2018 Fall Commencement Program

S C H O L A R S H I P

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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 13, 2018

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elcome to the Fall 2018 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.

Thirteen 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 elsewhere.

That’s game changing.

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

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GE ORGIA GWINNET T C O LLEGE CO MMENC EMENT THURSDAY | DECEMBER 13, 2018 | 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 Victoria Faye Perez

Posting of the Colors*

GGC ROTC Color Guard

Welcome

Dr. Stas’ Preczewski President

Conferral of Honorary Degree

Dr. Stas’ Preczewski

Graduate Reflections

Justin Lunt Dr. Stas’ Preczewski

Introduction of Guest Speaker Commencement Address

Charlotte J. Nash Chairman, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners

Presentation of Gift Presentation of Degree Candidates

Eliman Marenah President, Student Government Association 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. Laurel Holland Interim 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 Presentation of Diplomas Georgia Gwinnett College Alma Mater* Recessional

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

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COMMENCEMENT

Dr. Stas’ Preczewski Charlotte J. Nash Performed by Victoria Faye Perez Triumphal March from Aida Composed by Giuseppe Verdi

*Audience is requested to stand.

CA N DIDATES F O R GRADUAT IO N

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION SCHOOL OF BUSINESS MAJOR IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Layla Aden Sabina Akaratovic Nicholas William Alston Janine Michelle Arroyo Susan Bahadur Elizabet Bajraktari s Elvis Barlov Stuart R. Barnes Guillermo Barona Rebecca Nicole Bearden Hakeem Jermaine Benton Alex Luke Bramwell Kylena Lynea Branan Tamaira Irene Bridges Paisley Ayonna Brown Maricela Cabrera Dominique Nicole Carter Maria Casas Freesia May Castillo Annie Michaele Castle Whitney Denise Chambliss Jenny Kami Chan Chang Kaliyha Urania Chester Madison Christine Chrisopoulos Wildy Jonathan Civil Ki Juana S. Clark Austin Tyler Collier Elizabeth Alexandra Cooper Matthew Lee Cornell Michael James Cruickshank Dina Yoheli Cruz-Lemus Sonya V. Cuffie Steven Custer Jr. l Ryan Christopher Daniel Hector Alexis Davila Shyera Shenisse Davis-Caraan F Hamza Dawood

Michael Degroff Rick David DeVries Djeneba Diakite Miroslav G. Dimitrov Myles Richard Dixon James David Durden F Tiffany Christina Dykes Shanice Esosa Eboigbe Joshua Harris Elbaz Logan Patrick Paul Eldredge Kimberly Eliosa Jason Alan Fantus s Zachary M. Farol Dawn Marie Fitzpatrick l Matthew Flanigan John William Foster Ahmad Safi Frozan F Dawn Gadar F Sean Marcus Garcia Austin S. Garrett Sophia Damena Gebremedhin l Garth Lewis George F Andrew Jacob Gerlach Nazila Ghulam Reza Lauren E. Gildon Alan Salvador Gomez l Yesly Elizabeth Granados Breanna Nicole Greenwood Jack William Gurr Bryan Alan Haire Nimair Hassan F Daniel Alexander Hernandez s Nelsy Hernandez-Cabanas F Michael Muajkoob Herr Ryan A. Hill Brittney Nicole Hollingsworth Jessica Annelise Holman Allison Elaine Howard Lisa Ishii Sheyla Dayaris Japa Mazara Damien Johnson Corbin Franklin Jones Nicholas Jeffrey Jones

List and academic standing at press time.

F Cum laude l Magna cum laude s Summa cum laude

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Aisha Senkoro Kitosi Emily Kouidri Kimberly Patricia Lacey Amy Thuy Le Ragan Traquia LeGree F Bailey Raye Loomis Daisy Luna Bryan Kent Lupfer Latoya Antoinette Lynch F Kabrina Janea Lytle Chandler James Malecki Matthew Hubbard Mallory Ian Anthony Mangini Tyvon Brandon Manns Matthew Stephen May Kevin William Mayfield Lance Jacobi McNair Fabiola Melgoza Jessica Ann Miller III Charles Dakota Minton s Dylan Everett Missel Travis Wayne Mitchell Nofel Gemal Mohamed Keith Devon Moore Ryshonna Quinchae' Morris Shelby Elizabeth Moss Amy Suada Mujkic Mitchell Johnson Murphy l Taylor Newberry Luan Van Ngo F Christopher Manuel Nunez Sarah Renee Olawumi James Joseph O'Leary Mubarik Omar Ingrid Orozco Madzida Osmanovic Genesis Ozuna Cody Richard Penn Maria Jesus Perez Aaron Koruthu Philip Nicole LaShanna Pinckney Renee Shanice Powell Wallace Price

n Honors Program v Awarded Posthumously

Continued on next page.

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CA N DIDATES F O R GRADUAT IO N (continued)

Brittany Nicole Puckett F Macey Kay Raines Mehwish Rangoonwala Brooke Marie Reichard Courtland Jamal Richardson Sharon Renee Roberts Seth Allen Rubenstein William Joshua Schmitt Jose Antonio Serrano III Misha Siddiqui F Nishant Kumar Singh Anisha Kaur Singh Jocelyn Soriano Andrian Stefanus Elijah Gordon Stubblefield s Joseph Tanner Subers Melissa Kathleen Taylor Natasha Taylor-Walters Mariela Tejada Garcia F Megan Rena Thigpen s Joshua Daniel Thompson l Nina Marie Thornhill Terri Thy Linh Tran Jacob Jeremy Trifan Katerina Valtcheva s Mike Ger Vue Denise Shonette Warren Kimberly Sue Warwick Alexis Marie Weaver Anthony Demetric Welch Michael Whitney Emylee Diann Whitten F Brittney Deloris Wiggins Kelly Elizabeth Williams F James Wilson Jayla Nicole Wilson Xong Xiong Alen Zacharias Nyaradzai Juanita Zisengwe

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCE MAJOR IN NURSING Ronnie R. Adams Jennifer Lea Alarcon F Tamara Nicole Bean Amy Lynn Becker Ibelise Raquel Berrios F Laura Lynn Braden s Dominic Teneng Che Ilona Dashkevich l Amanda Alice Daugherty Nathan Clesson Durant F Aniekeme Odudu Edet Stephen Harris Harber Jessica Haro Mi Ryong Hong l Nicci Sara Kang F Rebecca Lynn Llewelyn F Makala Rose McDearis F Jordan David McKay l Nevonne Matilda-Zaine Moulton Lien Ngo F Olivian G. Opris F Isaac Owusu Mensah l Brenda Monserrad Perez Carla Stephanie Proano Anique Punjwani F Adelina Melania Roman F Brynly Schlenk F Lauren Kathleen Tait Reshmee Helen White Da Young Yoo F

BACHELOR OF ARTS SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS MAJOR IN ENGLISH Jacob Donald Bennett Jacob Cody Carroll Valerie Anne Fouchey F

F Cum laude

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l Magna cum laude

COMMENCEMENT

s Summa cum laude

Jenna Chase Ike F Amber Renee King Carleen Anne Lister Bridgit Luz Macaulay John Phillip Manning Sarah Elizabeth Packer Jacob Ian Parker Juan Carlos Sierra Barbosa l Adam Stinchcomb Briana Josephine Wright Jae Yi

BACHELOR OF ARTS SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS MAJOR IN HISTORY Alfredo Corona Jr. Tyler James Fasnacht Loren Janelle Hayes Cydney Taylor High Margaret L. Thomas l Courtnee Danielle Young

BACHELOR OF ARTS SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS MAJOR IN POLITICAL SCIENCE David Edward Buckley l Richard Andrew Drexler Lisa Marie Fernandez s Jack Michael Flynn Veronica Patricia Johnson Tram Mai Navindra Ryan Persaud Lydia Faith Tarbutton Richard Denny Von Hack

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS MAJOR IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE Samantha Lee Akyan Cyesha Shantrice Barcus Major Eleganzer Bell Jr.

n Honors Program v Awarded Posthumously

CA N DIDATE S FO R GRADUAT IO N (continued)

Chelsea Jordan Blakely Claudia Vanessa Clara F Daniel Dawson Paul Marshall Diaz Kerry L. Evans Christy April Gouge Adijah Mone Hyacinth Lisa Mae Jackson Sabrina Ashley Lainez Rosales Alessandra Ximena Salas Colton Dean Standridge Troy Cooper Stegeman Siry Thalia Then Sabina Torlo Shoel Uddin F Carlos Javier Villafane Ciera Satondria Washington Shannon La'Nae Wilson Carolyne Kaly Xiong

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS MAJOR IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND AGING SERVICES Marteisha Lashonda Kemp

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS MAJOR IN PSYCHOLOGY Maria Fernanda Acosta Shelby C Aime F Samreen Irum Alvi Dhir H. Amin Rashed Bolaji Animashaun Aurora Arvelo Taylor Danielle Barney Bridget Beaupré Joshua Devante' Black Erika Elitania Botello Esquivel Brock Sessoms Caldwell Bianca Monifah Carlisle

F Cum laude

l Magna cum laude

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Karla Del Carmen Castillo Hernandez Maya Nicole Christian Sheldon Rhea Connor Yolanda Del Carmen Davila Cesar Pena Delgado Sandra Isabel Diaz Guzman Alexandra Kristine Dietz Edjasmine Edouard Shanice Patricia Edwards F Patti Camille Eidson Lana Gillen Falkenberry F Alejandra Brigette Garcia Oscar Aristide Heredia Rosario Bailey Gulay Icoz Shania Abrey James Ibrahim Jasarevic Khadijah Coney Johnson Laquan Isaiah Jones Haley Katelynn Kennedy Jarmell Knight Logan Paige Lambright F Krystal Lashae Lynch Shannon Elizabeth Meeh Diana Yvette Melgar Melania Lucia Mencia Nicole Miller Jhanna Danielle Minniefield Taslyne Julia Muir Lucas Connor Nickerson Shelby Nicole Owen Victoria Faye Perez Brittany Nicole Petty Imarii D. Poindexter Alfredo G. Potter Isis Joi Rouse Rachel Lynn Rumeau Jillian Leah Rutledge F Felicia Smalls Nicholas Sebastian Staffanell Morgan Symone Stark Jamillah Stewart Kelli Jeanne Stripling l Devoris Leon Thomas

s Summa cum laude

Keausha Jahnae' Warren Juliana Ro Wheelis Morgan Eileen Wilder Shytesa Woodroffe

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION SCHOOL OF EDUCATION MAJOR IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Jessica Danielle Aiken Jennifer Nicole Atkins

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MAJOR IN BIOLOGY Tina Alighanbari F Theresa Maria Allen Stefany Nayeli Alvarado Sanchez Kenneth Robert Andrews Suzana Batazhan Joshua James Beaton s Vidhi M Bhatt Ivan Biandji-Addat Rhea Nicole Bowen-Smith Tram M. Cao Benjamin Michael Faulk Amy Lisbeth Figueroa Derrick Sean Bristol Frondarina Erica Isabel Giron F Alexandria Ashleigh Goodyear Paul Leon Hebert Jr. Shang Her Teng Her F Jessica Lauren James s n Jasmine Lakisha Kearney Sabrina Khan F Yodit Koya Nisha Anns Kurian Neha Nizar Lalani Phyllis Amanda Sharon Lallier

n Honors Program v Awarded Posthumously

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CA N DIDATES F O R GRADUAT IO N (continued)

Dominique Barrington Levy Robert Martin McDonald Matthew Alan Mikolaizyk Jordan Blair Minter April Danielle Morgan Edil Abdilahi Nour s Ariel Maireni Nunez Laura Anne O'Betz F Angie Mabel Ortiz Vidaurre Alexia Janeese Ousley Christina Maria Paramanis Vaidehi Patel Rachel Elizabeth Perri F Adriana Mercedes Perrucci Arturo Eduardo Reyes-Banos s Christina Michelle Rojasycaza Laura Hilary Rupprecht Ruben Romanovich Shamalov Sarah Fatima Siddiqui Jasmeen Kaur Sunner Demarius O'neil Tookes Mali Vang Jessica Maria Velasquez

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MAJOR IN CHEMISTRY Eyongeri Ashu Linh Quoc Lam Whitley Ramirez Adama Samba

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MAJOR IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Kelley Dean Curry F Alanna Azri James F Sara Krystine Kilgore

F Cum laude

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l Magna cum laude

COMMENCEMENT

Trevor Dylan Marshall Massey F Zakia Riaz s Jalpa Shah

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MAJOR IN EXERCISE SCIENCE Ehiosasele Tejiro Aburime Lukman Adedamola Adeyemo Ayotoni Olamide Ariyo F Edna D. Badu Ariel Michelle Beam Roman F. Berkhan Jaskaran Bhatia Laporchae Brenae-Lyjuan Bryant Sarah Caden Camp Cassandra Livingston Cobb Evan Alexander Cunningham Daisha Alexzandra Dandy Kelsei Erin Danielle Djengue Nicholas Aaron Geary Maranda La'sha Harvey Courtney Elizabeth Hicks Nisha Orozco Jarquin Chavius Dontrell Knox Marigold Naadei Kotey William C. Kpahe Kisha Nicole Lane Justin Leigh Lunt s Enid Sher'ri McCoy Timothy Joshua Moua LaToya Michelle Ndukuba Cassidy Mellissa Nurse Zain Firoz Panjwani Sandra Adele Porter Blake H. Pulliam Warren Allen Robinson Jr. Isabel Cristina Rodriguez Bonilla Morgan Elizabeth Ross F Naomi Sanchez Ana Sandoval Munoz

s Summa cum laude

Marc-Wayne Anthony Sinclair Roxana R. Solis Exavier Marquez Terrell Cindy Marlen Vega Acevedo F Rachel Lynn Wall Yeej Yang

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MAJOR IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Eniola G. Akintoye Samuel Ovidiu Berende s Gilad Berman Andres Blandon Austin Mark Bond Jacob Alan Bradberry Matthew Anthony Coker l Alexander Croghan F Tobin Michael Crone Vimal M. Darji Zeke Owen Drewel l Marckenz Reynold Dubuche Faizan Elahi Alicia Marie Flood Alexander Chance Gartland Adrian Glodan Anastasiya S. Golovan l Casey Michael Green Viktor Gutsu F Daniel Todd Harris Ariella Madeleine Hernandez Alejandra Hernandez Jacob Lawrence Howington David Jerry Jackson III Eric Jamal Jenkins Blake Montgomery Jerkins Shavonta L. Jones Pa-alusene Saybana Khannu Kenneth Ryan Kimbro Kevin Mathew Koshy

n Honors Program v Awarded Posthumously

CA N DIDATE S FO R GRADUAT IO N (continued)

Nabilah Lasker Nabiha Lasker Magdalena Abundis Ledezma Charneaka S. Lewis F King Kue Lo l Doy Mam Bradford Mashlum David James McMurray s Heather Merced Matthew Joseleo Miranda Sasa Mitrovic F Shazeed Mohammed Timia Tenelle Moses Wilbert Nazario Jr Tony Zachary Neese Jamez Marquis Nelson Sebastian Neyra Velarde Kenny Duc Nguyen Mehdin Numanovic l Christian Foster Oakes Anjan Sivaram Panchatcharam Joseph Calvin Pelletier F Isak Tin Pracer William Haywood Pridgen IV Cesar Mauricio Romero-Pedraza F Mathew Jonathan Rosado l Derex B. Sango IV James Vernard Scott Jr. Bryan Shue Jr. Katrina L. Smith F Jessica Rowtana Sok s Zachary Ellis Stewart Thomas Aaron Suggs Scott Emerson Tompkins F Sinna Mak Uy Rae Jennifer Vroman Lindsey Catherine Wade Timothy Charles Wade Precious Antoinette West Harvey Jeffery Whatley Nilaja Danielle Williams Justin Michael Winking s

F Cum laude

l Magna cum laude

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Benjamin Elijah Woods I F Matthew C. Xiong

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MAJOR IN MATHEMATICS Alison Renee Blavesciunas Evan Raines

s Summa cum laude

n Honors Program v Awarded Posthumously

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DR. S TAS PRECZEWS KI P RE SIDE N T, GEO RGIA GWINNET T CO LLEGE

Dr. Staś Preczewski earned a B.S. in engineering from Cornell University in 1980 and concurrently received his U.S. 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. After serving as GGC’s interim president for a year, he was named president in 2014. Under Dr. Preczewski’s leadership, the college 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 Services Officer; and David, an Army MEDEVAC helicopter pilot with the U.S. Army 1st Infantry Division. The Preczewskis have one grandson, Evan, and one granddaughter, Claire.

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CHA RL O T T E J. NAS H C H A I R MA N , GW IN N E TT COUNT Y BO ARD O F CO MMIS S IO NERS

Charlotte J. Nash was elected chairman of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners in a special election on March 15, 2011, and was re-elected in 2012 and 2016.

Before running for office, she was president of a consulting firm specializing in governmental and public strategy and management.

Nash worked for Gwinnett County government for more than 27 years until she retired in 2004. She served as the county administrator for nine years and previously held the positions of director of Financial Services, budget director and grants manager.

Nash also has been active in numerous civic, business and service organizations in the community. She served on the Gwinnett Recreation Authority from 2005 until the end of 2010. By virtue of her position as Commission chairman, she serves as a member of the Atlanta Regional Commission Board and the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District Board, which she currently chairs.

She also serves on the board of managers for ACCG, Georgia’s county government association, having led the organization as president in 2015-2016. Nash was recently appointed by the speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives to the board of the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority.

The Atlanta Business Chronicle named Nash one of the 100 Most Influential Atlantans annually beginning in 2011. In addition, Georgia Trend magazine has included her as one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians annually since 2013.

Nash is a Gwinnett County native who has lived her entire life in the Dacula/Harbins community. She graduated with honors from both Dacula High School and the University of Georgia, where she received a bachelor’s degree in accounting. She and her husband, Michael, have been married for 46 years and have two grown children and two granddaughters.

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TH OMAS P. “T O MMY” HUGHES CHA IR, G E ORG IA GWINNET T CO LLEGE F O UNDAT IO N

Thomas P. “Tommy” Hughes was born in Doraville and raised in Buford, Georgia, and has committed much of his life to community service.

At 23, Hughes was the youngest Buford City commissioner ever elected.

During his 12-year tenure, he worked to improve education, serving as chairman of the Board of Buford City Schools and overseeing the completion of the current Buford High School.

Hughes was elected in 1993 as Gwinnett County commissioner for District 1 and served until 2001. He served on a committee that was instrumental in working with the University System of Georgia Board of Regents to secure the land for and to establish Georgia Gwinnett College.

In 2006, Hughes became a charter member of the Georgia Gwinnett College Foundation Board of Trustees. He has served as the organization’s chair since 2013.

Hughes was an ardent supporter of the Gwinnett Civic & Cultural Center, encouraging its development and expansion while serving as Gwinnett County Commissioner. The Center provided a huge economic impact to the county, profiting over $2 million each year since 2003. Today, the Infinite Energy Center, an expansion of the original Civic Center, provides $200 million in economic impact annually, according to Explore Gwinnett.

The Infinite Energy Center has a ballroom named for Hughes, the Thomas P. “Tommy” Hughes Grand Ballroom, which opened in the early 2000’s.

Hughes has served or is serving on the following boards: Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful, Explore Gwinnett (formerly Gwinnett Convention & Visitors Bureau), Gwinnett Hospital System and United Community Bank – Gwinnett.

He is a graduate of Leadership Gwinnett and the Regional Leadership Institute and a recipient of the Gwinnett Chamber’s Public Service Award.

Hughes owns TGJR Holdings, LLC, and Hughes Investment Properties, LLC, which are real estate investment companies. He and his wife, Gina, reside in Buford.

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THE G E ORG IA GW INNET T CO LLEGE MACE A ceremonial mace is a highly ornamented staff used during processions for formal academic ceremonies or parliamentary occasions. Derived from ancient weapons, maces were adapted for ceremonial use during the Middle Ages. GGC’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 transformation it offers not only for students, but everyone involved with the college.

Maple wood represents the students and symbolizes their growth and pioneering spirit as they embark on their educational journey, forever changing their lives. GGC’s four pillars of scholarship, leadership, service and creativity 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, symbolizing 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.

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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 DITION S O F ACADEMIC 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 advanced 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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THE C O 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.

TH E 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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GE ORGIA GWINNET T CO LLEGE HIS T O RY

In October 2004, the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents voted to ask the General Assembly to approve the creation of a new state 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 September 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 recognized 17 students at its inaugural commencement 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 Georgia Gwinnett College its initial accreditation in record time, giving GGC the ability to expand its degree programs and apply for foundation awards and research grants. More than 3,000 students enrolled for the 2009 fall semester.

In 2010, GGC celebrated the opening of its library and learning center and its residence halls, transforming the college into a residential campus. More than 5,300 students enrolled for the 2010 fall semester. The 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 National 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. Stas’ Preczewski, formerly vice president for Academic and Student Affairs, served as interim president until being named president in May 2014. The library was later named in Kaufman’s honor.

In fall 2014, the college opened its Allied Health and Sciences building, home of the School of Science and Technology and the newly formed School of Health Sciences.

Now well into 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. U.S. News & World Report has ranked GGC the #10 top public college in the Southern region for 2019 and the most ethnically diverse Southern regional college for its fifth consecutive year.

The college recently celebrated the completion of Building W, which opened for the 2018 fall semester.

GGC offers 17 bachelor’s degree programs and more than 45 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 economic impact studies, GGC has contributed more than $2.8 billion to the local economy, including the creation of 4,500 jobs.

GGC’s innovative practices, caring culture and extremely affordable tuition are 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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A DMINIS T RAT IO N 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 Lori Buckheister, Vice President for Advancement Michael Poll, Vice President for Enrollment Management Services Daniel Nolan, Chief of Staff Terrance Schneider, Associate Vice President of Operations/Chief of Police Marc P. Cardinalli, J.D., General Counsel Luann Causland, Executive Assistant to the President

P RE SIDENT EMERIT US Danial J. Kaufman, Ph.D.

SCHO O L DEANS Thomas G. Mundie, Ph.D., School of Science and Technology* Cathy Moore, Ph.D., School of Education* 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 Laurel Holland, Ph.D., School of Liberal Arts, Interim

2 0 0 6 -2 0 0 7 CHA RT ER DEANS AND FAC ULT 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., Professor of Biology Diane Dorsett, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology Bagie George, Ph.D., 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 TE E S

Chair Thomas P. Hughes Vice Chair Stas’ Preczewski President Lori M. Buckheister Secretary Bartow Morgan, Jr. Treasurer Glenn S. White Trustees Thomas J. Andersen Don K. Balfour II 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 David E. Snell John D. Stephens W. Gordon Tanner, Jr., MD Richard L. Tucker Philip R. Wolfe

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W E LCOM E TO THE ALUMNI AS S O C IAT IO N

Graduates, After years of hard work and dedication, you are now alumni of Georgia Gwinnett College – congratulations! 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 Gwinnett 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:

G ET INVOLVED

You will always be a member of the GGC family.

Enrich your experience by attending our alumni networking mixers as well as alumni after hours. Come back to campus for events like Grizzlyfest, 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 Engagement, 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.

G IVE BACK

If you have contributed 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.

C ONNECT

Today, you joined a rapidly expanding network of over 6,000 Grizzly graduates.

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.

Membership in the alumni association is free, but I encourage you to give back to the annual fund. In doing so we directly support the needs of our students and programs, and help our alma mater thrive. 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.

Sincerely, Tim Foster Chair, GGC Alumni Association Board

A LU M N I A SSOCIAT IO N BO ARD MEMBERS Chair: Tim Foster, 2011 Past Chair: Chad Miller, 2008 Chair-Elect: Sasha Ruiz, 2011 Secretary: Elease Dillard, 2015 Whitney Durrah, 2014 Shelly Elfil, 2012 Brigette Fontenot, 2013

Tyler Henry, 2012 Ben Hines, 2012 Shelby Jack, 2017 John Maison, 2015 Jay Patel, 2011 Brittany Perry, 2013 Blair Sanders, 2013

Andrew Stephenson, 2012 Jacky Sylvain, 2016 Cooper Wade, 2015 Tyler Walsh, 2011 Porshaye Watkins, 2017 Tom Willard, 2010

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 Engagement.

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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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COMMENCEMENT

TH E FOLLOW IN G SPO NS O RS WIS H T O CO NGRAT ULAT E TH E FALL 2018 GRADUAT ES

GOLD LEVEL

S I LV E R L E V E L

BRONZE LEVEL

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.

www.ggc.edu