Lees-McRae
Commencement
Saturday, the sixth of May
Two thousand twenty three Eleven o’clock in the morning
Banner Elk, North Carolina
O L L E G E
C
Processional*
Commencement Program
Saturday, the sixth of May Two thousand twenty three Eleven o’clock in the morning Banner Elk, North Carolina
Mr. Gordon Warburton
Invocation Rev. Ted Henry Chaplain
Welcome Mr. Parker Grubbs ’95 Chair, Board of Trustees
Musical Selection .................................. "Louder Than Words" by Jonathan Larson
The Highlanders
Dr. Michael Hannah, Director
Remarks
Dr. Herbert L. King Jr. President
Presentation of H.C. Evans Jr. Fidelity Awards Dr. King
Remarks and 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
Ms. Raygan Rensing ’23 Student Body President and Graduate
Ms. Makayla Gaitan ’23 Online and Distance Learning Graduate
Ms. Talia Freeman ’07 President, Alumni Board College Hymn* “Assurance”
Induction to Alumni Association
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 bachelor's gown is closed and untrimmed, with pointed sleeves. Short hoods may or may not be worn with bachelor's gowns, at the discretion of the institution awarding the degree. Caps are square mortarboards with a tassel.
The master's 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 that 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.
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
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
Candidates For Graduation
CLASS OF 2023
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 and Humanities
Presented by Dr. Michael Vines, Dean
Green, Bethaney Cheyenne (Honors Student) Theatre Arts Administration, BS
Gregory, Makayla*** English, BA
Hilton, JoBeth Campbell*** Musical Theatre, BFA
Jackson, Ephraim Brooks***
Musical Theatre, BFA
Lyles, Sydney Ruth** Musical Theatre, BFA
Morgan, Shelby English, BA
Paulson, Helen A.** Theatre Arts, BS
Tadlock, Joshua Allen History, BS
Wells, Tessa Nicole (Honors Student)** Communication Arts and Design: Studio Arts and Wildlife Biology, BS
Wilcox, Hannah Morgan Theatre Arts Administration, BA
Wyatt, Emily Kerstin* History, BS
School of Business and Management
Presented by Dr. Pamela Vesely, Interim Dean
Backer, Ace Business Administration: Marketing, BA
Barnes, Thomas Anthony Outdoor Recreation Management, BS
Bauguess, Jordan
Business Administration, BAAS
Bogan, Lafollette Sport Management, BS
Bryant, Gabriel Sport Management, BS
Church, Landon Gray*
Courbot, Fanny**
Doering, Maria Sophia*
Doyle, Michael J.
Business Administration: Accounting, BA
Business Administration: Marketing, BA
Business Administration: Marketing, BA
Business Administration, BS
Eatmon, Corimonte Latrell ................................................................
Fadden, Kolin J.
Fletcher, Lindsey P............................................................
Henry, Theodore**
Business Administration, BS
Outdoor Recreation Management, BS
Outdoor Recreation Management, BS
Business Administration, BAAS
Hill, Rickson ...........................................................................................
Hoagland, Cooper Lee*
King, Olivia Shae
Kirssin, Ty B.
Business Administration, BS
Business Administration and Outdoor Recreation Management, BS
Business Administration, BS
Outdoor Recreation Management, BS
Kohlmeier, Eric* Business Administration, BAAS
Lowry, Jackielynn Mancia Business Administration, BS
Marsans, Michael (Honors Student)* Sport Management, BS
McConnell, Malik L Sport Management, BS
Murphy, Kevin M.* Sport Management, BS
Nalls, Steven N. Sport Management, BS
Presson, Carson Gabriel* Outdoor Recreation Management, BS
Pulido, Corbin H.
Reeves, Jessica M.
Satterfield, David Michael
Business Administration: Marketing, BA
Business Administration: Marketing, BA
Business Administration: Finance and Accounting, BS
Stammler, Liadan M. (Honors Student)** .................
Business Administration: Marketing, BS
Upchurch, Michael DeVette** Sport Management, BS
Ward, Carson Miller ....................................................... Business Administration: Marketing, BS
Webb, Eva S.*** Business Administration, BAAS
Wilson, Nichole Krysten* ............................................................. Business Administration, BAAS
School of Education and Social Sciences
Presented by Dr. Pamela Vesely, Dean
Adkins, Amanda Marie*** Human Services, BAAS
Aiken, Antoinette Nicole Human Services, BAAS
Allen, Michelle Prestwood Human Services, BAAS
Alonso, Concha Cristal Elementary Education, BS
Angelo, Joseph Robert* Criminal Justice, BS
Angle, Brooke Denay*** Human Services, BAAS
Barnes, Jazmine** Human Services, BAAS
Betzer, Deanna M.* Psychology, BS
Boyd, William Salmons Psychology, BS
Brettillo, Amanda Human Services, BAAS
Brown, Tamino Criminal Justice, BS
Buelin, Megan Leann Criminal Justice, BS
Bunn, Haley E. Human Services, BAAS
Byrd, Megan B. Elementary Education, BS
Byrd, Breanna L.*** Human Services, BAAS
Byrne, Adriene Nicole Human Services, BAAS
Cabrera, Jamie Osorno*** Elementary Education, BS
Calloway, Haley Marie***........................................................................ Elementary Education, BS
Campbell, Cynthia L Criminal Justice, BAAS
Childress, Jessica** ...................................................................................... Human Services, BAAS
Coffey, Brooke A.** Elementary Education, BS
Culbreth, Rachel Elizabeth .................................................................... Elementary Education, BS
Daves, Amanda Violette*** Human Services, BAAS
Deal, Heather L.** Human Services, BAAS
Delph, Jordan*** Human Services, BAAS
Draper, Ethan Garrett*** Criminal Justice, BAAS
Dula, Paiden Bryson Criminal Justice, BS
Finley, Ashleigh Elizabeth* Elementary Education, BA
Fowler, Jennifer Marie*** Human Services, BAAS
Gaitan, Makayla Rosa-Lena*** Human Services, BAAS
Gallagher, Riley Shea
Criminal Justice and Psychology, BS
Gambill, Kaitlyn Human Services, BAAS
Gardner, Andrew Psychology, BS
Grainger, Tiah Michelle* Human Services, BAAS
Greene, Angela Human Services, BAAS
Gulledge, William D.** Criminal Justice, BAAS
Hall, Danyele J.*** Human Services, BAAS
Hambrook, Bridget Elementary Education, BS
Harmon, Emily P. *** Elementary Education, BS
Haymore, Kelsi Brooke**
Hembree, Bailey N.***
Elementary Education, BS
Criminal Justice, BAAS
Henderson, Jessica Tiana Psychology, BS
Hester, Laura Roxanne*** Human Services, BAAS
Hodges, Mary Caitlin*** Elementary Education, BS
Holloman, Jala Ikeyla Criminal Justice, BS
Holyfield, Madison G.*** Elementary Education, BS
Houck, Rachel E.** Elementary Education, BS
Huffstetler, Grey Best** Criminal Justice, BS
Jackson, Noah Elisha*** Criminal Justice, BAAS
Johnson, Mollie H.*** .................................................................................... Human Services, BAAS
Lagrone, Julia M. Criminal Justice, BS
Lamb, William Sloan** ................................................................................. Human Services, BAAS
LaPlante, David Charles Criminal Justice, BAAS
Leath, Rachel E.** Special Education, BS
Leviner, Dawson Chavis* Human Services, BAAS
Mace, Katrina M.* Human Services, BAAS
McCourry, David E. Criminal Justice, BAAS
McKinney, Royce*** Criminal Justice, BAAS
Merrill, Cindy M. Criminal Justice, BAAS
Miller, Tracy L. Criminal Justice, BAAS
Moore, Emily Raenae*** Criminal Justice, BAAS
Mott, Marian Kyle** Human Services, BAAS
O'Marah, Ansley Jo** Human Services, BAAS
Pearson, Skylar Elementary Education, BS
Perkins, Randall Chad*** Human Services, BAAS
Price, John Harvey*** Human Services, BAAS
Queriapa, Jose Criminal Justice, BAAS
Ray, Lauren Clontz* Criminal Justice, BAAS
Revels, Shalin** Elementary Education, BS
Roberson, Brooke M. (Honors Student)*** Criminal Justice and Psychology, BS
Roberts, Aurora Soul'e*** Psychology, BS
Robertson, Emily Morgan* Elementary Education, BS
Romanoff, Lauren Human Services, BAAS
Rowe, Madison** Criminal Justice, BS
Ruiz Toribio, Magali Elementary Education, BS
Sanders, Kristina M.*** Human Services, BAAS
Savage, Thomas Criminal Justice, BS
Shelf, Lottia Human Services, BAAS
Shepherd, Tayler E.*** Elementary Education, BS
Simmons, Emily O. Human Services, BAAS
Sipe, Shelby C Criminal Justice, BAAS
Snotherly, Jeffrey Tyler*** Elementary Education, BS
Sobiech, Timothy P.*** ................................................................................ Human Services, BAAS
Swisher, Abbey White*** Criminal Justice, BAAS
Taylor, Camden** ..................................................................................... Elementary Education, BS
Thomas, Chrystal Criminal Justice, BAAS
Thompson, Jeffrey S.* Criminal Justice, BAAS
Toney, Holland Ruth Human Services, BAAS
Vance, Stella*** Human Services, BAAS
Walker, Billy J.** Human Services, BAAS
Watson, Keisha Renee Criminal Justice, BAAS
West, Abby Jayne (Honors Student)** Psychology, BS
Wilkerson, Laquanda Monic*** Human Services, BAAS
Young, Lauren E.** Elementary Education, BS
May School of Natural and Health Sciences
Presented by Dr. Franz Rueckert, Dean
Abad, Andrea
Adams, Allison Laura**
Pre-Licensure Nursing, BSN
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Aldridge, Sierra M.* Biology, BS
Ann, Emma Riley
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Arabia, Danielle L. Biology, BS
Arendash, Silas B. Exercise Science, BS
Arthur, Lauren Faith**
Pre-Licensure Nursing, BSN
Ayers, Charles Anthony** Wildlife Biology, BS
Banks, Colby G Wildlife Biology, BS
Banner, Julie Erin* Wildlife Biology, BS
Bergquist, Gabrielle Moreton
Brockett, Alison J.
Burris, Caleb Hunter
Bush, Kara K
Byker, Grace*
Cassaday, Caroline Hope*
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Chun, Mahealani Kailey (Honors Student) Biology: Biomedical Sciences, BS
Clifton, Madison O.**
Clifton, Sarah Esther (Honors Student)**
Pre-Licensure Nursing, BSN
Pre-Veterinary Medicine, BS
Cocciolone, Dayna C.** Biology, BS
Cochran, Kathryn Diane (Honors Student)** Biology: Biomedical Sciences, BS
Copeland, Brooke
Cunningham, Sam**
Deal, Jaycey Adrian
Doane, Leah Marie
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation and Psychology, BS
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Donovan, Haley Elizabeth (Honors Student)*** Wildlife Biology, BS
Driggers, Taiya Alyce
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Gast, Julie Ann** ........................................................................................
Pre-Physical Therapy, BS
Gibbs, Kenzie J. Wildlife Biology, BS
Golding, Lauren D.** ............................................................................
Groome, Robert Alan***
Hall, Anna Marie*
Hamrick, Katie L.
Hart, Clairenda Arelia**
Hartman, Savanna Brinn (Honors Student)***
Henke, Blake
Pre-Licensure Nursing, BSN
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Pre-Licensure Nursing, BSN
Pre-Licensure Nursing, BSN
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Pre-Veterinary Medicine, BS
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Herndon, Ashley Hunter Wildlife Biology, BS
Hiramatsu, Mei Exercise Science, BS
Hoffman, Megan Mai're
Pre-Veterinary Medicine, BS
Hoirup, Olivia Natalie (Honors Student)*** Biology, BS
Hutchins, Rachel Mae**
Jefferson, Kalei A.
Johnson, Zoie B.
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Kersat, McKenna Lynne Biology, BS
Kralovic, Andrea Nicolette (Honors Student)** Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Lane, Gracie Elizabeth**
Pre-Licensure Nursing, BSN
Laprade, Bailey Emergency Medical Services and Management, BS
Lawrence, McKenzie Torren (Honors Student)**
Exercise Science, BS
Lebendig, Emmett J. (Honors Student) Biology, BS
Leighton, Bethany Grace
Lizarraga, Arriana Ruth
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Pre-Licensure Nursing, BSN
Lucas, Esmeralda** Biology: Pre-Medical Sciences, BS
Mabe, David J. Wildlife Biology, BS
Magrosky, Brandon M.* Biology, BS
Martin, Erik Scott
Martin, Sydney Marie**
Michaels, Kinsley Rae**
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Pre-Licensure Nursing, BSN
Michelsen, Brandon Francis Wildlife Biology, BS
Miller, Jessica Lee** Nursing, BSN
Miller, Sydney N.**
Pre-Licensure Nursing, BSN
Moore, Natalie R.** Exercise Science, BS
Morris, Jenna Claire (Honors Student)*** Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Nichelson, Justin Andrew
Wildlife Biology and Outdoor Recreation Management, BS
Norman, Makayla Catherine* Wildlife Biology, BS
Peters, Anna Wei Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Peters, Bradley** Nutrition Science, BS
Pomfrey, Meredith F. Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Poston, Cassandra (Honors Student)* ................ Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Puryear, Sarah Wildlife Biology, BS
Rails, Madysen Sophia (Honors Student)*** ........................Biology: Biomedical Sciences, BS
Rensing, Raygan Elizabeth (Honors Student)*** Exercise Science, BS
Ronneburger, Samuel James Wildlife Biology, BS
Roughton, Mallory Rachel* Exercise Science, BS
Ryerson, Emma Nichole Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Biology: Biomedical Sciences, BS
Samano, Katya Celina Biology, BS
Scott, Jordyn* Exercise Science, BS
Setzer, Laci Marie***
Smith, Alexia Jo-Lynn (Honors Student)
Sparks, Caroline Grace**
Staley, Sabrina R.
Stuart, Kendal Alexa**
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Pre-Licensure Nursing, BSN
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Pre-Licensure Nursing, BSN
Thiers, Cameron M.* Wildlife Biology, BS
Todd, Alexa Laurel Exercise Science, BS
Turner, Kelly T.*** Wildlife Biology, BS
Van Horne, Michael Henry (Honors Student)* Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Wenzel, Alexis Cecelia (Honors Student) Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
White, Deven J.
Pre-Licensure Nursing, BSN
Wiles, Michael Grant Biology, BS
Williams, Cameron Elizabeth
Williams, Gabriella A.**
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
Wood, Mary W.*** Wildlife Biology, BS
Zazzaro, Casey Wildlife Biology: Wildlife Rehabilitation, BS
The inclusion of candidate names indicates eligibility for the listed degree and tentative honors. This list does not 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, 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 were promised. The school was named the McRae Institute, after the prominent local teacher Mrs. Elizabeth A. McRae. When a department for boys opened at Plumtree, Tufts 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 either online or at an off-campus location. In 2018, the college added its first graduate program—a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education.
In 2022, the college doubled the size of its campus with the addition of South Campus at Grandfather Home. Grandfather Home for Children was also founded by Tufts, and the unification of the two properties brought his legacy full circle.
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's 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 and Don Baker ’57. 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
Sonny Edmondson Asheboro, NC
Cathy Fields Chapel Hill, NC
Parker Grubbs ’95 Chair Winston-Salem, NC
Ken Haigler Wilmington, NC
Nancy H. Hoyt Lake Wales, FL
Bonnie Huff Bluffton, SC
Harold Kaplan Orlando, FL
Dianne May Bonita Springs, FL
Julia McCombs ’75 Fuquay-Varina, NC
Jim McDaniel Nashville, TN
Bob Moss Fort Lauderdale, FL
Gary T. Moss Jr. ’99 Vice Chair Boone, NC
Todd Porter Hoover, AL
Neil Ramo Linville, NC
Elizabeth Roberts Charlottesville, VA
Fred Russell ’73 Farmville, VA
Ronald Soldo Hilton Head Island, SC
Barbara Miller Whitton Fort Myers, FL
Alumni Board
The Alumni Board promotes the welfare of the college and facilitates the exchange of ideas between the institution and its alumni.
Erin B. Stephens ’17 Wimauma, FL
Gladys Bolawa ’20 Johnson City, TN
David Burke ’72 Keswick, VA
Deena Chambers ’75 Statesville, NC
Charles Dickerson ’75 Charlotte, NC
Christopher Finley ’96 Salem, VA
Talia Lee Freeman ’07 President Beech Mountain, NC
Tonya Fulk ’05 King, NC
Abbie Gardner ’17 Greensboro, NC
Morgan Herdklotz ’93 Secretary Banner Elk, NC
David Huckabee ’72 Charlotte, NC
Tyler Hunter ’94 Beech Mountain, NC
Kaitlyn Kerrigan ’14 Fishers, IN
Jarrett W. Koski-Kohler ’12 Banner Elk, NC
Sharry Malpass ’11 Clinton, NC
Christopher McIntosh ’04 East Saltoun, Scotland
Gail Miller ’72 Vice President Mebane, NC
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 Claremont, NC
Dane Robinson ’10 Treasurer Indian Land, SC
Shelby Schestag ’06 Hampstead, MD
Michelle Scott ’86 ’90 Spruce Pine, NC
Natalie Secrest ’00 Charlotte, NC
Tennille Sherrill ’98 Statesville, NC
Jim Stewart ’82 Raleigh, NC
Acknowledgements
Lees-McRae College acknowledges the following businesses, organizations, and individuals for making the Commencement ceremony a success.
Academic Affairs Staff
Accessibility Compliance Staff
Alumni Board
Avery County EMS
Trevor Bruffy ’08
Campus Police
Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
Consolidated
Enrollment Management Staff
The Exchange Bookstore Staff
Facility Services Staff
The Festive Elk
Charles Gibson
Chief Brandon Greer
Haynes Event Productions, Inc.
Greg Heaton
The Highlanders
Lynn Hinshaw ’83
Housekeeping Staff
Institutional Advancement Staff
Tim Koch
Hattie Lecka
Marketing and Communications Staff
McManus Farms
Cam Morton ’22
Order of the Tower Members
Photo Specialties
Professional Solutions USA, Inc.
Rita Smith
Travis Stanley
HD Stewart ’15
Student Affairs Staff
The Summit Dining Hall Staff
Katie Talbert
Town of Banner Elk
Yellow Mountain Enterprises
Special thanks to Tammy Franklin for her dedication and 40 years of service to Lees-McRae College.
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 Natural and Health Sciences building.
• 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 TuftsLees-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
