Business, banking and fine wine: VCU Business announces 2025 spring commencement speakers
Wine executive Larry Holman and Truist’s Thomas Ransom to address VCU Business graduates this May.
By Megan Nash
Two longtime figures in banking and the wine industry will address graduates at the VCU School of Business ceremonies this May to help send off the Class of 2025.
Larry Holman, a retired wine industry executive and VCU Business alumnus, and Thomas Ransom, Virginia region president at Truist Financial, have been named keynote speakers for the school’s two spring commencement ceremonies.
Holman, who earned his degree from the School of Business in 1979, will speak at the master’s and Ph.D. ceremony on Thursday, May 8, at 7 p.m. at the Stuart C. Siegel Center. Over a four-decade career in global wine and beverage leadership, Holman held senior positions at E. & J. Gallo Winery, Diageo and Constellation Brands before taking the helm at fine wine producers Cline Family Cellars and Michael David Winery. Today, he advises wineries internationally and mentors emerging talent in the industry.
Ransom will address bachelor’s degree graduates at the ceremony on Saturday, May 10, at 8 p.m., also at the Siegel Center. A veteran banking executive, he leads Truist’s commercial, business and corporate banking efforts across Virginia. During his 26 years with Truist and its predecessors, Ransom helped develop national client experience initiatives and served on the company’s operating council. He also sits on the boards of the Virginia Business Council, INROADS and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, among others. Earlier this year, Virginia Business magazine recognized him as part of its “Virginia Power 50” list.
More details about the ceremonies, including schedules, parking and livestream links, can be found at business.vcu.edu/commencement.
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