2020 Graduation Magazine

Graduation Magazine Emory University Class of 2020

The Emory Wheel

Table of Contents

The Emory Wheel Magazine produced by Nicole Sadek, Madison Bober, Mileen Meyer and Niraj Naik Cover photos: Priyam Mazumdar

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Commencement Speaker Seniors React to COVID-19 Best Movies From 2016-2020 Defining Stories Since 2016 Eagles Dream Teams Wheel Senior Q&A Crossword/Overheard on Zoom Senior Reflections Congratulatory Messages

Civil Rights Lawyer Bryan Stevenson Announced as Commencement Speaker

By Anjali Huynh, Contributing Writer

Renowned human rights lawyer and best-selling author Bryan Stevenson will deliver an “interactive” keynote address at the 2020 Commencement ceremony on May 11 and receive an honorary doctor of law degree.

Stevenson received critical acclaim for his 2014 work, “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption,” which recounts his experience with Walter McMillian, a black man wrongly convicted of murdering Ronda Morrison in 1986.

The book received awards such as the 2015 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction and the 2015 Dayton Literary Peace Prize for Nonfiction and was the 2018-2019 University Common Reading Program book selection. It was later made into a major motion picture released in 2019.

Stevenson spoke at the University in October 2018 to discuss unfairness in the criminal justice system with former death row inmate Anthony Ray Hinton, the Wheel previously reported.

“We have a system that treats you better when you are rich and guilty than when you are poor and innocent,” Stevenson said.

Following his graduation from Harvard Law School (Mass.) in 1985, Stevenson moved to Atlanta to work as a death penalty defense attorney for the Southern Center for Human Rights and became director of its center for Alabama operations in 1989. After Congress cut funding for death penalty defense centers, Stevenson converted 1

the location into a center for the Equal Justice Initiative. This nonprofit organization legally represents those who have been “illegally convicted, unfairly sentenced or abused in state jails and prisons.”

Over the span of his career, Stevenson and his staff successfully represented hundreds of wrongly convicted individuals on death row, including in several Supreme Court cases. He also helped establish the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama, to commemorate those who were lynched in the South and to display the United States’ history of slavery and racism.

“Bryan Stevenson has worked tirelessly to confront systemic racism and injustice and to inspire all people to do the same,” University President Claire E. Sterk said in a statement. “We are delighted to honor his unflagging efforts

to challenge and overcome inequality.”

Stevenson received numerous awards for his attorney work from organizations like the American Bar Association, the American Civil Liberties Union and the NAACP. In addition to Stevenson’s address, the University will present honorary degrees to Françoise Barré-Sinoussi and Alison Singer. Barré-Sinoussi is a co-winner of the 2008 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for research focusing on combating HIV and controlling AIDS. Singer is the co-founder and president of the Autism Science Foundation and serves on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.

The 2019 Commencement speaker was diplomat and political activist Andrew Young. ◊◊◊

Seniors, Stripped of Final Semester, Reflect on Past Four Years

By Ayushi Agarwal, Managing Editor | April 6, 2020

When the University announced its transition to remote learning for the remainder of the semester, the Class of 2020’s final months on campus dissipated. In one email, University President Claire E. Sterk wrote to outgoing seniors that “traditional May commencement activities” would be canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“I think we’re the class of blue fences and the coronavirus,” graduating senior David Kulp (20C) said, referring to the wall of blue fences surrounding the Emory Student Center during its two-year construction.

“This is what characterizes our class.”

But soon after, Executive Director of Advancement and Alumni Engagement Events Michael Kloss created the Commencement Committee Task Force comprising “students, faculty, alumni and university leadership” — a sign that not all commencementrelated hope has been entirely lost.

Student task force member Jasmine Walker (20C) said the task force is currently planning digital activities that could take place on May 11 — the original date for commencement. In addition, they are conceptualizing a traditional commencement day to take place in the future.

“We want to emphasize that [the May 11 celebration] is not going to replace, at least for the undergraduate college, anything that may happen in person,” Walker said.

College Dean Michael Elliott promised an in-person celebration “to send [seniors] off” in a YouTube video posted on March 20. “We are committed to doing something for you, in person, on this campus, at a future date,” Elliott said in the video.

An April 2 University statement emailed to the Wheel by Vice President of Academic Communications and Reputation Leadership Nancy Seideman revealed that the task

I think we're the class of blue fences and the coronavirus. This is what characterizes our class.

- David Kulp (20C)

force will “help design commencement experiences in lieu of traditional commencement activities.”

“We sort of suggested-slash-asked that students be involved,” College Council President Jacob Hicks (18Ox, 20C) said. “Then, myself and several other students were invited to be a part of this informal ‘student working group.’”

Aside from including student government leaders like Hicks, Student Government Association President Ben Palmer (18Ox, 20C) and Residence Hall Association President Aaron Jordan (20C), the task force also represents first-generation, lowincome students such as Mahaa Mahmood (18Ox, 20C). Other student members include President of the Association of Caribbean Educators and Students Zariah Embry (20C), doctoral student Jennifer O’Neil (20A) and philosophy doctoral candidate Kyle Tanaka (24G).

The task force met virtually on March 24 and March 26 t0 brainstorm ideas and plan commencement-related celebrations. The members are split into different sessions based on availability, according to Hicks.

According to Mahmood, the University has also partnered with a “creative think tank” called Ideas United.

Continued on page 3 2

Continued from page 2 “They’re basically supposed to help us brainstorm a lot more creatively,” Mahmood said. “They’ve just been posing questions and letting us keep, keep going.”

On March 12, Mahmood circulated a petition on Facebook urging Emory to host an in-person commencement ceremony, even if delayed. As of April 3, the petition had 1,576 signatures.

“As of now, the petition has completed its purpose,” Mahmood said.

“We’re going to have an in-person commencement.”

In February, Emory announced that human rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson would deliver the keynote address at the 2020 Commencement ceremony. The task force is discussing whether he will still make his address online on May 11.

“We’ve been talking about what we’re going to do with Bryan Stevenson,” Mahmood said. “Whether or not he’s still going to be there in person … or if he’s going to do something online. If he did it online, what would we want him to do?”

Hicks, speaking on behalf of the other student members, said that their role was primarily to “give the school as much feedback as possible.”

“Seems like part of my job is just to complain,” Palmer said.

“I’m supposed to hold [the University] accountable to what I’m hearing and what I think is the right direction. So we have.”

To represent graduating students in commencement planning, task force members Palmer, Kulp, Hicks, Jordan and Walker agreed to create a public survey.

The survey, a Google form, was shared throughout various social media platforms. It contains questions about senior students’ willingness to have a combined “mega-graduation” ceremony with the Class of 2021 or to return to Emory on a later date if given financial support.

“I think that the survey provided some data to back up what we were saying,” said Walker, who was credited as having conceptualized the survey. “Having a survey, I thought, would reach more of the student body.”

Since the survey did not request student names or IDs, task force members cannot validate if the responses are from graduating seniors or even Emory students. The task force, however, does not view this as a concern.

“We imagine that the majority of people who are going to be interested in filling out a survey about commencement are going to be seniors,” Kulp said.

A preliminary analysis of survey responses from Hicks and his team

when referring to Emory’s “hasty” decisions. Many students have censured the University for its miscommunication regarding the Student Support Stipend.

“My concern with the way that Emory has been handling COVID entirely has been that they’ve been making a lot of decisions and then dealing with the aftermath as opposed to being prepared and having a plan,” Mahmood said.

Students have still lauded the school for its decision to cancel commencement-related events in the face of a worsening global health crisis.

“Personally, Emory made the right decision for the sake of public health,” Kulp said.

Although he agreed with the University’s decision, Kulp expressed grief over being stripped of an event that culminates his collegiate experience.

“I was really looking forward to commence- Ben Palmer (18Ox, 20C), SGA President ment,” Kulp said. shows that 85% of the 771 respon- “It’s a holy and spiritual and meandents were more likely to return to ingful and familial experience. The campus for a commencement celebra- months that we were going to have tion if the University provided finan- to solidify relationships and be with cial support. our friends … [were] taken away from Palmer and Hicks stated that, even us in one email, overnight, very, very as student leaders, they were not quickly.” made aware of the University’s deciPalmer believes that the adminission to cancel commencement prior tration should “reflect the pain that to the email. seniors feel.”

“There was a lot of issue taken with “I thought I had two months to say how it was initially communicated,” goodbye to a lot of people and places Palmer said. “There was no direct lan- that really made me who I am,” Palmguage.” er said. “And over the course of a few Mahmood echoed these sentiments hours, I was given a few days.”

I thought I had two months to say goodbye to a lot of people and places that really made me who I am. And over the course of a few hours, I was given a few days.

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THE BEST MOVIES FROM 2016 TO 2020

By Joel Lerner Arts & Entertainment Editor Whether you frequented AMC North DeKalb 16 for the $6 tickets, the ritzy Regal Atlantic Station or even just binged Netflix at home, the past four years have showcased some of the greatest movies to grace the silver screen.

As we celebrate the graduation of our Class of 2020, the Wheel reflects on some of the films that indubitably marked this class’s undergraduate career.

Freshman Year August 2016: The coming-ofage tale “Moonlight” hit the scene just as the Class of 2020 was taking its first steps on Emory’s campus.

Denzel Washington’s powerful delivery in “Fences,” adapted from a Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prizewinning play, rocked theaters nationwide. “Moana” splashed into theaters just in time for Thanksgiving break and landed solidly in the hearts of many as a new Disney favorite.

“La La Land” might have served as a reminder of what Friday nights could be, with all of its highs and lows, as it tapped into theaters near the end of the fall semester. The striking “Hidden Figures” rounded out the spring semester with a message of grit and determination to persevere against adversity and set your eyes on the stars.

Sophomore Year Pixar’s “Coco” resonated with audiences in late November 2017 as its family values delivered us straight into the holiday season when the Class of 2020 went home for winter break. “The Greatest Showman” started the new year with an A-list cast and songs like “This Is Me” that stuck around through the entire spring

semester.

“Black Panther” initiated a wave of diversity in mainstream movies, steeping the Marvel Cinematic Universe in African culture that underscored the impact of theatrical representations of others on screen.

The diversification of film in 2018 continued with the primarily Asian cast of “Crazy Rich Asians” and served as an exciting lead-in to the upcoming fall semester.

Junior Year The October release of “A Star Is Born” challenged projections of adulthood, with the true-to-life hurdles faced in the main characters’ relationship, and the movie adaptation of “The Hate U Give” continued the challenge of the Black Lives Matter movement.

The release of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” in December 2018 brought with it a sense of wonder that was unmatched in movies in recent memory.

Senior Year This year’s movies effectively ended the Class of 2020’s undergraduate careers with a bang. Joaquin Phoenix was stunning in his memorable performance as the titular role of “Joker.” “Parasite” surged into the public eye, especially after receiving the Academy Award for Best Picture and being the first international film to do so.

No other movie this year evoked as much of a feeling of nostalgia as “Frozen 2.”

Movies and film throughout the last four years have shown more inclusivity and creativity than in times past. Hopefully, these developments match the end of the undergraduate career: seeing things from new perspectives after the experience of a lifetime. ◊◊◊

Images courtesy of IMDb

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The road to 2020

THE DEFINING STORIES SINCE 2016 As we celebrate the class of 2020, read the Wheel articles that defined the past four years.

2016

Sterk to Serve as First Female Emory President

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2017

Fraudulent Agency Scams SPC

On Sept. 1, 2016, University President Claire E. Sterk served her first day as Emory’s 20th president. She previously served as the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. Her tenure oversaw the construction of a new student center and Emory’s annexation into Atlanta. On Nov. 13, 2019, Sterk announced her retirement; in April 2020, the University Board of Trustees elected University of Texas at Austin President Greg L. Fenves as the next president.

Emory’s Student Programming Council was duped by Global Talent Agency, which claimed to represent hiphop trio Migos, while booking the artists as Dooley’s Week headliners. The Wheel later broke the news that the fraudulent agency cost Emory $37,500, according to documents from the Student Government Association (SGA). Rapper Ty Dolla $ign was hired last minute as the backup performer.

Donald Trump Elected President of United States

Drunk Student Called President 'Coors Light'

Republican candidate Donald J. Trump won the general election on Nov. 9, 2016, beating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton with 304 electoral votes to Clinton’s 227. His presidency sparked contentious discourse throughout Emory’s campus after an already controversial campaign. Throughout his tenure, Trump has overseen the building of a wall along the Mexico-U.S. border and the phasing out of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Trump will be up for reelection on Nov. 3 against former Vice President Joe Biden.

An entry in the Wheel’s weekly crime report posted Sept. 12, 2017, went viral after a 19-year-old intoxicated student responded “Coors Light” when asked who the current president was. The student was being questioned by an Emory Police Department officer after she was reported by a SafeRide driver for lying in the middle of Clifton Road and Fishburne Drive. The student had consumed “two glasses of wine and an unknown number of tequila and vodka shots that evening at Maggie’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill and a bar in Buckhead,” the Wheel reported.

2018

2019-20

Emory Launches DUC-ling, Demolishes for ESC The Class of 2020 is the only graduating class to have seen all three — the Dobbs University Center (DUC), the DUC-ling and the Emory Student Center (ESC).

Work on the DUC-ling, an interim dining facility, began in October 2016 as the University prepared for the demolition of its almost 70-year-old campus life center, the DUC. The renovation of the DUC, which hosted the dining commons and mail services, was attributed to its poor functionality and aesthetic incongruity. The DUC-ling was launched in May 2017 and served its last meal on May 8, 2019, paving the way for the ESC. The ESC, which had a soft opening during the Summer 2019, features a new dinings commons, Dobbs Common Table, and a multipurpose room.

Netflix Brings 'Stranger Things' to Emory Campus Wildly popular for its teen cast and homage to the 1980s, Netflix’s original series “Stranger Things” was shot blocks away from Emory’s Atlanta campus in Building A of the Briarcliff Campus. The building moonlights as the Hawkins National Laboratory in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, and is home to the Upside Down. Previously a mental health facility, the building is now a well-known filming location.

Since then, Emory and its campuses have been host to several other productions such as “Ant-Man and the Wasp” and the movie adaptation of One Direction fanfiction “After,” earning Georgia the title of “Hollywood of the South.”

The road to 2020

SGA President Impeached for Abuse of Power In a rare occurrence, SGA voted to impeach the 52nd SGA President Dwight Ma (17Ox, 19C). Ma’s campaign and tenure were riddled with controversies, culminating in his resignation just hours prior to the impeachment vote. After Ma fired his chief of staff and the Elections Board chair, the Wheel’s Editorial Board endorsed Ma's impeachment.

Coronavirus Cuts Spring 2020 Short The last stretch of seniors' final semester came to a grinding halt after the spread of the novel coronavirus reached the U.S. On March 11, a University-wide email announced that Emory would move to remote learning for the rest of the semester, and all students living on campus were asked to move out. The semester culminated in spring traditions like Dooley’s Week and commencement moving online.

Timeline Compiled by Ayushi Agarwal

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Eagles Dream Teams

By Ryan Callahan, Managing Editor & Jessica Solomon, Sports Editor

The excellence of Emory’s academic prowess is perhaps only rivaled by the University’s athletic fortitude. Over the last four years, dozens of incredible athletes have donned the gold and blue while helping maintain Emory’s reputation as one of the best athletic institutions in the NCAA. The Emory Wheel took a look at athletes who competed for Emory in between the 2016-17 and 2019-20 school years and compiled “dream teams,” a collection of athletes who, in a school filled with stars, have have shone the brightest for their respective sports. Constructing these teams was no easy task, and we encourage you to provide feedback for our future reference. The individual teams are not ranked in any particular order.

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Women’s Basketball

Men's Basketball

Lindsey Tse (20B): Point Guard Shellie Kaniut (17C): Guard Allison Chernow (20C): Guard Erin Lindahl (20B): Forward Ashley Oldshue (19C): Center

Romin Williams (21B): Guard Whit Rapp (18B): Guard Matthew Schner (21B): Guard Adam Gigax (18B): Forward Lawrence Rowley (21C): Forward

Women's Swim & Dive

Men's Swim & Dive

Fiona Muir (19C): Free, Fly Cindy Cheng (18C): Back, Free Julia Durmer (19C): Free/IM Annelise Kowalsky (17C, 20N): Breast, Fly Megan Campbell (18B): Breast, Fly, IM Katherine Kushner (21C): Dive

Trey Kolleck (19B): Free Sage Ono (20C): Back Tom Gordon (19B): Free Andrew Wilson (17C): Breaststroke Oliver Smith (18C): Free Lucas Bumgarner (22B): Diver

Women’s Tennis

Men's Tennis

Bridget Harding (18C, 20PH) Katarina Su (17B) Michelle Satterfield (17C) Daniela Lopez (19B) Ysabel Gonzalez-Rico (21C)

Jonathan Jemison (19C) Adrien Bouchet (19C) Aman Manji (17C) Hayden Cassone (21C) James Spaulding (19C)

Women’s Soccer

Men's Soccer

Danielle Staffin (19B): Goalkeeper Nikki Batt (19C): Defender Caroline Moore (21B): Defender Lily Dresner (21C): Defender Peyton Robertson (23C): Defender Lindsey Breskow (22C): Midfielder Samantha Hilsee (21C): Midfielder Madison Phaneuf (19C): Midfielder Shivani Beall (20C): Forward Abbe McCarter (19C): Forward Natalie Klar (23C): Forward

Cole Gallagher (21B): Goalkeeper Cody Gardiner (17C): Defender Georges Daoud (18C): Defender Aidan Datené (19B): Defender Scott Haley (17B): Defender Moustafa Khattab (19B): Midfielder Jun Tsuru (20B): Midfielder Tyler Santee (19C): Midfielder Jason McCartney (18C): Forward Nate Sampson (21B): Forward William Jones (19B): Forward

Volleyball Mady Arles (18C): Setter Morgan McKnight (20C): Outside Hitter Jessica Holler (17C): Middle Hitter Leah Saunders (21C): Right Side Hitter Tara Martin (22C): Outside Hitter Sydney Leimbach (19C): Middle Hitter Elyse Thompson (20C): Libero

Men's Golf

Women's Golf

Keenan Hickton (18B) Connor Yakubov (19B) Matt Organisak (20C) Stefano Butti (19B) Eric Yiu (21C)

Ksheera Jalakam (23C) Jessie Ji (23C)

Note: The women’s golf team formed this past year and had a stellar season with an all-freshman team. Due to the novelty of the program, we have awarded honorable mentions to the above players.

Women's Track/Field

Men's Track/Field

Dani Bland (19C): Sprints Dilys Osei (19C): Hurdles/Sprints Isabel Saridakis (20C): Pole Vault Paris Wagner (19C): Throws Rebekah Bondi (21B): Sprints/Jumps

Max Brown (18C): Distance Charlie Hu (18B): Jumps/Multi-Events Benjamin Rogin (18B): Hurdles Liam Fost (21C): Sprints Brett Henshey (22C): Jumps

Women's Cross Country

Men's Cross Country

Gabrielle Stravach (18C) Carrie McIntyre (21C) Kaylee Slade (19C) Susannah Martin (21B) Tru Powell (18C)

Lukas Mees (16C) Jack Whetstone (21B) Bennett Shaw (19C) Michael Sisario (17B) Shane Sullivan (18C)

Baseball

Softball

Jackson Weeg (17C): Pitcher Chris Young (17C): Catcher Bubby Terp (19C): First Baseman Jeff Ronpirin (17C): Second Baseman Philip Maldari (17C): Third Baseman Nick Chambers (18B): Shortstop Richard Brereton (20B): Outfielder Wilson Morgan (17B): Outfielder Jack Rubenstein (21B): Outfielder

Brittany File (17C): Pitcher Lana Herrmann (19C): Catcher Mattie Ryan (22C): First Baseman Sarah Katz (20C): Second Baseman Natalie Arreguin (21C): Third Baseman Cassie Baca (19C): Shortstop Taylor Forte (17C): Left Fielder Jenna Wilson (19C): Center Fielder Sami Feller (20C): Right Fielder Greta Wilker (20C): Designated Hitter

Note: Due to the abrupt cancellation of the 2020 season, the Wheel looked only at players who played between the 2017 and 2019 seasons.

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Nicole Sadek Editor-in-Chief

Creative Major Writing & International Studies Charleston, Hometown S.C. Fave Baker's Dozen

Niraj Naik Editor-in-Chief

Richard Chess Senior Editor

Business (Finance) & Political Science Twinsburg, Ohio Emory Life Best Life

Comparative Literature & East Asian Studies Seoul, South Korea Copy

History

Music Composition

Political Science & Economics

Naples, Fla.

Tampa, Fla.

Opinion

Sports

Mercer Island, Wash.

News

Doggy Dogg

H Mart Food Court

Cook Out

Desta Ethiopian Kitchen

The Colonnade

The rain

Summer mosquitoes

Paying for it

The walk to Burlington Road Building

Running corrections for Wheel articles

Matheson Reading Room

Nintendo Switch station at ESC

Lullwater

Any empty classroom in MSC

Quad in April

Nonfiction/ Journalism Fave Class Ethics

Intermediate Cycling

Anything with Dr. Julia Bullock

HIST 385: Right Wing America

Film in Music Freshman Sem

American Legal System

Accidentally Most Em- introducing barrassing myself as Phil

Riding my electric scooter

When I had Delivering the short hair, Wheel an employee thought I was a 12-year-old boy child prodigy

Being mistaken Going to Six for a child on Flags with the shuttle friends then remembering I'm scared of rollercoasters

Who's she?

Dooley

Doolino

Swoop

Swoop

Dooley

Convocation Hall

Oxford Road Building

My dorm

Cox cafeteria

Schwartz Center

Candler Library

haha

Georgetown University Law Center

Atlanta Urban Debate League

TBD

TBD

Section

Fave ATL Takorea Food Spot What you'll Long Uber miss least rides from the about airport Emory Fave Campus Spot

Clairmont tennis court

Moment

Dooley or Swoop?

Fave Bathroom

Investigative Journalism Post-grad master's at Plans ASU

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Sage Cho Isaiah Sirois Annie Uichanco Executive Editor Managing Editor Special Sections

Aditya Prakash Associate Editor

Maddy Lutwyche Associate Editor

Devin Bog Editorial Board

Andrew Kliewer Editorial Board

English & Political Science

NBB & Philosophy

Mathematics & Computer Science

Biology & Political Science

Political Science & Economics

Hampton, Ga.

Dubai, UAE

Baltimore, Md.

Fremont, Calif. Dallas, Texas

Dallas, Texas

A&E

Crossword

Opinion. Duh.

Brian Savino

Opinion

Emory Life Best Life

El Tesoro

Falafel King

Thaicoon

Top Spice

Lucky's Burger and Brew

Fat Matt’s Rib Shack

Being the only black person in the room

The old DUC

Accidentally getting on the slow C Route

Summer lasting 'til October

The library during finals

Marian K. Heilburn Media Library

Lullwater

The couch in the Opinion room. So many great naps.

Overlook from BSA house/ tennis court intersection.

Hahn Woods

Timing the C Toco Hills shuttle on the weekends Cement thrones overlooking Asbury Circle

Women, Race FILM 380: and The South Video Games

Real Analysis II POLS 490RW: The Republic

International Political Economy

Seeing Dr. Michelle Gordon and going, "Wow, you're Natasha Trethewey."

I reviewed vending machine snacks my freshman year. Terrible article.

Not appropriate Spoke roasting for print ;) me for Pinkerton love letter freshman year.

No regrets

Flipping a tray over onto myself at the DUC freshman year

Dooley

Dooley will pay for their warcrimes Lullwater

Both are awful

DUCling inflatable duck

Swoop

Doolino

In the empty part of the Chemistry building Software Consultant

Carlos, understated and tasteful.

Next to the reading room

Restroom on the 6th floor stacks

Research tech at Mass Gen/ HMS

University of Pennsylvania Law School

Sales Leadership Dev Program

In the Old Center for Women, 3rd floor Cox Hall Playwriting and screenwriting master’s at University of St. Andrews in Scotland

Food Science

Varun Gupta Senior Staff

Political Science & Philosophy

Comparative/ International Political Economy A good chunk of freshman year

CONGRATULATIONS WHEEL GRADS!

Adesola Thomas A&E Editor

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Crossword DOWN

1. SweetWater Brewing Company drinks 2. “The Hunger Games” District 2 villain 3. Non-Goizueta money major 4. Popular author of spy novels 5. Carlos, High 6. Good to take one sometimes 7. Where you add classes before registration 8. Female sheep 9. California-Mexico border city 10. “The Great Gatsby” author 11. Multicolored gemstone 12. Cryptic letter 13. Largest seaborne invasion in history 21. Sporting rule violation 23. ___ buco, cross-cut veal shanks 25. Pre-med students are studying for these 26. “In like a lion, out like ___ ___” 27. Increasingly important form of security 28. Digital transaction 29. Online image host 30. Cleveland Browns wide receiver 31. Team that creates and

By Aidan Vick Associate Editor improves products 32. Rap trio infamously “booked” for Dooley’s Week 34. “Never have ___ ___” 37. Massive creature 38. Overpriced Cox go-to 40. Prestigious vocational organization 41. Faded, shabby 43. As opposed to basic 44. Late-night Emory food spot 46. Kavanaugh, Young, Favre 47. Only Pixar trilogy 48. American military branch 49. Wells Fargo 50. “___ ___ girl!”

51. Crepe-like Indian dish 52. What the crew team does 53. Type of social media message 56. Home of world’s tallest building

ACROSS 1. Coffee form popular at Blue Donkey 5. Clubs, cudgels, bludgeons 10. Cross a river on foot 14. Widely disliked freshman gen-ed 15. Saitama-based soccer club

Overheard on Zoom ...

16. Multipurpose root vegetable 17. ASCII to integer in C++ 18. Mythological sailor slayer 19. Site of Jesus’ first public miracle 20. Freshman orientation event 22. “Students may come, students may go; but ___ goes on forever!

24. ‘60s Yankees manager, nicknamed “The Major” 25. Grounded cloud coverage 26. Scientific synonym of vinegar

29. Winter weather uncommon in Atlanta 33. Disinfectant brand 34. Final stage of metamorphosis 35. Ethnic minority in China, Myanmar 36. Excessive 21-downs will earn you one 37. Implore to 38. Upper-level degree for engineers 39. “Braveheart” director 40. Mole 41. Illusive picture book character 42. Short break 44. Regionals, nationals, ___ 45. Goddess of Pop, “Be-

lieve” singer 46. Emory Point sushi spot, twice.

47. Revolutionary 20thcentury art movement 50. Jail cell amenity 54. Arabic name meaning “lion” 55. Expelled 57. Birth-assisting device 58. Wife of a raja 59. Delicious 60. Philly-based convenience chain 61. 2020 Super Bowl teams 62. Warms 63. Speech defect

By Cailen Chinn, Multimedia Editor While the Wheel normally eavesdrops upon conversations on Cox Hall Bridge or at the library, we’ve now tuned in to what classmates, professors and guest lecturers are saying on Zoom. We can verifiably report that the conversations have only become more strange.

“

Bernie brought down Public Enemy

To the class: “I have an informal question … I need to know where Sante gets his eyebrows done.”

“I laugh at inappropriate stuff.

Don’t cancel me.”

“No one should be licking anything anywhere at this time.

Except ice cream.”

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“I don’t know about y’all, but I’m normally in the streets.”

“I wish Holden wasn’t on mute … then I could hear him chewing and finally feel something during this quarantine.”

“I was the self-described creepy weird kid. And now look where we are."

“Instead of having real scars from cutting film strips, you guys will now have cyber scars.”

Was College Worth It?

By Aaron Jordan When you reflect on something as transformative as college, you have to ask yourself, was it worth it? If you know economics, then you would look at it in terms of opportunity costs.

Did you gain more value monetarily than you lost by not working, traveling, etc.?

Fortunately for all of us, economics only works in an ideal world, and college is anything but ideal.

Like me, you likely didn’t get into your “ideal” school. Like me, you might have changed majors many times (RIP to me being pre-med and a chemistry major).

Like me, you might have even thought that you would keep all of the same friends that you made during your first few weeks at Emory, (you likely wouldn’t have even said goodbye to some of those people even if your senior year hadn’t been cut short by a pandemic).

So how can you evaluate your time at Emory? I would simply look at who you are, your new interests, your friends, your accomplishments and your purpose, and then ask yourself: if these all vanished right now, would I be okay with that? For me, the answer is absolutely not.

I came to Emory as a retired swimmer, and if you know anything about swimming, then you know it consumes your life. As a

freshman at Emory, I had a clean slate. I was 800 miles away from home, and no one knew me. Surprisingly, being a gay black male, acceptance actually turned out not to be what I was most worried about. Emory was the welcoming community that I hoped it would be and more. I really wanted to find a purpose and a true home.

Finding a home happened quite fast. Alabama Hall 20162017 was the greatest community Emory may ever witness.

From the Bamaly barbecues, snipe wars, open doors with my hallmates and even with my Residence Life staff, I couldn’t have asked for a better home. It was where I felt comfortable coming out, where it was acceptable to be vulnerable and where I realized that I had found a path to finding a purpose.

That purpose was doing anything that it took to give others the same welcoming environment that I had coming to college.

Thus, moving up in the Residence Hall Association (RHA) and becoming a sophomore adviser allowed me to continuously impact the communities around me in a positive way. While I can convey my journey more clearly now and see all the points of inflection that steered me to where

I am today, I didn’t completely recognize my path until the fall semester of my senior year.

Looking back, I did not come to Emory planning to be the president of RHA. And honestly, it was an opportunity that just ended up aligning with my purpose. And as I leave and move into higher education, I still plan to keep my purpose close to my heart.

My path most likely will change at some point, but the peace of mind of being confident in where you are headed is invaluable.

My advice to everyone is to use your time at Emory to find your purpose. If you’re a graduating senior, reflect on your time.

What experiences have made you the person you are today, and where can your passion take you in your next journey?

If you still have some time left at Emory, seize every opportunity that college will throw at you, and cherish your growth.

Aaron Jordan is from North Wales, Pennsylvania, and served as the Residence Hall Association President and was the founder of the Undergraduate Student Leadership Council. Aaron will be working at Emory in the Advancement Alumni Engagement Division.

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Practical Advice & Gooey Musings

By Adesola Thomas Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of “South Park” and “The Book of Mormon,” made accompanying animated videos for a series of talks that were given by British philosopher Alan Watts. Throughout my high school and college career, I have found myself returning to one of these videos: “Life and Music.” In it, Watts asserts that, just as composers and audience members alike do not “make the end of the [musical] composition the point of the composition,” it is ineffective to approach life as though fortunate, formative experiences like college are simply a means to an end.

Watts suggests life itself is “a musical thing” and we are “supposed to sing and dance while the music [is] being played” rather than rushing to the end of the current experience or composition.

In a similar vein, our Emory education may help us access impressive jobs and opportunities in the future.

But the proverbial degree, the crescendo at the end of the musical composition that is the Emory experience, is not wholly the point of the experience. In this undergraduate journey, like in other formative parts of our lives, we are supposed to sing and dance the whole time. With the guidance of my mentors at the Center for Women, the compassion of professors and the generosity of my friends, I was constantly reminded to traverse my Emory experience with Watts’ musical musings in mind.

In that spirit, I have chosen to share some pithy pieces of advice to help future Emory seniors make their experiences at our institution “sing” not only their senior year but perhaps the whole time.

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Practical advice in second person: 1. Talk to your professors: Adults in academia are often impressive, which can be intimidating. But they are human people with blood and guts and an interest in knowing you.

Stop by their office hours if you have questions. But also make time to learn about how they became who they are. Witnessing the humanity of older people can be life-giving.

2. Save money on books: During Add/Drop/ Swap week, take your syllabus to the library before you take it to the bookstore. You can check out most books that you are required to read from the Woodruff Library for free.

Interlibrary loans also make it easy to request a book from another library if Emory doesn’t have it or if someone else has already checked it out.

3. Do things you care about: Try to minimize performative behavior and feigning interest because it “looks good.” Do things you care about.

While at Emory, I often found myself being the only black person in the room. Or the only fan of ska music. That can be lonely. But that loneliness does not mean that the things that make you who you are are illegitimate or unimportant, and it does not mean that you are illegitimate or unimportant.

Gooey musings:

Emory, like other elite institutions, attracts high achiev1. Sometimes you’ll feel lonely ers. Know yourself outside in a room full of people: Not the realm of academia or even everyone is going to get you athletic success. Are you comor celebrate you all the time. fortable sharing who you are While at Emory, I often found with other people? When other myself being the only black per- people are being themselves, son in the room. Or the only fan do you perform the generous, of ska music. That can be lone- compassionate act of believing ly. But that loneliness does not them? Do you dismiss them? Do mean that the things that make you envy their quotidian bravyou who you are are illegitimate ery? Why or why not? Getting or unimportant, and it does not to know who you are outside mean that you are illegitimate of the classroom, lab or perforor unimportant. Within reason, mance space is crucial. Whatyou deserve to be anywhere ever it is you choose to pursue that you want to be. Believe in life or at Emory, no one is gothat, embody that — be that. ing to exist for you. That’s why it’s important to work toward 2. Learn how to like yourself, enjoying the process of existing then learn how to love yourself: as yourself.

3. Express gratitude and be generous toward other people: There will be many people who see you and celebrate the way you move through the world.

These people may be family members back home, Emory faculty, your peers or, in my case, the fabulous people that work at the Belonging and Community Justice suite in the Emory Student Center. Always thank them, offer them that same kindness and communicate to people how they make you feel. They often cannot know unless you tell them. Additionally, spend time offering that same generosity to other people. Our lives aren’t merely our own, and they are often best spent when in service to others.

Adesola Thomas is from Hampton, Georgia, and served as The Emory Wheel’s Arts and Entertainment Editor from 2019-2020. She will begin her master’s in Playwriting & Screenwriting as a Bobby Jones Scholar at St. Andrews University in September 2020.

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Oh, the Places You'll Go! I am incredibly proud to be part of a community built by and for such driven, resilient and compassionate individuals

By Catherine Xu

Let’s begin with the place we’re at right now. I know. Just a month ago, the thought never crossed our minds that we wouldn’t be in the same place. Personally, I thought I’d be experiencing the first days of spring on campus, chasing a gorgeous sunset from either the top of the Peavine Parking Lot or the Emory Student Center. I thought I’d be conquering the hill to the arch, entering the BBA Program Office slightly out of breath. I thought I’d maybe be thinking about finals soon, but probably letting senior year get the best of me. I thought ... well, I thought we’d be together at a place we’ve all come to call home.

So I’ll be the first to confess, I’ve been finding myself in “The Waiting Place” recently.

Here, I’m waiting to hear more about commencement plans. I’m waiting to hug all my friends again and have Falafel King with them just one more time. Unfortunately relatable, I’m waiting to not have to repeat myself after

realizing I’ve been on mute the entire time. I’m waiting to no longer be in "The Waiting Place" anymore.

However, in reflecting upon my time at Emory and more specifically the latter half at the Goizueta Business School, I realize that I’m not one to wait and nor are you. Quite the contrary, it seems to have been four years of go, go, go. Needless to say, I am incredibly proud to be part of a community built by and for such driven, resilient and compassionate individuals. Ultimately, in reflecting upon my time at Emory, I’m able to replace the waiting with memories of all the bright places we’ve been and will continue to go.

To Classes of the Future: Oh, the places you’ll go!

To Class of 2020: Oh, the places we’ve been and the places we’ll continue to go! Here’s to us. Here’s to Emory, a place to always call home.

Catherine Xu is from Sugar Land, Texas, and served as president of BBA Council and a member of the Undergraduate Student Leadership Council from 2019-2020. Catherine will be joining Bank of America in Charlotte, North Carolina, as a global risk analyst.

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Forget the Hustle, Remember the People

By Ben Palmer I vividly remember my parents moving me into the JRC. For the unacquainted, the Jolley Residential Center (JRC) is one of the premier residence halls at Emory University’s Oxford College.

Central to the quad, this monolith of student life has graced Oxford’s historic quad since the 1980s, when four residence halls were hurriedly spackled together to create a cinder block-laden nightmare that has haunted its residence ever since.

As quickly as I fell asleep in the JRC on move-in day, I now wake up in my apartment in Atlanta at the end of my senior year.

Little did I know that, early this spring semester, the opportunity to say goodbye and thank you to so many people would be cut short.

It’s difficult to tell the Class of 2020’s story without mentioning COVID-19’s disruption. Even though Emory’s decision to shut down was for the best, it did not come without repercussions. Seniors like me, who thought we

had two months to say goodbye to friends, experiences and places that we have loved, were given only a few days.

This new reality makes the transition into our next chapters more difficult, but it reinforces the lesson I faced all year: cherish the people around you while you still can.

When I reflect on my time at Emory, I don’t miss pulling allnighters and stressing over elections or what my next internship would be.

What I miss are the friends that made it all bearable. Our generation’s instinct, and what I observe in myself and Emory students, is to chase the next shiny object: the internship, executive position, lab spot — whatever. I certainly was not immune to this mindset.

But when we are caught in the hustle for the “next big thing,” we lose time with the only thing we’ll miss when our time is up: the people.

I experienced a lot of per-

But when we are caught in the hustle for the 'next big thing,' we lose time with the only thing we’ll miss when our time is up: the people.

sonal loss this year, not just this semester, but I’m thankful that I learned this lesson early in my life.

Time moves fast, and it’s easy to be caught up in the hustle.

However, when I take a moment to reflect, all I can think about are the people that got me this far.

Because when all of the classes and titles and recognition become just a memory, the people who got me to this point will remain.

We are all we have, and we don’t know how long we’ll have each other for.

So, make sure you don’t take your people for granted, even when y’all are grinding away in a crappy residence hall.

Ben Palmer is from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and has served as the 53rd SGA president of Emory from 2019 to 2020 and Oxford College president from 2017 to 2018, among other positions. After graduation he will be at Signal Group in Washington, D.C., primarily working in governmental affairs.

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How I Found My People or even first-year orientation, I closer to a couple of my friends began preseason on the women’s from high school when we found varsity soccer team. ourselves living one flight of I immediately found myself stairs apart in Raoul Hall our surrounded by almost 30 team- first year. mates, all of us wildly different I did find “my people” in colfrom one another, bound by our lege, but it ended up looking very team and the sport we happened different from what I envisioned to have played at the same school. coming in.

The four other women in my It felt like a serendipitous class would go on to become process filled with chance enthe closest and dearest friends I counters, rather than a focused would make in college. search for others just like me.

The five of us could not be Looking back, I wouldn’t have it more different from each other, any other way. and I often think about the ranIf I could give one piece of dom chance that brought our un- advice to students, it would be likely group together. to take full advantage of the ranBy Shivani Beall Throughout college, I found dom chance and spontaneity that myself making seemingly fortu- college is inevitably filled with.

Before coming to Emory, In doing so, I have stumfriends and family would always itous friendships. tell me that college is where I would find “my people.” That seemed a strange concept to me If I could give one piece of advice to — this mystical group of likeminded souls, waiting to welstudents, it would be to take full advantage come me into the fold with open of the random chance and spontaneity that arms.

As the days grew closer to encollege is inevitably filled with. tering my first year, I remember feeling a burgeoning sense of uncertainty surrounding this idea.

In my head, I would amass a I became involved at Bread bled across lifelong friends with group of friends who were exactCoffeehouse and forged deep whom I have had the pleasure of ly like me (because that had to be what everyone meant when they connections with people of a wide sharing the last four monumenreferred to finding their people). array of backgrounds and up- tal years.

We would think the same way bringings that I probably would Shivani Beall is from Atlanta, and have the exact same inter- not have otherwise met.

The girl I happened to room Georgia, and served as a memests and personalities.

This unlikely vision could not with my first year became my ber of the women’s varsity sochave been further from the truth, second-, third- and fourth-year cer team from 2016-2019 and as and I could not be more thankful roommate (as well as a fast a captain in her final year. She friend). hopes to attend medical school for that.

I was even able to grow much in Fall 2021.

Before the first day of classes

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We’ve Been Here Before & We’ll Be Here Again

By Isaiah Sirois

We’ll always have our own touchstones that help us remember.

Back home, I have a picture of some dogs on my bedroom wall. A black Labrador retriever’s tongue lolls from her mouth in the center, and she’s flanked by her five puppies: three yellow, one black, one brown. They’re enjoying a nice day out in the summer sun. At least I assume so; they’re not my dogs.

I’ve had the picture for 11 years now, and I kept it when my family moved to Florida. Why? It’s what’s on the back that matters.

The picture is actually a jigsaw puzzle that my fifth-grade classmates assembled for an auction, and our names are scattered across the back of the wooden panel that holds it into place. Written in permanent marker, some of our names are written in well-formed print, while others are scrawled in a 10-year-old’s desperate cursive.

Our giant handwriting makes the 24-by-18-inch canvas look like a birthday card that’s been passed around to too many people.

Some names jump out at you.

There’s Andrew D. and Andrew T., whose massive signatures only rival each other in size. Annie and Marie chose to dot their I's with hearts. Six of us — Corina, Pat, Emma G., Peter, Laura and Shannon — all drew smiley faces next to our names. Of course, friends kept their names together. The whole thing looks like a map of where we’d sit at lunch: Victoria next to Alyssa, Connor K. next to Connor P., Thomas P. next to Peter, etc.

In total, 43 of my classmates wrote their names on the sheet of plywood. I’ve talked to two of them in the past year and maybe five since we graduated from high school. Since then, some of us finished college early, while others decided it wasn’t a good fit. One of us is finishing up at the U.S. Naval

Academy right now. Another will enroll at the Georgetown University Law Center next year. And one of the two people I’ve kept up with, Thomas P., plans to teach English abroad once he graduates. I doubt that I’ll see most of my classmates again. That’s O.K. We’ve all moved on from fifth grade, and we can’t return to the 180 days we spent together back then. We learned what we needed for class, like how to spell “facetious” and how to add fractions, and we taught ourselves what really mattered, like how to get sent home when “sick” and how to shoot a spitball.

That year, we watched as a hero landed a plane on the Hudson River. We looked on as the Philadelphia Phillies took down the upstart Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series and as Kris Allen bested Adam Lambert on “American Idol.” We saw a black man take the oath of office for the first time. We all felt the beginnings of an economic recession, too, although we probably didn’t understand it back then.

As the Class of 2020 graduates from Emory, chances are that we won’t see most of each other again. We’ll try to keep some relationships alive, and sometimes we’ll succeed, but there’s only so much that effort can do to overcome time and distance. Yet as strong as those forces are, we’ll always have memories to look back on, and we’ll always have our own touchstones that help us remember. We may not know what they are now, but they might just be on our bedroom walls in 11 years.

Isaiah Sirois is from Naples, Florida, and served as the Wheel’s managing editor. He will work in the Atlanta Urban Debate League before attending law school.

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By Any Means Necessary "We declare our right on this earth … to be a human being, to be respected as a human being, to be given the rights of a human being in this society, on this earth, in this day, which we intend to bring into existence by any means necessary.” — Malcolm X

By Timothy Richmond

As I reflect on my time at Emory and who I have become, I am reminded of that shy, timid, nervous young man in the summer of August 2016.

I had no idea of the life lessons, opportunities and challenges that I would face at Emory. I remember being so concerned with what others thought of me and how I would be perceived by my peers. It was then that I realized how easy it is for your existence and being to go unnoticed.

I promised myself that I would leave a legacy and ensure that I was acknowledged by the University by any means necessary. I sought to do that by leading the Emory NAACP and being an active member of the Emory community.

My life was changed with my acceptance into Emory. Before I had heard back from Emory, I had already received multiple rejections 19

and had been accepted into over 30 schools across the nation. Although many people saw the success and my dreams come into fruition, deep down inside I was worried about money and not being good enough for my dream school. I had many options but was not ready to make a decision.

This all changed with the Emory 2020 sticker I received in the mail and an email informing me that I had been accepted into Emory’s Class of 2020.

It came as a surprise because I did not remember applying to Emory and it was not in my list of schools I was considering. I quickly did research on the University, fell in love with it and wanted myself there by any means necessary.

The thought of student loans was daunting, but I felt it was a sign from God that I should attend Emory. My prayers were answered,

and my dream became a reality when I received the Gates Millennium Scholarship.

My first year at Emory was a defining year in my life because I had never questioned my self-worth and belonging as much as I did that year. 2016 was a big year for many reasons: I graduated high school; I became a Gates Millennium Scholar; the music was popping; I started college at Emory; and it was an election year.

We all witnessed the evil lurking in our country, and my interactions with peers and professors that year would later define my role on campus.

Sophomore year, I promised to stop living my life by others’ expectations and instead be who I want to be. I attended multiple conferences on leadership and navigated the bureaucracy of higher education.

As a student leader, I realized how much work this University has to do. I am forever thankful for the opportunities and privileges provided to me by Emory, but I am not willing to be content with the daily inequities Emory Black students face.

I made lifelong friends who also wanted to be a part of my change. Emory University was integral to my exponential growth.

“God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers.” These words and the meaning behind them became so important to me in my third year, my most challenging year at Emory.

I was an emerging student leader in two of the most prominent Black organizations on campus.

I struggled with my mental health for the first time in my life. It was my most challenging year academically, and my perception of Emory’s greatness shattered. As a student leader, I realized how much work this University has to do.

I am forever thankful for the opportunities and privileges provided to me by Emory, but I am not willing to be content with the daily inequities Emory Black students face. I promised I would support my community in any way to ensure the acknowledgment of the Black bodies on

campus. I became involved with NAACP, our nation’s premier civil rights organization founded in 1909. Our organization wants Black students to feel welcome and heard on campus. We seek to maintain and ensure their rights as students by any means necessary.

We are all forced to reflect on our time at Emory during this pandemic and are confronted with memories of our time here.

I am extremely grateful to Emory for the amazing people I have met and the bonds I’ve formed through its vast network. Although I am frustrated with how the University responds at times, I realize that I would not be who I am without this institution. I thank God for encouraging me to attend Emory and helping me see why I was meant to be here.

I will miss my friends, my professors and, most of all, the memories that I have created.

Thank you, Emory!

Timothy Richmond, Jr is from Memphis, Tennessee, and served as president of Emory NAACP (2019-2020), president of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc (2019-2020) BSA & NAACP VP (2018-2019), Campus-Based Leader for Gates Millennium Scholars (20182020). He will join the Teach for America Metro Atlanta Corps before pursuing law school.

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Some Thoughts About the Wheel & the Future

By Niraj Naik

I’ll never forget the feeling of newsprint between my fingers when I picked up my first-ever copy of the Wheel.

Even before I was admitted to Emory, I told myself I absolutely had to be on the newspaper. It was non-negotiable. I came out of my high school paper still craving both the high-stress environment of an amateur newsroom and the euphoria that follows a week of painstaking work. I knew I would still need that cadence in my life.

When I showed up to the interest meeting at Harland Cinema, someone handed me a copy of that week’s issue. I squeezed myself between dozens of wideeyed freshmen flirting with a stint on the paper.

Back then, I didn’t know if I had what it took to be a part of such an ambitious enterprise. I barely knew if I had what it took to be an Emory student.

I wish I knew then what I know now — that while this work does not require the smartest mind, it does require a courageous heart.

In job interviews, people ask me what possible value working

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on a student newspaper can bring to my resume. I always rattle off the same answers: working on a team, meeting hard deadlines, strengthening my writing skills.

On some level, I resent the premise of the question. Does there need to be a self-serving reason to do work that’s good for the community?

My biggest disappointment with Emory is how salient this mindset is on campus: “If you’re not going to medical school, law school or Goldman Sachs, why are you even at Emory? There’s no reason for liberal arts classes because they don’t teach you anything useful. General education requirements are a waste of time, and I could graduate earlier without them.”

I hear these things and want to vomit all over myself. Emory is pre-professional to a fault. And I worry that students never slow down long enough to consider their purpose.

What do they ultimately hope to accomplish?

I don’t think it’s inherently bad to go to the business school

(obviously, I went there) or to strengthen your job qualifications. I don’t even think it’s bad to take a job in the private sector.

But these decisions must be accompanied by a sense of vocation and what we owe to our community.

Throughout my time at Emory, I’ve waffled between career paths. I still don’t know what lies ahead. But I’d like to believe that the next 50 years of my life will be in service to others.

I joined the Wheel because I wanted to prove to myself that I was capable. I stayed on the Wheel because for the first time in my life, I really felt like I was making a difference in my community. I’m so proud of the stories I’ve been able to tell and of the paper I helped to build.

For me, the Wheel was my way to do something that actually mattered. I hope other people can find that, too.

Niraj Naik is from Twinsburg, Ohio, and served as coeditor-in-chief of The Emory Wheel from 2019-2020.

I worry that students never slow down long enough to consider their purpose.

What do they ultimately hope to accomplish?

This Will Do

By Nicole Sadek Not to toot my own horn, but I am an excellent planner. I pride myself on my uncanny ability to prepare — prepare for exams, prepare for flights (there’s nothing wrong with getting to the airport four hours early), prepare for the worst. But like so many of my classmates, my time at Emory did not go as planned.

I never wrote the movie that I had always envisioned writing. I never went to that one concert I had scheduled. I never decorated my cap with my favorite line from my favorite movie. But I also did things I never expected to do. I signed up for a tai chi class on a whim and loved it. I learned how to read and write Arabic. I became enamored of this city and then another.

Those are the spontaneous experiences that I will remember when I think back on Emory.

I will also remember spending four years in a dilapidated building, surrounded by takeout Thai food and off-kilter playlists, laboring over a newspaper that taught me more about life and myself than any other experience in college.

When previous editors of The Emory Wheel have been asked to write senior reflections, they have shared one or two stories that defined their time at Emory.

This is mine: in my senior year, my favorite newspaper faced in-

credible financial dilemmas; became entangled in a lawsuit; grieved; and ended its year far too soon.

But the most heinous experience for which I was grossly unprepared was the University’s concerted effort to stonewall its student journalists from speaking to administrators, faculty and staff.

Don’t get me wrong; universities, like all other businesses, must protect their own interests.

But a university that actively evades the press and hides from accountability should not tout its moral high ground. It is egregious for Emory’s highest ranks to thwart any and all conversations with student journalists and, even worse, to ask their employees not to speak to the newspaper.

If sources refuse to speak to journalists, they will not have a say in what is published. And neither of us wants that.

To Emory and its new leaders, I pose two questions: How does an institution expect to flourish if it does not welcome the criticism of its students? How will it be held accountable if it actively squashes the press? And to those who wish to pursue journalism or careers that hold higher powers responsible, know that you will be shot down — but that’s the ex-

citing part. Nothing that comes easy has ever been rewarding.

I am thankful to have had a difficult and rewarding year.

While at times I traversed what seemed like insurmountable obstacles, I also celebrated 100 years of student journalism at Emory, welcomed incredible alumni back to campus and learned a thing or two about reporting.

This reflection would not be complete without recognizing my confidant and co-editor Niraj Naik (20B) and my friends both inside and outside the Wheel.

Your friendship has been direly needed and much appreciated.

Suffice it to say, college did not turn out as planned.

That movie is still unwritten; I’m still kicking myself for never going to that concert; and I have yet to decorate my cap with my favorite line from my favorite movie.

But I think this reflection will do.

Nicole Sadek is from Charleston, South Carolina, and served as co-editor-in-chief of The Emory Wheel from 2019-2020 and as an IDEAS fellow from 2017-2020. She will pursue a master’s in investigative journalism from Arizona State University in the Fall.

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Why Emory?

My Answer Re-Examined

By David Kulp “Why Emory?” For Emory tour guides, this question should be strikingly familiar.

It is the one question that is asked of every Emory tour guide by prospective students and their families at the conclusion of every campus tour. When I was first asked this question, my answer didn’t sit well: “Emory is a collaborative academic environment.”

It didn’t sit well not because the answer wasn’t truthful — Emory is certainly collaborative.

I’ve enjoyed working with peers on group projects and studying with friends until the early hours of the morning for organic chemistry exams. But, in hindsight, my answer was too simple.

Reflecting and introspecting on my experience four years later, as I near graduation, “collaborative” has taken on a greater, multidimensional meaning. Emory has been a place where I have been able to create authentic and deep relationships with students, staff and faculty alike.

It is through these relationships that I have discovered my academic and personal passions — from fostering productive dialogue to pursuing medicine as a career and to gathering diverse inter-religious communities on Emory’s campus and more.

As a first-year student, I was too timid to jump in and engage with faculty and staff. Having attended a relatively small high school, the size of Emory’s student body was intimidating.

Sitting in Professor Tracy McGill’s introductory chemistry course alongside nearly 100 of my peers was overwhelming. Would I be seen? Would I be heard? Would I excel? I 23

was nervous and scared to raise my hand. I wasn’t the first one through the door during office hours.

However, primed by close mentorship provided by my teachers in high school, I soon recognized the true value of an education at Emory as I began to familiarize myself with the campus: the relationships with faculty and staff.

One afternoon, I peered into McGill’s office in the Atwood Chemistry Center. We were nearing the end of the spring semester of my first year, and I was preparing for final exams.

It also happened to be Passover, coinciding with Ash Wednesday. McGill took the time to not only review the material for our final exam but also walked me through the traditions of her church and family. She responded with excitement, inquiring about the particularities of my tradition.

Her genuine interest in my life as a student humanized our friendship. McGill is not simply a chemistry professor, but a mentor and friend.

This narrative has repeated itself time and time again over my four years as an undergraduate at Emory. Had I not emailed Professor Arri Eisen in my second year, I would have never discovered my passion at the nexus of ethics and science.

I would have never jumped for the opportunity to engage with the Emory-Tibet Partnership.

And I would have never pursued a major in interdisciplinary studies. Faculty and staff are the cruxes of our university’s infrastructure.

It is through their knowledge, wisdom and

Do not pass up an opportunity to engage with the experts on our campus. Take a professor to lunch at the Dobbs Common Table, invite the dean to Shabbat dinner, email your academic advisor for course recommendations, participate in a Dinner with 12 Strangers and attend a faculty member’s office hours.

teaching that we, as students, are able to excel and grow. And I am beyond thankful for their teaching. Engaging with faculty and staff has become an automatic reflex — not an impulsive response, but an openness to engage. Doing so enables me to ultimately move beyond what is comfortable for me and discover passions previously unknown.

Do not pass up an opportunity to engage with the experts on our campus. Take a professor to lunch at the Dobbs Common Table, invite the dean to Shabbat dinner, ask to meet the university pres-

ident for coffee, email your academic advisor for course recommendations, participate in a Dinner with 12 Strangers and attend a faculty member’s office hours.

I implore you as Emory students to take advantage of the intergenerational and interdisciplinary relationships and friendships you can create here at your fingertips.

You never know what will happen and the endless connections you’ll create until you take the initiative to engage.

David Kulp is from Potomac, Maryland, and served as co-chair of Hillel International’s Student Cabinet, a representative on Dean Michael Elliott’s Student Advisory Board and an interfaith fellow for the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life. Kulp will pursue a master’s degree in digital health at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland as a Bobby Jones Scholar.

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Congratulations Seniors!

Morgan, Be bold, adventuresome,

Seaira

determined, enthusiastic, funny, and kind. BE YOU!Â

LETT

We have no doubt that you will take the world by storm in your own unique way with style and zest. So, go put on those gold winged Nikes and paisley smoking jacket, and fly.

We will always be here to love and support you,

Mom, Dad, Kiran, Morgan, and Dylan

CLASS OF

2020

Congratulations!

You have done so much in your time at Emory.

From winning the award for Excellence in Spanish and Linguistics to graduating in only three years with a Joint Major and with the highest honors! We are truly amazed by you and are so excited for your future!

We love you so much, mom, dad, and Fiona

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Congratulations Seniors!

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Congratulations Seniors!

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Congratulations Seniors!

ALIYAH MICHELLE HILDA AUERBACH ALIYAH, CONGRATULATIONS! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU AND ALL THAT YOU'VE ACCOMPLISHED DURING YOUR TIME AT EMORY. CELEBRATE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS—YOU DID IT! NEVER STOP LEARNING AND LET THAT HUNGER GUIDE YOU.

We love you, Mom, Dad, & Gabby 28

Congratulations Seniors!

CAMILA ALEXIA SELMAN SO PROUD!!! WE ADMIRE YOUR STRENGTH, PERSEVERANCE AND DETERMINATION. LOVE YOU SO MUCH! Ma mi y pa pi

CONGRATULATIONS! NICHOLAS MAAMARI

We are so very proud of all you have accomplished and are excited for your future! We love you so much, Mom, Dad, Isabella and Gabriel from above

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Congratulations Blair!

When you think about the last four years, you’ll probably remember that your greatest lessons came from outside the classroom. It’s a good reminder that learning doesn’t stop just because you received a diploma.

Graduation isn’t the end of a tough journey. It is the beginning of a beautiful one.

We are so proud of you: not just for all that you have learned and accomplished, but for how much you have matured.

You are so awesome!

LOVE, MOM(MY), DAD, HAYDEN AND WILSON

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CONGRATULATIONS EVAN!

We are proud of all your accomplishments during your years at Emory! We look forward to watching you continue your journey into the future!

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Congratulations Colin Brindle!

恭喜恭喜 U

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y

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i

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Jordan Lempert BBA ’20 Congratulations!!

We are so incredibly proud of you!

You made the most of your time at Emory and we know you will cherish all of the memories you made here.

We can’t wait to watch you take the world by storm.

All of our love always,

Mom, Dad and Haylie

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Eva Rosenzweig BA Economics & Philosophy Omicron Delta Epsilon member Phi Sigma Tau member

Here’s to you, the General Muir, The Carter Center, the London School of Economics, the Ben Franklin Academy, and the Federal Judicial Center. Knock ‘em dead at NEU Law! We love you, Mom, Dad, Max, Bdog

Congratulations!

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longs ture be e in “The fu believ e who ms.” to thos r drea of thei auty velt the be Roose or n – Elea

John Alexander Santa Maria

The World is Yours to Conquer

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Congratulations!

Connor L. Mashman

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Congratulations, Luana!

Your future is an unwritten symphony just awaiting your creative, daring and unique talent to make it a masterpiece. I've always believed in you, and I will never stop believing. I know in my heart that you will accomplish every goal you set for yourself in life. I am very proud of you! Always remember that I am here for you whenever you need me and my heart will always be with you wherever you go. I love you, Mom. 71

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The Emory Music Department Congratulates its

2020 Graduating Seniors!

Auerbach, Aliyah Michelle-Hilda Kim, Dong Gun Chun, Trevor Kramer, Samuel Clements, Wiley Katherine Lababidi, Deanna Cochran, Connor Edward** Lega, Julia Theodora DeLaney, Sean Newman, Kelsey Diplas, Evangelia Pan, Ziyu Edwards, Samuel Alexander** Ramirez, Amanda Evans, Madison Hope Refuerzo, Monica Dominique** Rollins, Emily Fields-Meyer, Noam Rabin** Sayeed, Xavier Isaiah* Germany, Jacob M. Uichanco, Teresa Hart, Gabe Veeraghanta, Anuja Radha Harvey, Nicholas Jacob Wang, Benjamin He, Zichong** Ware, Sylvia M.** Jiang, Jessie Grace Yoon, Hyerin Jones, Carlos Antonio *High Honors in Music **Highest Honors in Music

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Congratulations, Erin!

Another milestone well done! We are so proud of you! You always jump to meet the challenges at hand and complete them with excellence. We know you will look back on your time at Emory with great joy because of the world that was opened for you to find - PAWS, Gamma Phi Beta, study abroad in Paris, Ace B-Law TA, and of course the great friends you've made for life! You are amazing! We can't wait to see where your future takes you! We love you to infinity and beyond!

Mama, Dad, Anya, and Joshua

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Congratulations Guillermo

We are so proud of you! May your courage,

Class of

2020

Guillermo Cabral Corrada

perseverance and greatness of heart always be your weapons in the battle of life. With love and pride, your friends and family.

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GABRIEL MA'IOLA MORAN WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU! Congratulations on your graduation, summa cum laude.

Hoʻomau!

Aloha mākou a kākoʻo iā ʻoe, Mom and Ava

“E ‘onipa‘a...i ka ‘imi na‘auao” (Be steadfast in the seeking of knowledge) — Queen Lili'uokalani

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Congratulations Jasmine Elisabeth Walker!

BA, Human Health You’ve worked hard and made a difference at Emory and within the Atlanta Community. We are so proud of you and your many accomplishments: Emory 100 Senior Honorary, College Council, Emory Student Ambassador, Wonderful Wednesday Moderator, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Nu Alpha Chapter President, Student Educational Experience Development President, Students Obtaining Atlanta Research Vice President.

We are proud & blessed to be your parents!

Dad & Mom

Zaphyr Imani Roberts Brooks

Congratulations Imani, we love you!

Continue to live out loud!

Mom, Dad, Kyra, Starr and Grandma Sallie " For I know the plans I have for you," decl ar ed the Lord, " pl ans to prosper you and not to har m you, plans to gi ve you hope and a f uture.

JEREMIAH 29:1 1

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Congratulations Class of 2020 From the Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life, your presence on this campus has been a joy and a gift and we hope you will stay in touch with us.

May you go forth into the world in peace, be of good courage, hold on tight to that which is good, and may those to whom love is a stranger, find in you a very good friend. May you be blessed and be a blessing today and always.

Congratulations Class of 2020!

Cannon Chapel and Office of Spiritual and Religious Life Team From left to right: The Reverend Lisa Garvin, Associate Dean of the Chapel and Religious Life; Zachary Cole, Chief of Staff; Lakishia Hines, Executive Administrative Assistant; The Reverend Greg McGonigle, University Chaplain and Dean of Spiritual and Religious Life; Maury Allums, Director of Music and Voices of Inner Strength Gospel Choir; The Reverend Kevin Crawford, Assistant Chaplain; The Venerable Upali Sraman, Buddhist Religious Life Scholar; Dr. Isam Vaid, Muslim Religious Life Scholar; Sara McKlin, Cannon Chapel Site Operations Coordinator

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CONGRATULATIONS

CAMI!

CAM - WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU AND WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH. WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT YOUR FUTURE HOLDS! ALWAYS REMEMBER TO SHOOT FOR THE STARS AND DREAM BIG. DAD, BRI, TESSA, & DANNY 114

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s n o i t a l u t a Congr

KINSEY GLASGOW I am so proud of you, Kinsey! You have accomplished so much and I look forward to all you will accomplish in the future.

I love you!

Love, Mom

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WELC OM E TO THE

CL ASS O F 20 20 !

G e t c o n n ected wi th your al umni c o m m u n it y, l ear n about your new re s o u rc e s an d benefi ts, and stay i n the k n o w b y u p d ati ng your i nfor mati on here:

ALUMNI.EMO RY. E D U/N E W GR A D

# E MORY 2 02 0

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CLAIRE DAKHLIA 100 Senior Honorary Sustainability Innovator Award Winner Emory Woman of Excellence Caring and compassionate Senior Resident Advisor 4th year legislator for the 64th Emory College Council Baking icon

We couldn’t be prouder of you, Claire! - Mama, Papa, Julia

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2020 Congrats,

Graduates

Dear First-Gen Low-Income Graduate,

Congratulations! You did it. You are officially an Emory graduate.

This isn’t just your moment, but a moment for your entire family, your community, and the FLI faculty, staff, and alum who have been in your footsteps. You may not have the commencement you dreamed of but this is an accomplishment that will go far beyond a singular day.

You took a bold leap of faith and embarked on a journey of educational attainment without a map. With no compass in hand you navigated new terrain, found the resources you needed, and used them in innovative ways. You bravely created community, found mentors, started new organizations, and shined in the classroom. Because of your courage, resolve, and sheer determination, you forged a path for those who will come after you. We commend your accomplishment and are grateful for the example you set.

None of us know what lies in the days, weeks, and months ahead. But we do know that you have faced uncertainty before, and you emerged with greater skills, more knowledge, and now a degree from Emory University. You will continue to use your tenacity to tackle your next goals with the same resolve that has brought you to this day. Hold on to what you have learned along the way and know that we are cheering you on.

Congratulations again, The First-Gen Low-Income Graduation Planning Committee

If you would like to be updated on our plans to celebrate your accomplishments later this summer, please visit belonging.emory.edu.

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Congratulations

Catalina Murguia We are extremely proud of you! We are amazed by all of the things you accomplished at Emory. We know you will shine wherever life takes you. We love you.

Dad, Mom, Vero, and Ana Regina

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Kaitlin Marie Hendershot Congratulations on a terrific 4 years!

We are so proud of you!

Be bold, be courageous, be your best. G. Giffords Love, Mom, Dad and Conor

ons Casey!

Congratulati Jessica Kubert We can't wait to see the places you'll go!

Lots of love, forever and ever, Mom, David and Abigail

Brantley Holland Brantley, congratulations! All of your success and achievements you owe only to yourself. If your smarts don't get you to where you want to be in life, there's no doubt your charm will carry you there. We all love you and are so proud of how hard you have worked to get to where you are!

Bala Yaswanthsai (Yash) Kommula Sorry, Yash,

we

but

missed

well-deserved know wonderful Keep

who

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We are thankful to God for His Grace, and we are so proud of all your accomplishments at Emory University.

We love you and we wish you the favor of God, and great success in all your future endeavors.

Congratulations!

Christian U. Romero Your hard work and loss of sleep is being rewarded.

We are so proud of you for everything you have done.

With all the love and respect from Mom, Dad and Kyle.

Congratulations Seniors!

Sophia Heredia Congratulations! You did it, Sophia! We are so proud of all your accomplishments, and we can’t wait for your next chapter!

Love, Mom, Dad, and Catherine

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Caroline Elisabeth Olson

Congratulations, Caroline, Emory Class of 2020! We love you and are so proud of you! You are an amazing person, student, swimmer, sister and daughter! We are excited about your future and what it holds! We are proud of all of your accomplishments and know that you will have many successes in the future!

Stay true to yourself and know that we are behind you 100%!

Love, Mom, Dad and Tyler

Congratulations SARAH SHOSHANA SALTZMAN You have reached a major milestone in the journey of life. We are immensely proud of you and your accomplishments. You have grown tremendously during your years at Emory. You are a shining star amongst your family and friends.

May you always aim high, reach for what is possible, keep learning, continue to believe in yourself, and may all your dreams come true. Wishing you great happiness and success. We know you will make a difference in the world. Keep the excitement for what's next. We love you.

Love, Mommy and Daddy

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Congratulations Elizabeth!

Congratulations NATHAN

AND

FRIENDS!

WITH LOVE, DAD AND MOM, NATHAN, LUCY, ANDREW AND JOSIE, LARISA AND STEVE. XOXO

Sara Martinez Moving on to a new stage in life be a challenging process

can

but we know

God has blessed you with the strength and abilities, succeed,

not only for you to be

but also to honor him. We are

the happiest and most grateful parents to have a daughter like you, your dedication,

enthusiasm and insight are

really inspiring. We are so proud of you and we wish you the best forever.

May God's blessings always be with you and in your successful journey.

MOM & DAD

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David J. Casazza Congratulations!

With love, Your Family

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Jeffrey Cheung Well Done Jeffrey!! Your sea boat sets sail. We are so proud of you!!

Love you, Mom and Dad.

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Your hard work, perseverance, and faith have cumulated in your achievements and accomplishments while at Emory. Continue on your path to success! We love you.

–– Your Family

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ALEXANDER J. ZOLLA

Congratulations on your well-deserved success Alex! We are so very proud of you and are excited for your new adventure.

Love, Mom, Dad, Tori and your family far and wide

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Julia Levy

"Take pride in how far you have come and have faith in how far you can go."

Congratulations Julia! We are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments at Emory! We wish you all the best as you begin the next chapter of your journey.

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Always so proud of you Skyla!

Love you, May

Skyla Ja us Congratulations Skyla and the Class of 2020.

Skyla, we are so very proud of you and all of your accomplishments! Always follow your dreams, reach for the stars and you will continue to shine. Love, Mom, Dad and Laci

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TO THE CLASS OF 2020

Congratulations on behalf of the Modupe Dayo Planning Committee!

We proudly celebrate your journey at Emory and are honored to witness your success! After years of hard work, sacrifice, and discipline, your commencement celebrations may not look as you anticipated.

Even during this difficult time, we hope you will take a moment to celebrate your achievements with each other, your friends, families, and loved ones.

We know Modupe Dayo, a rich Emory tradition honoring graduating students of African American and African diasporic heritage, is an exciting and integral part of the commencement experience for many of you. Although we cannot celebrate in person, we hope you carry the sentiments of the Rite of Passage and commit to serving humanity, being a positive force in your community, and supporting others in the pursuit of their goals.

As Black faculty, staff, and alumni who have served as your partners, support systems, and mentors, we salute you.

Congratulations again to all Modupe Dayo graduates!

If you would like to be updated on our plans to commemorate Modupe Dayo for the Class of 2020, please visit belonging.emory.edu.

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CONGRATULATIONS,

C A NDL ER C L A SS OF 2 02 0!

Though the year is not ending the way we expected, we are beyond proud of each and every one of you. Thank you for the many ways in which you’ve strengthened and enriched our community. Go forth with the blessings of God and your Candler family, knowing that you are equipped to lead and transform the world in the name of Jesus Christ.

WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT’S NEXT!

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CONGRATULATIONS JACOB! with great pride and love, Mom, Dad & Sophia

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D I E G O Your hard work, dedication and determination have produced the sweet fruits of success, a double major with high honors. We couldn’t be more proud of you.

You have grown so much and overcome difficulties and stress. Pushing through and finding assistance in those who care about you. You proved to be a man of resolve that reached his goals and surpassed our expectations. Remember this day, the sense of pride and accomplishment that you take from it. Use that to move forward. Now is time to be courageous.

Learning never stops, it evolves. Life is full of lessons that will challenge you all along the way. Meet them with integrity and resolve and remember where you’ve been and how far you’ve come. Te queremos.

Tus Padres Blanca y Ricardo.

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Ramiz Kara

ConGRADs stud!

You did it Ramiz!!

We love you and cannot wait to see the wonderful accomplishments and happiness that await you.

You always said that the world would be a better place if everyone is a little more understanding, and showed it in your actions with love, resilience, and hard work. Keep it up, the world needs people like you!

With loads of good wishes for your future Mom, Dad & Ryaan

NICOLETTE JOANNE SLUSSER "Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I’m possible'!" - Audrey Hepburn We are so proud of you. You can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Congratulations! Love, Dad & Patty We love you! - Hayley, Bowie & Mom Nicolette, you have an expansive vision for the future that eclipses the most idealist of human hopes. Your incisive wit & gentle candor liven up a room while the loyalty and poise you display as a woman of noble virtue outshines anything typical of today’s youth. You are a lady of promise and pure b e a u t y . A m o r F a t i , Yo u r S i s t e r , C o u r t n e y & V i o l e t t e

J A NA N Y S . S UB R A

Congratulations Nikki. You earned a fine education at Emory. What an accomplishment. The future is your oyster.

Enjoy the moment and work hard at GS. Remember to stay i n t o u c h wi t h t h e f r i e n d s y o u m a d e a n d n e v e r b u r n a n y bridges. Congrats! – Andrew, Ali & Clifton

From

your

first

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of

soccer you

team

Janji

you

and

have

wishing

always you

been

many

our

more

“Superstar” success!

so

Nikki, you are a Slusser treasure your grace, focus, capacity for friendship, thoughtfulness and intellect are gifts that will bring great joy to your life and to others. We think you are going to accomplish meaningful things in your life. We look forward to your next steps. And as Dad told us to say to you: always do your best, I know she will! Lots of love, S a r a h , W e n d y a n d P ap a P e t e

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Sidnee Elana Landau

We are so very proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished.

Now the adventure begins At least it will…

When the world opens again.

But we know it’s just getting ready for you!

With love! Mom, Dad, Westin, Logan and Aussie!

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Dearest Emily, Congrat-YOU-ations! You truly have grit! We are very proud of your many achievements! You are nothing less than special!

You are our most favorite daughter/sister/ granddaughter!

Best wishes as you head off to medical school!

All our love, The Fan Fam – Mom, Dad, & Jonathan; Grandma & Grandpa.

Emily H. Fan 154

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TO THE LATINX CLASS OF 2020

ÂĄFELICID AD ES!

We are proud to recognize your entry into the rich and vibrant community of Latinx graduates of Emory University. During our time together, we have rejoiced in the beauty of our cultures, the power of our experiences, and the perseverance of our peoples.

We know that C.A.R.A.S. (Celebrating Achievements & Recognizing Academic Success) is a highlight of Commencement Weekend for many of you and your families.

We, the staff and faculty who have shared in this journey with you, want you to know that it has been an honor to serve as your mentors, teachers, colleagues, and friends.

We are eternally grateful for all that you have taught us in return.

Ustedes son poderosos y sabemos que van a salir adelante!

While we wish we could have celebrated together in person, we invite you - wherever you are - to partake in the Promise that we share each year at the C.A.R.A.S. celebration:

Prometo a mi familia, a mi gente Latina, y a mi comunidad, ser un ejemplo de excelencia, humildad, y servicio.

I promise to my family...

To all Latinas, Latinos, and Latinxs...

And to my community...

To be an example of excellence, humility, and service.

May you take this promise with you as you move forth from Emory.

Gracias por ser parte de nuestra comunidad.

Congratulations to you, the C.A.R.A.S. Class of 2020, and your families.

- The C.A.R.A.S Planning Committee -

If you would like to be updated on our plans to commemorate C.A.R.A.S. for the Class of 2020, please visit belonging.emory.edu.

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Fredrick Thompson

Fred, Congratulations on graduating from Emory University with the class of 2020 and two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Linguistics & Dance and Movement Studies! We are so proud of everything you have accomplished thus far throughout your years at Emory such as being a Robert W. Woodruff Scholar, Resident Hall Association VP, and a National Science Foundation Student R e s e a r c h e r a t U C S a n t a B a r b a r a . T h i s is t h e f i r s t b i g s t e p t o a d u l t h o o d a n d we know you will continue to do great things. Although your graduation may mark the completion of your schooling, don't ever stop pursuing knowledge.

May blessings continue to follow you all of your days.

"Your life is your story, and the adventure ahead of you is the journey to fulfill your own purpose and potential." -Kerry Washington Love, Your Family

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