2017 Fall Commencement Program

S C H O L A R S H I P

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

L E A D E R S H I P

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

S E R V I C E

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

C R E A T I V I T Y

Commencement | December 14, 2017 FA L L 2 0 1 7

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

COMMENCEMENT

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elcome to the Fall 2017 Commencement ceremony for Georgia Gwinnett College. The GGC community extends warm greetings to parents, families and friends gathered to celebrate our graduates’ achievements and promising futures.

Twelve years ago, GGC was founded as a new, innovative model for changing the higher education landscape by challenging convention and doing that which is most effective. At GGC, student mentorship and engagement ensure that each student has every opportunity to succeed, and the dream of a higher education can be made possible for students who might not find success anywhere else. That’s game changing.

Because of its unique approach, Georgia Gwinnett College is transforming lives, families and communities.

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G E OR GIA GWINNET T CO LLEGE C O MMENCEMENT THURSDAY | DECEMBER 14, 2017 | 10 AM

Introductory Musical Selections Processional* ......................................................................................................... Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 Composed by Sir Edward Elgar National Anthem* ................................................................................................................... The Star-Spangled Banner Composed by Francis Scott Key Performed by Stephanie McAllister Posting of the Colors*............................................................................................................... GGC ROTC Color Guard Welcome ........................................................................................................................Dr. Stanley C. “Stas’” Preczewski President Graduate Reflections...................................................................................................................................Mark Guevara Introduction of Guest Speaker............................................................................................................Dr. Stas’ Preczewski Commencement Address ..................................................................................................................... Dr. Steve Wrigley Chancellor, University System of Georgia Presentation of Gift ................................................................................................................................. Eliman Marenah President, Student Government Association Presentation of Degree Candidates............................................................................................................. Dr. T.J. Arant Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and Provost Dr. Tyler Yu Dean, School of Business Dr. Diane E. White Dean, School of Health Sciences Dr. Adolfo Santos Dean, School of Liberal Arts Dr. Cathy D. Moore Dean, School of Education Dr. Thomas G. Mundie Dean, School of Science and Technology Conferral of Degrees...........................................................................................................................Dr. Stas’ Preczewski Presentation of Diplomas...................................................................................................................... Dr. Steve Wrigley Georgia Gwinnett College Alma Mater* ..................................................................Performed by Stephanie McAllister Recessional* .......................................................................................................................... Triumphal March from Aida Composed by Giuseppe Verdi *Audience is requested to stand.

Persons with disabilities requiring assistance with seating, please see an usher.

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CA N DIDAT ES F O R GRADUAT IO N BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION SCHOOL OF BUSINESS MAJOR IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Jennifer Sarai Cruz

Shawn Kennard Mendonca

Haley Nicole Thompson

Timothy James Cusseaux

Cierra Nicole Merritt

Raesha De’chelle Thompson

Mohanie Shelly Dammar

Allyson Merz

Zachary Tyler Tomlin

Omolola L. Dangerfield

Daniel Mezquita

Andrew William Torgesen

Andre Xavier Davis

Duaa Hasan Mohammad

Jordan Alexis Torres

Brandon Alvin DeRiggs

Dakota Chase Moore

Jeremy Edward Valcin

Julius Adeolu Adekeye

Warren Michael Devarennes l

Adriana Maria Moreira

Casteel Veasley F

Mohini Alli

Chiara Lucia Di Salvo Roque s

Marina Thai Morgan

Miisha Lizmya Vinson F

Andrea Etchison Almond F

Brent William Dickson

Jenna Elizabeth Munday

Allen Walker

Fabian A. Ancar Jr.

Siafa Gerderman Dorley

Muhamed William Ndiaye

Dexter Walker

Jennifer Anne Argo

Nissa Lizette Dugan

Yen Thi Ngo s

Jeremy Lynn Wallace

Stephanie Autar

Katrina Marie Eslava

Huyen Thi Ngoc Nguyen

Jennifer Lauren Waller

Rafael Avalos

Natalie Nicole Figueroa

Than Huu Nguyen

Hayden Ross Walsh

Randy Lloyd Bagwell

Zachary Scott Foster

Andrea Carolina Ortega Perez

Bonnie E. Watson

Sergio Jonathan Ballesteros F

Jack LeRoy Gann Jr.

Alejandra Milagros Ortega-Perez

Heather Carrera Weatherford

Humaira Bano

Daniel Garcia

Karen Alejandra Ortiz

Jason Richard Wheatley l

Madeline Danielle Bargar F

Natalie Gierbolini

Abena Anima Owusu-Ansah n

Nicole Patricia Whitelaw F

Charmaine Denise Barnes

Maria M. Gonzalez

Kayla Ann Packer

Priscilla Ann Wilkinson

Giancarlo Baroni

Nicole Stephanie Gonzalez

Gina Pak

Marco Franz Williams

Oscar Fernando Barrera

Kasey M. Greer

Thomas Edward Parris III

Ansley Rain Wingate F

Phillip Michael Bates

Meron Hana Habetmariam

Reece L. Parrish

Herman Wolff

Zamielia Latchmin Bazbeg

Jared Brett Hall

Kaitlin Doris Patrick

Timothy James Wylie

Ana Maria Bedon Valencia

Saidu Sulay Hashim-Cole Jr.

Raul Perea

Donteveis Quateiz Yearwood-Clark

Joshua Alexander Bell

Abidemi Hodonu

Eric Edison Hoang Pham

Jennifer Yi

Nathan Alexander Berger F

Jonathan Joe’neely Holman Katherine Elizabeth Megan Biddle F Chrystal Mantilla Hughes F Robert A. Bogenholm Cortney Nicole Ingram

Man N. Pham

Chayona Anita Boston

Ruth Lyn Jewell

David Pizarro

Mario Andres Botero

Michael Joshua Johnson

Valeria Epifania Hendrika Podda s

Mariah Yvonne Bowen

Alec Mitchell Jones

Anne-Marie Storer Pollacia l

Indiga Jateal Bragg

Jazmin B. Joyce

Jacob J. Pond

Kaylyn Nicole Brooks

Mohammad Kamran Khan

Matti Oskari Puranen

Aby Jacob Abraham

Michael Anthony Brown

Mohammed Osama Khan

Andrew Spencer Purvis

Evalyn Marie Cantellops

Josh Allen Burkhardt F

Igor Khokhlan

Patricia Reyes l

Taylor Hamilton Collins

Dominic David Campli

Holly Elizabeth Knight F

Adam Walter Rhine l

McKenna Marie Conley F

Joshua Caleb Carraway

Mavis Konadu

Amber Kay Ridgeway

Hannah Nicole Cooper

Gabrielle Shanice Carry

Ashley Mae Lacy

Jean Paul Rodriguez

Mary Caitlin Covington

Robert Lee Carson III

Bruce Victor Laurente-Solano F

Robert Salazar Jr.

Karla Cruz F

Antonio Gaytan Castro

Evelyne Lopez-Colimote

Kelsey Yvette Sarpong

Brandon Scott Dombrowski

Pang Nhia Linda Chang

Nicole Leigh Lovett F

Tiffany N. Scott

Lauryn Gayle Edmondson l

Lauren Elizabeth Channing

William Gross Lowery Jr.

Riddhi Shah

Seth Daniel Elam F n

Jonathan Chavarria

Ashley Ann Manus F

Martha Elizabeth Sharp

Theresa Fortier

Xiaoxia Chen s

Joyce Zuleica Martin

Syra Storm Steinmann

Constance Chibunma Francis-Njoku F

Felix Chernenko s

Za Eng Mawi s

Lakeisha Shane Stephens

Shelby Marie Gilkey

Alicia Nadine Chester

Jean Baptiste Mbaya s n

Aura Tatiana Taborda F

Keyara B. Harris F

Dianne Miatta Coffie

Henry Edward McCord Jr.

Giovanni Battista Taddei

Magribe Hida F

James Knox McKnight

Amanda Thomas Smith

Jordynn Pat Hightower

Tuan Anh Pham Anastasia Lynn Phillips Alvarez

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCE MAJOR IN NURSING

List and academic standing at press time. F Cum laude l Magna cum laude s Summa cum laude n Honors Program

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4 Taylor Lianne Horsley

David Edward Woodruff

Taylor Nicole Johnson

BACHELOR OF ARTS SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS MAJOR IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

Jason Todd Jones Mark Steven Malone Sabila S. Momin Ian Matthew Murano F

Neyna Lechelle Studstill Li Tran F Ethan Edward West F

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS MAJOR IN PSYCHOLOGY

BACHELOR OF ARTS SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS MAJOR IN ENGLISH WITH TEACHER CERTIFICATION Emily Marie Allison

Mariam A. Mustapha F

Amelia Lynne Bennett

Samantha Njonda F

Jamihla Saidou Boboy

Maria Olvera F

Matthew Alan Davis F

Angela Adzudzor

Katelyn Rose Lindsey F

Cristina Marie Peralta

William Paul Dunn F

Samreen Irum Alvi

Keith Henderson McDonald

Michelle Suzanne Reed F

Kamise Figgers

Paola Karina Ortone Beuthin

Angie S. Reyes F

Leaford Correa Grayson Jr.

Asha Arlene Bodkin

Kimberly Viado Taylor

Melisa Noribel Hiciano

Ashley Janay Bourne

Savanna Nicole Weaver F

Christina Hope Jenson F

Eshani K. Brahmbhatt

Cameron Elizabeth Williams F

Mamady Marenah

Angela M. Curry F

Yu Julie Yang

Ryan John Orlosky

Udaya Raga Devineni s

Si Kyung Yoo l

Micah Peter Seibel n

Mara Angelica Digiovanni

Edis Isakovic

Pierre Semudenge-Mujene

Alana Amara Eagle

Alexis Ann Kinser

Denicia Antonette Williams F

Zumra El-Ghamry

Meghann Charisse Kuehnel l

Lisa M. Elliott

Alexander Hart Reynaud

Genevieve Ellis

Michael Edward Selleck

BACHELOR OF ARTS SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS MAJOR IN ENGLISH Casey Marie Coyle l n Amanda Heather Crane

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS MAJOR IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Kailey Amanda Ivie

BACHELOR OF ARTS SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS MAJOR IN HISTORY WITH TEACHER CERTIFICATION

Angelena Alexis Grant Justice M. Graves Nyella Myrtle Heyliger Zachary Lanier Hodge

Kelli Gabrielle Goode

Alicia Marie Avitabile s

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION SCHOOL OF EDUCATION MAJOR IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Elena Andrea Johnson F

Christopher Warren Arata

Taylor Paige Holcomb

Roshni B. Khan F

Jennifer Vanessa Bejarano F

Derric Jaiquan Holmes

Ebone’ Rochelle Liggines

Chelsea Jordan Blakely

Taeshin Kim

Alyssa Marie McNerney

Moriah Kelley Bowman

Addison Kellie Manus

Maria Batool

Joshua Lamarque Nolan

Jordan Robert Breda

Dalton Taylor Martinez

Brooke Leigh Billman

Julie Chantal Thompson F

Jartez Rashon Cannon

Safarah Love Martinez

Emily Taylor Clelland

Nermin Cultarevic

Tania Evet Mejia

Taylor Kaitlin Cooper

Brian Nickolas Drysdale

Marie Yvette Ocampo

Sarah Katherine Haim

Abubakar Ahmed Garba

Michael Francis O’Donovan

Taylor M. Haim l

Kadina Taneka Garcia

Miriam Zerezghi Ogbamichael

Jessica Leigh Koerner

Austin Lou Goehrig l

Quratulann K. Patel

Stacey Neshon Lackey F

Robert Chase Brooks

Gregory James Hill

Kris Anthony Peña l

Cheryl Denise Lee

Banee’ Gabrielle Caldwell

Brittany Nicole Irvin

Nancy D. Placanica

Noreen Imtiaz Makani

Samuel Evan Cole

Chanel Ashley Johnson

Crystal Melissa Ramirez s

Zakiyyah Angela McCaskill

Monica Joyce El-Amin

Danielle Antoinette Langbehn-Pond

Yazairie Ramos Torres l

Tricia Lea Perdew F

Justin Meyer Marx l

Felipe Alexander Leon F

Herminia Del Carmen Reyes l

Karen Danielle Presley

Robert Anthony Myers

Kristina Marshai Lockett F

Erica DeJesus Rodriguez

Mickala Del Price F

Gregory Reed Parker

Nathan Thomas Majors

Paola Andrea Rollins

Sheryl Ann Riley

Luis Enrique Rodriguez F

Brittaney McAfee

John Michael Skinner

Verenice Romo l

Christian Sanchez

Ashley Lyn Mudd

Lindsey Taylor Smith F

Shanteria Monae Smith s

Rebecca Nicole Skidmore

Barnabas Nmah Nmah Jr.

Chelsea Turner

Brandy Kay Sullivan

Kasey Stuart Smarr

Carli Callahan Primavera

Mary Alice Wiggins

Kelsey Michelle Winkler F

Steven James Suggs Jr.

Courtney Elliott Rose

Tyra Faith Woods F

Vanni M Zavala

Ashley Nicole Sullivent

Diana Salcedo

Kristopher James York

BACHELOR OF ARTS SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS MAJOR IN HISTORY

Colin Thomas Thon

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5 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION SCHOOL OF EDUCATION MAJOR IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

Joanna Quach s Zelideth Bernice Rivera Morales Ariel Lynne Robinson Nayeli Gabriela Rodriguez Fabiola Itzel Rojas

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MAJOR IN EXERCISE SCIENCE

Jacob Taylor Fox Pedro Garcia Jr. l Joshua Gerth F Adrian Glodan Kevin Geovany Guevara Mark Reynold Guevara F

Elin Ferris Roland Natalie Romero-Pedraza

Ivelina Vladkova Angelova

Sophia Lanita Harvey

Apryl MacKenzie Daniel

Cabot A. Roth

Donald Kenneth Balfour III

Zachary Field Hetherington F

Hannah Coleen McAdams

Carolina Sanchez-Rubio

Sonia Rose Boglo

Jawan Dishon Higgins l

Skyler Duy Siu F

Klara Dohnalova F

Michael Dale Holtmann F

Carol Kennedy Smith l

Pierre Cedric Dorvilier F

Edwin E. Huneycutt s

Christina Chinda Sok

Spencer Lee Dykes

Soyeon Jeong l

Benjamin Marius Stanciu F

Hannah Elizabeth Engelbracht

Richard Stephan Joubert s

Riley Patricia Stewart l

Donna Marie Evenson

Aboubakar Winston Kone

Fernandez Tabor II

Dominique Michelle Fletcher

Isaac Cheng Ku

Mai Ngoc Tang F

Kelsey George Griswold

Anish Anns Kurian

Hanh Minh Thi Tran l

Emily Collier Herzog

Johnson Nguyen Lam

Sahil Vasudev

Christina A. Howard

Xavier A. Lazo

Veronika Vratcheva F

Connor Paul Kannaley

Kara Elizabeth McDaniel

Sarah Nicole Wagner

Kabeh Thelma Roberts

Jesse Aaron Miller F

Helen Bulti Wakjira

Tiffany Maria Rodriguez

Stuart James Miller

Theresa Marie Williams F n

Justin Gregory Sandifer

Hailey Allison Montgomery l

Abby Young

Roxana R. Solis

Christopher Keith Muncher

Kyle Zachary Sosebee

Maryam Najiarani

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Ryan C. Strickland

Matthew Nicholas Nelson

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MAJOR IN CHEMISTRY

Michelle Surma n

Bich Tram Nguyen

Rikkia Thomas

Blake Kedron Norman

Janae Lavet Washington

Dayanna Leah Onstott F

Nataly Liliana Casias

Ashley Kayla Borkowski s

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Roberto Paul

Diana Choe

David Shane Breaud Yasmeana Ahmad Doghaimat F

Niesha R. Davis

Chloe Elizabeth Fernandes

Benjamin Michael Faulk

Zachary Herrera

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MAJOR IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Rowan Livingston Reid s

Angela Margaret Crawford F

Jermaine Joseph Gayle

Linh Quoc Lam

Porche Nicole Michelle Anderson

Jocelyn McElroy

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MAJOR IN MATHEMATICS WITH TEACHER CERTIFICATION Allison Erin Hanrahan

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MAJOR IN BIOLOGY Syeda Zahra Ali s n Tooba Anwar Jake Ray Bond Alyssa Rochelle Boudreau

King Oghenemaro Oruga l

Bria Elizabeth Beatrice Rivers Karen Saucedo-Munoz F Narith Seang Brendon Lee Serrano

Roland Abrahantes

Wayne Slear

Michael Joel Hagen F

Robert Jory Alexander F

Cody Eugene Smith

Sharif Hassan

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MAJOR IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Miguel Eduardo Antigua

Desirae A. Sweeney

Alex Adrian Aramendi

Tien Tran

Khaled Asad F n

Ricardo E. Valter-Espinal

Dustin S. Austin l

Arthur Huei Shyang Wong

Mario Alberto Martinez Jr.

Kelly Alexis Jones

Duncan Alexander Brown s

Stephanie C. McAllister F

Logan Robert Williams

Robert Burhman Bryan s

Jackie Liao Ha s

Jayme Mylene Henson Camilo Andres Hernandez F n Navneet Kamra John Marko Karaulic Sarah Lynn Killeen Christopher Daniel Malcom F

Whitley Ramirez

Joshua Merced Austin David L. Bass Young Bouanani l

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MAJOR IN MATHEMATICS

Chantilly Minnifield

Emmanuel Cala-Lorenzo F

Aulelia Starrye Naefe Morris

Kahron Syrice Clement

Elizabeth Ann Fortson

Angela A. Nguyen F

Joseph M. Dang

Samantha Hickey l

Thomas Huy Nguyen

Christan Jose De Luna l

Natalie Chiamaka Obiamalu

Luis Alfredo Ortiz

Michael Gene Deiters F

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DR. STA NLEY C . “S TAS’ ” PREC ZEWS K I P RE SIDE N T, GEO RGIA GWINNET T CO LLEGE

Dr. Stanley C. “Stas’” Preczewski earned a B.S. in engineering from

Cornell University in 1980 and concurrently received his Army officer commission. His other degrees include an M.S. in engineering from the University of Massachusetts, an M.A. in National Security Strategy and Planning from the United States Naval War College, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Missouri.

Dr. Preczewski served on the faculty and staff of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He commanded two artillery units with the 2nd and 1st Infantry Divisions. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal and Airborne (paratrooper) and Air Assault wings.

Upon retirement as an Army Colonel in May 2006, Dr. Preczewski began his civilian career as the inaugural Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Georgia Gwinnett College. He was named president in 2014 and under his leadership, GGC has grown to more than 12,000 students.

Dr. Preczewski serves on the boards of directors of the Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce, Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful, Peach State Federal Credit Union and the American Council on Education Council of Fellows. He also is a member of the boards of trustees for the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education and Riverside Military Academy. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Lawrenceville and the Lawrenceville Lions Club. He routinely serves on University System of Georgia task forces and as a mentor in its leadership development program.

He is married to Jean Preczewski, a career legal assistant for a private law firm in Buford. They have three children, combat veterans, each of whom served or is serving as officers in the U.S. Army: Kristen, who holds an MBA; Michael, who serves as an Army Medical Planner for the Pacific Region, and David, an Army MEDEVAC helicopter pilot currently in command of the U.S. Army Aeromedical Center Medical Company at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. The Preczewski’s have one grandson, Evan, and one granddaughter, Claire.

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DR. S T EVE WRIGLEY CH A N CE LLOR, U N IVERS IT Y S YS T EM O F GEO RGIA

The Board of Regents named Dr. Steve Wrigley the 13th chancellor of

the University System of Georgia (USG) effective January 1, 2017. He oversees 28 public colleges and universities with a $8.4 billion annual budget, 320,000 students and more than 48,000 faculty and staff.

The Georgia Public Library System and the Georgia Archives also are part of the university system.

Dr. Wrigley currently serves on the Alliance of Education Agency Heads and is a member of the board of the Georgia Wildlife Federation.

In the past, he served on the boards of the Nature Conservancy of Georgia and the Georgia Humanities Council.

Dr. Wrigley served as executive vice chancellor of administration for the University System of Georgia from June 2011 until his appointment as chancellor. As executive vice chancellor of administration, he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the USG’s budget, facilities, Information Technology Services, human resources, legal affairs and strategic planning units.

The chancellor formerly served as senior vice president for external affairs as well as vice president for government relations, at the University of Georgia. He also served as director of the Carl Vinson Institute of Government.

Before his work in the university system, he worked in state government in Georgia, including five years as chief of staff to former Governor Zell Miller.

During his career, Dr. Wrigley has worked on a number of key issues, including the creation of the state lottery and the HOPE Scholarship, along with campus consolidations within the USG. The chancellor earned his undergraduate degree from Georgia State University and his doctorate in history from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. He and his wife, Lynne, have two adult children and reside in Clarke County.

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T HE CO LLEGE S EAL

The seal represents the core mission, values and vision of the College, as well as uniquely identifies the College among all other educational institutions. It reflects the College’s official colors - green and gray - and contains symbolism of GGC’s core identity through the following design elements: • The outer rim of the seal contains a dotted line representing the many talents and individuals that surround and embrace the College, creating a unified and secure cord to shape its continued growth and prosperity.

• The first line of type within the outer ring shows the name of the College in its traditional green color using the classic, time-honored typeface Jenson.

• The type placed at the bottom of the first inner ring is the year the College was voted into existence by the Georgia General Assembly.

• The ring of 44 stars symbolizes Gwinnett, the 44th county created in the state of Georgia.

• The four pillars of the College are represented by the words Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Creativity. The four pillars are described on the next page.

• The center of the seal contains the stylized symbol used in the College’s official logo referred to as the “cresting double G.” • Moving outward from the center ring with the cresting double G that represents students, the next ring represents faculty, the following ring represents staff, and the outer ring represents the community. These are the four groups of individuals who comprise the essential relationships in which learning takes place.

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VIS IO N Georgia Gwinnett College will be a premier 21st Century Liberal Arts College where learning will take place continuously in and beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. Its cornerstones will be innovative use of educational technology and a commitment to an integrated educational experience that develops the whole person. GGC will be a wellspring of educational innovation. It will be a dynamic learning community where faculty engagement in teaching and mentoring students will be the hallmark.

It will be a driving force for change in student success. As such, it will be a model for innovative approaches to education, faculty engagement with students, and highly efficient student, facility, and administrative services.

MIS S IO N Georgia Gwinnett College provides access to targeted baccalaureate and associate level degrees that meet the economic development needs of the growing and diverse population of the northeast Atlanta metropolitan region. It emphasizes the innovative use of technology and active-learning environments to provide its students enhanced learning experiences, practical opportunities to apply knowledge, increased scheduling flexibility, and a variety of course delivery options. Georgia Gwinnett’s outstanding faculty and staff actively engage students in various learning environments, serve as mentors and advisors, and assist students through programs designed to enhance their academic, social, and personal development. GGC produces contributing citizens and future leaders for Georgia and the nation. Its graduates are inspired to contribute to the local, state, national, and international communities and are prepared to anticipate and respond effectively to an uncertain and changing world.

THE F O UR PILLARS Scholarship Georgia Gwinnett College produces graduates prepared for life-long, intentional learning. These graduates will continue to discover, acquire, integrate and apply knowledge in ways that enhance both their lives, and the lives of others.

Leadership GGC inspires its graduates to model purposeful, intentional actions that enable them, and those around them, to work together in cohesive and coherent ways toward common goals. Our students lead by example, with both their hearts and their minds, while encouraging others to do the same.

Service Georgia Gwinnett College encourages each graduate to live as engaged, contributing citizens, and to serve actively in ways that will result in positive impacts on their local, state, national and international communities.

Creativity GGC cultivates the attributes of curiosity, intellectual versatility, imagination and critical thinking to enable graduates to embrace varied perspectives, identify key points of convergence among disparate ideas and situations, and generate creative ideas and innovative solutions.

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HONORS REGALIA Some graduating seniors wear regalia recognizing their memberships in honor societies and/or the GGC Honors Program.

In addition to specified GPAs, students must meet other requirements to be considered members of these groups. These students are to be commended for earning the prestigious distinctions represented by their regalia, which may include a cord or stole (sash), with or without a medallion.

Organizations/Programs and related major(s)

Regalia colors

GGC Honors Program – Interdisciplinary........................................................................................................Green and silver Alpha Phi Sigma – Criminal Justice....................................................................................................................Gold and blue Beta Beta Beta – Biology ........................................................................................................................ Forest green and red Golden Key – Interdisciplinary ........................................................................................................................... Blue and gold Kappa Delta Pi – Education .................................................................................................................. Purple and jade green Kappa Mu Epsilon – Mathematics............................................................................................................. Rose pink and silver Kappa Omicron Nu – Exercise Science ...................................................................................................... Burgundy and gold National Society of Leadership and Success – Interdisciplinary ........................................................................ Red and black Omicron Delta Epsilon – Economics .................................................................................................................. Blue and gold Phi Alpha Theta – History.................................................................................................................................... Red and blue Pi Sigma Alpha – Political Science .......................................................................................................... Red, white and black Psi Chi – Psychology.............................................................................................................................Platinum and dark blue Sigma Beta Delta – Business ................................................................................................................ Hunter green and gold Sigma Iota Rho – International Relations ................................................................................................... Black, blue and red Sigma Tau Delta – English ........................................................................................................................... Cardinal and black Upsilon Pi Epsilon – Computing and Information........................................................................................Maroon and white

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TRA DITIONS O F AC ADEMIC DRES S At many formal college events, faculty can be seen wearing traditional robes, hoods, caps and sometimes cords known as academic dress or regalia. This tradition dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries when universities emerged from religious orders. Similar to the robes of the clergy, academic dress was the customary daily dress of both students and faculty. It was functional in providing warmth and designating someone as a member of the academy.

Steeped in tradition, academic dress code follows detailed guidelines for fabrics, patterns, colors, trimming and length of the gown and its accompanying garments, based on the degree of its wearer. More ad­ vanced degrees dictate more elaborate regalia, made of finer fabrics with longer and broader hoods and gold tassels.

The standard color for bachelor and master degree gowns is black, while doctorate robes may be black or another color designated by the college that granted the degree. Officials and dignitaries at institutions also may wear gowns of varying colors and designs. Fabrics vary from lightweight to heavier velvets, which are reserved for doctorate robes.

Hoods worn with the gown are black, using the same fabric as the gown, and lined in velvet or velveteen with the colors of the institution granting the degree and trimmed with the colors of the specific discipline.

Below is a list of colors associated with various disciplines: Agriculture...............................................................................................................................................Maize Arts, Letters, Humanities.........................................................................................................................White Commerce, Accountancy, Business.......................................................................................................... Drab Dentistry .................................................................................................................................................... Lilac Economics ............................................................................................................................................ Copper Education ......................................................................................................................................... Light Blue Engineering .......................................................................................................................................... Orange Fine Arts, including Architecture............................................................................................................ Brown Forestry ..................................................................................................................................................Russet Journalism ...........................................................................................................................................Crimson Law .........................................................................................................................................................Purple Library Science ...................................................................................................................................... Lemon Medicine................................................................................................................................................. Green Music ......................................................................................................................................................... Pink Nursing................................................................................................................................................. Apricot Oratory (Speech) .............................................................................................................................Silver Gray Pharmacy.......................................................................................................................................Olive Green Philosophy .........................................................................................................................................Dark Blue Physical Education......................................................................................................................... Sage Green Public Administration, including Foreign Service .......................................................................Peacock Blue Public Health .................................................................................................................................Salmon Pink Science ...................................................................................................................................... Golden Yellow Social Work............................................................................................................................................. Citron Theology ............................................................................................................................................... Scarlet Veterinary Science .....................................................................................................................................Gray Hoods originally were worn as a covering for the head until the function was handed to the cap. The cap is most often a mortarboard matched to the gown and includes a tassel in either black or a discipline/ school color. The tassel worn with doctorate degree gowns may be gold. There is no hard rule for the position of the tassel, however many colleges and universities have incorporated the tassel as a symbolic rite of passage into the academic community by having students move the tassel from right to left upon graduation.

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TH E IN TE G RAT ED EDUC AT IO NAL EXPERIENCE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS The School of Business promotes a learning community characterized by student engagement, a faculty dedicated to excellence and continuous improvement in teaching, scholarship and service. By developing leading-edge programs that nurture and advance intellectual inquiry, critical-thinking abilities, social skills and ethical reasoning, the School of Business prepares individuals to be business leaders in an increasingly complex and changing global environment.

SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS The School of Liberal Arts provides an innovative, multidisciplinary, student-centered, flexible curriculum that prepares the student for further study or work in a global economy. The School seeks to develop student learning through faculty engagement in cross-disciplinary teaching, research and service that re­ sponds to increased globalization.

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY The School of Science and Technology is committed to providing an innovative, outcomes-based learn­ ing experience for all students. It provides programs that offer students disciplinary and interdisciplinary courses, as well as practical and applied learning experiences that prepare them for postgraduate school­ ing or for positions of responsibility in education, business, medicine or government. The School produces graduates who demonstrate mathematics, science and information technology literacy, and foster an understanding of the role of these disciplines in our society in an uncertain and changing world.

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION The School of Education is a collaborative learning community whose members are engaged in develop­ ing the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary for outstanding teaching. Faculty and students model exemplary pedagogy, interdisciplinary approaches, data-based decision making and life-long learning.

Graduates promote the success of diverse learners through educational experiences that incorporate best practices and innovative applications of educational technology. The School of Education develops educational leaders for an evolving global community.

SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES The School of Health Sciences offers programs which prepare students to be engaged professionals and leaders in global health. Students in Health Sciences programs are equipped with vital competencies necessary to provide evidence-based care and work effectively in a complex health care system.

SCHOOL OF TRANSITIONAL STUDIES The School of Transitional Studies at GGC is designed to support and enhance students’ academic, intel­ lectual and social development to promote their retention, progression and graduation. Its student success programs pursue innovative and multi-faceted efforts to achieve these goals. Courses for students who would like additional preparation to promote their learning as well as workshops in learning strategies, learning styles and use of technology are offered to engage and improve students’ chances for success and graduation. A free tutoring center staffed with professional and trained tutors serves the entire college community.

THE DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS The Division of Student Affairs utilizes an innovative student development model that promotes students’ emotional, intellectual, occupational, physical, social and spiritual growth. The division collaboratively develops, provides and assesses programs, services and policies which empower students with opportuni­ ties for holistic development and enhanced learning.

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GE ORGIA G W INNET T CO LLEGE HIS T O RY In October 2004, the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents voted to create a new four-year college in Gwinnett County. In March 2005, the General Assembly passed Senate Resolution 33, authored

by Sen. Don Balfour, establishing a new college in Gwinnett, later signed by Gov. Sonny Perdue. In Sep­ tember 2005, the Regents hired Dr. Daniel J. Kaufman, a retired Army brigadier general, as the college’s inaugural president. A month later, the Regents named the institution, “Georgia Gwinnett College.”

GGC opened its doors to 118 students on August 18, 2006, as the nation’s first four-year public college founded in the 21st century and the first four-year public institution created in Georgia in more than 100 years. It welcomed its first freshman class in 2007 and graduated 17 students at its inaugural commence­ ment ceremony in 2008. In January of 2009, GGC held its first winter graduation ceremony, and that spring, it graduated 38 students. It added a summer commencement ceremony in 2013.

In 2009, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools granted Geor­ gia Gwinnett its initial accreditation in record time, giving the college the ability to apply for research grants and awards from foundations for students and faculty members, and expand its degree programs.

More than 3,000 students enrolled for the 2009 fall semester.

In 2010, GGC celebrated the opening of its new Library and Learning Center and its first student residence halls, transforming the commuter college into a residential campus. More than 5,300 students enrolled for the 2010 fall semester. The new Student Center opened in January 2011 and a new laboratory building opened that summer. GGC’s enrollment reached 9,400 in fall 2012.

The 2012-13 academic year was the Grizzlies’ first season of official intercollegiate competition in the Na­ tional Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and marked the completion of the varsity athletics facilities.

President Kaufman departed GGC for the presidency of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce in July 2013 and Dr. Stanley C. “Stas’” Preczewski, formerly vice president for Academic and Student Affairs, served as interim president for about a year before being named president in May 2014. In fall 2014, the college opened its new Allied Health and Sciences building, home of the School of Science and Technology, the newly formed School of Health Sciences and its nursing program.

The college celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2015 with a year-long “GGC10” observance. As it enters its second decade, GGC continues to build upon its success in upholding its unique mission and vision. Today, the college enrolls more than 12,000 students. It is ranked as the most ethnically diverse Southern regional college by U.S. News & World Report (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018), which also ranks GGC as producing the second least student debt among Southern regional colleges.

The Daniel J. Kaufman Library & Learning Center was recently named for GGC’s founding president, and the college celebrated the expansion of its academic Building C. GGC offers 16 bachelor’s degree programs and more than 40 concentrations. Its students score it among the nation’s top colleges in several areas of student engagement, a critical predictor of student success.

According to USG studies, GGC has contributed more than $2.7 billion to the local economy, including creation of 4,500 jobs.

GGC’s innovative practices, caring culture and extremely affordable tuition are changing the game in higher education, and changing the future for students at all levels, of all ages and from all walks of life. Its groundbreaking, four-year college model changes how educators facilitate and support student learning and is characterized by its integrated approach to attention, affordability and access.

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ADMINIS T RAT IO N Stanley C. “Stas’” Preczewski, Ph.D., President T.J. Arant, Ph.D., Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and Provost Laura Maxwell, Vice President for Business and Finance Renée Byrd-Lewis, Vice President for Strategic Communications and Positioning Lori Buckheister, Vice President for Advancement Terrance Schneider, Interim Vice President for Operations Daniel Nolan, Chief of Staff Marc P. Cardinalli, J.D., General Counsel Luann Causland, Executive Assistant to the President

S C HO O L DEANS Thomas G. Mundie, Ph.D., School of Science and Technology* Cathy Moore, Ph.D., School of Education* Adolfo Santos, Ph.D., School of Liberal Arts Diane E. White, Ph.D., RN, CCRN, School of Health Sciences* Tyler Yu, Ph.D., School of Business Justin Jernigan, Ph.D., School of Transitional Studies

2 0 0 6 -2 0 0 7 CHART ER DEANS AND FACULT Y SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Victoria Johnson, Ph.D., Charter Dean Tyler Yu, Ph.D., Professor of Economics Spero Peppas, Ph.D., Professor of Marketing and International Business** Mary Saunders, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Management SCHOOL OF EDUCATION Cathy Moore, Ph.D., Charter Dean SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS Lois C. Richardson, Ph.D., Charter Dean Juliana Lancaster, Ph.D., Executive Director of Plans, Policies and Analysis; Professor of Psychology Vickie Williams, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Thomas G. Mundie, Ph.D., Charter Dean Christopher Brandon, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology Diane Dorsett, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology Bagie George, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology Lee Kurtz, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology * Denotes charter dean ** Denotes first faculty member hired

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G E O R G IA GW IN N E TT COLLEGE F O UNDAT IO N BO ARD O F T RUS T EE S Chair Thomas P. Hughes

Vice Chair Stanley C. “Stas’” Preczewski

President Lori M. Buckheister

Secretary Bartow Morgan, Jr.

Treasurer Debra Smithart-Oglesby

Trustees Thomas J. Andersen Marsha Anderson Bomar David J. Bowen K. Carlton Buchanan, Jr., MD Madison F. Cole, Jr. C. Norwood Davis Timothy J. Foster Ronald H. Garrard Gregory W. Hayes Terri E. Jondahl Wayne H. Mason José R. Pérez William E. Russell Greg D. Shumate John D. Stephens W. Gordon Tanner, Jr., MD Richard L. Tucker Glenn S. White Connie C. Wiggins Philip R. Wolfe

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TH E G E ORGIA GWINNET T CO LLEGE MACE A ceremonial mace is a highly ornamented staff of metal or wood borne by a designated official during processions for formal academic ceremonies or parlia­ mentary occasions. Derived from ancient weapons, maces became adorned and adapted for ceremonial use during the Middle Ages. Georgia Gwinnett College’s mace contains a unique combination of materials representing the components of the college community.

The torch represents the light of education and its promise of a brighter future for students, families, communities, nations and the world. Cast in urethane from a 3D-printed mold, it symbolizes GGC’s modern and innovative approach to higher education. Its green flame represents one of the college’s official colors, as well as life, growth and prosperity.

The cube represents the college as a whole and symbolizes permanence. It is adorned with the college seal and logo in its official colors.

Gold represents GGC’s leaders and symbolizes their knowledge and authority in guiding the institution.

Stainless steel represents GGC’s staff members and symbolizes the stability and structure they provide the college.

Bronze represents GGC’s faculty members and symbolizes the education, inspiration and mentorship they provide their students.

Aluminum represents the educational process and symbolizes the transforma­ tion it offers not only for students, but everyone involved with the college.

Maple wood represents the students and symbolizes their growth and pioneer­ ing spirit as they embark on their educational journey, forever changing their lives. GGC’s four pillars of scholarship, creativity, leadership and service are inlaid in the maple, as these qualities are instilled in the college’s students. The letters are inlaid mahogany wood.

Copper represents the connection between GGC and its communities, symbol­ izing positive relationships.

Iron represents the broader college community members and symbolizes the strength, courage and life-force its support means to the foundation and ongoing success of Georgia Gwinnett College.

COMMENCEMENT

Mace design and art direction: Mark Baran Production: 3D Solutions, Tyrone, Georgia

W E LCOM E TO T HE ALUMNI AS S O CIAT IO N Graduates, After years of hard work and dedication, you are now alumni of Georgia Gwinnett College – congratula­ tions! We applaud you and your proud family, friends and mentors for reaching this important milestone in your life. On behalf of the GGC Foundation and Alumni Association, I welcome you as our newest alumni members.

The mission of the Alumni Association is to build and support lifelong relationships with Georgia Gwin­ nett College, alumni and the community through academic excellence, leadership and tradition. Your active participation and support is key to fulfilling this mission. We encourage you to do the following:

GET INVOLVED

You will always be a member of the GGC family. Enrich your experience by attending our alumni network­ ing mixers. Come back to campus for events like Homecoming, Alumni Day at a baseball game, and other opportunities to connect with members of the GGC community. Stay in touch with the Office of Alumni Relations, and make sure to keep up-to-date with the monthly alumni e-newsletter and Engage magazine.

You have invested time and effort in your GGC legacy – share your successes and talents with us to inspire the next generation of Grizzly grads.

GIVE BACK

If you have made a contribution to GGC, thank you. We are grateful for this demonstration of your support and your belief in Georgia Gwinnett College. Gifts from friends, parents, faculty, staff, students and alumni are vital to our continued success as a college, and for helping future Grizzlies achieve their dreams. You can also give your time. Join us for dynamic events and programs, or pursue a leadership position on the GGC Alumni Association Board.

CONNECT Today, you joined a rapidly expanding network of more than 5,000 Grizzlies. Interact with your fellow alumni via our online community. “Like” us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and join us on LinkedIn and Networkggc.com. Be a GGC ambassador and advocate in your careers, your communities and among your friends.

On behalf of the GGC Foundation and the GGC family, congratulations on reaching this special day in your life. We look forward to what the future brings for you and for GGC. Sincerely, Tim Foster Chair, GGC Alumni Association Board

A LU M N I A SSOC IAT IO N BO ARD MEMBERS Chair: Tim Foster, 2011 Past Chair: Chad Miller, 2008 Chair-Elect: Sasha Ruiz, 2011 Secretary: Elease Dillard, 2015 Valerie Allen, 2011 Bakari Benton, 2015 Kris Bordeaux, 2015

Whitney Durrah, 2014 Shelly Elfil, 2012 Brigette Fontenot, 2013 Homero Gonzalez, 2011 Lawana Haynes, 2010 Tyler Henry, 2012 Taylor Isenberg, 2011 John Maison, 2015

Blair Sanders, 2013 Jacky Sylvain, 2016 Cooper Wade, 2015 Tyler Walsh, 2011

Be sure to visit the GGC Alumni Association website at www.ggc.edu/alumni for the latest news and updates. For more information, contact Nate Jones, njones20@ggc.edu, Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations.

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ALMA MAT ER Lyrics by Dr. Alvina Atkinson and Brittany Dertz-Oakley, Class of 2011 Music by Dr. Thomas Young

We have gained wisdom and honor From our home of green and gray.

We will go forth and remember All we’ve learned along the way.

And with knowledge and compassion We will build communities Leading by example And with dignity.

Georgia Gwinnett, we’ll never forget How we have grown, And those that we’ve met.

Georgia Gwinnett, love and respect Our alma mater, Georgia Gwinnett.

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THE FOL LOWING SPONSORS WISH TO CONGRATULATE THE FALL 2017 GRADUATES ________________________________ G O L D L E V E L ________________________________

_______________________________ S I L V E R L E V E L _______________________________

_______________________________ B R O N Z E L E V E L _______________________________

Lucien

and

Marsha anderson BoMar

G R A D U AT I N G S E N I O R D O N O R S Thank you to the graduating seniors who have supported the college’s culture of philanthropy with a graduation gift.

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MEMORIES

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www.ggc.edu

COMMENCEMENT