Graduates Receive Prestigious Awards YHC President Cathy Cox presented special student awards to deserving seniors during the 2012 Commencement ceremony. In recognition of the graduating senior with the overall highest grade point average, the Dr. Charles R. Clegg Outstanding Scholar Award was presented in a five-way tie to Heather Catherine DelGiorno of Juliette, Rachel Lynne Wilkes of Crawford, Miriam D. Torres of Roswell, Heidi Louise Kruger Sherlock of Warne, N.C., and Mayeli Medina of Dalton.
Allison (Allie) Matulia, of Fayetteville, was presented the Zell B. Miller Leadership Award for significant contributions to campus life at Young Harris College as an outstanding leader and role model. Tara Lynn Shiver, of Covington, received the Young Harris Spirit Award, which recognizes the student who best demonstrates outstanding levels of personal integrity, friendliness and engagement with the campus community. Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation President Stephan McDavid presented YHC’s inaugural Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award to Austin Dean Freeman, of Hartwell, and the inaugural Mary Mildred Sullivan Award to Alexandria (Ali) Nicole Neese, of Marietta. Created nearly a century ago to honor the service leadership of their namesakes, the awards are given by the Foundation to individuals whose nobility of character and dedication to service sets them apart as examples for others.
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Ceremony Culminates with Degree Conferrals Friends and families of the 146 degree candidates gathered in Young Harris College’s Recreation and Fitness Center on the morning of Saturday, May 5, to take part in the 2012 Commencement ceremony. Ninety-nine seniors received bachelor’s degrees in biology, business and public policy, communication studies, English, history, music, musical theatre, outdoor leadership and theatre. Additionally, YHC awarded 47 associate degrees in allied health, art, business, education, liberal arts, music, science and theatre, and many of these students returned in the fall to continue pursuing their bachelor’s degrees. United States Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., delivered the commencement address to the graduates, sharing with them “six secrets to success.” U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson received an honorary doctor of public service degree following his address to the graduates. President Cox also conferred an honorary doctor of humane letters degree on YHC trustee Dr. W. Harry Hill and his wife, Harriet Hargrove Hill, of Powder Springs. Few couples have had as great an impact on the physical and financial landscape of the College as Dr. and Mrs. Hill, and their longtime financial support and leadership at YHC has included playing an integral part in establishing the College’s planned giving program.