Spring 2020 Virtual Commencement
Transcript
Below is a transcript of the commencement ceremony.
Processional
Stage party enters to Pomp and Circumstance.
Proclamation
Ashley Chisolm, President of the Faculty Senate:
As President of the Mississippi University for Women Faculty Senate, I welcome you to the 135th Commencement Ceremony and hereby proclaim it officially convened.
As the mace has been a symbol of authority since the Middle Ages, the mace which I carry today is a symbol of this institution and bears the inscription: "We study for light to bless with light." The simple and direct message confirmed here is that as we become enlightened through our pursuits and gain knowledge, we will in turn use our understanding, knowledge, and ability to improve the world.
During the ceremony, the Mace will rest on the table at which John McCaleb Martin drafted the bill creating this institution 136 years ago to remind us of our accomplishments and our specific responsibility to “bless with light.”
Please stand for the National Anthem, previously recorded by the MUW Chamber Singers at the Spring 2019 Commencement ceremony.
National Anthem
Welcome
John Jacob Miller, President of the Student Government Association:
Graduates, Family, Honored Guests, all those gathered to celebrate,
On behalf of the student body of Mississippi University for Women I am proud to welcome you to celebrate your achievement. Despite the hardships, struggles, and public health crises you have endured. You have, with no small measure of work and sacrifice, achieved your goals. So, today we are gathered here, wherever we are, to celebrate you.
When preparing what to say for this unusual but no less sacred ceremony, I aspired of delivering grand words that would bring clarity and inspiration. Well, apologies to all who have attempted to teach me writing and English, I could not. When thinking of all the grand things to say, I could only find these three simple ideas: congratulations, persist, and thank you.
It bears repeating, congratulations! Graduates, you made it. You set your mind towards the goal of having this degree, and you made it. No one handed this to you. Your parents didn’t go to class for you. Your advisor didn’t make deals to pass you. You did it. You have earned your place in a legacy of leaders, artists, healers, and change-makers. But, you did not do it alone. So, Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, and all caregivers, congratulations! With every move-in day, bank transfer, and late night spent worrying at the dinner table you helped bring your graduate a little closer to this day. Graduates, while you wear the cap and gown, a community worked for it. So to you, and all those who were there with you along the way, congratulations!
Remember that your journey doesn’t end here. You have taken the first step on the path you are set upon. What you finish today, is only the beginning of what you are to become. Wherever you decide to go, you have been equipped with the knowledge, tools, and skills to succeed.
Now, it is up to you to decide how to use them. So, persist. Find what it is that inspires you, what drives you, and pursue it with your whole heart. I encourage you to remember your state, communities, and families. Your Mississippi needs you, and you always have a place here.
Thank you. Thank you for your hard work. Thank you graduates for the long sleepless nights and early mornings that went into today. Thank you family for the calls, time, and prayers that went into your graduate’s journey. Thank you to the University, faculty, staff, and alumni that has created a special home here for all of our graduates.
Congratulations for your achievement, persist to your goals, and never remember to say thank you. With a heart full of gratitude, I send you with the words of one of the greatest men I’ve ever known, my grandfather. “You can do a whole lot, when you just do what’s right”.
Welcome to the Long Blue Line!
Special Comments and Introduction of Stage Party
Nora Miller, President of Mississippi University for Women:
Thank you, John Jacob, for your remarks.
Today we honor our graduates as they join the Long Blue Line. The W was founded to provide educational opportunities to an underserved population. Today, The W is celebrated as a coeducational 21st Century university, grounded in and remaining true to the values of our founding. The W’s tradition of excellence is nationally recognized. U. S. News and World Report ranks The W as one of the top 20 public Southern regional universities and a best value. Washington Monthly has consistently ranked The W as a top master’s university, as well as a Best Bang for the Buck. We celebrate these recognitions, but the best and most enduring measures of this university are its graduates and the mark they will make on this state, this nation, and the world. Today, I want to invite you to pause and reflect on the great legacy of The W. I encourage you to look forward to what comes next for the university, but, most important, what comes next for the graduates we celebrate today.
We are grateful to the leaders of the state of Mississippi who support higher education: the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, the Commissioner of Higher Education, our Governor, the state legislature, and to our alumni and friends.
I would like to introduce the members of the stage party. I will start with those on the front row and then the back. Please stand as I call your name.
Ashley Chisolm, President of Faculty Senate
Dr. Scott Tollison, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
John Jacob Miller, SGA President
Then on the back row:
Dr. Jennifer Miles, Vice President for Student Affairs
Dr. Marty Hatton, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Head of the Division of Education and Outreach
Dr. Tammie McCoy, Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Dr. Marty Brock, Dean of the College of Business and Professional Studies
Dr. Brian Anderson, Dean of the College of Arts, Science and Education
The outstanding faculty and staff of The W are known and respected for their excellence and commitment to the success of our students. While they are not here with us physically, they are with us in spirit, celebrating this day. Today would not be possible for these graduates without the love, support, and funding provided by some other very important people. Today we also honor parents, spouses, grandparents, children, and other family and friends of today’s graduates.
As these graduates join the Long Blue Line, I would like to recognize our alumni. The women and men who have graduated from The W in every decade of our history are legendary for their dedication to this university. My fellow W alumni are here with us in spirit this day. Typically, our physical commencement ceremonies are dignified and (well, at least we attempt to) follow the appropriate protocol. The Class of 2020 is remarkable. You have finished your academic experience like no other class has, and the virtual ceremony will take whatever form you wish, wherever you are participating. While the stage party here will adhere to standard protocol, our graduates and their family and friends are encouraged to make all the joyful noise that you please. Your celebration will not interfere with that of the next person whose name will be called.
Dr. Miles, Mr. Miller and Dr. Tollison will come forward to make several special announcements.
Special Announcements
Dr. Jennifer Miles, Vice President for Student Affairs:
Unfortunately, we are not able to gather today for our traditional Magnolia Chain Ceremony, but we would like to make some special announcements that are normally made during that ceremony.
First, I am happy to recognize the members of the Class of 2020 selected Mr. and Ms. MUW and those selected to be in the The W Hall of Fame. Selected by their fellow classmates, these students have been actively involved on campus throughout their time here and are known to exemplify the truest spirit of The W. Mr. MUW is John Jacob Miller, and Ms. MUW is Katie Ballinger. Those selected for Hall of Fame are Victoria Bailey, Keyarra Blakeney, Morgan Dennis, Tsering Gurung, Thomas Kennedy, Francisco Lopes, Recious Miller, and Walker Winter. Congratulations to each of you for receiving this distinguished honor!
I would now like to present an award to the social club with the highest GPA. The W’s Interclub Council is comprised of seven 4-year social clubs. Life-long bonds, fun, and friendship may be what draws most people into the social club experience, but The W’s Interclub also encourages and strives for academic success. The 2020 social club with the highest average is the Lockheart Social Club. Congratulations!
The W SPIRIT Award is given each year to the W student who exhibits the true spirit of the University. Students who receive this award must demonstrate a positive spirit for The W, contribute to university-wide activities, serve and participate on campus, promote The W, and maintain at least a "C" average and are nominated by the academic colleges. The winner of the 2020 The W SPIRIT Award is Mary Grace Prine. Congratulations!
John Jacob Miller, President of the Student Government Association:
On behalf of the Class of 2020, I would like to present a check in the amount of $2,500 as our class gift for a garden statue of an owl. President Miller, would you please accept this gift to the university that has given us so much?
President Nora Miller:
On behalf of the university, I am delighted to accept this check for $2,500 for an owl statue. It will symbolize the impact that your class has made on campus, and future students and guests will know of the legacy you leave behind. Again, thank you to the 2020 Senior Class.
Dr. Tollison will now come forward to make another special recognition.
Dr. Scott Tollison, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs:
Emeritus status is a high honor which may be conferred upon a faculty member who is retiring after a lengthy career of distinguished service at MUW. We have four retiring faculty members we would like to recognize for this accomplishment.
Robert Gibson is Professor Emeritus of Art. He has served on the MUW faculty since 1989. Congratulations Mr. Gibson!
Dr. Bryan Hilliard is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy. He has served on the MUW faculty since 2005. Congratulations Dr. Hilliard!
Dr. Cathy Smith is Associate Professor Emeritus of Nursing. She has served on the MUW faculty since 2004. Congratulations Ms. Smith!
Dr. Bridget Smith-Pieschel is Professor Emeritus of English and Women’s Studies. She has served on the MUW faculty since 1983. Congratulations Dr. Pieschel!
Let’s all give a round of applause for these four new emeriti faculty members.
Graduates who have successfully completed the requirements of the Ina E. Gordy Honors College, including a senior independent research project in their major area of study, will be recognized by our Deans.
As our Deans recognize our graduates, you will hear terms such as summa cum laude, magna cum laude and cum laude. This recognition is reserved for those who currently have at least a 3.5 MUW and cumulative grade point average on their undergraduate academic work for their first baccalaureate degree.
Congratulations to all of our honor graduates.
Conferring of Degrees
Dr. Scott Tollison:
Wherever you are, would all candidates for a degree please stand? President Miller, I am honored to present the members of the graduating class.
President Nora Miller:
Thank you, Dr. Tollison.
By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning in Mississippi, I confer upon you the degree for which you have qualified with all the rights and privileges appertaining thereto.
Will the candidates please be seated?
Dr. Scott Tollison:
The deans will announce the candidates for degree. Graduates, please stand as your name is called.
Dr. Brian Anderson, Dean, College of Arts, Sciences, and Education:
President Miller, the following students are receiving the MASTER OF ARTS degree in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education:
Daysha N Humphrey
Bassant Mahmoud Ali
Miranda Bayleigh Vick
Taylor D Vick
Jeanie Elise Wilson
President Miller, the following students are receiving the MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING degree in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education:
Elizabeth Braddock
Anna Merwin
Christopher Deon Rice
President Miller, the following students are receiving the Master of Education degree in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education:
El’Lane Burris Gilmore
Rachel Taylor Nevins
Wendy S Powers
Carrie Elizabeth Ring
President Miller, the following students are receiving the Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education:
Yadav Acharya - Summa Cum Laude
Biraj Adhikari - Magna Cum Laude
Malory Amanda Aldridge
Summer Nicole Arnold - Magna Cum Laude
Ashley Katherine Ballinger - Magna Cum Laude
Diltasia Baylous
Sudaja Alexandria Buchanan
Cody Christopher Cliett
Julianna Grace Clyburn – Cum Laude, Honors in English
Xena Noel Conway
Amber Grace Crenshaw - Cum Laude
Christopher John Cunningham
Olivia Kendall Dewberry
Callie E Estes
Kerri Anna Fortenberry
Lauren Elizabeth Harmon - Summa Cum Laude, Honors in History
Haley D Harper
Holley Anne Hastings
Ariel Dawn Hawkins - Summa Cum Laude
Nakia Holton
Kiara LeShae Hoyle
Kyndal L James
Sydney Jenkins
LaDarrius D’Juan Jennings
Rebecca Johnson
Shakina Darnea Kelley
Maggie R King
Elliot Tobias Lake
Francisco De Assis Lopes
Linda Y McBride
Abigail Elise McCreary - Magna Cum Laude, Honors in Theatre Education
Cecille Silagan Miral
Kameron Lynn Morris
Elexcia Ellis Nicholson
Nathaniel Jackson Norris-Jones
Taaliyah Unique Patton - Cum Laude
Isaiah John Perkins
Jada Noelle Perkins
Salina Rai - Summa Cum Laude, Honors in Women’s Studies
Ryan C Ramsey
Megen Taylor Reed
X’Zayvia Chyrece Scott
Lorrin Talia Sparks
Sarah Staten
Caitlin Elise Tidwell
Jake Upton
Payton Elaine Washington - Magna Cum Laude
Elizabeth Grace Wiggins
Stephen Walker Winter - Cum Laude, Honors in Spanish
President Miller, the following students are receiving the BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS degree in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education:
Daryl F Cosby
Blake N Davis
Addison Garrett
Gabrielle Marie Goodloe
Ian A Johnson
Thomas Lamar Kennedy - Cum Laude
Haley Fairfax Rountree - Magna Cum Laude
Evonte Shepherd
President Miller, the following students are receiving the BACHELOR OF MUSIC degree in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education:
Michelle Skye Collins
Kendra Joelle Keesee
President Miller, the following students are receiving the BACHELOR OF SCIENCE degree in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education:
Anush Aryal - Magna Cum Laude, Honors in Biology
Skylar Douglas Baswell
Kaylyn J Bolton - Magna Cum Laude, Honors in Elementary Education
Morgan Alaine Browning - Cum Laude
Isaura Diana Camacho
Olivia Shay Davis - Cum Laude
Mario Djugovski - Magna Cum Laude
Brooke Ann Duett
Alexius B Ellis
Maci Layne Farrar - Cum Laude
Chelsea Keon Foster - Cum Laude
Zandria Tionne Gillard
Catrina Glaspie
Jacob Braxton Goss
Caroline Susan Grafe
Sharquea Vonshae Groves
Jessica S Haga
Elijah Christopher Hemphill - Magna Cum Laude
Bailey Keith Howell - Summa Cum Laude, Honors in Biology
Tamera LeAndrea Hughes
Cernoria Jene Johnson
Kayla Gabrielle Joseph
Umisha KC - Summa Cum Laude, Honors in Communication
Ishan Lamichhane
Latasha Sharell Latham - Cum Laude
Christina Irene Lee - Cum Laude
Haley Jo McMurphey - Summa Cum Laude
Stephanie Nicole Minga - Magna Cum Laude
Irene Mondragon - Cum Laude
Mariallen Moore - Magna Cum Laude
Shraddha Neupane - Magna Cum Laude
Mateline Claire Newman - Cum Laude
Ashruti Pant - Cum Laude
Faith Anne Petty
Courtney Laine Reed
Tommy Lee Rupert
Kyla Aliesha Skinner
Caitlyn Faith Smith - Summa Cum Laude
Lauren Elizabeth Smith
Paris Tyanna Somerville
Nikola Srzic
Prince Arthur Tolbert
Khadijah S Trimble
Arpana Upadhyay - Cum Laude
Gwynnedra Vance
Arenzo Devon Walker
Mallory Marie Wooldridge
Dr. Marty Brock, Dean, College of Business and Professional Studies:
President Miller, the following students are receiving the MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION degree in the College of Business and Professional Studies:
Elizabeth Ellen Carter
Emily Elise Jenkins
Timothy George Wood
President Miller, the following students are receiving the BACHELOR OF ARTS degree in the College of Business and Professional Studies:
Carley Shannon Bevels - Summa Cum Laude, Honors in Legal Studies and Political Science
Brianna Charnae Plott - Cum Laude
Ambriya Powell
President Miller, the following students are receiving the BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE degree in the College of Business and Professional Studies:
Elizabeth A Adam
Matthew Cory Barber - Magna Cum Laude
Jessica Lynn Boyles
Rhonda K Brown
Pennie Clack - Cum Laude
Valarie D Donaldson
Alondra Dessirae Jefferson
Kadaijha Johnson
Carrie Leggett
Christy M Lick
Renita Margarita Lust-Ware
Crystal Gabriel McMillan
William David McNew
Toya Sherresse Antoinette McQueen
Shelby Meeler
Jonathan Mitchell
Amanda G Parson
Glenda Marie Patterson - Cum Laude
Charles H Rash
April Nicole Scott
Shenikia Shelton
Tracey Tillman
Isys Webster
Justin Wilcher
President Miller, the following students are receiving the BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION degree in the College of Business and Professional Studies:
Tonya Austin
Amber Sandidge Barbieri - Summa Cum Laude
Macie Elizabeth Barrett - Cum Laude
Sandy Bonucchi
Ashley Nicole Bostick
Ashley Nicole Brasington
Tessa M Carpenter
DaRonna U’Rethel Carter
Jennifer R Case - Cum Laude
Treba Treyanna Davis
Vonkiesha C Davis - Cum Laude
Jalyn S Douglas
Jeremy Bryan Earnest
Alilynn Alexis Gartman - Cum Laude
Tsering Tashi Gurung - Magna Cum Laude
Joseph Dow Hailey - Cum Laude
Terriona Pricilla Hartford
Joshua B Hemphill - Cum Laude
Kendra Jackson - Magna Cum Laude
Takyia Rashay Jackson
Monalee KC - Magna Cum Laude
Briana Noel Lane
Summer Antoinette Long
Joseph Kale McKee - Cum Laude
Kenneth Lindsay McQuage
Hector Mendoza
Marcus Bryan Montfort - Cum Laude
Ann E Murphy - Summa Cum Laude
Benjamin Luke Rosamond
Audrey Renee Ruth
Hanna Eileen Small
Grozie E Thomas
Kelsey Mae Trainer
Elena Vickers - Cum Laude
Brandon Eugene Walker - Cum Laude
Britain L Welzien - Cum Laude
Amy West
Jakob Hayes Williams
Shakara Wilson
Ashton Smith Womack
Kristine Wood - Magna Cum Laude
Brooke N Younger
President Miller, the following students are receiving the BACHELOR OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES degree in the College of Business and Professional Studies:
Lauren Jane Brown
McKayla Cobb
Caterra Monique Crump
Laquisha Lashaun Davis
Jennifer A Hunt
Jeremy Elliot Newton
Courtney Stafford Smith - Cum Laude
Andriana Kristina Spiller
Jamie E Tollison
Nancy J Veri
President Miller, the following students are receiving the BACHELOR OF SCIENCE degree in the College of Business and Professional Studies:
Erica McGee Bankhead
Tenecia Shamae Bell
Olivia Clark
Hallie Grace Cole - Summa Cum Laude, Honors in Accounting
Iyonna G Collins - Cum Laude
Ashley Grace Crane
Noah Estes
Maci Diane Fields
Felicia S Fleming
Sarah Elise Grete
Courtney M Hale - Cum Laude
Kaley M Hall
Samuel Royce Harvey - Cum Laude
Savannah Leigh Hollis - Cum Laude
Chava Y Ivory
Priscilla Shuntel Johnson
Alysha Keyshea McCalpine
Katrinna Shea Miller
Courtland Marquis Moore
Rae’Nyshea N Myles
Hailey Louise Robinson
Bayleigh A Sears
Laken Michelle Suddieth
Melisa S Taylor
Deionia Turner
Lisa Michelle Watkins
Devonshae Hogan Young
Dr. Tammie McCoy, Dean, College of Nursing and Health Sciences:
President Miller, the following students are receiving the DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE degree in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences:
Rebecca a Cagle
Dr. Rebecca Cagle completed her DNP Project on “Impact of Positive Self Care Practices on Satifaction with Work-Life Balance”
Jaime Galinsky Gaudet
Dr. Jaime Galinsky Gaudet completed her DNP Project on “Implementation of a multidisciplinary, multimedia educational experience: effects on patient’s knowledge and attitudes toward total joint replacement”
Angela Jones-Stewart
Dr. Angela Jones-Stewart completed her DNP Project on “Cardiovascular Screening: Is Your Heart Telling the Truth?—Angela Jones-Stewart”
Savannah Bohon Perkins
Dr. Savannah Perkins completed her DNP Project on “Implementation of an Osteoporosis Screening Algorithm in Primary Care”
Jenny Marie Taylor
Dr. Jenny Taylor completed her DNP Project on “Increasing Flu Vaccine Uptake Through Evidence Based Education at a Community Health Clinic in a Rural Area”
Laura Beth Turner
Dr. Beth Turner completed her DNP Project on “Childhood Obesity Assessment and Management”
Deborah Traylor Wilmoth
Dr. Debbie Wilmoth completed her DNP Project on “Do You See Me? Promoting Awareness of Human Trafficking”
President Miller, the following students will be receiving the MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH degree in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences:
Edward Allen
Cody Allsup
Lakisa Ards
Erin Nicole Bracey
Shannon Jessica Dunlap
Ana Claire Fondren
Jacob B Johnson
Candice Brooke Keen
Tia A Miller
Creda DeMera Morgan
Alyssa J Spina
Markita Williams
President Miller, the following students will be receiving the MASTER OF SCIENCE degree in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences:
Brianna Lauren Barrett
Holly Jean Borntrager
Emily Grace Coggins
Sarah Daniels
Breanne Dawn Ducote
Mary Hannah Gho
Kayla C Hall
Delaynee Claire Marchant
Bailey Newbill
Lesley Elizabeth Parker
Mary Peden
Ivy Noel Robbins
Taylor Faye Thornton
Jordan A Wade
Tori Elizabeth Wall
Alyka Hamm Williams
President Miller, the following students are receiving the BACHELOR OF SCIENCE degree in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences:
Kaylee Michela Ables
Ambrielle Lachay Adams
Tangie Monae Almo
Asuna LaTiara Anderson - Magna Cum Laude
Rachel Magan Bailey - Cum Laude
Madison Rebecca Barkley - Magna Cum Laude
Antavious Kemar Belgrave
Tory L Bell
Alayna Burnside - Magna Cum Laude
Sarah Kate Caldwell - Cum Laude
Jakheris T Carr
Jayla Cummings
Kiara A Cunningham - Cum Laude
Garrett Wade Dees - Magna Cum Laude
Shasika D Eatmon
Adysia Faith Edwards
Malessia M Gilbert - Cum Laude
Marcus Malik Glenn
Cicely Goldhorn
Haley LeAnn Hall - Cum Laude
Mary Hammons - Cum Laude
Danielle Hardges
Tatyana Ambriehl Harris
Hannah Harrison - Magna Cum Laude
Courtney L Hatcher - Magna Cum Laude
Hannah Lauren Heustess
Kaadrian Lashay Hill
Rylee Anne Holdiness - Magna Cum Laude
Kirbi Lyn Hurst - Magna Cum Laude
Kalyn Jackson
Erin N Johnston
Sierra Jones
Anna Victoria Price Lloyd
Hannah G Lolley - Magna Cum Laude
Jordyn Mays - Cum Laude
Sarah Ann McCarter - Summa Cum Laude
Madison Paige McCollum - Cum Laude
Kaylin McCree - Summa Cum Laude
Kenya L Metcalf
John Jacob Miller - Honors in Public Health Education
Recious Prepraise Maria Miller
Shantilly L Miller
Courtney Missouri
Caryn Effie Morrison
Kathryn Grace Myers - Summa Cum Laude, Honors in Speech-Language Pathology
Cassandra E Obman - Summa Cum Laude
Emma Grace Olsen - Summa Cum Laude
Heli S Patel
Latrevius Taviun Pinkston
Corea Shonteria Ratliff
Puja Rijal - Magna Cum Laude
Rachel Danielle Rooney
Michael L Saul
Crosby Allen Stevens - Cum Laude
Sarina Tamang - Cum Laude
Autumn Angel Taylor
Jody B.S. Taylor
Triuna La’Shay Taylor
Ashley Nicole Walker
Shelby Spence Walters - Cum Laude
Lucus R Weathers
Emilee C Wilcox - Cum Laude
Carlos Navarrio Wilkerson
President Miller, the following students are receiving the BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING degree in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences:
Candace Deandres Adams
Karlee Brooke Adams - Cum Laude
Brooke A Alvis - Cum Laude
Jaden Caroline Ansley
Cristina Babic
Victoria Morgan Bailey - Cum Laude
Andrew T Bernard
Jessica Taylor Berube - Cum Laude
Samragyi Bidari
Karley Neal Bozeman
Analee R Brackeen
Erin Elizabeth Brannon
Allie Elizabeth Brown
Madison Leigh Bullard
Josie B Buntin - Cum Laude
Madison Bailey Burge
Katelyn Burrage - Cum Laude
Riley Carpenter Byars - Cum Laude, Honors in Nursing
Olivia Rose Cain - Cum Laude
Christina J Clark
Madison Carlyle Collier - Magna Cum Laude, Honors in Nursing
Harvey Houston Collins
Kaleb Charles Darnell
Morgan A Dennis - Cum Laude
Jessica Denton
Ana-Claire Rene Edwards
Camryn Hope Eidson
Sarah Grace Finley - Cum Laude
Hannah Elizabeth Freeman
Supriya GC - Cum Laude
Shenita Rochelle Gillespie
Mary Anne Goolsby
Antonesha KeTora Gully - Cum Laude
Kailey Claire Hall
Alyssa Blair Harrington - Cum Laude
Ebony Harris
Nykeia Octavia Hayes
Mary Alice Hazlewood
Daijah Keshana Henley - Cum Laude
Tamara Lachun Henry
Victoria Howell
Hayden Leighanna Hudspeth - Cum Laude
Mary Catherine Hutchens
Rachel Anne Ivy
Mamata Khatri - Cum Laude - Honors in Nursing
Linda Katherine Lambert - Cum Laude
Alexandria Corine Lee
Amyah Ne’Shae Lee
Sarah Elizabeth Leflore
Brenna Little
Scottilyn Lloyd
Shelby Jo Lovell - Cum Laude, Honors in Nursing
Ashley D Mabry
Tristan Elizabeth McKay
Kandi Moody - Cum Laude
Amber Lauren Moore
Taylor Sharyn Morrison - Cum Laude
Shreeya Niraula - Cum Laude
Prisca C Ojukwu - Cum Laude, Honors in Nursing
Alyssa Palmer
Priyanka Panta - Cum Laude, Honors in Nursing
Jordan Melody Parnell
Jasmin Breandrea Payton
Kaitlin Pogue
Raksha Pokhrel - Cum Laude
Tagen Remmel
Shannon Monica Roberts
Katherine Elizabeth Shelton - Cum Laude
Garima Shrestha - Cum Laude, Honors in Nursing
Srijana Shrestha - Cum Laude
Caroline Claire Thomas
Natalie Nichole Timbes
Anna Vincent
Katy Washington
Sara E White
Karli Wood
Ashton Blair Wright - Magna Cum Laude
President Miller, the following students are receiving the Associate of Science in Nursing in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences:
Mayson Nichole Ables
Robert Christopher Baker
Angela Jean Barnes
Rachel Christian Barrett
Helen Brinkley Bohon
Susanna E Bowman
Mackenzie Davis Brennan
Jaxon Easley Bown
Lauren Elizabeth Bryant
Courtney N Caldwell
Samantha Hope Caldwell
Brandy N Carouthers
Cheslee B Cockerham
Mary Ellen Decker
Anna Grace Dye
Lindsey Edwards
Allyson Qassmeca Sinea Ford
Micah Denean Gray
Paula J Green
Elizabeth Hall
Lindsey Necole Hankins
Sheteria S Harrington
Vanity S Hodges
Anna Grace Jenkins
Macy Claire Joseph
Kelsi Grace King
Alisha Mary Kostick
Ashley Kathryn Lingle
Karlee Rae Lomen
Julia Magallon
Tristin May
Lindsey Taylor McGairty
Hannah J McLain
Elizabeth C Mills
Jaylin Nicole Neal
Jayce Claire Neisler
Abigail Orrick
Emily Marie Reyes
Tara Elizabeth Richey
Margaret Melanie Rodriguez
Carrington A Sallie
Natasha L Stephens
Matthew Kyle Tate
Porsha D Tellis
Sydney Kathleen Thompson
Madison McKenzie Turner
Jarrett P Walden
Taylor Michelle Watkins
Anna Victoria Winterstein
Dr. Scott Tollison:
All graduates, please stand. At this time, I present the most recent graduates of MUW. Representing the senior class, SGA President John Jacob Miller will now move his tassel from the right side of his mortar board to the left. This symbolizes your entry into a new phase of your lives. Welcome to the Long Blue Line!
Concluding Remarks
President Nora Miller:
Congratulations to our graduates!
Welcome to the Long Blue Line! As a fellow member of this Long Blue Line, I am thankful for the opportunities that my education provided me, and thankful for the faculty and staff who prepared me for my career and for my service to the community.
I am pleased to announce that our alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the University have made contributions to the MUW Foundation to honor this class of graduates with a special graduation pack that will be sent to you later this summer. We hope that many of you will be able to join us August 1st for an in-person celebration, subject to CDC guidance in place at that time.
With the conferral of degrees, you were reminded that they are associated with rights, responsibilities and privileges. You are responsible for making good use of the education you received here. I hope you use your education and enthusiasm to make this a better world.
You’ve been given great advice and messages for further reflection from John Jacob Miller.
The themes that I’ve set for my presidency are well suited to our current world order - Adaptability, Positivity, and Responsibility. Adapt to changing circumstances. When something doesn’t turn out the way you wanted it to, realize that doors to new opportunities have been opened for you. Take responsibility for continuing your education throughout your life. Ask questions if you don’t understand something, admit when you have made a mistake, and admit when you need help. That’s a sign of self-awareness and strength, not weakness.
I encourage you to stay in touch with us. When you realize something you have learned here has made a critical difference in your life, take the time to reach out to that professor or mentor and let them know. Support your alma mater with gifts of your talents, time, and resources. Help us identify future students. You are our ambassadors and light to the world.
And now, in this moment, the torch is being passed to you.
Go forth – and bless by light!
Today is a beginning, your commencement. We celebrate with you the new and unknown opportunities and successes yet to come. We expect great things from you and for you. And we hope you will “pay it forward” for those who will come after you. We express to you our gratitude and love, for your presence here has made us all the richer.
Let us stand and sing together our Alma Mater, previously recorded by music education major Kyia King at the December 2019 Commencement Ceremony.
Alma Mater
Serene as the dawning
Your promise now unfolds
To new heights of wisdom
Proclaiming truth foretold
With courage undaunted
Honor the challenge,
Guiding your purpose bold.
Sing praise to our great Alma Mater,
Oh, sing and cherish your mem'ries forever.
Profound our allegiance;
Secure our belief in God.
This creed of our heritage
Illumines the path untrod.
Recessional
Stage party departs to La Primavera.