Announcing NOVA’s May 12 Commencement Speaker: JR Bontrager

Today’s topic is the announcement of our 2024 commencement speaker.

I am pleased to share that our keynote at our Spring 2024 NOVA commencement (May 12) will be provided by NOVA alum and current student JR Bontrager.

JR Bontrager is the director of technology and 3D design at 3D Herndon, where he focuses on producing innovative solutions for a range of clients. His current projects include printing adaptive prosthetics for medical use, rendering replicas of ancient bones through his work with the Smithsonian Institution and pioneering other cutting-edge solutions.

JR’s journey through and back to our college reflects the paths that so many of our students take as they grow and change in their careers. He first studied music at NOVA and later obtained his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Art Institute of Washington, where he received the Washingtonian Student Merit Award.

He discovered that life as a musician, while rewarding personally, was ultimately not as rewarding financially; eventually, he pursued such diverse career paths as independent game design, esports and cyber athletics and commentary, and freelance writing for gaming magazines. JR was also a trombone player for North Carolina’s Transylvania Symphony (now the Brevard Philharmonic). In his leisure time, he enjoys playing the trombone, playing and designing board and tabletop games, and sculpting.

JR’s interest in sculpting led him to learn more about 3D printing, to his career at 3D Herndon and back to NOVA. As he worked more with scientists, designing models based on their specifications, he wanted to learn more about their fields. He started taking classes at NOVA and discovered a passion for engineering. He is now working on an associate degree in engineering with a goal of transferring to George Mason University to complete his bachelor’s.

JR is passionate about the power of 3D modeling and printing both as an art form and as a vehicle to inform and educate. When he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, JR modeled and printed three-dimensional braces so that he could continue his work and his studies. He is an advocate for those living with multiple sclerosis, and his experience informs his goals for the future.

Reflecting on his journey, JR praises the outstanding opportunities that NOVA offers: “I want to emphasize that NOVA should always remain in the back of your mind. You can always return to school. At 46, I transitioned from being a 2D animator to a 3D design artist. As this year’s NOVA commencement speaker, I am thrilled to share insights on how students can continually refine and expand their skills.”

I hope you can join us at this year’s commencement on Sunday, May 12, to hear JR’s inspiring remarks and cheer on our amazing NOVA graduates as we fill the EagleBank Arena with a celebration worthy of their achievements.