Chowan University Commencement 2026

Chowan University th

167 Commencement

Hawks Athletic Center Murfreesboro, North Carolina Saturday, May Ninth Two Thousand and Twenty-Six Ten O’clock in the Morning

The One Hundred Sixty-Seventh Commencement Hawks Athletic Center

*The Processional..................................... “Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1”............. Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934) University Wind Ensemble Directed by Mary E. Hellmann Professor of Music * Academic Procession

Chief Faculty Marshal with University Mace Faculty Marshals Gonfaloniers Candidates for Degrees University Faculty Platform Party

*Scripture Reading and Invocation ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������J Brabban Professor Emeritus of Religion *National Anthem ............................................“The Star-Spangled Banner” ����������������������Francis Scott Key (1779-1843) arr. Robert W. Smith University Wind Ensemble Directed by Mary E. Hellmann Welcome................................................................................................................................................Rosemary M. Thomas President of the University Greetings ..........................................................................................................................................Cecil S. Hollomon, Jr. ‘68 Chair of the University Board of Trustees Antenette D. Stokes, Class of 2011 Chair, Board of Visitors Student Addresses �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� John J. Dilustro Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Gabriel Espiritu Bachelor of Science, Recreation, Wellness, and Sport Genesis Joyner Master of Arts, Organizational Leadership Destiny Makanjuola Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science Gracie Ross Bachelor of Science, History; Bachelor of Science, Business Administration Darryl Swinson Bachelor of Science, Psychology

Presentation of Awards ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Provost Dilustro Hunter S. Taylor Associate Provost Senior Scholastic Award Excellence in Teaching Award Conferring of Undergraduate Degrees Presented by............................................................................................................................................ Provost Dilustro Conferred by........................................................................................................................................President Thomas Conferring of Graduate Degrees Presented by............................................................................................................................................ Provost Dilustro Conferred by........................................................................................................................................President Thomas Hooded by............................................................................................................................................... Hunter S. Taylor Charge to the Graduating Class ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� President Thomas *Alma Mater......................................................................................................................Annie Elberton Abernathy (1890) Arr. James M. Guthrie Darryl Swinson, Class of 2026 Refer to the back cover for the lyrics and history of the Alma Mater. * Benediction.......................................................................................................................................................... Jill A. Awuni Assistant Professor of Religion and Business Administration * Recessional.............................................................“Crowning Glory”..........................................Alfred Reed (1921-2005) University Wind Ensemble Directed by Mary E. Hellmann Those who are able are asked to stand for the portions of the program asterisked (*).

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the audience is asked to remain in place for the recessional of the platform party, faculty, and graduates.

Commencement Speakers Gabriel Espiritu is a recreation, wellness, and sport major and a member of the men’s baseball team. A Presidential Ambassador, Ministry Chaplain, and 2025 Commencement Marshal, Gabe is the Men’s Bible Study Leader and vice-president of the Honors College. He is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, Chi Alpha Sigma and Alpha Chi where he serves as treasurer. He received the Honors College Service Award twice and earned the Outstanding Student Award. Gabe, a member of the Rotaract Club, was honored with the Vera Parker Womble Christian Service Award, the Estelle Thigpen Superior Citizenship Award, and was inducted into the Order of the Silver Feather.

Genesis Joyner is a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership major. She is a 2024 graduate of Chowan, where she received an undergraduate degree in business and was honored as the Business Student of the Month. During her time at Chowan, she was a member of Future Business Leaders of America Collegiate and served as club president. A member of the Honors College, she received the Honors College Outstanding Sophomore Award, and holds membership in Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society where she served as vice president.

Destiny Makanjuola is an exercise science major with a minor in psychology. A Leadership Scholar and member of the Honors College, Destiny holds membership in Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Chi Alpha Sigma and Phi Epsilon Kappa. A member of the women’s soccer team, Destiny served as a team captain, earned All-Conference Second Team twice, All-Conference Third Team, and was awarded the Ace Hardware Student-Athlete of the Week. She was also awarded Academic All-Conference and CSC Academic All District.

Gracie Ross, a double major in history and business administration with a concentration in marketing, received the Outstanding History Student twice, the Charles L. Paul History Award and Business Student of the Month. A 2025 Commencement Marshal and co-president of the Honors College, she is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, Alpha Chi (secretary), Chi Alpha Sigma, Phi Alpha Theta, Pi Gamma Mu, and Sigma Beta Delta. A member of the women’s soccer team, she was the SAAC Representative and earned Fall Academic All-Conference. A Student Leadership Board member, Gracie received the Outstanding Student Award twice, the Maria Leonard Senior Book Award, and was inducted into the Order of the Silver Feather.

Darryl Swinson is a psychology major. He serves as secretary of the psychology club, treasurer of the science club and is a member of the Rotaract Club. He holds membership in Alpha Chi Honor Society, Psi Chi Honor Society, and Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society. Darryl is also a member of the Chowan Choir and has sung the National Anthem for several university events. He is an active member of the Worship Team, and was recently inducted into the Order of the Silver Feather.

Chowan Winds Violin Scott Cathcart

Trombone Clyde Gumbert+ Wayne Walton

Bb Clarinet Elijah Carson

Percussion Jai’Marqus Jones Naquan Richardson Ryan Joyner Ron Johnson*

Alto Saxophone Dahleal Harmon Tenor Saxophone Derrick Harmon

Timpani Christopher Kuykendall

Trumpet Calvin Evans Leo Ayres Micaela Rameriz Dr. Chad McGill*+ Stephanie Haroon+

Bass Dr. Christopher Cook* Piano Suzanne Daniel* *Faculty +Guest Artist

Senior Banquet Speakers Cody Ives is a criminal justice major and a member of the men’s baseball team. He is the recipient of the Male Criminal Justice Student of the Year Award and serves as an officer in the Criminal Justice Club. He is a member of Pi Gamma Mu and Alpha Phi Sigma honor societies and serves as the Worship Team Presentation Technician/ Media Operator. A Resident Assistant, Cody was honored as the Resident Assistant of the Year (2024–2025).

Diana Rodriguez is an exercise science major and a member of the women’s volleyball team. She is the Chowan All-Time Career Digs Leader, Conference Carolinas 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, 2025 First Team AllConference, 2025 CSC Academic All District Team, and D2CCA All South-East Region First Team. A 2025 Commencement Marshal, she is a member of Chi Alpha Sigma and Phi Epsilon Kappa. Diana was honored with the Spirit of the Hawks Award, named Most Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year and Best All Around Student.

Isaiah Sharpe is an exercise science major and a member of the football team. He is an Omega Psi Phi member and chapter president, a member of Rotaract and the NAACP Club. Isaiah holds membership in Phi Epsilon Kappa Fraternity, served as a Presidential Ambassador and as a member of the Student Leadership Board. As a senior, Isaiah earned one of Chowan’s highest honors, the Outstanding Student Award.

Candidates for Graduation Associate Degrees Charles Randolph Edwards General Studies cum laude

Thomas R. Heisinger General Studies

Baccalaureate Degrees Mya Jody Turner Graphic Design summa cum laude Undergraduate Gonfolonier Feidi Abreu Rodriguez Business

Willie S. Bridgers, IV Graphic Design

Karla Paola Artolozaga Biology

Knowledge Malik Broadie Sport Management

Morgan Elisabeth Baccus Exercise Science magna cum laude

Jadyn Kae Brown Psychology summa cum laude

Harry Ben Baker Sport Management & Business Administration summa cum laude

Yasmine Tomya Brown Psychology

Nia Imani Baskin Exercise Science cum laude Aleksei Alekseevich Belolipetskii Business Administration Bradley Binns Exercise Science cum laude Janiyah J, Blow Business Administration Haileigh Alexis Boone Psychology Carly Elaine Brewer Criminal Justice cum laude

Christopher Michael Byrd Integrative Studies Austin Lyle Chadwick Elementary Education (K-6) summa cum laude Jaden Elijah Curry Business Administration Matthew Cole Davis Business Administration summa cum laude Harry John Edwards Business Administration magna cum laude Kendyl Patience Elliott Graphic Design

Gabriel Michael Espiritu Recreation, Wellness, and Sport magna cum laude

Lorelei Anne Hopkins Psychology summa cum laude

Malachi Jimal Ford Psychology

Laura Jayne Hulme Business Administration

Quinton T. Freeman, II Exercise Science

Omarion Avant Huntley Business Administration

Hlynur Mar Fridriksson Business Administration

William Brodie Hynes Business Administration summa cum laude

Andrew Garrison Criminal Justice James Colin Gifford Recreation, Wellness, and Sport magna cum laude

Elizabeth Ivey Ingle Biology Cody Rylan Ives Criminal Justice

Ahmaad L. Goldson General Studies

Lauren Maya James Criminal Justice

Eric Gordon Business Administration

NyJal Dewayne Johnson Business Administration

Connor Robert Gray Exercise Science

Emalee Nicole Jones Criminal Justice magna cum laude

Malik Gregory Psychology Jadyn Lee Hammonds-Dickens Graphic Design Lily Harrison Psychology magna cum laude Kyra Lee Helton Exercise Science Jalen Jair Hines Exercise Science cum laude Kyndal Rheann Hopkins Exercise Science magna cum laude

Marissa Anne Kemp Biology Jeffrey Adam Lankford Business Administration Lyniah Sydney Lee Biology cum laude Michael Patrick Litchfield Business Administration Matthew Hardings Lovitt Exercise Science Destiny Makanjuola Exercise Science

Nesuwo Mavindidze Sport Management cum laude McKenzie June Misenheimer Exercise Science magna cum laude Tadeo Missan Business Administration cum laude Jamie Matthew Moore Business Administration cum laude Hannah Nadine Moseley Criminal Justice Jeremiah Isaiah Thomas Nelson Sport Management Nicholas Bray Nichols Criminal Justice Jeevan Sachin Singh Purewal Sport Management cum laude Mardawn Tyies Elizabelle Rawls Business Administration cum laude

Sophia L. Roane Social Sciences Ethan Gabriel Robinson Recreation, Wellness, and Sport LaDashia Monea Robinson Social Sciences Diana Rodriguez Exercise Science cum laude Gracie Mae Ross History & Business Administration summa cum laude Saige MacKinze Roughton Recreation, Wellness, and Sport Abigail E. Rutledge Criminal Justice Ayanna Eyvonne Rutledge Business Administration Tadeo Agustin Sanchez Business Administration Jahiem Dayveon Satterthwaite Recreation, Wellness, and Sport

Jalen Javon Razor Recreation, Wellness, and Sport

Finley Ethan Scott Business Administration cum laude

Nicholas Reiss Business Administration

TyShawn Allen Sellers Sport Management

Anna Marie Rennie Exercise Science summa cum laude

Isaiah Kevon Sharpe Exercise Science

Diamond Ariyanna-Denajja Reynolds General Studies Zachery Parrish Riddle Psychology summa cum laude

Abigail Dizzie Nicole Simon Business Administration Calvin Archie Smith Business Administration

Rocco Thomas Smith Psychology magna cum laude

Grayson Johnson Thorne Integrative Studies Derrick T. Wade Criminal Justice

Alexa Maree Snyder Elementary Education (K-6) summa cum laude

Jacob Walker Recreation, Wellness, and Sport cum laude

Savanna Hope Soria General Studies summa cum laude

Elizabeth Jean Waltz Business Administration magna cum laude

Anthony Keith Spruill Business Administration

Dawson Shane Wiggins Business Administration

Christopher Scott Stephenson Music summa cum laude

Alice Elizabeth Williams General Studies

Tucker Alexander Stephenson Psychology cum laude

Tekomin Jahari Williams Criminal Justice

Rachel Lyn Stetson Exercise Science

Ronette Amiria Wilson Psychology

Noah S. Stewart Business Administration summa cum laude

Zackary Thomas Wilson Exercise Science Sara N. Worrock Psychology

Terri M Stroud Psychology

Jeremiah Dante Wright General Studies

Darryl Keith Swinson, III Psychology cum laude Samuel E. Tagg General Studies magna cum laude

Graduate Degrees Breana Michele Vincent Elementary Education Graduate Gonfolonier Joshua Edward Baker Organizational Leadership

Lavonda Shanta Benjamin-Carver Elementary Education

Dyamond Entwanat Becton-Chatman Organizational Leadership

Cindy Marie Borges Elementary Education

Jasmine Cierra Butts Elementary Education

Genesis Daynilah Joyner Organizational Leadership

Michael Aaron Chambers, II Organizational Leadership

Courtney Howard Massingill, II Organizational Leadership

Kyra Pearl Clark Elementary Education

Loretta Gatling McCullough Secondary Education

MyAsia Unique Crawford Elementary Education

Desiray Mclaurin Secondary Education

Shante Monique Davis Elementary Education

Ahmani Rashad Owens Secondary Education

Bryanna Raquel Evans Elementary Education

Mya Rachelle Owens Organizational Leadership

Sequoia Dawn Garris Organizational Leadership

Ukelia B. Pearson Elementary Education

Sylvia Diane Gary Elementary Education

Kaitlyn Soard Ramos Elementary Education

De’Arius Christopher Hazel Organizational Leadership

Latisa Twana Rodgers Elementary Education

Atar Idrissi Organizational Leadership

Hope Ann Rogers Organizational Leadership

Briana Jeanoria Jackson Secondary Education

Ida Jane Rogers Elementary Education

Regan E. Jackson Elementary Education

Tammy M. Simmons Elementary Education

Ginger Wells Jenkins Elementary Education

Kashara J. Simpson Organizational Leadership

Alla G. Johnson Elementary Education

Maurice Jermaine Smith, Jr. Organizational Leadership

Leon R. Johnson, Jr. Organizational Leadership

Tarryn Maria Ruth Smith Elementary Education

Zsanai Katrell Johnson Elementary Education

Patrick Steven Sullivan Organizational Leadership

Eboney Kiara Joyner Secondary Education

Janay Danyelle Sweat Organizational Leadership

Kennypride Agwenji Toh Organizational Leadership

William Earl Watson, Jr. Elementary Education

Allison Marie Twiddy Elementary Education

Sabri Marissa Williams Secondary Education

Jamara Shontae Wallace Secondary Education

2026 Chowan University Awards Vera Parker Womble Christian Service Award Gabriel Espiritu

Kaylee Bazemore Lenita Bryson Mika Buchholtz Scott Cathcart Lina Danna Alexis Denham Brooklynn Drake

Commencement Marshals

Anna Holcombe Calliope James Alexandria James-Fearon Ava Mizell Addisen Palmer Nyeisha Savage Isabella Turner

Student Awards Excellence In Leadership - Emerging Leader Award Christopher Merritt NC Campus Engage & Book Club Excellence In Leadership - Officer Award Malik Gregory Psychology Club Excellence In Leadership - President Award Madi Webb CJ Club Mission and Vision Cup Campus Ministry R. Clayton Lewis Outstanding Resident Assistant of The Year Award Madison Ford Seth Mackenzie Presidential Ambassador Award Nia Baskin Harry Edwards Gabriel Espiritu Andrew Garrison Jacob Walker

Cheryl Joy Hobday McElheney Business Award Matthew Davis The Drs. Vaughn and Miles Outstanding Business Student Award Ava Mizell Dr. DeJesus Outstanding Student in Economics Award Lina Danna Joseph Lee Parker Scholarship Marcel Ungerboeck Amy Rozmus Hammond Scholarship Joseph Lezeau Dr. Seok Yoon Exercise Science Award Kaitlyn Springle Garth D. Faile Biology and Physical Sciences Faculty Award Karla Artolozaga Mary E. Wood Science Award Anna Holcombe

Raymond Memorial Science Scholarship Peyton Clay

Outstanding Graduate in Graphic Design Mya Turner

Outstanding History Student Award Gracie Ross

Doug Eubank Award Alauna Wilson

Charles L. Paul History Award Gracie Ross

James Monroe Chamblee Music Award Christopher Stephenson

Romey Peavler Psychology Student of Promise Award Jadyn Brown

Dr. Charles Bentley Outstanding Teacher Education Student Award Austin Chadwick

Psychology Award Malik Gregory

Student Teacher of The Year Award Alexa Snyder

Outstanding Male Criminal Justice Student Brandon Cook

Maria Leonard Senior Book Award Gracie Ross

Outstanding Female Criminal Justice Student Lexie Gilbert

Alpha Chi Dr. Patricia Williams Award Alexa Snyder

Chowan University Student Research Conference Awards Of Excellence Best Business Paper Award Nicholas Reiss Best Biology, Psychology, Sports Science, and Mathematics Paper Anna Holcombe Best Criminal Justice Paper Tya Hernandez Best Religion, History, Education, and Integrative Studies Paper Alexa Snyder Best Visual Display Alauna Wilson Best Musical Performance Christopher Stephenson

Order Of The Silver Feather Jadyn Brown Mika Buchholtz Lina Danna Matthew Davis Gabe Espiritu Darryl Swinson Faith In Your Future Award Ava Mizell Alexandria James-Fearon Merit Award Austin Chadwick Landon Heller Estelle Thigpen Superior Citizenship Award Gabe Espiritu Best All Around Student Award Diana Rodriguez

Faculty and Staff Awards Alpha Chi Teacher of The Year Award Torrence Gill

Community Service Award Frances Cole

Faculty Advisor of the Year Award Patsy Taylor

Adjunct Faculty Award Cynthia Askew

McDowell Columns Scholar Prize Torrence Gill Lia Walker

Employee of the Year Meredith Long

Chowan University Board of Trustees Cecil S. Hollomon, Jr. ‘68, Chair Milton A. “Mick” Outten ‘71, Vice Chair Austine O. Evans, Immediate Past Chair Harold W. Babb ‘70 Grace G. Brown Shirley B. Brown Lynette F. Bunch Jane B. Burke Sara J. Crowder Freddie H. Davis ‘81 Stanley E. Dixon, Jr. ‘76 Jessica K. Drake ‘92

Ray R. Felton Miley W. Glover ‘74 Ronald L. Hicks ‘66 Lloyd L. Hill Billy R. Howell ‘61 James T. Johnson Jane E. Newsome Calvin “Robbie” W. Parker Walter F. Pierce

Charles B. Pond, III ‘62 W. Frank Rose, Jr. Betty Jo Shepheard Julius H. Smith ‘73 Lisa L. Turner Linda B. Weaver Barry E. Whitaker Garry B. Whitaker Hugh “Butch” B. Wilson ‘67

Elaine Myers ‘60, Trustee Emerita Dewey Wells, Trustee Emeritus

University Administration Rosemary M. Thomas

President of the University

John J. Dilustro Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Taylor P. Furlough Interim Vice President for Enrollment

Hunter S. Taylor Associate Provost and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

Robert J. Burke Director for Intercollegiate Athletics

Harri T. Lovett Interim Vice President for Advancement Christy A. Horton Director of Human Resources

Meredith D. Long Deputy Director of Athletics

Faculty Rosemary M. Thomas, Ed.D. President

James K. Dame, II, Ph.D. Professor of Physical Sciences

Edward M. Kian Ph.D. Professor of Sport Management

John J. Dilustro, Ph.D. Provost, Professor of Biology

Suzanne Daniel, M.M. Instructor in Music

Douglas J. Lange, D.B.A. Instructor in Organizational Leadership

Cynthia K. Askew, Ed.D. Instructor in Psychology

Joseph DeStefano, M.P.A. Instructor in Criminal Justice

Dejuan Lee, M.A. Instructor in Music

Jill A. Awuni, M.B.A. Assistant Professor of Religion and Business Administration

Theresa M. Dilustro, M.A. Instructor in English

Kyung-Hoon Lee, Ph.D. Professor of Chemistry

Melanie H. Eddleman, M.Ed. Assistant Professor of Exercise Science

Meredith D. Long, M.S. Instructor in Physical Education

Kelvin M. Edwards, Sr., Ed.D. Instructor in Education

Alice F. Lyons, M.S. Instructor in Health

Phillip C. Entzminger, J.D. Instructor in Criminal Justice

Brandon R. Matthews, M.S. Instructor in Information Systems

Jason S. Fowler, M.F.A. Assistant Professor of Graphic Design

Chad H. H. McGill, D.M.Ed. Instructor in Music

Mark M. Gaskins D.Min. Instructor of Religion

Heather L. McGuire, Ph.D. Distinguished Professor of Biology

Torrence A. Gill, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Biology

Jaimes D. McNeal, Ph.D. Instructor in Organizational Leadership

James L. Hammond, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus in Physical Education

Lauryn A. Meyer, M.S. Instructor in Physical Education

Steven E. Harders, M.F.A. Instructor in General Education

Samuel C. Miller, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Communication

Caitlin M. Byrd, D.B.A. Instructor in Organizational Leadership

Timothy S. Hayes, Ph.D. Professor of English

Mary E. Mitchell, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Psychology

Frances E. Cole, M.L.S. Assistant Professor of Library Science

Mary E. Hellmann, D.M.A. Professor of Music

Noel H. Mitchell, M.A. Instructor in English

Christopher E. Cook, D.M. Professor of Music

Mary Ann Howell, M.B.A. Instructor in Information Systems

Monica M. Murrell, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Psychology

Tomica D. Crosby, Ed.D. Assistant Professor of Education

J. Ronald Johnson, M.M. Instructor in Music

David E. Ballew, Ph.D. Professor of History Ella E. Benson, Ed.D. Professor of Education Lisa M. Bland, M.A. Instructor in Exercise Science MeChelle S. Blunt, M.A. Instructor in Education Sarah L. Bonner, M.L.I.S. Assistant Professor of Library and Information Ralph J Brabban II, Ph.D. Professor of Religion Cindy M. Britton, Ph.D. Instructor in Criminal Justice and Psychology

Jennifer G. Newton, M.S. Assistant Professor of Graphic Design

Johnathan C. Strother, M.A. Instructor in Exercise Science

Destiny E. Vaughan, M.A. Instructor of Graphic Design

Chad D. Nichols, M.B.A. Instructor in Economics

Amy F. Swain, M.S. Instructor in Education

Lia R. Walker, Ph.D. Professor of Biology

Julie S. Parker, Ph.D. Instructor in Psychology

Hunter S. Taylor, D.B.A. Professor of Business

Thomas H. Whitaker, Ph.D. Professor of Mathematics

Jennifer Z. Place, Ph.D. Instructor in Psychology

Patsy W. Taylor, C.A.S. Associate Professor of Marketing

Shannon T. Williams, M.B.A. Associate Professor of Accounting

Taylor B. Pruitt, D.B.A. Assistant Professor of Management

Brenda S. Tinkham, Ed.D. Professor of Education

Pamela C. Woodard, Ph.D. Professor of Criminal Justice

Hannah F. Rose, M.A. Instructor in General Education

James Truesdell, Ed.M. Visiting Instructor in Mathematics

2025-2026 Honor Societies Morgan Elisabeth Baccus Harry Ben Baker Nia Imani Baskin Bradley Binns William D Bratcher Carly Elaine Brewer Daneesha Janae Briggs Jadyn Kae Brown Lenita Anne Bryson Mika Buchholtz Scott Robert Cathcart Austin Lyle Chadwick Peyton Alexander Clay Lina Danna

Demontre Sincere Adams Thales Eduardo Andrade-Sette Desiree Kynoria Askew Dominique Elijah Bailey Kaylee Miran Bazemore Larkin G Best Kaleigh Grace Bibbo Carly Elaine Brewer Daneesha Janae Briggs Shatavia Desha Brooks Lenita Anne Bryson Mika Buchholtz Marcus Shawn Byrd Jada Dior Caruthers Scott Robert Cathcart William G Clancy Rosa Lynn Collier Sarah Anne Cook Amy Lucy Cotton Camille E Cullipher Lachlan James Daniel Lina Danna Derrick J Davis Matthew Cole Davis Alexis Linell Denham Coley D Drew Harry John Edwards Makeda Edwards Todd Andrew Egan Kensley B Elliott

Rosa Lynn Collier Todd Andrew Egan

Karla Paola Artolozaga Scott Robert Cathcart Peyton Alexander Clay

Alpha Chi • North Carolina Phi Chapter National College Honor Society Matthew Cole Davis Alexis Linell Denham Harry John Edwards Gabriella Reina Figueroa Wesley Cade Glover Justin Michael Everett Hill Anna Grace Holcombe Kyndal Rheann Hopkins Lorelei Anne Hopkins Elizabeth Ivey Ingle Calliope Rose James Alexandria Doreen James-Fearon Emalee Nicole Jones Madison Jean Kilgore

Joseph David Lezeau Reed Douglas Low Seth John Mackenzie Dimitrije Markovic Nesuwo Mavindidze McKenzie June Misenheimer Ava Shae Mizell Nicholas Bray Nichols Addisen Taylor Palmer Justin Andrew Peterson Jeevan Sachin Singh Purewal Ethan Micah Robinson Diana Rodriguez Gracie Mae Ross

Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society for First-Year Success

Gabriel Michael Espiritu Elias D Everett Teddy Ralf Fee Cheyenne R Forbes Madison I Ford Ryleigh N Gough Malik Gregory Mahalia H Hardy Dahleal Malcon Harmon Kyra Lee Helton Tya Angelique Hernandez Nevaeh J Higdon Justin Michael Everett Hill Laura Jayne Hulme Katelyn Brooke Hurst Hasnae Idrissi Elizabeth Ivey Ingle Calliope Rose James Alexandria Doreen James-Fearon Keilani N Johnson Emalee Nicole Jones Harry John Jones Joshua J Jordan Maksim Kachuk Tobin M Kaiser Madison Jean Kilgore Tyler Snook Kline Janna Lerma-Murillo Chaliyah My’Joi Levi Adriana C Lightfoot

Ilijah N Linder Reed Douglas Low Jacob B Lyles Seth John Mackenzie Destiny Makanjuola Andrew William Marker Christopher J Merritt Hunter J Midgett Quintin V Mitchell Ava Shae Mizell Kennedy James Anderson Moore Austin C Moss Rihanna Vallesha Moulton Makayla M Neal Addisen Taylor Palmer Jaques Tayvon Peaks Janaya Tranae Perry Bryson G Ponsock Edward Jay Proctor Summer L Quimby Jah’Kelvin S Rascoe Ashante Eshe Rawlins Nicholas Reiss Aiyani R Richardson Sophia L Roane Vanja Stanko Romic Kadence R Rose Gracie Mae Ross Zoe N Schneider Aubrye Danyelle Scott

Kylee Marie Smith Alexa M Snyder Kaitlyn Sierra Springle Christopher Scott Stephenson Noah S Stewart Darryl Keith Swinson Grayson Johnson Thorne Isabella Nekohle Turner Mya Jody Turner Marcel Ungerboeck Jacob Walker Elizabeth Jean Waltz Alauna Isabelle Wilson

Isis A Short Joshua I Smith Rocco Thomas Smith Anthony Keith Spruill Rachel Lyn Stetson Terri M Stroud Patrick Steven Sullivan Grayson Johnson Thorne Aaliyah Masa Tisdale Sara Turanjanin Isabella Nekohle Turner Mya Jody Turner Callie R Tyndall Marcel Ungerboeck Jahsiyah D Veasley Cameron Jaire Walker Elizabeth Jean Waltz Caroline Madison Webb Bailey M Weston Lauren T Weston Bradley Seth Williams Owen Andrew John Williams Ralonzo C Williams Xavier D Williams Alauna Isabelle Wilson Grace M Wilson Sylvester Witherspoon

Alpha Phi Sigma • Lambda Chi Chapter National Criminal Justice Honor Society

Lexie A Gilbert Cody Rylan Ives

Emalee Nicole Jones

Beta Beta Beta • Pi Upsilon Chapter National Biological Honor Society

Makeda Edwards Anna Grace Holcombe Elizabeth Ivey Ingle

Lyniah Sydney Lee Mckenzie June Misenheimer Justin Andrew Peterson

Tyler Snook Kline

Aniyah J Rainey Isabella Nekohle Turner

Tyler Adkins David C Alejandro Morgan Elisabeth Baccus Harry Ben Baker Nia Imani Baskin Larkin G Best Willie S Bridgers Daneesha Janae Briggs Jadyn Kae Brown Lenita Anne Bryson Mika Buchholtz Marcus Shawn Byrd Jada Dior Caruthers Scott Robert Cathcart Peyton Alexander Clay Jade M Clowney Emily Paige Cooper Jaylen L Cotten Lina Danna Alexis Linell Denham Riley A Donnelly Keith Wesley Durand

Austin Lyle Chadwick Emily Paige Cooper

Kaylee Miran Bazemore Willie S Bridgers

Chi Alpha Sigma • North Carolina Lambda Chapter National College Athlete Honor Society

Harry John Edwards Jacob Tyler Ellenburg Gabriel Michael Espiritu Gabriella Reina Figueroa Madison I Ford Malique Ramon Frazier James C Gifford Jadyn Lee Hammonds-Dickens Dahleal Malcon Harmon Leeya Lynn Harrison Lily Harrison Justin Michael Everett Hill Jalen Jair Hines Anna Grace Holcombe Bjoern Kristoffer Holt Kyndal Rheann Hopkins Jerrel E Howard Avanti V Hunter William Brodie Hynes Elizabeth Ivey Ingle Calliope Rose James Alexandria Doreen James-Fearon

Martinie Wrich Kamga Julianna Leigh Kellogg Madison Jean Kilgore Luke Anthony Krall John Mitchell Leary Joseph David Lezeau Reed Douglas Low Seth John Mackenzie Destiny Makanjuola Dimitrije Markovic Nesuwo Mavindidze Milani C Mcgill Mckenzie June Misenheimer Tadeo Missan Ava Shae Mizell Jamie Matthew Moore Nicholas Bray Nichols Addisen Taylor Palmer Justin Andrew Peterson Dillon Joseph Rajkovic Cameron A Richardson Zachery Parrish Riddle

Kappa Delta Pi • Alpha Epsilon Lambda Chapter International Honor Society in Education

Brooklynn Taylor Drake Landon Jacob Heller

Kendyl Patience Elliott Elias D Everett

Alexa M Snyder

Kappa Pi Honor Society

Jadyn Lee Hammonds-Dickens Mya Jody Turner

Diana Rodriguez Gracie Mae Ross Abigail E Rutledge Finley Ethan Scott Kashara J Simpson Calvin Archie Smith Kylee Marie Smith Rocco Thomas Smith Savanna Hope Soria Kaitlyn Sierra Springle Noah S Stewart Samuel E Tagg Joshua Carlton Tripp Isabella Nekohle Turner Mya Jody Turner Marcel Ungerboeck Victoria Videla Jacob Walker Laurence J Wallace Elizabeth Jean Waltz Alauna Isabelle Wilson Jeremiah Dante Wright

Grayson Johnson Thorne

Alauna Isabelle Wilson

Phi Alpha Theta • Alpha Theta Lambda Chapter National History Honors Society William D Bratcher Carly Elaine Brewer Gracie Mae Ross

David C Alejandro Morgan Elisabeth Baccus Harry Ben Baker Nia Imani Baskin Bradley Binns Daneesha Janae Briggs Scott Robert Cathcart

Camya I Boone Samaria Trinise Bowser William D Bratcher Carly Elaine Brewer Lenita Anne Bryson Mika Buchholtz Austin Lyle Chadwick Gabriella Reina Figueroa

Phi Epsilon Kappa • Eta Tau Chapter National Fraternity in Physical Education, Health, Dance, Recreation, Human Performance, Exercise Science, Sports Medicine, and Sports Management Gabriel Michael Espiritu James C Gifford Kyra Lee Helton Jalen Jair Hines Kyndal Rheann Hopkins Avanti V Hunter Destiny Makanjuola

Nesuwo Mavindidze Mckenzie June Misenheimer Jeevan Sachin Singh Purewal Dillon Joseph Rajkovic Damien Robinson Ethan Micah Robinson Diana Rodriguez

Phi Gamma Mu. Alpha Beta Chapter International Honor Society in Social Sciences

Lexie A Gilbert Malik Gregory Destiny R Hallberg Tya Angelique Hernandez Lorelei Anne Hopkins Elizabeth Ivey Ingle Cody Rylan Ives Calliope Rose James

Keshaun Johnson Nyjal Dewayne Johnson Emalee Nicole Jones Julianna Leigh Kellogg Jeffrey Adam Lankford Ava Shae Mizell Hannah Nadine Moseley Zachery Parrish Riddle

Saige Mackinze Roughton Isaiah Kevon Sharpe Marcel Ungerboeck Jacob Walker

Gracie Mae Ross Alexa M Snyder Tucker Alexander Stephenson Darryl Keith Swinson Ronette Amiria Wilson Sara N Worrock Katie Stancell Wroten

Pi Kappa Lambda • Lambda Eta Chapter National Honor Society in Music

Elijah Joseph Carson

Dahleal Malcon Harmon

Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology

Camya I Boone Jadyn Kae Brown Mika Buchholtz Amy Lucy Cotton Gabriella Reina Figueroa Malachi Jimal Ford

Matthew Cole Davis Alexis Linell Denham Calliope Rose James

Derrick Malcon Harmon

Ryleigh N Gough Destiny R Hallberg Lily Harrison Lorelei Anne Hopkins Calliope Rose James Janiya Lee

Chaliyah My’Joi Levi Aniyah J Rainey Zachery Parrish Riddle Alexa M Snyder Tucker Alexander Stephenson Aminah Ziare Stout

Donovan Ray Williams

Terri M Stroud Darryl Keith Swinson Ronette Amiria Wilson

Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society in Business, Management, and Administration Alexandria Doreen James-Fearon April Marie Matthews Ava Shae Mizell

Gracie Mae Ross Kylee Marie Smith Anthony Keith Spruill

Noah S Stewart Joshua Carlton Tripp Elizabeth Jean Waltz

Other Honors and Achievements Alpha Chi Teacher of the Year Finalists

Jill A. Awuni Assistant Professor of Religion and Business Administration Frances E. Cole Assistant Professor of Library Science

Lauryn A. Meyer Instructor in Physical Education Edward M. Kian Professor of Sport Management

Aiden M Andrews Nia Imani Baskin Kaylee Miran Bazemore Leland M Beckford Larkin G Best Camya I Boone Nyeisha A Boone Carly Elaine Brewer Tah’zayah Alexandria Brown Lenita Anne Bryson Mika Buchholtz Jada Dior Caruthers Akijah M Castillo Scott Robert Cathcart Peyton Alexander Clay Rosa Lynn Collier Sarah Anne Cook Emily Paige Cooper Reagan Michael Corley Jy’Asha N Cousins Camille E Cullipher Lachlan James Daniel Javion J Davis Matthew Cole Davis David D De Simon Lorenzo Alexis Linell Denham Brooklynn Taylor Drake Nicholas J DuBeck Makeda Edwards Todd Andrew Egan

Gabriel Michael Espiritu Cheyenne R Forbes Madison I Ford Vasti Formica Ryleigh N Gough Felicitas Grillo Destiny R Hallberg Leeya Lynn Harrison Brooke R Hart Landon Jacob Heller Kyra Lee Helton Tya Angelique Hernandez Nevaeh J Higdon Brandon Weaver Hill Caron E Hill Anna Grace Holcombe Bjoern Kristoffer Holt Lorelei Anne Hopkins Jacob A Howard James Matthew Ingram Keilana S Johnson Keilani N Johnson Emalee Nicole Jones Harry John Jones Joshua J Jordan Henry J Jorge-Garcia Tobin M Kaiser Abdul Aziz Kargbo Madison Jean Kilgore Tyler Snook Kline

Andrew Garrison Ava Mizell Brooklynn Drake Dominique Bailey

Gabriel Espiritu Harry Edwards Isaiah Sharpe Jada Caruthers

Monica Avery Murrell Instructor in Psychology Melanie H. Eddleman Assistant Professor of Exercise Science

Honors College

John Mitchell Leary Janna Lerma-Murillo Adriana C Lightfoot Estrella Y Lopez Jacob B Lyles Destiny Makanjuola Xavier Ramon Maldonado Andrew William Marker Dimitrije Markovic MiLani C McGill Christopher J Merritt Quintin V Mitchell Ava Shae Mizell Kennedy James Anderson Moore Austin C Moss Rihanna Vallesha Moulton Makayla M Neal Alyvia S Newton Addisen Taylor Palmer Janaya Tranae Perry Christopher Pierre Bryson G Ponsock Edward Jay Proctor Summer L Quimby Dillon Joseph Rajkovic Micaela Logan Ramirez Jah’Kelvin S Rascoe Nicholas Reiss Aiyani R Richardson Vanja Stanko Romic

Presidential Ambassadors Jacob Walker Lenita Bryson Lina Danna

Torrence A. Gill Associate Professor of Biology Taylor B. Pruitt Assistant Professor of Management

Gracie Mae Ross Skylar Nicole Roughton Sa’ni E Savage Zoe N Schneider Aubrye Danyelle Scott Lana D Shoate Joshua I Smith Rocco Thomas Smith Ronald B Spillane Kaitlyn Sierra Springle Aminah Ziare Stout Christopher I Tankersley Alyssa Brooke Thompson Grayson Johnson Thorne Dakota Mariya Tivnan Sara Turanjanin Isabella Nekohle Turner Callie R Tyndall Diego Varona-Bustamante Ariana Jose Alexandra Vizcaya Cameron Jaire Walker Gage M Wallace Elizabeth Jean Waltz Caroline Madison Webb Bailey M Weston Lauren T Weston Mitchell Bryce White Bradley Seth Williams Coreyon Keyshawn Winston

Nia Baskin Scott Cathcart

Chowan Christian Service Association Scholars

Kaleigh Bibbo Jada Caruthers

Gabriel Espiritu Gabriella Figueroa

Bryan Martinez Jacob Walker

Kaylee Bazemore Lenita Bryson Mika Buchholtz Scott Cathcart

Lina Danna Alexis Denham Brooklynn Drake Anna Holcombe

Harry Baker Nia Baskin Aleksei Belolipetskii Jadyn Brown Lenita Bryson Mika Buchholtz Scott Cathcart

Lina Danna Matthew Davis Harry Edwards Gabriel Espiritu Gabriella Figueroa Kyra Helton Anna Holcombe

Marissa Kemp Syniya Howard Gabriel Espiritu Lina Danna Maddie Webb Sophia Roane Anthony Key

Isaiah Sharpe Lenita Bryson Joshua Smith Aminah Stout Malik Gregory Matthew Davis Elizabeth Waltz

Karla Artolozaga Larkin Best Kaleigh Bibbo D’Andre Blanchard Lenita Bryson Scott Cathcart Camille Cullipher Makenzi Curry Lina Danna Matthew Davis Coley Drew Harry Edwards

Teddy Fee Cheyenne Forbes Madison Ford Lexie Gilbert Justin Hill Katelyn Hurst Harry Jones Tobin Kaiser Marissa Kemp Addison Knapp Adriana Lightfoot Ilijah Linder

David C Alejandro Gabriel J Ansley Kiara Arguello Harry Ben Baker Ashley Lauren Beamon Larkin G Best Haileigh Alexis Boone Jadyn Kae Brown Mika Buchholtz Christopher Michael Byrd Austin Lyle Chadwick Ja’Vion R Cherry Jade M Clowney Rosa Lynn Collier Emily Paige Cooper Amy Lucy Cotton Lina Danna Derrick J Davis Matthew Cole Davis

Riley A Donnelly Makai D Dorn Brooklynn Taylor Drake Coley D Drew Kensley B Elliott Teddy Ralf Fee Cheyenne R Forbes Madison I Ford Matthew D Garman James C Gifford Ryleigh N Gough Felicitas NA Grillo Dahleal Malcon Harmon Derrick Malcon Harmon Lily Harrison Anna Grace Holcombe Jaylen L Holmes Bjoern Kristoff Holt Kyndal Rheann Hopkins

2026 Commencement Marshals

Calliope James Alexandria James-Fearon Ava Mizell Addisen Palmer

Elizabeth Waltz Alauna Wilson

Nyeisha Savage Isabella Turner

Outstanding Student Award Recipients

William Hynes Cody Ives Lyniah Lee Destiny Makanjuola McKenzie Misenheimer Ava Mizell Addisen Palmer

Student Leadership Board Members Jadyn Brown Ayanna Rutledge Rosa Collier De’Arius Hazel Ricco Deal CaMaya Glenn Alyvia Newton

Leadership Scholars

Reed Low Destiny Makanjuola Bryan Martinez Hunter Midgett Mckenzie Misenheimer Quintin Mitchell Kennedy Moore Austin Moss Alyvia Newton Micaela Ramirez Nathan Rawls Nicholas Reiss

President’s List - Fall 2025

Lorelei Anne Hopkins William Brodie Hynes Hasnae Idrissi Calliope Rose James Alexandria Doreen James-Fearon Hayden Christopher Jones Maksim Kachuk Martinie Wrich Kamga Bryce A Koehler Lyniah Sydney Lee Adriana C Lightfoot Seth John Mackenzie MiLani C McGill Hunter J Midgett Ava Shae Mizell Makayla M Neal Jeremiah Isaiah Thomas Nelson Jadence T Nowell Kayla M Parker

Diana Rodriguez Gracie Ross Isaiah Sharpe Mya Turner Isabella Turner Jacob Walker Elizabeth Waltz

Christopher Merritt Austin Moss Kyra Helton Cheliyah Levi

Jayden Rodriguez Christopher Tankersley Alyssa Thompson Grayson Thorne Derrick Wade Elizabeth Waltz Bailey Weston Luke Wilson Zackary Wilson Julian Wolfe

Bryson G Ponsock Summer L Quimby Dillon Joseph Rajkovic Micaela Logan Ramirez Mardawn Tyies Elizabell Rawls Anna Marie Rennie Zachery Parrish Riddle Diana Rodriguez Vanja Stanko Romic Kadence R Rose Gracie Mae Ross Finley Ethan Scott Rocco Thomas Smith Alexa M Snyder Savanna Hope Soria Kaitlyn Sierra Springle Christopher Scott Stephenson Rachel Lyn Stetson Aminah Ziare Stout

Mya Jody Turner Marcel Ungerboeck

Bailey M Weston Lauren T Weston

Owen Andrew John Williams Ralonzo C Williams

DeMontre Sincere Adams Thales Eduardo Andrade-Sette Aiden M Andrews Karla Paola Artolozaga Mina N Austin Morgan Elisabeth Baccus Malyshia Bailey Khamani Stephon Barnes Kaylee Miran Bazemore Bryce Avery Bennett Kaleigh Grace Bibbo Bradley Binns D’Andre Ethan Blanchard Camya I Boone Carly Elaine Brewer Willie S Bridgers Shatavia Desha Brooks Lenita Anne Bryson Jada Dior Caruthers Akijah M Castillo Scott Robert Cathcart Aaron E Christian William G Clancy Peyton Alexander Clay Kristofer N Coleman Brandon D Cook Sarah Anne Cook Reagan Michael Corley Jaylen L Cotten Jy’Asha N Cousins Camille E Cullipher Lachlan James Daniel TaMeisha A Davis Alexis Linell Denham Keith Wesley Durand Harry John Edwards Makeda Edwards Todd Andrew Egan Alexis Enriquez Gabriel Michael Espiritu Blake A Evans Elias D Everett Gabriella Reina Figueroa Emily Grace Fowler Hlynur Mar Fridriksson Chester Furmanek

Treston N Gatewood Lexie A Gilbert Bryden Daniel Glick Eric Gordon Aaliyah Nicole Graham Malik Gregory Nizaya Dameion Hall Destiny R Hallberg Jewlian Unique Hamilton Jakaylah F Hardy Mahalia H Hardy Darryl Monte Harris Leeya Lynn Harrison Brooke R Hart Sarai P Hart Landon Jacob Heller Kyra Lee Helton Tya Angelique Hernandez Zyian Nicole Heyligar Nevaeh J Higdon Caron E Hill Jalen Jair Hines Patrick B Hoff Dyamond K Holley Markell T Hollis Kyle R Horvath Jerrel E Howard Avanti V Hunter Katelyn Brooke Hurst Elizabeth Ivey Ingle Amirah V Ingram Cody Rylan Ives Kareem O’kur Jenkins A Yana F Johnson Keilana S Johnson Keilani N Johnson Emalee Nicole Jones Harry John Jones Henry J Jorge-Garcia Arthur Alexander Joseph Ryan W Joyner Tobin M Kaiser Lucas William Kibrya Madison Jean Kilgore Tyler Snook Kline Luke Anthony Krall

Dean’s List - Fall 2025

Christopher J Kuykendall John Mitchell Leary Janiya Lee Janna Lerma-Murillo Joseph David Lezeau Ilijah N Linder Savannah F Loftis Brian J Lopez Reed Douglas Low Jacob B Lyles Destiny Makanjuola Dimitrije Markovic Bryan A Martinez Jarret Brandi Mauvais Christopher J Merritt McKenzie June Misenheimer Tadeo Missan Quintin V Mitchell Dymez Shabbar Moore Jamie Matthew Moore Kennedy James Anderson Moore Hannah Nadine Moseley Austin C Moss Rihanna Vallesha Moulton Nasir Lamar Nelson-Fernandez Nicholas Bray Nichols Addisen Taylor Palmer Aquarius D Pettaway Rodarius M Poag Ethan Zander Pukas Jeevan Sachin Singh Purewal Aniyah J Rainey Jah’Kelvin S Rascoe Nathan William Rawls Stefan D Reedy Aiyani R Richardson Cameron A Richardson NaQuan N Richardson Purnell Eugene Richardson Lexie C Ritchie Sophia L Roane Damien Robinson Ethan Micah Robinson Jayden Alexander Rodriguez Saige MacKinze Roughton Abigail E Rutledge

Alauna Isabelle Wilson

Nyeisha T Savage Zoe N Schneider Aubrye Danyelle Scott Andrew C Sessoms Isaiah Kevon Sharpe Isis A Short Abigail Dizzie Nicole Simon Calvin Archie Smith Kylee Marie Smith Shaurice Y Soard Anthony Keith Spruill Tucker Alexander Stephenson Darryl Keith Swinson Samuel E Tagg Christopher I Tankersley Kelton F Taylor Grayson Johnson Thorne Jordan S Tilley Dakota Mariya Tivnan Joshua Carlton Tripp Sara NA Turanjanin Jordan A Turner Callie R Tyndall Jahsiyah D Veasley Aime Ariana Vera Victoria Videla Michael R Wagner Cameron Jaire Walker Jacob Walker Gage M Wallace Laurence J Wallace Elizabeth Jean Waltz Jakhai T Weaver Darian C Whitaker Messiah T White Bradley Seth Williams Donovan Ray Williams Xavier D Williams Zach Tyler Williams Grace M Wilson Ronette Amiria Wilson Zackary Thomas Wilson Sylvester Witherspoon Julian Alexander Wolfe Sara N Worrock Jeremiah Dante Wright

Feidi Abreu Rodriguez David C Alejandro Karla Paola Artolozaga Desiree Kynoria Askew Morgan Elisabeth Baccus Harry Ben Baker Nia Imani Baskin Aleksei Alekseevich Belolipetskii Bradley Binns Haileigh Alexis Boone Willie S Bridgers Daneesha Janae Briggs Knowledge Malik Broadie Parker Keel Brooks Jadyn Kae Brown Yasmine Brown Mika Buchholtz Demarcus Jamelle Carroll Jaden Elijah Curry Ricco R Deal Harry John Edwards Kendyl Patience Elliott Gabriel Michael Espiritu Calvin Myles Evans Romeo Maalik Felton

Gabriella Reina Figueroa Malique Ramon Frazier Quinton T Freeman Hlynur Mar Fridriksson Ruben Gamez-Aranda Andrew Garrison James C Gifford Ahmaad L Goldson Javen D Gooch Eric Gordon Connor Robert Gray Malik Gregory Lily Harrison Landon Jacob Heller Kyra Lee Helton Jalen Jair Hines Kyndal Rheann Hopkins Malachi Isaiah Howell Laura Jayne Hulme Omarion Avant Huntley William Brodie Hynes Elizabeth Ivey Ingle Cody Rylan Ives Lauren Maya James NyJal Dewayne Johnson

Senior Athletes

Jeffrey Adam Lankford Lyniah Sydney Lee Michael Patrick Litchfield Robert Alexander Liz Cabrera Matthew Hardings Lovitt Destiny Makanjuola Bryan A Martinez Courtney Howard Massingill Nesuwo Mavindidze McKenzie June Misenheimer Tadeo Missan Jamie Matthew Moore Hannah Nadine Moseley Nicholas Bray Nichols Justin Andrew Peterson Aquarius D Pettaway Jeevan Sachin Singh Purewal Dillon Joseph Rajkovic ZiQuiris D Ramsey Jalen Javon Razor Jedidiah Zayyir Reese Nicholas Reiss Zachery Parrish Riddle Ethan Micah Robinson Diana Rodriguez

Gracie Mae Ross Abigail E Rutledge Ayanna Eyvonne Rutledge Tadeo Agustin Sanchez Finley Ethan Scott Isaiah Kevon Sharpe Abigail Dizzie Nicole Simon Calvin Archie Smith Rocco Thomas Smith Savanna Hope Soria Rachel Lyn Stetson Noah S Stewart Samuel E Tagg Justin Daniel Taylor Mya Jody Turner Derrick T Wade Jacob Walker Elizabeth Jean Waltz Dawson Shane Wiggins Tekomin Jahari Williams Luke James Wilson Zackary Thomas Wilson Julian Alexander Wolfe Jeremiah Dante Wright

The Alma Mater Origin Alma Mater is an expression used by a student or graduate to refer to his/her college or university. The Latin words mean “fostering mother.” The Romans often used the words in speaking of some of their goddesses, such as Ceres and Cybele. The expression came to be applied to universities during the Middle Ages. Students probably first used it in this way at the University of Bonn in Germany. A statue of the Virgin Mary at Bonn was called Alma Mater, or Beloved Mother.

Melody The source of Chowan’s Alma Mater melody is unknown. One of its first uses was as a fraternity song, associated with the Fraternity, Theta Psi. Its first application as a school song was probably at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Cornell is on the banks of Lake Cayuga, and appropriately enough, the song began “Far above Cayuga’s waters ... “ Since its adoption by Cornell, it has been used by countless other schools, the most familiar in North Carolina being the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Lyrics Chowan University has always been a school with music. In 1890, Anne Abernathy, a Chowan student, wrote the lyrics to Chowan’s Alma Mater, which has continued to be “Alma Mater “ through the succeeding years.

On the plains of Carolina ‘Neath her skies so blue, Stands our noble Alma Mater, Glorious to view.

By Meherrin’s rippling waters Where the sunbeams play, We, her loyal sons and daughters, Pledge our love for aye.

With her classic walls and columns, Looks she proudly down, Reared against the arch of heaven, With the stars for crown.

Praise to her! God grant His blessings, May He give rich store.

Chowan we will ever cherish, Love her ever more.