Commencement 2022

Lees-McRae C O L L E G E

Commencement Saturday, the seventh of May Two thousand twenty two Eleven o’clock in the morning Banner Elk, North Carolina

Commencement Program Saturday, the seventh of May Two thousand twenty two Eleven o’clock in the morning Banner Elk, North Carolina

Processional* .............................................................................. Mr. Gordon Warburton Invocation ................................................................................................... Rev. Ted Henry Chaplain Welcome ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Mr. Parker Grubbs ’95 Chair, Board of Trustees Musical Selection ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� "The New World" The Highlanders Dr. Michael Hannah, Director Remarks ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Dr. Herbert L. King Jr. President Presentation of H.C. Evans Jr. Fidelity Awards ................................................... Dr. King Presentation of Candidates for Degrees �������������������������������������������� Dr. Alyson Gill Provost Conferral of Degrees ............................................................................................ Dr. King Family and friends are asked to stand when their graduate crosses the stage, a long-standing tradition at Lees-McRae College.

Remarks ...................................................................................... Mr. London England ’22

Student Body President and Graduate Ms. Joanna Barker ’22 Online and Distance Learning Graduate Induction to Alumni Association ��������������������������������������������� Ms. Talia Freeman ’07 President, Alumni Board College Hymn* ................................................................................................ “Assurance” Benediction* ............................................................................................................ Dr. King Recessional* ................................................................................................ Mr. Warburton Out of respect for the graduating class, guests are asked to remain in place until the last graduate exits the seating area.

*All who are able, please stand.

Marshals provided by Order of the Tower.

Academic Regalia The traditions of academic dress began in the Middle Ages when learned masters adopted the garb of monks and clerics to designate various levels of academic achievement.

The bachelors gown is closed and untrimmed, with pointed sleeves.

Short hoods may or may not be worn with bachelors gowns, at the discretion of the institution awarding the degree. Caps are square mortarboards with a tassel.

The masters gown is usually black and may be open or closed in the front. The gown has long, closed, arc-shaped sleeves which extend past the wearer’s hands. The velvet front panel on the hood indicates the wearer’s academic discipline. The hood is lined with the official colors of the institution which granted the degree. The cap is usually the traditional mortarboard.

The doctoral gown is often black, but may be other colors. The doctoral gown is trimmed with velvet panels down the front and across the bell-shaped sleeves. The cap is usually a six- or eight-sided velvet tam, and the tassel is gold. The velvet banding indicates the academic discipline of the earned degree, and the hood is lined in the colors of the institution granting the degree.

Agriculture ����������������������������Maize Arts and Letters ����������������� White.

Business ��������������������������������� Drab.

Education ����������������������Light Blue.

Fine Arts ������������������������������Brown.

Library Science �����������������Lemon.

Medicine ������������������������������� Green.

Music �����������������������������������������Pink Nursing �������������������������������Apricot Philosophy ������������������������������ Blue Physical Education �������������� Sage Science ������������������ Golden Yellow Social Science ��������������������� Citron Theology �����������������������������Scarlet

Symbols of Distinction Summa Cum Laude ������������������������������������Green and Gold Braided Cords Magna Cum Laude ������������������������������������������������������������������������Green Cords Cum Laude �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� White Cords Alpha Chi (Academic Honor Society) Golden Medallions on Sapphire and Emerald Ribbons Alpha Psi Omega (Theatre Honor Fraternity) Light Blue and Gold Cords Alpha Psi Sigma (Academic Honor Society) Gold and Blue Cords Burton Center for Student Success Peer Tutor Silver Cords Chi Alpha Sigma (National Athletics Honor Society) Bronze Medallion on Black Ribbons Nu Delta Alpha (Dance Honor Society) Burgundy and Gold Cords Omicron Delta Kappa (Leadership Honor Society) Black, Light Blue, and White Cords Pi Lambda Theta (Education Honor Society) Gold Cords Sigma Beta Delta (Business Honor Society) Yellow and Green Cords Student-Athletes White Stoles

Candidates For Graduation CLASS OF 2022

Degrees BA...................................................................................................................................Bachelor of Arts BAAS.................................................................................... Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences BFA ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Bachelor of Fine Arts BS............................................................................................................................. Bachelor of Science BSN...................................................................................................... Bachelor of Science in Nursing MAT ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Master of Arts in Teaching

Honor Graduates Summa Cum Laude (3.90–4.00 GPA) ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������*** Magna Cum Laude (3.70–3.89 GPA) ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ** Cum Laude (3.50–3.69 GPA) ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� *

School of Arts, Humanities, and Education Presented by Dr. Pamela Vesely, Dean

Lubkemann, Amanda Joy***..............................Secondary Teacher Education: Biology, MAT Barker, Joanna Wall***............................................................................Elementary Education, BS Bautista, Amalia Hernandez***..............................................................Elementary Education, BS Bobbitt, Brianna Lynn..............................................................................Elementary Education, BS Bowman, Samaria Lynn**.......................................................................Elementary Education, BS Brewster, Jennifer Asbury***................................................................Elementary Education, BS Bryant, Isaac Samuel**............................................................................Elementary Education, BS Cope, Paul Victor.............................Communication Arts and Design: Creative Marketing, BS Crowe, Margaret Ashton**.....................................................................Elementary Education, BS Davis, Kari Ann***.....................................................................................Elementary Education, BS Delfin, Sofia ...............................................................................................Elementary Education, BS Dotson, McKenzie Lea***........................................................................Elementary Education, BS Fulk, Sadie Marie**...................................................................................Elementary Education, BS Funderburk, Tanner James (Honors Student)* �������������������������������������������������Theatre Arts, BS Goulds, Kimberly Paige (Honors Student)*** ����������������������Communication Arts and Design: Communication Arts, BA Greer, Brooke Lindsey**.........................................................................Elementary Education, BS Harrell, Jessica L.**........................................ Communication Arts and Design: Studio Arts, BS Hebner, Daelin H............................................ Communication Arts and Design: Studio Arts, BS Hege, Pamela**.........................................................................................Elementary Education, BS Houck, Chandler............................................ Communication Arts and Design: Studio Arts, BS Johnson, Destiny Danee***....................................................................Elementary Education, BS Kimbrell, Samantha L.**...................................................................................Special Education, BS King, Savannah*** ....................................................................................Elementary Education, BS Lawson, Leslie C.*.....................................................................................Elementary Education, BS Lewellen, Raven Alyse........................................................................................................ English, BA Miller, Faith Marie**..................................................................................Elementary Education, BS Minton, Lauren Byrd*...............................................................................Elementary Education, BS Mitchell, Annabella Mae (Honors Student)** ���������������������������������������������Musical Theatre, BFA Montgomery, Kaylee Beamer***...........................................................Elementary Education, BS Morris, Jesse Micheal................................................................................................Theatre Arts, BS North, Lillian Kathleen**...................................................................................Musical Theatre, BFA Reynolds, Olivia M.**................................................................................Elementary Education, BS Sims, Brian, Jr.***.................................................................................................................. History, BS Smith, Khloe Belle***................................................................................Elementary Education, BS Stone, Jessica Bowman**.......................................................................Elementary Education, BS

Strickland, Shian Kasea...........................................................................Elementary Education, BS Swan, Lylah Beth***.................................................................................Elementary Education, BS Teter, Briana***.........................................................................................Elementary Education, BS Thomas, Caleb Levi..................................................................................Elementary Education, BS Washburn, Ashleigh F.***.......................................................................Elementary Education, BS Yang, Pao***..............................................................................................Elementary Education, BS

School of Business and Management Presented by Ms. Amy Anderson, Dean

Augustin, Britney Carline.................................................................... Business Administration, BS Aversano, Zachary Z.**................................................................................ Sport Management, BS Baker, Brianne Elizabeth**........................................................... Business Administration, BAAS Bauer, Liliya Moon*............................................................Outdoor Recreation Management, BS Bowen, Sawyer Matthew............................................................................. Sport Management, BS Boyd, Hunter Lee...............................................................Outdoor Recreation Management, BS Broussard, Alex Leslie......................................................................... Business Administration, BS Cakirer, Zeynep***................................... Business Administration: Marketing and Finance, BS Calvert, Karen*................................................................................ Business Administration, BAAS Cline, Marla Joy...................................................................Outdoor Recreation Management, BS Crawford, Ian P.*................................................................................... Business Administration, BS Edwards, Sharon H.**.................................................................... Business Administration, BAAS Flanagan, Liam Kai (Honors Student)** ��������������������������������������������������Business Administration: Accounting, Marketing, and Finance, BS Flemming, Kayla (Honors Student)** ������������������������������������������������������Business Administration: Accounting, Marketing, and Finance, BS Garwacki, Patryk*.......................................................................................... Sport Management, BS Gentile, Nicholas............................................................................. Business Administration, BAAS Greer, Kacie L.................................................................................. Business Administration, BAAS Gregg, Cassandra Michelle........................................... Business Administration: Marketing, BS Guiza, Jonathan F. ���������������������������������������������������������� Business Administration: Marketing, BS Haave, Fredrik**..................................................... Business Administration and Psychology, BS Hairston, Jamarius Akeem***............................................................Business Administration, BA Hayes, Kristy Bledsoe................................................................... Business Administration, BAAS Holmes, Keith Allen....................................................................................... Sport Management, BS Horan, Robert B.................................................................................... Business Administration, BS James, Richard Bryce........................................................Outdoor Recreation Management, BS Joyner, Zachary Tobias..................................................... Business Administration: Finance, BS Kahn, David Ryan (Honors Student)*** ��������������������������������������������������Business Administration: Accounting, Marketing, and Finance, BS Kelly, Sean.............................................................................................. Business Administration, BS King, Alexandria ............................................................................. Business Administration, BAAS King, Haley....................................................................................... Business Administration, BAAS Mata, Kahloet*.................................................................. Business Administration: Marketing, BS McCray, III, John David*...................... Business Administration: Accounting and Finance, BS Medeiros, Marco Antonio.................................................. Business Administration: Finance, BS Meyers, Malikah B. ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ Business Administration, BS Morton, Cameron G...................................................................................... Sport Management, BS Moulse, Jared.................................................................................. Business Administration, BAAS Øksnevad, Johannes (Honors Student)***........... Sport Management and English, BS and BA Onderko, Parker McRae............................................................................... Sport Management, BS Penley, Joseph Brian...................................................... Business Administration: Marketing, BS Reeves, Jessica M...........................................................Business Administration: Marketing, BA Serafim, Faris William................................................................................... Sport Management, BS Shamsuddin, Nursharneem Imann**......................................................... Sport Management, BS Simmons, Janice B......................................................................... Business Administration, BAAS Smoak, Hali Reed*.......................................................................... Business Administration, BAAS Stovall, Elizabeth D........................................................................ Business Administration, BAAS

Vance, Lauren**.................................... Business Administration: Accounting and Finance, BS Wang, Hanqing.....................................................................................Business Administration, BA Welsh, Kimberly Michelle**.......................................................... Business Administration, BAAS Wickel, Grayson John.................................................... Business Administration: Marketing, BS Wilson, Sarah McKinnon*................................................................... Business Administration, BS Winchester, Dewight Kerry............................................................... Business Administration, BS Ybarra, Andrew G............................................................Business Administration: Marketing, BA

May School of Nursing and Health Sciences Presented by Dr. Claire Cline, Interim Dean

Bustos, Laura Yesenia*...................................................................................................Nursing, BSN Crabtree, Michelle May**................................................................................................Nursing, BSN Garant, Spencer Lynn***.................................................................................................Nursing, BSN Iauch, Jasmine Jane**.....................................................................................................Nursing, BSN Meluch, Matthew Michael...............................................................................................Nursing, BSN Morris, Sheryl Ann***.......................................................................................................Nursing, BSN Osborne, Kristin Northrop***.........................................................................................Nursing, BSN Overton, Hannah Jeanne***...........................................................................................Nursing, BSN Parker, Jessica McDonald***.........................................................................................Nursing, BSN Quaye, Sarah M. (Honors Student)**...........................................................................Nursing, BSN

School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences Presented by Dr. Franz Rueckert, Dean

Alvarado, Allison........................................................Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS Amick, Melissa Maye (Honors Student)*........................................Pre-Veterinary Medicine, BS Anderson, Ashley Elizabeth....................................Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS Anderson, Davey M....................................................................................... Criminal Justice, BAAS Ayers, Amber R.*............................................................................................ Criminal Justice, BAAS Baker, Masson Ray......................................................................................... Criminal Justice, BAAS Barnes, Ashley Nicole*.................................................................................. Criminal Justice, BAAS Beeks, Elaina .................................................................................................. Human Services, BAAS Benoit, Danielle Colette................................................................................ Criminal Justice ,BAAS Booher, Miranda Rose.........................................................................................................Biology, BS Bulatko, Haley Elizabeth.....................................................................................................Biology, BS Burrus, Ryen Asanti***................................................ Criminal Justice: Forensic Psychology, BS Cadolino, James Louis**..................................................................................... Wildlife Biology, BS Cantrell, Luke Hunter..................................................................................... Criminal Justice, BAAS Cantrell, Madison L.......................................................................................................Psychology, BS Cash, Claudia.................................................................................................. Human Services, BAAS Chandler, Jennifer D.***............................................................................... Human Services, BAAS Church, Haven Ann......................................................................................................Psychology, BS Cooke, Callie Gem........................................................................................................Psychology, BS Crum, Rachel (Honors Student)***..........................................Biology: Biomedical Sciences, BS Cruz, Antonio Jack.......................................................................................................Psychology, BS Davidson, Emily**........................................................ Criminal Justice: Forensic Psychology, BS Davis, Brett Ray..................................................................................................Exercise Science, BS Dietz, Annelise Y........................................................Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS Doyle, Jennifer B.***..................................................................................... Human Services, BAAS Earles, Kourtney M. (Honors Student)............................................Pre-Veterinary Medicine, BS Eller, Dylan Michael***......................................................................................... Wildlife Biology, BS Ellis, Ashley Jillian......................................................Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS England, London Joseph....................................................................................................Biology, BS Eriksen, Aiden Downing***................................................................................ Criminal Justice, BA Evans, Lanna M.***......................................................................................... Criminal Justice, BAAS

Ewing, Kaitlyn Alexandra (Honors Student)..................................................................Biology, BS Eyerly, Ellie Nicole.................................................................................Pre-Veterinary Medicine, BS Fairchild, Robin Lynn**................................................................................. Human Services, BAAS Farmer, Baylee Elizabeth.......................................................................................... Psychology, BA Fuerst, Michael C.......................................................Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS Fuller, Hannah Grace (Honors Student).........................................................................Biology, BS Getty, Katherine Reid**................................................................................ Human Services, BAAS Gifford, Samantha L.............................................................................................................Biology, BS Gilliland, Summer........................................................................................... Human Services, BAAS Grabowska, Kaitlyn Nicole***..................................................................... Human Services, BAAS Graham, Kaitlynn Nicole (Honors Student)*.......Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS Grassett, Kalbie M. (Honors Student)***......................................................... Wildlife Biology, BS Guess, Megan Elizabeth (Honors Student)*..................................................................Biology, BS Haines, Kaitlyn N. (Honors Student)................................................Pre-Veterinary Medicine, BS Hannah, Cailin**.............................................................................................. Human Services, BAAS Harris, Amanda N.......................................................................................... Human Services, BAAS Harris, Micale Lee................................................................................................. Criminal Justice, BS Hash, Marcus Avery....................................................................................... Criminal Justice, BAAS Helms, Victoria Brooke *** .......................................................................... Criminal Justice, BAAS Herman, Brittany............................................................................................ Criminal Justice, BAAS Hill, Kaden Jessica (Honors Student)**.......................................................... Criminal Justice, BA Hodges, Richard A.**................................................Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS Hollifield, Adriana Guadalupe**.................................................................................Psychology, BS Horton, Tyrese L........................................................Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS Hussey, Mollie P.*.......................................................................................................... Psychology BS Isenhour, Jenna Christine***........................................................................ Criminal Justice, BAAS Israel, Carrie McGraw**................................................................................ Human Services, BAAS Johnson, Josh Leff............................................................................................... Wildlife Biology, BS Johnston, Caleb Richard............................................................................... Criminal Justice, BAAS Kendrick, Miranda Caitlyn...................................................................................................Biology, BS Kennedy, Brandi Nicole............................................Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS King, Alexis Dale........................................................Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS Klein, Madalyn (Honors Student)*....................................................................................Biology, BS Kreuzburg, James Robert (Honors Student)................................................. Wildlife Biology, BS Kuntz, Max E. ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Psychology, BS Laird, Morgan*............................................................Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS Lane, Joanne Wells**.................................................................................... Human Services, BAAS Lencoski, Zachary Jerome (Honors Student)**...... Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS Levine, Gordon L.*......................................................................................... Human Services, BAAS Little, Caselyn Jane...................................................Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS Long, Alicia....................................................................................................... Criminal Justice, BAAS Longsoldier, Kimberly Frances**............................................................... Human Services, BAAS Lowery, Elisha***............................................................................................ Human Services, BAAS McMinn, Laci Jane***...................Psychology and Criminal Justice: Forensic Psychology, BS Mendez, Robert Joseph-Lee...................................................................Pre-Physical Therapy, BS Metcalf, Leigh A.**......................................................................................... Human Services, BAAS Meyers, Malikah B......................................................................................... Human Services, BAAS Michalec, Kathryn Lee (Honors Student)**.................................................... Wildlife Biology, BS Miller, Rebecca Bennett***.......................................................................... Human Services, BAAS Monroe, Patricia Ann**................................................................................. Human Services, BAAS Moore, Jamie Marie..................................................Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS Murray, Alana K.**......................................................Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS Ney, Olivia Peyton (Honors Student)***................................................Pre-Physical Therapy, BS Nickerson, Jeffrey Carl*..............................................................................................Psychology, BS Pinkston, Samuel K............................................................................................... Wildlife Biology, BS Pittman, Cameron Leigh..................................................................................... Criminal Justice, BS Plyler, Kaytie Carlon............................................................................................................Biology, BS Price, Lucas James (Honors Student)**.......................................................... Wildlife Biology, BS Rice, Gary Douglas............................................................................................... Wildlife Biology, BS Rife, Deeanna Mae (Honors Student)*...................................Biology: Biomedical Sciences, BS

Rizzuto, Paige Kassady*.............................................................................. Human Services, BAAS Robertson, Alyssa Michelle.....................................Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS Romanowski, Wendi Phelps***................................................................... Human Services, BAAS Sanchez, Miguel (Honors Student)*................................................................. Wildlife Biology, BS Schlegelmilch, Maria Alida..........................................................................................Psychology, BS Sedberry, Noah Bruce*................................................................................ Human Services, BAAS Segura, Marissa*........................................................Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS Shapiro, Nicole Maria........................................................................................... Criminal Justice, BS Sharum, Lee Anthony*.................................................................................. Criminal Justice, BAAS Simmons, Arden Grey***....................................................................Pre-Veterinary Medicine, BS Sink, Heather Elizabeth-Erin........................................................................ Criminal Justice, BAAS Smith, Taylor Renee....................................................................................... Criminal Justice, BAAS Soden, Sarah Margaret*............................................................................... Criminal Justice, BAAS Sotkewicz, Madison............................................................................................. Wildlife Biology, BS Spiva, Taylor Azzalee..........................................................................................................Biology, BS Stancil, Loretta B............................................................................................ Criminal Justice, BAAS Stapleton, Amber Michelle.......................................................................... Human Services, BAAS Steckler, Hanna G. (Honors Student)......................................................................Psychology, BS Swenton, Christina Nichole***.................................................................... Human Services, BAAS Thomas, Brenda Carol***............................................................................. Human Services, BAAS Turner, Preston Cole (Honors Student)..........................................Pre-Veterinary Medicine, BS Walker, Isaiah Daniel..................................................................................... Criminal Justice, BAAS Ward, Dawnsha**.......................................................................................... Human Services, BAAS Watson, Darrell C................................................................................................. Wildlife Biology, BS Watson, Nancy V.*........................................................................................ Human Services, BAAS Welch, Christian M......................................................................................Pre-Physical Therapy, BS Whitaker, Travis ............................................................................................. Criminal Justice, BAAS White, Jr., John Jeffrey***.......................................................................... Human Services, BAAS Williams, Christopher Dalton............................................................................ Criminal Justice, BA Williams, Kelsi A. (Honors Student).................................................................................Biology, BS Wood, Garrett C. (Honors Student)................................................................. Wildlife Biology, BS Woolslayer, Christopher Robert...............................................................................Psychology, BS Wright, Brianna M................................................................................................................Biology, BS Zajicek, Elias James............................................................................................. Wildlife Biology, BS

The inclusion of candidate names indicates eligibility for the listed degree and tentative honors. This list does constitute evidence of completion of the required program of study for awarding the degree or honors.

History of Lees-McRae College “Banner’s Elk,” as the village was once called, is said to have been settled around 1850. By the end of the century, the Presbyterian Church was becoming established in the area. In the summer of 1895, Concord Presbytery sent a young student from Union Theological Seminary in Virginia to organize a church at Banner Elk. In 1897, the newly ordained Rev. Edgar Tufts returned as pastor of the church.

In the winter of 1899, concerned with the limited offerings of the district school which was supplemented only by summer school work conducted by the church, Tufts took some of the young people of the neighborhood into his study for further instruction. This small group, called the Class of 1900, marks the beginning of Lees-McRae College.

Tufts saw that this effort was not enough and that there was a need for a boarding school, especially for the girls of the mountain region. In 1900, a frame dormitory for 14 girls and one teacher opened after a small amount of money was raised and labor and lumber was promised. One of the summer school teachers was Mrs. Elizabeth A. McRae. Knowing the devoted character of her work, Tufts named the school for her. When a department for boys opened at Plumtree, he added the name of Mrs. Susanna P. Lees, who had been a generous benefactor. The Lees-McRae Institute was chartered by the state in 1907, and Tufts remained to serve the community until his death in 1923.

In 1927, a fire consumed the Plumtree buildings, and the unit moved to Banner Elk. Lees-McRae Institute became Lees-McRae College in 1931, gradually eliminating the high school department to form an accredited, coeducational junior college. In 1987, the Board of Trustees of Lees-McRae College voted to seek senior college status. In June of 1990, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools granted Lees-McRae status as a senior (four-year) college.

To complement its four-year academic programs, Lees-McRae began offering degree completion programs in the early 2000s. The 2+2 programs enable students with existing associate degrees to complete their education at the baccalaureate level. The institution serves these non-traditional learners at offcampus sites and through online learning. In 2018, the college added its first graduate program—a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education.

More than a hundred years after its founding, Lees-McRae continues the vision of the Rev. Tufts, inspiring students of the Southern Appalachian region and beyond. The college extends educational opportunities and service to diverse populations and continues to fulfill its motto—In the Mountains, Of the Mountains, For the Mountains.

Traditions The College Seal

The seal includes the date of the college founding, 1900, and a scene representing the Blue Ridge Mountains that surround campus. It also incorporates the philosophy of founder, Rev. Edgar Tufts—In Montibus, Ex Montibus, Pro Montibus. The motto forever connects the college to the mountains and its efforts to provide educational opportunities to the local community.

The Mace

With its roots as a weapon during the Middle Ages, the ceremonial mace evolved into a graceful object symbolizing the temporal and spiritual authority of the church. Cities adopted the use of maces to signify their own freedom and power. In the 17th century, colleges and universities began using maces to symbolize the trust and authority vested in the president, the educational tradition, and the academic strength of the college.

Designed and constructed in 1985, the Lees-McRae mace consists of a 4-inch bronze medallion bearing the college seal, which rests inside two rings of chestnut atop a hand-shaped chestnut staff. Bearing the mace is an honor usually reserved for the President of the Faculty Senate.

The Chain of Office

The origins of the chain of office date back to the Middle Ages. They are large metal necklaces worn by college and university presidents on ceremonial occasions as part of his or her official regalia. The chains of bronze, silver, or gold are usually custom-made to include school symbols. The presidential chain of Lees-McRae features a 4-inch bronze medallion of the institutional seal.

Order of the Tower

Order of the Tower is a presidential honor society established in 1962 by Professor Lewis Hall. The organization consists of students with unquestionable integrity and a willingness to help better the Lees-McRae community. Leaders on campus, members serve as marshals for official programs, host visiting groups and dignitaries, and constantly strive to promote good public relations and the general welfare of the college.

Board of Trustees The Board of Trustees is the governing board of the college. Without their selfless dedication and generosity, Lees-McRae would not be where it is today.

Barry T. Blake Mt. Pleasant, SC Kim Braswell-McPhail Hilton Head Island, SC Les Broussard ’90 Banner Elk, NC James R. Bryant, III Linville, NC Sonny Edmondson Asheboro, NC Cathy Fields Chapel Hill, NC

Gary T. Moss Jr. ’99 Vice Chair Boone, NC Todd Porter Hoover, AL Neil Ramo Linville, NC Richard Rhyne Tampa, FL Elizabeth Roberts Charlottesville, VA Rev. Feild Russell Newland, NC

Parker Grubbs ’95 Chair Winston-Salem, NC

Fred Russell ’73 Farmville, VA

Ken Haigler Wilmington, NC

Ronald Soldo Hilton Head Island, SC

Nancy H. Hoyt Lake Wales, FL

Paul A. Steele Banner Elk, NC

Harold Kaplan Orlando, FL

W. McNair Tornow Immediate Past Chair Beech Mountain, NC

Dianne May Bonita Springs, FL Julia McCombs ’75 Fuquay-Varina, NC Jim McDaniel Nashville, TN

Richard G. Wack Maitland, FL Barbara Miller Whitton Fort Myers, FL Del Williamson Wellington, FL

Alumni Board of Directors The Alumni Board of Directors promotes the welfare of the college and facilitates the exchange of ideas between the institution and its alumni.

Erin Barcal ’16 Tampa, FL

Sharry Malpass ’11 Clinton, NC

Gladys Bolawa ’20 Johnson City, TN

Martha McAfee ’86, ’03 Greenville, SC

David Burke ’72 Keswick, VA

Christopher McIntosh ’04 Edinburgh, Scotland

Deena Chambers ’75 Statesville, NC

Gail Miller ’72 Vice President Mebane, NC

Charles Dickerson ’75 Charlotte, NC Talia Lee Freeman ’07 President Beech Mountain, NC Tonya Fulk ’05 King, NC Morgan Herdklotz ’93 Secretary Banner Elk, NC David Huckabee ’72 Charlotte, NC Tyler Hunter ’94 Beech Mountain, NC Kaitlyn Kerrigan ’14 Fischers, IN

Gary T. Moss Jr. ’99 Board of Trustees Liaison Boone, NC Rick Owen ’00 Banner Elk, NC Timothy Price Jr. ’04 Johnson City, TN Lindsay Robins ’05 Newton, NC Dane Robinson ’10 Treasurer Indian Land, SC Natalie Secrest ’00 Charlotte, NC Jim Stewart ’82 Raleigh, NC

Jarrett Koski-Kohler ’12 Banner Elk, NC

If you are an alumnus of the college, you can stay connected to your alma mater by liking the Lees-McRae College Alumni Association Facebook page, joining an alumni chapter in your area, and updating your contact information via lmc.edu/updateinfo. For additional information, email advancement@lmc.edu.

Save the Date!

Join us for Homecoming 2022 from September 30–October 2.

Acknowledgements Lees-McRae College acknowledges the following businesses, organizations, and individuals for making the Commencement ceremony a success.

Academic Affairs Staff Accessibility Services Staff Alumni Board Aramark Facility Services Staff Aramark Housekeeping Staff Athletic Staff Avery County EMS Banner Elk Police Department Boone Rent-All Campus Safety Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated Colton Courtney Enrollment Management Staff The Exchange Bookstore Staff Lauren Foster Chief Brandon Greer Haynes Event Productions, Inc. The Highlanders

Holston Presbytery Camp and Retreat Center Institutional Advancement Staff Tim Koch James Leenhouts Marketing and Communications Staff McManus Farms Amanda Merritt Office of the President Order of the Tower Members Photo Specialties Professional Solutions USA, Inc. Oliver Sendall Rita Smith Travis Stanley HD Stewart ’15 Student Affairs Staff Katie Talbert Joshua Yoder

Important Information Lees-McRae College would like to make the following announcements to ensure a safe and pleasant ceremony: • Restrooms are located in Cannon Student Center and the May School of Nursing and Health Sciences.

• Water is available near the seating areas and resource tents.

• Emergency personnel and a first aid station are located in front of the Office of Business Affairs, directly across from Tate Lawn.

• Photography and filming are permitted, but please be mindful of those seated behind you.

• Guests and attendees are asked to avoid the areas behind and above the stage.

• Please silence all cell phones and electronic devices.

College Hymn ASSURANCE When ’twas thy Holy Spirit came Into my heart with quick’ning power And set aglow a sacred flame I cannot tell the day or hour, Nor why it is thy Spirit chose To make a home within my breast And drive away my deadly foes Of sin and lust, and give me rest.

But this I know: the work begun

By Thee will never cease nor wane As long as God’s immortal Son As King of Kings, shall live and reign.

No fear of loss, the work is thine, And thine alone forevermore!

No fear of death, thy light shall shine To guide my way to heaven’s shore!

- Rev. Edgar Tufts

Lees-McRae College educates and inspires students to approach life and work from a creative, collaborative, and critical perspective in preparation for diverse careers and environments.

Post Office Box 128, Banner Elk, North Carolina 28604 828.898.5241 | www.lmc.edu