Sabrina M. Guerin, C’17.

Richard M. Bagby is earning a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts. Bagby was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. He received his high school diploma from the Collegiate School before continuing his education at the University of Richmond, where he also pursued his passion for athletics as a member of the university’s football team.

During an extended hiatus from his education, Bagby committed himself to making a positive impact in his community. His desire to help others led him to co-found the United Spinal Association of Virginia after sustaining quadriplegia due to a diving accident. This organization plays a crucial role in improving the lives of individuals with spinal cord injuries and disorders in Virginia.

In addition to his work with the United Spinal Association, Bagby serves as the Chair of the Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative (CNI) Advisory Board. In this role, he helps guide the board's efforts to enhance the lives of Virginians living with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries through research, education, and community-based rehabilitative services.

Bagby is also actively involved with Sheltering Arms Institute, a nonprofit physical rehabilitation organization. He serves on both the Sheltering Arms Foundation Board and the Sheltering Arms Community Advisory Council, contributing his experiences and passion to support the organization's mission of providing comprehensive rehabilitation services.

Through his various roles, Bagby has been instrumental in advocating for the rights and needs of people with spinal cord injuries and disability at-large, promoting independence, and fostering a supportive community for those affected by such conditions.

Bagby's journey from a local Richmond student-athlete to a community leader and advocate demonstrates his commitment to giving back to his hometown and making a difference in the lives of others. His efforts continue to positively impact the neurotrauma and spinal cord injury communities in Virginia.

Dr. Sarah B. Calveric has taught at the University of Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies (SPCS) for the past decade. Calveric is an adjunct associate professor in the School’s Educational Leadership and Policy Studies program. In 2017, she was the recipient of the SPCS Innovations in Teaching award.

Calveric has served as the superintendent of Caroline County Public Schools since 2018. People, passion, performance, and process drive her work. This 4P philosophy has undergirded Calveric’s 28-years of educational experience. Calveric has been described as “The ‘Michael Jordan’ of educational leadership: insatiable ambition, steely determination, boundless belief in team, unwavering commitment to excellence, and a work ethic that is second to none!” Calveric’s persistent commitment to access and opportunity for all students, staff, and the community resulted in her being named Virginia’s 2023 Region III Superintendent of the Year.

Calveric began her career in Hanover County Public Schools in 1997, where she served as a special and general education teacher at the elementary and middle school levels. In 2002, she began her 11-year career as an elementary assistant principal and principal. In 2013, Dr. Calveric was named Director of Human Resources for Spotsylvania County Public Schools, where she worked collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders to oversee leadership development, recruitment and retention, human relations, and employee wellness. As Assistant Superintendent of Instruction for Caroline County Public Schools (2016-2018), Calveric was instrumental in the development of numerous core instructional initiatives, operational enhancements, and increased student achievement metrics.

In 2018, Calveric was named superintendent. During her tenure as Superintendent of Caroline County Public Schools, Calveric has operationalized two strategic plans solidifying the school division’s core values, mission, and vision. Her commitment to shared leadership and scholarly voice has resulted in numerous measurable advancements in the areas of teaching and learning, school and community relations, health and safety, talent management, and organizational effectiveness. These efforts have resulted in Calveric being named an American Heart Association 2022 Heart of Gold Superintendent, the 2021 Virginia School Board of the Year (VSBA), and VSBA Master Board Distinction since 2022.

To remain abreast of educational best practices across the region and Commonwealth, Calveric serves on the Virginia Association of Teaching, Learning, and Leading (VATLL) Board and the Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS) as President-elect.

Calveric is also an active member of the University of Virginia K12 Advisory Board, University of Mary Washington College of Education Advisory Board, and Longwood University Educational Leadership Advisory Board. Calveric also regularly mentors leaders in Virginia and across the nation through the VASS Superintendent Executive Coaching program, The Forum Interview Board, and Google Executive Coaching. On a local level, Calveric actively engages in community efforts as a Board Member for the Caroline YMCA, Region 6 GoVA, and Chamber of Commerce Workforce Now.

Calveric holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from the State University of New York at Geneseo, a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Sabrina M. Guerin, C’17, is the Senior Financial Education Specialist for Adult Education at Virginia Credit Union. A proud Hanover County native, Sabrina earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from the University of Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies in 2017. With nearly a decade of experience in financial education, Guerin is a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor through the National Credit Union Association.

Guerin is currently serving her second term as the president of the SPCS Alumni Association Board of Directors. She joined the Alumni Association Board in 2020 and has held several additional leadership positions including secretary and vice president. During her time on the board, Guerin has been instrumental in shifting the Alumni Association’s focus to alumni and student support.

In 2024, Guerin was honored to represent the Commonwealth of Virginia as a “Crasher” at the Cooperative Trust’s prestigious Crash the Governmental Affairs Conference, a highly competitive program that connects emerging credit union leaders with industry visionaries. Last year, Sabrina reached more than 800 adults in custody at regional and federal prisons, providing financial education to help prepare them for successful reentry into society upon release.

Guerin holds a Master of Business Administration from the College of William and Mary. She is also an instructor for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at SPCS. Guerin’s passion for financial education and leadership continues to inspire her work and her commitment to making a lasting difference in the community.

Bagby, Calveric, and Guerin will be officially recognized for their achievements on May 7 at SPCS Night, the School’s annual awards convocation.