Nation’s Top Business Execs & Twin Brothers Deliver Commencement Address to College’s Largest Graduating Class

HAMPTON ROADS, VA, May 4, 2012 – For the first time ever, the Hampton & Virginia Beach campuses of Bryant & Stratton College will join ceremonies to honor its largest graduating class ever, this Saturday, May 12th at 11am at the Ted Constant Convention Center in Norfolk.

Nationally renowned business executives & twin brothers Vincent S. Lyons & Elliott J. Lyons, of Leggett & Platt, Incorporated, will deliver the commencement address to 197 new graduates and their families. The College will confer 30 bachelor’s and 167 associate’s degrees. “We are excited to be at the Constant Center for the 1st time this year” says Beth Murphy, State Director of Virginia Colleges “but the Hampton campus is even more excited to finally honor their first graduating class since the campus doors opened in 2010”.

• Top honor Hampton graduates among associate’s degree recipients are:

  Martha Lyn Russ, a Human Resource Specialist graduate from Hampton, valedictorian; and Jennifer M. Williams, a Medical Assisting graduate from Hampton, salutatorian.

• Top honor Virginia Beach graduates among bachelor’s degree recipients are:

  Valedictorian Cheryl Holman, of Norfolk, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration-General Management degree; and Salutatorian Angela M. Harris, of Chesapeake, earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree.

• Top honor Virginia Beach graduates among associate’s degree recipients are:

  Patricia N. Johnson, a Paralegal Studies graduate from Chesapeake, valedictorian; and Tonya Schiffner, a Medical Administrative Assistant graduate from Norfolk, salutatorian.

Vincent S. Lyons is the Corporate Vice President of Engineering & Technology for Leggett & Platt, Incorporated, and President of the Machinery & Technology Group. Elliott J. Lyons is also a Corporate Vice President of Leggett & Platt, Incorporated and President of the Commercial Vehicle Products Group. An S&P 500 diversified manufacturer, and “Who’s Who” of U.S. companies, Leggett & Platt, Inc. is a pioneer in sleep technology and producer of a diverse array of products that can be found in most homes, offices, and vehicles. Natives of Wynne, Arkansas, the Lyons’ brothers have earned many prestigious honors throughout their 20+ year career in business & engineering technology. In 2010, they were, simultaneously, recognized as two of “The 100 Most Powerful Executives in Corporate America” by Black Enterprise Magazine.