Special Commencement Isssue

Special Commencement Issue

Fall 2011

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the Inside Speakers The people who gave you good advice Pgs. 3, 4

Lists Fall and spring graduates are honored Begins Pg. 5

Moments Remember when? If not, these snapshots may jog your memory Pgs. 21-27

Independent voice of the University of Tennessee at Martin

Spring 2012

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Commencement Issue Mary Jean Hall Coordinator Kristen Harrelson Kara Kidwell Jenifer Nicks Malorie Paine Sheila Scott Josh Wambles Staci Williams Staff Tonya Evans Kara Kidwell Jenna Miller Josh Wambles Photographers Tomi McCutchen Parrish Faculty Adviser

Cover Photo Trevor Ruskowski University Relations, UTM

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The University of Tennessee at Martin 314 Gooch Hall Martin, TN 38237 http://www.utmpacer.com/ Copyright © 2012, The Pacer

Special Commencement Issue

May 2012

Chancellor bids farewell to graduates

Marking the end of the academic year for 2011-2012, almost 1,200 graduate and undergraduate students completed requirements for their academic programs and joined the ranks of nearly 40,000 UTM alumni around the world.

The year was filled with a menu of positive and memorable events. Several stand out as clear indicators of academic quality and exceptional opportunities for our students and employees. The student body reelected Alex Wilson for his second term as president of the Student Government Association and elected Teresa Fowler as Vice President and Jake Hart, SecretaryGeneral. This was a busy year for the elected student leadership group as they brought forward a record number of resolutions and openly addressed a broad range of issues from student fee requests to support for specific campus interests.

Ongoing projects such as repairs to the roof of the Paul Meek Library, opening a new facility for the Jackson Center, major landscaping for student housing, and a new broadcast tower for WUTMFM and WLJT-TV were completed. We are nearing completion of Phase I of the Fine Arts Building expansion along with external lighting projects involving parking areas, the quad, and the walking trail around Pacer Pond. All of these efforts are directed toward improving the learning environment and overall campus safety for us all. Our Public Safety officers have exhibited exceptional professional expertise in addressing situations that affect campus safety. We appreciate the positive outcomes we have experienced as a result of their

prompt responses and efficient handling of situations during this academic year.

Again this year, a UTM student, Teresa Easton, a Social Work major from Lexington, Tenn., was honored by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission as a recipient of the Love Award for public service. She was recognized for her efforts involving abused and neglected children.

Over the past decade, more UTM students, faculty, and staff have received Love awards than any other post-secondary institution in Tennessee.

This year brought numerous other positive acknowledgements of the efforts of UTM

students, faculty and staff. Among student groups receiving state, regional or national honors are those representing Agriculture, Chemistry, Communications and Housing. National and state recognitions involving sustainability, civic engagement, and academic quality were received. The Princeton Review recently listed UTM as a “Best Value” institution, one of only two public universities in Tennessee recognized.

In December, UTM received the designation as an All-Steinway School, which places us among only 135 other schools and conservatories around the world. This status greatly enhances our Department of Music.

Also, Intercollegiate Athletics celebrated championships in soccer, women’s basketball and softball. These recognitions represent ongoing capacity building that allows us to better prepare our students for the future. We can anticipate continued success through the hard work of our students, faculty, and staff. As our alumni base continues to grow, we enjoy improved connections with agency, nonprofit and corporate partnerships.

The upcoming academic year promises to bring even more milestones and exciting achievements within our university community. I extend my gratitude to all of you who continue to work hard to ensure the value, safety, and quality of learning that occurs within the academic, social, and personal experiences that are part of the UTM community in Martin, Jackson, Parsons, Ripley, Selmer, and online.

Dr. Tom Rakes UTM Chancellor

Alumni director asks grads to stay involved

“And yes, it is ok to make a gift to your alma mater!” utmforever.com

Dear Graduates, Congratulations on a job well done!

Your alumni association stands ready to assist you as you transition from student to alumni. While your time at UTM was short, your alumni association relationship is only beginning. But you must decide how involved UTM is in your life after college. Many services are offered to you for free or with minimum cost and there are several ways for you to stay involved in campus life and alumni relations.

Soon, you will be receiving

an invitation to join the utmforever.com community.

But more importantly, come back often to see the changes your alma mater will go through. And yes, it is OK to make a gift to your alma mater!

A $10 gift will not only help us financially, but also speaks to your commitment of being a graduate of UTM. Homecoming 2012 is Oct. 5-7. Peace, Love and Skyhawks!

Charley Deal Assistant Vice Chancellor for Alumni Relations and Annual Giving UTM ’92 & ‘96

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Special Commencement Issue

May 2012

Alumna encourages fall graduates University Relations Jennifer Horbelt, former WPSD Local 6 evening news anchor, had no problem identifying with her audience as she delivered the commencement address Dec. 10, 2011, at UTM. Horbelt told how she is “making a leap, taking a risk” in her move to a new position in an unfamiliar part of the country, a prospect that many graduates face.

Horbelt became a reporter with WPSD in Paducah, Ky., in 2007 while in her senior year at UTM. She earned the female evening anchor position at the station less than three years later, which she held until accepting a morning anchor position with KOAA-TV in Colorado Springs / Pueblo, Colo. Her last day at WPSD was Dec. 5, and she began her new job Dec. 19.

“We’re not that different.

You’re making that leap, too,” she told the graduates, adding, “You’re going out there in a really tough economy with the hopes of finding your place – your dream, passion, whatever you want to call it – and then to make it your career.”

Horbelt talked about her start in the TV news business and reminded graduates “it won’t always be easy” gaining the experience necessary for success.

“The first several months of my time at WPSD [were] spent either beating my head against the wall, crying or contemplating quitting. … I got passed over for the hard-hitting

stories because I was a rookie,” she said. But, she pursued her passion for news and, “Well, somehow, somehow I became the more experienced, the one with better contacts, the person others came to for guidance on how to write their stories.”

She credited her late father (who died in 2009), her former TV station and UTM faculty members for inspiration and guidance, both personally and professionally.

“I chose a great place to

Our deepest gratitude ...

start my career, and that was WPSD,” Horbelt said. “The people there really embraced my inexperience and made sure I was on the right path to success.

“I also chose a great place to prepare for a career [in] a very competitive field, and that’s UT Martin. I still keep in close contact with my former professors. They keep me grounded, and they make sure I’m always asking myself how I can do better in my craft.”

Horbelt also emphasized the importance of growing as a person, and she credited her volunteer work as a “reading buddy” to an elementary school student for helping her to keep things in perspective. “[The student] reminds me not to take life or my job too seriously. And every time I visit him, I remember what it was like to be that age.”

She assured graduates that life beyond graduation “really isn’t all that bad,” adding, “You

wouldn’t believe all the great things that are to come. I never imagined that I’d be where I am today, doing what I’m doing. But I’ve been open to opportunities, open to taking risks, and I had great preparation for that right here at UT Martin.”

UT President Joe DiPietro conferred degrees, and UTM Chancellor Tom Rakes recognized graduates who represented 49 Tennessee counties, 13 states and eight nations.

... to all who helped in the planning and production of this special issue of The Pacer. We especially thank Chancellor Tom Rakes, Charley Deal and the Alumni Relations Office, Bud Grimes and his University Relations Office staff, and our printer, Associated Publishers Inc. in Huntingdon.

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Special Commencement Issue

May 2012

UT president speaks at spring commencement University Relations UT President Joe DiPietro advised UTM graduates to “savor this moment” as they prepared to receive degrees during the university’s spring commencement exercises Saturday at the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center.

DiPietro both delivered the commencement address and conferred degrees during the larger of two annual UTM commencement events.

“For those of us – faculty, staff, administrators and others – who watch the coming and going of students, a commencement ceremony gives us a great sense of accomplishment at your success,” he said. “For you, it means the culmination of many years of hard work, many years of learning, trials, tribulations. … For your parents and family, it is an emotional and joyous time.”

To further highlight the day’s importance, the UT president referenced two points from the book 10½ Things No Commencement Speaker Has Ever Said by Dr. Charles Wheelan. The book is based on a commencement speech the author gave at Dartmouth College.

“First, as Wheelan says, ‘It’s all borrowed time,’” DiPietro said. “That is not something a commencement speaker would normally tell an audience of soon-to-be college graduates.

The rest of your life is ahead of you, and yes, many of you have decades left to pursue a career, raise a family, go on a vacation and retire.”

He used the author’s advice in urging graduates to pursue opportunities and live full lives.

“What Wheelan says is don’t have regrets, don’t take anything for granted,” DiPietro said.

He advised the audience to “play hard and have some fun” and take time to love someone.

“And every day you should give thanks for having another

“Life and careers present you with unexpected opportunities as well,

and it will be up to you to take a chance, to be bold, to have faith and go for it. Be excited for the opportunities to face change, because it

will stretch your intellect, and it’s likely to maximize your successes.”

~ Dr. Joe DiPietro, UT president

day,” he said.

“The second item I’ll mention from the book is your time in a fraternity or sorority, or in extracurricular clubs or events, was well spent here at UT Martin,” DiPietro said.

These additional activities develop friendships and memories that won’t be forgotten, he said.

“Those experiences make a difference in your life and broaden who you are as a person.”

DiPietro reminded the audience that higher education has seen its share of news coverage in recent times.

“The state of our economy has made everyone examine the value of everything, and that is true of college degrees as well.”

He noted the cost of tuition, the investment of time and the value of a degree in finding a job.

For those graduating and questioning whether college was worth it, he said, “I can give you an emphatic and a big fat ‘Yes.’” From personal experience, he said that each of his degrees has improved his life, although achieving these degrees wasn’t easy. He noted statistics that show college degrees are worth

$1 million more in earning potential over a lifetime compared to a high school diploma only.

For those not finding work within their chosen major, he said, “Let me encourage you to be flexible and open-minded about jobs.”

He used his own veterinary medicine degree as an example, noting that he first worked as a practicing veterinarian, moved into teaching and research, and then into higher education administration. Today, he applies problem-solving skills learned in the veterinary medicine profession in his role

as UT president.

“You need to lay out a plan, but remain flexible and grasp opportunities as you may wish throughout your career.”

He also advised graduates to prepare for changes in life and to embrace them.

“Life and careers present you with unexpected opportunities as well, and it will be up to you to take a chance, to be bold, to have faith and go for it,” he said. “Be excited for the opportunities to face change, because it will stretch your intellect, and it’s likely to maximize your successes.”

DiPietro emphasized that college graduates are in a position to accomplish great things.

“Do something before others consider doing it – you know, like those Facebook or Google folks,” he said. “I encourage you to do what you can to make a positive difference in this world.

Or, as Charles Wheelan says in his book, ‘Don’t make the world worse.’

“You don’t have to cure cancer or be the next Internet sensation to be successful or make difference. But if you do, I’m sure our development office will be in touch with you,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience.

He closed by highlighting three points in the UT mission.

“We educate, we discover and we connect,” he said.

He also challenged graduates to educate, discover and connect in their own lives as well.

Dr. Tom Rakes, UTM chancellor, welcomed the audience and presided over the event. He recognized the university’s 2012 Outstanding Faculty Award recipients and acknowledged the families, friends and supporters of the graduates in attendance. In turn, he asked graduates to stand and applaud those who supported them through their college experience.

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Special Commencement Issue

May 2012

Graduate Degrees College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences Master of Science in Agriculture and Natural Resources

Nicholas Scott

Waverly, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

College of Business and Global Affairs

Camden, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Aspen Hill, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Master of Business Administration

James McCrary

Stephanie Anderson

John Bass

Kingsport, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Franklin, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Rebecca Moses

Brazil ~ Fall 2011

Chapel Hill, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Bret Piatt

Bells, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

April Tutor

Seven Springs, N.C. ~ Spring 2012

Dan Underwood Jr.

Somerville, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences Barbara Berry

Jackson, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Lindi Collins

Cordele, Ga. ~ Fall 2011

Natasha Dalton

Martin, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Rebecca Hughes

Corryton,Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Julie Mayfield

Jackson, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Holly Michael

Martin, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Ebonie Reed

Memphis, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Joseph Sanders

Celina, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Daniela Andrade Zachary Baker

Dresden, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Steven Barker

Bartlett, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Brandon Davis

Linden, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Yeh Doo

Taiwan ~ Fall 2011

Grant Gates

Trenton, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Patrick Goolsby

Martin, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Patrick Hall

Union City, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Jeffrey Hicks Jr.

Antioch, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Christopher Jackson

Dyersburg, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Jessica McKinney

South Fulton, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Ross Ratkowski

South Fulton, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Eric Sellers

Mousa Shamieh

Palestine ~ Fall 2011

Hunter Vincent

Martin, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Sherry Shanklin

Union City, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Andrew Wilson

Selmer, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

College of Education, Health and Behavioral Sciences Master of Science in Education ~ Counseling Jennifer Claiborne

Martin, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Candice Dixon

Germantown, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Christina Ketron Kingsport, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012 Lindsey Matheny

Kelly Piatt

Alamo, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Megan Poore

Kenton, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Amanda Walker

Hendersonville, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Lindsey Wayland

Hohenwald, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Carrie White

Buchanan, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Master of Science in Education ~ Teaching / Educational Leadership Chasity Batts

Jordon Hankins

Howenwald,Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Melissa Haynes

Martin, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Jessica Henson

Ripley, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Andrea Herring

Linden, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Patty Hudgins

James Bearden

Dyersburg, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Union City, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Julie Bennett

McKenzie, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Cindy Boyd

Union City, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

David Byars Jr.

Martin, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Susanne Collins

Paris, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Barbara Coln

Jessica McDonald

Maryville, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Brittany Mercer

Selmer, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Toni Patton

South Fulton, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Trenton,Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Valerie Guthrie

Paris, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Trezevant, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Michie, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Linden, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Maggie Fulcher

Mayfield, Ky. ~ Fall 2011

South Fulton, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

McMinnville, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012 Knoxville, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Tammi Evans

Hendersonville, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Kari Connatser Bobbie Crabb Jessica Curtis

Camille Hunter Adam Johnson

Medina,Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Raven Jones

Atwood, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

James Kelly

Memphis, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Stephen Korpi

Trinity, Ala. ~ Spring 2012

Lee Lawrence

Gleason, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Mary Legan

Dyersburg,Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Robert McCall

Greenfield, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Veronica Minton

Brownsville, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Continued on Page 6

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Special Commencement Issue

May 2012

Undergraduate Degrees (Fall 2011) Accounting

Yahya Alismail Saudi Arabia

Walter Bailey

Covington, Tenn.

Abbie Butler

Morgan Fields

Joshua Horton

Meredith Dunn

Valerie Bernert

Alex Greenway

Emily List

Eliott Eddings

Charles Cox

Robert List

Raechel Inbody

McKenzie, Tenn.

Counce, Tenn.

Jackson, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Huntingdon, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Lawson Johns

Iron City, Tenn.

Vanntrica Marsh

Madeline Lovett

Martin, Tenn.

Robert Moore

Andrew McCrary

Martin, Tenn.

Meredith Newsom

Saeyeal Chung Sire Diane

Daniel Frame

Springville, Tenn.

Medon, Tenn.

Melissa Jackson

South Fulton, Tenn.

Joseph Rigsby

Shermita Mitchell

Troy McDonald

Lucas Risner

Somoan Pounders

Tremisha McFall

Brandon Rosson

Frank Smith

Taylor Ricks

April Merritts

Dishekia Sellers

Friendship, Tenn.

Clifton, Tenn.

Kenton, Tenn.

Moscow, Tenn.

Memphis, Tenn.

Columbia, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Munford, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Brooklyn, N.Y.

Bradford, Tenn.

Jennifer Roberts

Allison Hope Riley

Clarksville, Tenn.

Matthew Williams

Travis Russell

Trevor Smith

Agriculture John Abel

Huntingdon, Tenn.

McKenzie, Tenn.

Biology

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Mayfield, Ky.

Erick Bruyns

Matthew Bobbitt

Hohenwald, Tenn.

Brandon Bringle

Cordova, Tenn.

Dyer, Tenn.

Munford, Tenn.

Bartlett, Tenn.

Medina, Tenn.

Elizabeth Beach Emily Cates

Tiffany Cathey

Linden, Tenn.

Hornbeak, Tenn.

Jacquelyn Steele

Burns, Tenn.

Jon Quinn

Oak Ridge, Tenn.

South Fulton, Tenn.

Bradford, Tenn.

Bradford, Tenn.

Ridgely, Tenn.

Kingston Springs, Tenn.

McKenzie, Tenn.

Kenton, Tenn.

Milan, Tenn.

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Rachel Roberson

Jennifer Wayman

Milan, Tenn.

Lauren Paschall

Waverly, Tenn.

Megan Smith

Michael Schaeffer

Jennifer Laird

Leah Kerassidis

Shawn Howard Derek Proudfit

Ryan French

McKenzie, Tenn.

Ryan McMackin

Dyer, Tenn.

Collinwood, Tenn.

Kristi Mendez

Clarksville, Tenn.

Dyer, Tenn.

Haley Miller

Lawrenceburg, Tenn.

Rutherford, Tenn.

Bells, Tenn.

Chicago, Ill.

Allison Jones

Joshua Hefner Idlewild, Tenn.

Paris, Tenn.

Medina, Tenn.

Casey Turnage

Chemistry

Jessica Dvorak

Tatiana Moore Halls, Tenn.

Union City, Tenn.

Aminda Tharp Fulton, Ky.

Economics

Dominique Wilson

Beatriz Cropper

Brad Winter

Dustin Fletcher

Memphis, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Kenton, Tenn.

Computer Science

Arlington, Tenn.

Trenton, Tenn.

Brandon Gindt

David Terry

Jeffrey Arndt

David Bennett

Union City, Tenn.

Puryear, Tenn.

Barton Hamilton Selmer, Tenn.

Hiroki Shinosawa Martin, Tenn.

Engineering

Ethan Brunett

Hollow Rock, Tenn.

Communications

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Justin Burlison

Saint Paul, Minn.

Memphis, Tenn.

Criminal Justice

Huntingdon, Tenn.

Union City, Tenn.

Iron City, Tenn.

Tennessee Ridge, Tenn.

Cottage Grove, Tenn.

Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Dickson, Tenn.

Austin Godfrey

Martin, Tenn.

Kristin Hammill

Linden, Tenn.

Danielle Henley

Zachary Dill

Martin, Tenn.

Moscow, Tenn.

Britney Bolton

Laura Buckland Brandon Doyle

Kayla Arnett John Barnes

John Anderson

Jennifer Barnes

Continued on Page 7

Graduate Degrees (Continued from Page 5) Belinda Morgan

Paris, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Melissa Osteen

Martin,Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Susan Randall

Christopher Nichols

Alamo, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Hilary Norrid

Mansfield, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Dyersburg, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011 Union City, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Angela Ray

David Rhodes

Milan, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Joanna Robbins

Angela Searcy

McKenzie, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Union City, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Philip Ruse

Cordova, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Mary Scott

Union City, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Atoka, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011 Parsons, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Heather Scruggs

Trenton, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Marty Shisler

Kelsey Sigman

Angela Smith

Milan, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Heather Stranak

Jackson, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

Tony Vandyke Jr.

Newbern, Tenn. ~ Fall 2011

Stephen Walker

Hendersonville, Tenn. ~ Spring 2012

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Special Commencement Issue

May 2012

Undergraduate Degrees (Fall 2011 – Continued from Page 6) Engineering (cont.)

Endian Wang

Dresden, Tenn.

Kristen Welch

Jarrod Bonar

China

Brian Nelson

Christy Bondurant

Donna Mercer

Levi Odle

Chelsey Brunner

Kellie Moore

Kyle Roberson

Kevin Burdette

Carolyn Reed

Carter Smalley

Bobby Thigpen

Michael Stigall

Daranetra Thompson

Middleton, Tenn.

George Hughes

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Joey Kelley

Finance

Hohenwald, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Millington, Tenn.

Fine & Performing Arts

Martin, Tenn.

Hickory Valley, Tenn.

Camden, Tenn.

Stephanie Nilica St. Louis, Mo.

Ty Walley

Keri Stepp

Dresden, Tenn.

Davida Ambrose

Mason Storey

Jason Chittum

Matthew Waggener

Martin, Tenn.

Christopher Craig

Ra’Chelle Weaver

English

Donnie Franklin

Milan, Tenn.

Rachel Stricklin

Hornbeak, Tenn.

Joshua Wilson

Cumberland Furnace, Tenn.

James Wright

Alan Greve

Chris Gunlefinger Martin, Tenn.

Ashley Moore Troy, Tenn.

Sarah Rowland Selmer, Tenn.

Memphis, Tenn.

Tullahoma, Tenn.

Covington, Tenn.

Decaturville, Tenn.

French

Shelley Greer

Health & Human Performance

Brittany Henderson

Memphis, Tenn.

Joe Talley

Phylicia Brooks Runako Brown Jacksonville, Fla.

Mount Juliet, Tenn.

Shannon Breeden

Parsons, Tenn.

Union City, Tenn.

Cali Cupples

Newbern, Tenn.

Dresden, Tenn.

Caylen Follis

Hollow Rock, Tenn.

Parsons, Tenn.

Joy Vick

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Elizabeth Vineyard Lexington, Tenn.

Casey Ward

Bradford, Tenn.

William Winfrey Covington, Tenn.

Cynthia Gasparro

Kaitlin Chaffin

Ben King

Selmer, Tenn.

Erica Lomax

Martin, Tenn.

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Linden, Tenn.

Management Saudi Arabia

Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Trenton, Tenn.

Tandye Gentry

Scott Cunningham

Eagleville, Tenn.

Shonda Gilbert

Stephanie Douglas

Memphis, Tenn.

Leigh Glenn

McEwen, Tenn.

Lexington, Tenn.

Michie, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Megen Haskins

Millington, Tenn.

Hunter Hays

Information Systems

Henry, Tenn.

Troy, Tenn.

Decaturville, Tenn.

McKenzie, Tenn.

Memphis, Tenn.

Jane Gordon

Covington, Tenn.

Brandi Gwaltney Union City, Tenn.

Shana Hair

Knoxville, Tenn.

Kimberly Hicks

Courtney Hamrick

Saudi Arabia

Kari Hughes

Frank Jordan IV

Saudi Arabia

April Koeppel

Saudi Arabia

Darla Massey

Abdullah Almakadi

Jonathan McDaniel

Fahad Almutairi

Joia McGaha

Areej Alsalboukh

Memphis, Tenn.

Selmer, Tenn.

Tahir Almashama

Dustin McClure

Blayne Vise

Dresden, Tenn.

Amanda Shelton

Melissa Frank

Memphis, Tenn.

South Korea

Bethany Seratt

Martin, Tenn.

Collierville, Tenn.

Adamsville, Tenn.

Sandra Sass

Brighton, Tenn.

Brittany Fortner

David Hatchel

Brittany Kasprack

Won-Ki Lee

Savannah, Tenn.

Memphis, Tenn.

Decaturville, Tenn.

Memphis, Tenn.

Megan Robison

Martin, Tenn.

Julia Weatherford

Denissia Gordon

Lexington, Tenn.

Kevin Harris

Brandon Hillsman

Christopher Douglas

Jennifer Boldan

Dresden, Tenn.

Dyersburg, Tenn.

South Fulton, Tenn.

Nashville, Tenn.

Reagan, Tenn.

Lacey Ellis

Spencer Taylor

Tyler Brasher

Gates, Tenn.

Jenny Depew

Matthew Hewett Dresden, Tenn.

Kisha Beecham

Martin, Tenn.

Joelton, Tenn.

Tiffany Chance

Saudi Arabia

Adam Barker

Tracy Robinson

Madison Adcock

Stacey Darden

Chasity Roberson

Philadelphia, Pa.

April Ring

New Johnsonville, Tenn.

Nashville, Tenn.

William Grant

Abdullah Aljawad

Union City, Tenn.

Megan Sison

Stacey Richardson

Saudi Arabia

Integrated Studies (Education)

April Counsell

Benjamin Braun

Joseph Gibbs Brilliant, Ala.

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Laura Butkovic

Martin, Tenn.

Mustafa Alhanabi

Abbey Riggs

Memphis, Tenn.

Allison Simmons-Overstreet

Maggie Gardner Brownsville, Tenn.

Darden, Tenn.

Erica Renfroe

Bellevue, Idaho

Martin, Tenn.

Breanne Wright

Santa Fe, Tenn.

Selmer, Tenn.

Caylem Estelle Talladega, Tenn.

Bethel Springs, Tenn.

Brittany Bullock

Jackson, Tenn.

Laura Vaughn

Martin, Tenn.

Memphis, Tenn.

Geoscience

Ashland City, Tenn.

Parsons, Tenn.

Sarah Bricker

Mikhaela Williams

History

Martin, Tenn.

Jackson, Tenn.

Linden, Tenn.

South Fulton, Tenn.

Clifford Hopkins

McEwen, Tenn.

Kane Reeves

Cory Wilcox

Lauren Williamson

Trenton, Tenn.

Dallas, Texas

Thomas White Martin, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Camden, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Millersville, Tenn.

Gregory Beauchamp

Aleina Early

Martin, Tenn.

Covington, Tenn.

Family and Consumer Sciences Natalie Dunning

Troy, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Eva, Tenn.

Selmer, Tenn.

Linden, Tenn.

Columbia, Tenn.

Fulton, Ky.

Nashville, Tenn.

Continued on Page 8

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May 2012

Undergraduate Degrees (Fall 2011 – Continued from Page 7) Jake King

Martin, Tenn.

Natural Resources Management

Hornbeak, Tenn.

John Hinson

University Studies

Troy Garrison

Andrea Needham

Ripley, Tenn.

Milan, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Lauren Scott

Sara Douglas

Audra Kiraly

Michael Champagne

Sichang Lee

Courtney Cox

Justin Grinolds

Selena Davis

Heather Mummert

Jared Falk

Anne Sanner

Germantown, Tenn.

South Korea

Dana Lynch-Toon Fayetteville, Tenn.

Hyun Suk Oh South Korea

Taz Tillery

Russellville, Ala.

Marketing

Justin Anderson

Clarksville, Tenn.

Union City, Tenn.

Millington, Tenn.

Josh Graham

Manchester, Tenn.

Cedar Hill, Tenn.

Brownsville, Tenn.

Spring Hill, Tenn.

Cross Plains, Tenn.

Kassyndra Gadlen

Halls, Tenn.

Springville, Tenn.

Social Work

Gregory Carter

Atoka, Tenn.

Union City, Tenn.

Joshua Cody

Martin, Tenn.

Helen Crouse

Clinton, Ky.

William Daniel

Latimer, Iowa

Natalie Desalle

Jonesborough, Tenn.

Daniel Naughton

Brownsville, Tenn.

Sociology

Christi Franklin

June Bolton

Tracy Linam

Melinda Olds

Melissa Ozment Halls, Tenn.

Sandra Stafford

Jessica Whaley

Vivian Stokes

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Starkville, Miss.

Trenton, Tenn.

Riverside, Calif.

McKenzie, Tenn.

Bethany Loeffel Humboldt, Tenn.

Loren Mallari Martin, Tenn.

Gale Robertson

Goodlettsville, Tenn.

Cassie Sherron Newbern, Tenn.

Amanda Sneed

Huntingdon, Tenn.

Chelsey Woodlan Dyersburg, Tenn.

Parsons, Tenn.

Secondary Biology

Bradford, Tenn.

Collins, Tenn.

Mitzie Taylor

Stephanie Tims Ripley, Tenn.

Jill Wendel

Derek Collins

Anna Frederick Byram, Miss.

Alan Wood Lutts, Tenn.

Music

Atoka, Tenn.

Humboldt, Tenn.

Philosophy

Secondary Education

Dresden, Tenn.

Newbern, Tenn.

Erin Dismuke

Memphis, Tenn.

Matthew Emison Jackson, Tenn.

Rachel Lemonds

Orrin Eaves

Amethyst Senor-Boucher Lexington, Tenn.

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Political Science

Union City, Tenn.

Chapel Hill, Tenn.

Michael Yandell

Ripley, Tenn.

Debra Markham

Jern Tharpe

Joe Davis

Morris Chapel, Tenn.

Catherine Little

Halls, Tenn.

Memphis, Tenn.

Adamsville, Tenn.

Carla Burlesci-Niukkan

Nashville, Tenn.

Dustin White

Memphis, Tenn.

Sherri Wright

Mildred Lanier

Martin, Tenn.

Lacey Howard

Savannah, Tenn.

Math

Jennifer Burks

Anthony Kelly Jr.

Cordova, Tenn.

Bartlett, Tenn.

Cordova, Tenn.

Secondary Spanish

Jason Swindell

Bradford, Tenn.

Hollow Rock, Tenn.

Dana Breland

Andrea Hagerty

Martin, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Selmer, Tenn.

Alexi Hamm

Nursing

Carrie Sutherland

Centerville, Tenn.

Bolivar, Tenn.

Bryce Streger

Atco, N.J.

Steven Smith

Psychology

Bradley Skelton

Paris, Tenn.

Joyce Bass

CourtneyEdmonds

Collinwood, Tenn.

Jacob Ross

Trenton, Tenn.

Troy Barrow

Kevin Stitt

Cordova, Tenn.

Suzanne Peckham

Union City, Tenn.

Matthew Dunagan

Adamsville, Tenn.

Ashleigh Currie

White Bluff, Tenn.

James Mandel

Secondary History

Ripley, Tenn.

Talon Redding

Martin, Tenn.

James Gillespie Jr.

Stickney, Ill.

Pamela Corbin

Clarksville, Tenn.

Lloyd Faircloth Jr.

Jessica Barnes

Sarah Redding

Springfield, Tenn.

Aaron Carney

McKenzie, Tenn.

Frederec Claiborne

Collinwood, Tenn.

Christopher Brown

Erskine, Minn.

Casey Norris

Union City, Tenn.

Jake Brewer

Anisha Baldon

Kaitlin Blackburn

Dickson, Tenn.

Melissa Ashmore

Camden, Tenn.

Daniel Istvanko Lavinia, Tenn.

Buchanan, Tenn.

James Burkett

Megan Alford

Lisa Crum

Lacey Dodd

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Hickman, Ky.

Hayley Higgins Newbern, Tenn.

Kayla Paton

Henderson, Tenn.

Hannah Quarles

Hendersonville, Tenn.

Spanish

Damon Dukes

Laresha Forsha Parsons, Tenn.

Fall Branch, Tenn.

Everett Griffin Martin, Tenn.

Toby Hammond

Parkers Crossroads, Tenn.

Mary Hedge Troy, Tenn.

James Henson II Jackson, Tenn.

Kimberly Leschorn

Rachel Huskey

Memphis, Tenn.

Clarksville, Tenn.

Cassy Morris Millan, Tenn.

Gale Robertson

Goodlettsville, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Parsons, Tenn.

Bethany Ivy

Martin, Tenn.

Chandra Jelks

Dyersburg, Tenn.

James Jones

Martin, Tenn.

Special Education

Lanisha Lomax

Collierville, Tenn.

Dottie McCadney

Melissa Jernigan

Covington, Tenn.

Brianna Smith

Medina, Tenn.

Waverly, Tenn.

Dion Higgins

Mercy Mannberger-Ford

Whitney Foster

Jackson, Tenn.

Rhonda Beaugard

Secondary English Jammie Castleman

St. Louis, Mo.

Dresden, Tenn.

Randolph, Ohio

Parsons, Tenn.

Gates, Tenn.

Continued on Page 9

Page 9

Special Commencement Issue

May 2012

Undergraduate Degrees (Spring 2012) Accounting

Benjamin Burrows

Jacob McMackins

Jessica Becker

Barker, Tenn.

Amanda Cain

Jordan McMillan

Adam Brady

Jacob Barker PatrickBell

Dickson, Tenn.

Rashunn Cheney Memphis, Tenn.

Cody Glover

Union City, Tenn.

Lauren Jewell Trenton, Tenn.

Michael Jones

White Bluff, Tenn.

Natalie Monroe

Moscow, Tenn.

Dowelltown,Tenn.

Zachary Caldwell Ripley, Tenn.

Rachel Carter

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Justin Chilcutt Paris, Tenn.

Andrew Collier Lebanon, Tenn.

Jessica Drum

Arlington, Tenn.

Parsons, Tenn.

Christopher Fowler

Newbern, Tenn.

David Giles

Buena Vista, Tenn.

McEwen, Tenn.

Jackson, Tenn.

Covington, Tenn.

Jacqueline Mercer

Tara Brown

Jessica Richardson

Dane Cotham

Lauren Robertson

John Moore

Robert Crawley II

Brittany Rogers

Tyler Neal

Michael Foust

Huntingdon, Tenn.

White House, Tenn.

Garret Montgomery Union City, Tenn.

Henderson, Tenn.

Knoxville, Tenn.

Tyler Newsom

Martin, Tenn.

Medina,Tenn.

Hohenwald, Tenn.

Jackson, Tenn.

Shayla Smith

Dresden, Tenn.

Cornersville, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Kinsley Toone Pulaski, Tenn.

Ben Woods

Union City, Tenn.

Agriculture Cody Agee

Trenton, Tenn.

Mitchell Alexander Springfield, Tenn.

Brittany Avent Bolivar, Tenn.

Carrie Baker Parsons, Tenn.

Kelli-Jo Bambery Hookstown, Pa.

Philip Birchett

Arrington, Tenn.

Mary Bradley

Justin Hargrove Camden, Tenn.

Henry Sanchez

Dresden, Tenn.

McKenzie, Tenn.

John Huffman Collierville, Tenn.

Brittany Hudson Stephen Hurtt

Memphis, Tenn.

Trevor Hughes

Rickelle Walton

Alicia Leonard

Corey Johnson

Nickolus White

Jesse Leonard

Anna Jones

Atoka, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Lakeland, Tenn.

Waynesboro,Tenn.

Joseph Wingo Bradford, Tenn.

Kelcey Lee

Bethany Wolters

Jacob Malugin

Jermaine Wright

Lebanon, Tenn.

Culleoka, Tenn.

Culleoka, Tenn.

Memphis, Tenn.

Amanda McElyea

William Barbour

Matthew McKinnon

Brittany Barthol

Erin, Tenn.

Ridgetop, Tenn.

Bolivar, Tenn.

Lea Stokes

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Veronica Kernodle

Ethridge, Tenn.

Dresden, Tenn.

Trenton, Tenn.

Kellie Joyner

Tyler Turner

Summertown, Tenn.

Cordova, Tenn.

Abbey Stoker

Ethridge,Tenn.

Amanda Sutter

Martin, Tenn.

Diana Bryan

Justine Steele

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Clarksburg, Tenn.

Christopher McClain

Covington, Tenn.

Eric Hart

Memphis, Tenn.

Lexington, Tenn.

Dickson,Tenn.

Natalie Brundige

Brandon Smith

Ripley, Tenn.

Jodi Springer

Caleb Haywood

Kesley Gibson

Bartlett, Tenn.

JustinHatler

Lebanon, Tenn.

Sara Shelton

Courtney Slagle

Trenton, Tenn.

Patricia Skinner

Ashley Rose

Ian Garrigan

Lawrenceburg, Tenn.

John Harper

Memphis, Tenn.

Adamsville, Tenn.

Collierville, Tenn.

Moscow, Tenn.

Olathe, Kan.

McClusky, N.D.

Jennifer Garbina

Kimbra Ratliff

Jonathon Rogers

Trenton, Tenn.

Lexington, Tenn.

Union City, Tenn.

Cody Perkins

Emilee Ray

Martin, Tenn.

Westpoint, Tenn.

Dresden,Tenn.

Erica Green

Selmer, Tenn.

Lauren Breland

Collierville, Tenn.

Rutherford,Tenn.

Clarksville, Tenn.

Allison Purtteman

Matthew McMinn

Martin, Tenn.

Chelsey Orto

Alexandra Proctor

Biology

Milan, Tenn.

Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis, Tenn.

Lisa Tarr

Navista Thompson Jackson, Tenn.

Anna Usery

Carthage, Tenn.

Greenfield, Tenn.

Camden,Tenn.

Emily McLeary Memphis, Tenn.

Brandon Wilson

Lauren White Jackson, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Meagan Meketi

Emily Worrell

Stacy Mesfin

Brittany Wyatt

Paris, Tenn.

Memphis,Tenn.

Nam Nguyen

Dyer, Tenn.

Dickson, Tenn.

Nashville, Tenn.

Chemistry

Columbia, Tenn.

Memphis, Tenn.

Mary-Kathryn Osterfeld Kayla Poindexter

Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Paul Jones

Continued on Page 10

Undergraduate Degrees (Fall 2011 – Continued from Page 8) University Studies (cont.)

Sheila Murray Caryville, Tenn.

Misty Naught Dresden, Tenn.

Elizabeth Palomino

Brandi Sanford

Bess Taylor

Lydia Watters

Carolyn Polk

Mary Sherrill

Zachary Thompson

Ricky Whitaker

Mary Spears

Mary Turnbow

Audrey Williams

Selmer, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Mempis, Tenn.

Covington, Tenn.

Adamsville, Tenn.

San Diego, Calif.

Melissa Rives

Ripley, Tenn.

Covington, Ky. Ripley, Tenn.

Dover, Tenn.

Selmer, Tenn.

Dover, Tenn.

Page 10

Special Commencement Issue

May 2012

Undergraduate Degrees (Spring 2012 – Continued from Page 9 Chemistry (cont.)

Bethany Aden

Crystal Watson

Dyersburg,Tenn.

Nicholas Dickey

Cordova, Tenn.

Kenneth Williams

Willie Harden

Lebanon, Tenn.

Kimberly Hall

Collierville, Tenn.

Mary Harrell

Germantown,Tenn.

Computer Science Matthew Culp

Lobelville, Tenn.

Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Gregory Huey II

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Joshua Pullen

Cherry Hunt

Kaycie Inman

Hornbeak, Tenn.

Martin,Tenn.

Ashlee Garrett

Round Mountain, Nev.

Matthew Fitzgerald

Sarah Griffin

Katie Redman

Sharon, Tenn.

Anthony Wilkins

Joseph Cook

Adam Gammons

Union City, Tenn.

McKenzie, Tenn.

Memphis,Tenn.

Jon-Erik Nuno

Summertown,Tenn.

Trenton, Tenn.

Folasayo Salami Bartlett, Tenn.

Mark Thomas Hunt

Sarah Saunders

Cody Jackson

Deja Woods

Paris, Tenn.

Bartlett, Tenn.

Williamsburg, Va.

Jackson, Tenn.

Finance

Jebb Long

Sarah Wright

Brian Rose

Khaled Almotiri

James Smith

Meagan Beasley

Mikel Woodall

Christian Carpenter

Rachel Triplett

Union City, Tenn.

Communications Justin Alt

Savannah, Tenn.

Criminal Justice Bonnie Carr

Bartlett, Tenn.

Arlington, Tenn.

Selmer, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Cedar Hill, Tenn.

Jackson, Tenn.

English

Bradford Futral Jesse Gibson

Tyler Baggett

Rachael Cagle

Lexington, Tenn.

Clarksville, Tenn.

Brent Cooley

Martin, Tenn.

Rutherford, Tenn.

Waverly, Tenn.

Union City, Tenn.

Amy Dysinger Dickson, Tenn.

Regina Emery

Fayetteville,Tenn.

Joshua Lemons Memphis,Tenn.

Laura McFall Cordova,Tenn.

Kenneth Motley Jr. Brownsville,Tenn.

Emily Osment

Jada Mooney Lara Payne

Elizabethe Wouters

Humboldt, Tenn.

Joshua Williams Troy, Tenn.

Economics

Matthew Brooks Collierville, Tenn.

Barbara Harden Nashville, Tenn.

Maura Raudry

Chapmansboro, Tenn.

Memphis, Tenn.

Huntingdon, Tenn.

Union City, Tenn.

Saltillo, Tenn.

Family and Consumer Sciences Melissa Adams Martin, Tenn.

Marcy Ash

Martin, Tenn.

Sarah Bowen

Centerville, Tenn.

Dover, Tenn.

Jackson, Tenn.

Lacie Kelley

Knoxville, Tenn.

Lexington, Tenn.

Jacqueline Tuck

Milan, Tenn.

Hickman, Ky.

Savannah, Tenn.

Xavier Robertson

Jonathan Whitaker

Union City, Tenn.

Engineering

Erica Walsh

Franklin, Tenn.

Terran Qualls

Brooke Wagster

Nicki Mays

Rachel Wallace

Marjorie Pess

Colin Laman

Lauren Hopkins

Sally Saputo

Azusa, Calif.

Bevin Rice

Springfield, Tenn.

Dresden,Tenn.

Springfield,Tenn.

Lisa Detrain

Medina, Tenn.

Melissa Michel

Anthony Hollister

Franklin, Tenn.

Madison Freeman

Julianna Rison

Trenton, Tenn.

Clint Mealer

McKenzie, Tenn.

Kendall Mabry

Education

Payson, Ill.

Haleigh Cole

Lakeland, Tenn.

Katherine Neu

Sharon, Tenn.

Mallory Brimm

Lindsey Patrick

Memphis, Tenn.

Selmer, Tenn.

Malorie Lulloff

Emily Felts

Collierville, Tenn.

Lexington, Tenn.

Taiwan

Hornbeak, Tenn.

Sara Grace Jaggars

Janessa Henderson

Matthew Shepherd

Katherine Hamilton

Saudi Arabia

Ripley, Tenn.

Erika Klutts

Dresden, Tenn.

Clarksville, Tenn.

Saudi Arabia

Kelli Hytinen

William Durrant

Spencer Minyard

Joel Flowers

Ali Alhalal

Christina Hurt

Jessica Gordon

Katie Holland

Indian Mound, Tenn.

Benita Evans

Sarah Hart

Union City,Tenn.

Anthony Warmath Jr.

Smyrna, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Rowlett, Texas

Frank Karlen III

South Fulton, Tenn.

Milan,Tenn.

Martha Harrell Springfield, Tenn.

Kelly Lovelace

Luke Sprague

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Munford, Tenn.

Michael Tutor Jr. Lobelville,Tenn.

Jackson, Tenn.

Robin Griffin

Lawrenceburg, Tenn.

Camden, Tenn.

Andrew Moore

Union City, Tenn.

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Memphis, Tenn.

Meagan Pittman Dresden, Tenn.

Memphis, Tenn.

Johnnie Stephens Dyersburg, Tenn.

Kayla Turner

Camden, Tenn.

Jackson, Tenn.

Memphis, Tenn.

Knoxville, Tenn.

Geoscience

Alexandria Tabor

John Mimms Jr.

Brittany Williams

Jesse Winchester

Fine & Performing Arts

Health & Human Performance

McKenzie, Tenn.

Friendship, Tenn.

Jennifer Barnette Trenton, Tenn.

Clarksville, Tenn.

Medina, Tenn.

Crystal Belew

Memphis, Tenn.

Landon Blakesley

Clarksville, Tenn.

Glenn Butkovic

Kirk Arment

Henderson, Tenn.

Megan Cartmell

Edward Bocox

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Nicholas D’Acquisto

Brownsville, Tenn.

Memphis, Tenn.

Kylee Dotson

Continued on Page 11

Henderson, Tenn.

Jesse Clifft

Camden,Tenn.

Ali McBride

Lauren Norton

Halls, Tenn.

Paris, Tenn.

Emily Belote

Selmer, Tenn.

Adam Clark

Martin, Tenn.

Finger, Tenn.

Union City, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Newbern, Tenn.

Shenika Clark

Page 11

Special Commencement Issue

May 2012

Undergraduate Degrees (Spring 2012 – Continued from Page 10) Health & Human Performance (cont.)

Andee Poteet

Brian Traverse

Abbie Fuqua

Justin Cobb

Jamie Presley

Ashton Walsh

April Goff

Margret Collins

Lillian Rachels

Ryan Delaney

Brooke Rosel

Martin, Tenn.

Memphis, Tenn.

Dresden, Tenn.

Emily Dixon

Spring Hill, Tenn.

Jackson, Tenn.

Eads, Tenn.

Pinson, Tenn.

Rives, Tenn.

Dickson, Tenn.

Information Systems

Lexington, Tenn.

Parsons, Tenn.

Sarah Springer

Waynesboro, Tenn.

Alex Crowell

David Garrett Dyer, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Luray, Tenn.

T’Andrea Sain Memphis, Tenn.

Natalie Seals

Hornbeak, Tenn.

Melissa Griggs

Heather Stover

Chelsea Hammers

Jessica Swor

Trenton, Tenn.

Jackson, Tenn.

Taren Hatcher

Greenfield, Tenn.

Hornbeak, Tenn.

Paris, Tenn.

Leann Tigner Hornsby, Tenn.

Jacob Dotson

Cory Stooksbury

Emma Leatherland

Heather Gitchell

Matthew Emison

Allen Thurman

Rebekah Lewis

Mary Helen Hepler

Jodie Tile

David Matheny

Mary-Katherine Hill

Matthew Vallee

Jeffery Short Jr.

Jennifer Hodge

Christopher White

Autumn Jackson

Robert Willey

Rutherford, Tenn.

Lake City, Tenn.

Jackson, Tenn.

Signal Mountain, Tenn.

Humboldt, Tenn.

Cambridge, England

Bells, Tenn.

Dresden, Tenn.

Cody Fowler

Grant Gaines

Jordan Gardner Martin, Tenn.

Henry Garrett Nashville, Tenn.

Chelsey Geanes Tiptonville, Tenn.

Brittany Gilbert Sharon, Tenn.

Michaela Gooden England

Brittany Hays

Lexington, Tenn.

Christopher Hays Jackson, Tenn.

Jessica Hewitt Lafayette,Tenn.

Joseph Hook

Cincinnati, Ohio

Matthew Hubbard

Joshua Weiss

Germantown, Tenn.

Derek Welch

Taylorsville, Miss.

Britany Wilburn Southaven, Miss.

Tameshia Wilson Munford, Tenn.

Jacob Winberry Covington, Tenn.

Derek Wright Louisville, Ky.

Health Science

Charles Bailey II Dukedom, Tenn.

History

Cavat Bass

Humboldt, Tenn.

Union City, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Cornersville, Tenn.

Integrated Studies (Education)

Maryville, Tenn.

Milan, Tenn.

Adrienn Bates Ripley, Tenn.

Melissa Brewer Selmer, Tenn.

Alicia Burkeen

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Benjamin Burkhart Paris, Tenn.

Lauren Burress Martin, Tenn.

Jessica Cerven Bells, Tenn.

Jackson, Tenn.

Lexington, Tenn.

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Lexington, Tenn.

Michele Cogdell

Covington, Tenn.

Ripley, Tenn.

Kendra Lange

Rachael Wright

Dover, Tenn.

Shaquana Leonard Ripley, Tenn.

Centerville, Tenn.

Alex Mashburn

Management

Lexington, Tenn.

McEwen, Tenn.

Matthew Atkinson

Felicia Mula

Brandon Barnes

Amanda Neumair

William Blackwell

Kayla O’Neal

Shawn Britton

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Paris, Tenn.

Autumn Knipper

Matthew Kennedy

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Marshea Meeks

Phillip Masengill II

Mary Meeks

Christopher Mason

Jessica Miles

Steven Purtle

Halls, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Spring Hill, Tenn.

Decaturville, Tenn.

Smyrna, Tenn.

Blaine Pearcy Alison Petty

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Jarod Saucedo Caleb Stack

Ashland City, Tenn.

David Atha

Kerrie McGuire

McKenzie, Tenn.

Dresden, Tenn.

Corey Blackburn

Covington, Tenn.

Porsche McClerking

Hohenwald, Tenn.

Dickson, Tenn.

Gates, Tenn.

International Studies

Chasity Lumley

Michael Kloby

Memphis, Tenn.

Paris, Tenn.

Brownsville, Tenn.

Kristan Jennings Jackson, Tenn.

Paris, Tenn.

Morgan Wilson

Big Rock, Tenn.

Natalie Couch

Stantonville, Tenn.

April Kizer

Lexington, Tenn.

Obion,Tenn.

Brighton, Tenn.

Memphis, Tenn.

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Spring Hill, Tenn.

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Lexington, Tenn.

Casey Autry

Julie Climer

Greenfield, Tenn.

Amy Whitaker

Lauren Wilson

South Fulton, Tenn.

Nathan Elliott Charlotte, Tenn.

Diannah Kirton

Collierville, Tenn.

Springville, Tenn.

Lyndi King

Memphis, Tenn.

James Griffin

Lewisburg, Tenn.

Covington, Tenn.

April Armstrong

Chelsea Chaffin

Jennifer Jones

Ashley Ward

Obion, Tenn.

Brittney Williams

Martin, Tenn.

John Burrow

Shelby Totty

Medina, Tenn.

Kelly Kinney

Covington, Tenn.

Celeste Johnson

Ripley, Tenn.

Allison Owen

Selmer, Tenn.

Bartlett, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Arlington, Tenn.

Ivory Brown

Memphis, Tenn.

Caitlin Crocker

Katherine Parks

Taylor Dodson

Ashley Doherty

Bethany Patterson

Kelsey Dotson

William East

Samantha Perry

New Johnsonville, Tenn.

Cordova, Tenn.

Barbara Douglas

Dyer, Tenn.

Union City, Tenn.

Henry, Tenn.

Crystal Lake, Ill. Jackson, Tenn.

April Fields

El Paso, Texas

Jessica Rardin

Jacob Edwards

Amy Gardner

Benton Rimmer

Frankie Gooch

Houston Gardner

Leah Rogers

Beech Bluff, Tenn.

Bruceton, Tenn.

Tiptonville, Tenn.

Maury City, Tenn.

Milan, Tenn.

Medina, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Williamsport, Tenn.

Continued on Page 12

Page 12

Special Commencement Issue

May 2012

Undergraduate Degrees (Spring 2012 – Continued from Page 11) Management (cont.)

Melisa Manuel

Billy LaGrange

Rives, Tenn.

Megan McKeen

Courtney Moore

Mitchell Hahn

Martin, Tenn.

Jennifer Langhans Henderson, Tenn.

Kelsey Lavelle

Memphis, Tenn.

Germantown, Tenn.

Merrie Joyner-Leach

Union City, Tenn.

Summertown, Tenn.

Troy, Tenn.

Saychay Kittirath

Savannah, Tenn.

Fountain Inn, S.C.

Cornelius Hill Nashville, Tenn.

Greenfield, Tenn.

Lexington, Tenn.

Hayesville, N.C.

Mack Moore Katie Ponds

Clint Newton Seth Snow

Antioch, Tenn.

Joseph Warren

Channing Taylor

China

Adrian Wilson

Robert Woods IV

Xiao Lin

Lawson May

Newbern, Tenn.

Michael McCaghren Jackson, Tenn.

Alexander McLemore Arlington, Tenn.

Jackson, Tenn.

Henning, Tenn.

Math

Calah Paulhus Dyer, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Molly Ledbetter Rachel Lester Martin, Tenn.

Haley Long

Jackson, Tenn.

Holly Lott

Camden, Tenn.

Huntingdon, Tenn.

Nursing

Dickson, Tenn.

Courtney Ams

Union City, Tenn.

Ashley Anderson

Jennifer Lynch

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Daniel Houston

Elizabeth Baker

Andrew Moore

Tina Barber

Steven Purtle

South Fulton, Tenn.

Daniel Richardson

Memphis, Tenn.

Spring Hill, Tenn.

Hamilton Moore

Munford, Tenn.

Jill Mitchell

McKenzie, Tenn.

Cassidy Morgan

Linden, Tenn.

Huntingdon, Tenn.

Chapel Hill, Tenn.

Cookeville, Tenn.

Tyler Beaulieu

Carmen Parrish

Big Sandy, Tenn.

Jared Nobles

Stephanie Boling

Penelope Pursell

Desiree’ Purvis

Felicia Boroughs

Erin Rayburn

Ashley Burkeen

Chelsea Reed

Jana Combs

Sharon Reynolds

Micheal Stone

Humboldt, Tenn.

Tina Sullivan Macon, Tenn.

Shekita Walker Henning, Tenn.

Aaron Watkins Moscow, Tenn.

James Watkins-Lynch Clarksville, Tenn.

Timothy York

Union City, Tenn.

Marketing

James Atkinson Camden, Tenn.

Jennifer Bain

Hendersonville, Tenn.

Corey Brock Martin, Tenn.

Tristan Coole Eads, Tenn.

Savanna Finch-Bratton Gleason, Tenn.

Brendan Lozupone New Carrollton, Md.

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Memphis, Tenn.

Jennifer Reeves Trenton, Tenn.

Sarah Scott Paris, Tenn.

Humboldt, Tenn.

Parsons, Tenn.

Collierville, Tenn.

Trenton, Tenn.

Alyssa Crews Mikka Felty

James Davis

Michelle Harrington

Donald Denton

Betty Haskins

Chance Finegan

Atoka, Tenn.

Trenton, Tenn.

Maryville, Tenn.

Evan Gaskin

Camden, Tenn.

Reagan, Tenn.

Milan, Tenn.

Daniel Powell

Murray, Ky.

Jessica Terry

Calista Vaughn

Parsons, Tenn.

Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Waynesboro, Tenn.

Savannah, Tenn.

Sandra Rich

Nicholas Wilson

Psychology

Colby Ross

Catherine Burke

Justin Scott

Bethany Burkeen

Lexington, Tenn.

Stephanie Sells Dyersburg, Tenn.

Smyrna, Tenn.

Collierville, Tenn.

Nikki Byrd

Munford, Tenn.

Lefonda Hill

Mary Smith-Williams

Elisabeth Cook

Rachel Hill

Melissa Swift

Shanice Douglas

Jackson, Tenn.

Linden, Tenn.

Clark Hendrix

Kristen Hooper

Travis Howell

Andrea Joseph

Columbia, Tenn.

Madison, Tenn.

James Chappel

Kenneth Hilliard

Fulton, Ky.

Linden, Tenn.

Emily Sills

Camden, Tenn.

Clay Heafner

Lincolnton, N.C.

Gregory Monroe

Camden, Tenn.

Union City, Tenn.

Paragould, Ark.

Jenna Miller

Highland Village, Texas

Ripley, Tenn.

Lexington, Tenn.

Ethridge, Tenn.

Dickson,Tenn.

Cottage Grove, Tenn.

Waynesboro, Tenn.

Angela Dobson

William Chandler

Lewisburg, Tenn.

Hornbeak, Tenn.

Natural Resources Management

Selmer, Tenn.

James Postoak

Allison Blackburn Camden, Tenn.

Alamo, Tenn.

Brooke Mussard

Cynthia Morris Munford, Tenn.

Jackson, Tenn.

William Morris

Camden, Tenn.

Barry Shaver

Camden, Tenn.

Erin McGill

Jackson, Tenn.

Parsons, Tenn.

Meconium, Miss.

Katy Douglas

Phillip Masengill II

Caleb Petty

South Fulton, Tenn.

Jonathan Awwad

Jessup Dixon

Collinwood, Tenn.

Ashley McCrary

Robbie Peoples

Camden, Tenn.

Duck River, Tenn.

Sammie Linton

Waverly, Tenn.

Ariella Austin

Dover, Tenn.

Abigail Castleberry

Xochilt Joyner

Cumberland City, Tenn.

Hunter Palmer

Julia Ellegood

Crystal Brittner

Tonya Matheny

Union City, Tenn.

Rory Anderson Hendersonville, Tenn.

Memphis, Tenn.

Political Science

Jordan Martin

Dyersburg, Tenn.

Decaturville, Tenn.

Music

Fulton, Ky.

William Hardegree

Dickson, Tenn.

Terrance Miller

Philosophy

James DeFreece

Jackson, Tenn.

Newbern, Tenn.

Water Valley, Ky.

Haley Vanstory

Milan, Tenn.

Brownsville, Tenn.

McEwen, Tenn.

Paris, Tenn.

Ripley, Tenn.

Lauren Wilkins

Christopher Zumbach Dyersburg, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Somerville, Tenn.

Kerry Duck

Brandon, Miss.

Alicia Hammons Bolivar, Tenn.

Continued on Page 13

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Special Commencement Issue

May 2012

Undergraduate Degrees (Spring 2012 – Continued from Page 12) Psychology (cont.)

Erin Jackson Jackson, Tenn.

Darcey Kirk

Union City, Tenn.

Matthew Lambert Alamo, Tenn.

Kelsey Laxton Dickson, Tenn.

Secondary History Linda Lane

Jackson,Tenn.

Secondary Math Steven Barton Selmer, Tenn.

Adam Leke

Secondary Spanish

Kelsey Potts

Jackson, Tenn.

Greenfield, Tenn.

Greenfield, Tenn.

Robyn Rhodes Milan, Tenn.

Caitlin Simpson Martin, Tenn.

Amber Morgan Laura Silva

Union City, Tenn.

Social Work

Lakesa Edwards

Amanda Williams

Huntingdon, Tenn.

Angelique Young

Clinton, Tenn.

Beech Bluff, Tenn.

Jill Ferrie

Brighton, Tenn.

Kleopatra Gaiter

Secondary Biology

Marcee Harvey

Spencer Ezell

Huntingdon, Tenn.

Knoxville, Tenn.

Humboldt, Tenn.

Christian Hayes

Brownsville, Tenn.

Rachel Ward

Symphony Johnson

Secondary Education

Sarah McAlpin

Trenton, Tenn.

Memphis, Tenn.

Dresden, Tenn.

Russell Anderson

Suzanne Ruddell

Felicia Garrigus-Lefebvre

Kandi Sawyers

Huntingdon, Tenn.

Hickman, Ky.

Brett Heinemeyer Ripley, Tenn.

Jenna Kragt

Ritzville, Wash.

Ashley Meadows

South Fulton, Tenn.

Augusta Smith II

Dresden, Tenn.

Greenfield, Tenn.

Chelsea Wilson Tiptonville, Tenn.

Sociology

Kendall Mabry

Springfield, Tenn.

Spanish

Brighton, Tenn.

Jessica McLean

Memphis,Tenn.

Deborah Weinheimer

Lawanda Virgous Ke’Van Yarbrough Jackson, Tenn.

Secondary Government Joseph Dunavant Pulaski,Tenn.

Bartlett, Tenn.

Columbia, Tenn.

Special Education Jennifer Beaty Dresden, Tenn.

Continued on Page 17

The Paul and Martha Meek Award, cash awards given to graduating UTM seniors who demonstrate outstanding qualities of leadership during their college tenure, are the only awards presented during each UTM commencement. All other awards are presented during Honors Day. The Meek Award is made possible by the children of Paul and Martha Meek. Dr. Margaret Toston, vice chancellor for Student Affairs, announces the awards. Above, pictured with Toston, center, are the Fall 2011 Meek Award winners: Kyle Gillespie, left, of Cordova, and Sarah Rowland, right, of Selmer. Gillespie served UTM as a PEP leader with the freshmen initiative program and as Senator-at-Large in the Student Government Association. Rowland served UTM as a resident assistant with the Department of Housing, as a student worker with the Hortense Parrish Writing Center, and as a staff writer for the student newspaper, The Pacer. Below, pictured with Toston, center, are the Spring 2012 Meek Award winners: Sammie Linton, left, of Selmer, and Phillip Masengill, right, of Dickson.

Linton and Masengill both served UTM in numerous capacities in the Student Government Association and in other organizations. Both also served one year each as SGA president. (Photo Credit / University Relations)

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Special Commencement Issue

May 2012

Congratulations

(Pacer Photo / Kara Kidwell)

(Pacer Photo / Kara Kidwell) ABOVE:Political Science major Xochilt Joyner with her family after the graduation ceremony (Pictured L to R): James, Stephanie, and Jennifer.

LEFT: (Pictured L to R) Communications :Broadcasting major Kenneth Motley, Psychology major Jennie McFerren, and HHP:Exercise Science major Jennifer Jones catch up during the Senior Walk.

(Pacer Photo / Jenna Miller)

BELOW: Political Science majors Jenna Miller and Sammie Linton at the graduation ceremony

(Pacer Photo / Kara Kidwell) ABOVE: (Pictured L to R) HHP: Exercise Science & Wellness major Kayla Baker, Special Education major Amanda Hunley, Communications: Broadcasting major Rachel Cagle, Marketing and Management major Amanda Haun, and Graphic Design major Marjorie Pess enjoy the free meal offered to graduates during the Grand Finale Celebration.

(Pacer Photo / Mary Jean Hall)

LEFT: Marketing major Folasayo Salami at the graduation ceremony.

(Pacer Photo / Kara Kidwell)

(Media Credit / University Relations)

LEFT: Communications:Broadcasting major Benita Evans and History majoy Zack Purtle await to be recognized by Dr. Robert Nanney during the graduation ceremony.

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Special Commencement Issue

May 2012

UTM Graduates!

ABOVE: Communications: Broadcasting major Josh Lemmons at the graduation ceremony.

(Pacer Photo / Kara Kidwell) ABOVE: (Pictured L to R) Bottom row- Felicia Boroughs, Tonya Matheny, and Michelle Harrington. Top row- Sandra Rich, Sharon Reynolds, Tina Barber, and Angela Dobson. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates of the Parsons Center traveled to Martin for the Grand Finale Celebration. (Pacer Photo/Mary Jean Hall) ABOVE: Members of the ROTC led the Senior Walk to the Grand Finale Celebration. (Pacer Photo / Tonya

Evans) RIGHT: Graphic Design major Robin Griffin walks across the stage at the graduation ceremony. (Media

Credit / University Relations) BELOW: (Pictured L to R) History & Philosophy major Jarod Saucedo, Communications: Broadcasting major Sally Saputo, and English major Bevin Rice at the graduation ceremony. (Pacer Photo / Kara Kidwell)

RIGHT: Graphic Design majors Glenn Butkovic and Jonathan Whitaker line up to practice at the Grand Finale Celebration. (Pacer

Photo / Mary Jean Hall)

BELOW: Public Relations & Marketing major Kelly Martin waves “goodbye� to her friends during the Senior Walk.

(Pacer Photo / Tonya Evans) RIGHT: Political Science major Grant Monroe uses a unique method to obtain more graduation tickets at the graduation celebration.

(Pacer Photo / Mary Jean Hall)

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Special Commencement Issue

May 2012 BELOW: Communications: Broadcasting major Chad Brewer waves to his friends and former professors during the Senior Walk. (Pacer Photo

/ Tonya Evans)

(Pacer Photo / Tonya Evans) ABOVE: Seniors walked from the University Center to the Grand Finale Celebration, which was in the Elam Center, during the Senior Walk.

RIGHT: (Pictured L to R) Physical Therapy major Jessica Hewitt, Health & Human Performance major Crystal Belew, and Finance major Jada Mooney participate in the Senior Walk. (Pacer Photo / Tonya Evans) BELOW: UTM Seniors take a stroll during the Senior Walk. (Pacer Photo / Tonya Evans)

Senior Snapshots

ABOVE: At the Grand Finale Celebration, seniors signed the “Class of 2012� banner, which will be stored until the 50-year reunion. (Pacer Photo / Mary Jean Hall)

Special Commencement Issue

Page 17

May 2012

ABOVE: Communications: Broadcasting majors Sally Saputo and Joel Flowers celebrate during the Senior Walk. Along with Regina Emery, Saputo and Flowers are co-hosts of WUTM 90.3 The Hawk’s morning show, Wake Up Shake Up.

Seniors who were expected to graduate in the Spring and Fall 2012 semesters were invited to participate in the Senior Walk and Grand Finale Celebration.

(Pacer Photo / Tonya Evans)

(Pacer Photos / Tonya Evans)

LEFT: One sorority member, along with many others during the graduation celebration, proudly displays her sorority sash.

(Pacer Photo / Kara Kidwell)

Undergraduate Degrees (Spring 2012 – Continued from Page 13) Special Education

Linda Bryant

Melissa Goforth

Tedford Miller

Taylor Hall

Beulah Montgomery

Ashley Coley

William Hammond

Maley Mount

Tiffany Crain

Lisa Harding

Christopher Murray

Travis Davis

William Hensley

Michael Newby

Humboldt, Tenn.

Brian Donavant

Kenneth Hutson

Huntingdon, Tenn.

Brittney Eison

Denise Jelks

Medina, Tenn.

Angela England

University Studies

Clariece Fee

Arden Brannon

Adamsville, Tenn.

Amanda Broach

Rives, Tenn.

Collierville, Tenn.

Milan, Tenn.

Mary Caldwell

Mary Gardner

Memphis, Tenn.

Jamie Pardue

Madison, Ill.

Jackson, Tenn.

Union City, Tenn.

Sarah Pickard

Kristina Reisinger Lauren Rogers

John Anderson

Dresden, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Gates, Tenn.

Ripley, Tenn.

Covington, Tenn.

Union City, Tenn.

Ripley, Tenn.

Carol Kail

Rives, Tenn.

Hohenwald, Tenn.

Billy Sharp

Martin, Tenn.

Jessica Simmons-Wooten

Bethel Springs, Tenn.

Robert Smalley

Jacksonville, Fla.

Anita Ostrom

Memphis, Tenn.

Germantown, Tenn.

Jennifer Smith Selmer, Tenn.

Paris, Tenn.

Heather Sowell

Atwood, Tenn.

Andrea Sprague

Ray Pinson

James Powers

Camden, Tenn.

Burns, Tenn.

Germantown, Tenn.

Jennifer Stanford

Marks, Miss.

Arlington Heights, Ill.

Knoxville, Tenn.

Temeka Thomas

Los Banos, Calif.

Clarksville, Tenn.

Denver, Colo.

Kathy Webb

Knoxville, Tenn.

Raymond Gardner

Ripley, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Greenville, Miss.

Rutherford, Tenn.

William Frederick

L’Tanya Black

Mount Juliet, Tenn.

Shelia Sanders

Selmer, Tenn.

Ripley, Tenn.

Lexington, Tenn.

Lisa Bailey

Ripley, Tenn.

Martin, Tenn.

Daniel Kelley

William Riddle

Carrie Lavery

Jacque Riordon

Jonathan Mehr

Timothy Roberts

Selmer, Tenn.

Huntingdon, Tenn.

Adamsville, Tenn.

Milan, Tenn.

Mansfield, Tenn.

Wendy Williams Milan, Tenn.

Page 18

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May 2012

Graduation becomes family affair University Relations Raymond Gardner’s friends call him “Rusty,” but now they’ll also know him as “college graduate.”

Rusty and his children, Jordan and Amy, all earned the same distinction as all three received degrees during UTM’s spring 2012 commencement exercises. Next spring, Rusty’s wife, Marchell, will receive her degree, completing the Gardner family’s circle of college graduates.

The journey to graduation began more than 30 years ago when Rusty entered UTM in 1980 to study business administration and continue his football career. Raised in Dresden as the youngest of four children, he excelled in football at Dresden High School. While his college football career as a strong safety was a success, he struggled academically.

“I was having too much fun, I guess,” he recalled. “Got in trouble academically, … sat out a little while, then never did just go back.”

By this time, he was married, then Jordan and Amy came along, and working replaced finishing college as a priority.

He first worked with his uncle as a painter and also held a second job as a casual carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He next worked almost 10 years as a supervisor at Rebel Screeners in Sharon before landing a job with Goodyear in Union City through The Hamilton-Ryker Co. In 1998, he was hired through Goodyear as an area manager and later became a shift coordinator.

Rusty earned a good living, but Marchell, the long-term care ombudsman for Northwest Tennessee Human Resource Agency, never let him forget about his unfinished degree.

“My wife attempted to get me to go back several times, but I was salary at Goodyear, and I

Pictured left to right: Rusty, Marchell, Amy and Jordan Gardner, posing for a picture at the spring 2012 graduation ceremony. The family is from Martin. (Photo credit / University Relations)

was afraid that as soon as I went back to college – you know, being salary, I didn’t have my choice of what shift I wanted to be on,” he said.

Life happened again in February 2011 when Rusty heard in the news that the company was “intending to shut down Goodyear in Union City.”

The words “intending to” were critical as this created hope that the shutdown wouldn’t occur.

Then on Sunday, July 10, 2011, the third shift reported for work but posted on Facebook that they were told to gather their belongings and leave.

Rusty reported Monday with the second shift, and the same thing happened.

When he arrived early, as was his custom, management directed workers to a meeting room; later, the hourly workers collected their belongings and left. The managers could stay until the hourly workers left, and then they could leave.

“My wife called me, said that FedEx had just dropped off a certified letter, and she read it to

me, and they told me that I no longer had a job at Goodyear.

That’s the way they actually let me know,” he said.

He hoped to stay with the company longer, but the only people who remained were those accepting assignments at other plants. The Gardners considered transferring, but they saw this as an opportunity for Rusty to complete his degree.

He enrolled in fall 2011 to join three other family members attending the university.

Marchell first came to UTM in 1978 after graduating from Westview, and has periodically taken classes for 30 years. A licensed practical nurse, she has worked in health care since 1983. The year 2009 was a turning point when a friend told her that the two would complete their degrees together.

“She has not let me quit, and it’s been wonderful, because I feel like I’ve been a role model for my husband and for my kids,” Marchell said.

For Jordan and Amy, the financial impact of Goodyear’s

closing was one matter, but seeing their parents taking classes was something else entirely. Jordan, who received a degree in health and human performance, seldom saw his parents on campus, but he did see his dad transform into a college student.

“We don’t eat at our dining room table,” he said. “And our dining room table is literally covered with papers and books and pens from this constant studying, note-taking that he sits there and does on a regular basis. And I always joke with him and tell him that, you know, in my five years of college, I don’t think I’ve done as much studying as he’s done in two semesters.”

Amy, who earned a business administration degree, agreed that having the entire family on campus was different.

“It was weird at first,” she said. “It was OK when it was just mama, because you don’t see her as much, but once it was all four of us, it was definitely weird, but you got used to it.

And it was funny with mama and daddy, because they compete to make higher grades, and when they study together, it’s just funny.”

Rusty and Marchell had to make some adjustments as well, especially when the couple took classes together.

“It’s just awful,” she said, laughing as she recalled taking classes with her husband.

“I call him the overachiever. … He has just blossomed I should say. But he pushes me, and so sometimes I have to say, ‘We have two different learning styles. We have two different studying styles, and in the end, I’m always going to be smarter.

We just have a different way of arriving to that.’”

While his other family members were already accustomed to college, Rusty was adjusting to classes in which he was often the oldest student. On one occasion, a female student called him “Mr. Rusty,” and the professor laughed and said, “Did you hear that? You hear the respect she gave you? I don’t think I’ve ever had a student call another one ‘mister’ in my class.”

He said walking into the classroom the first semester was hard, but he saw more nontraditional students the second semester, some of them former Goodyear co-workers.

“I was one of the lucky ones that I was able to get in fall semester (2011), and it wasn’t easy,” he said, crediting Beth Edwards, University Studies coordinator, for guiding him through the process.

Rusty knows that he couldn’t have finished his degree without Marchell’s support, explaining, “So she’s got two jobs, she’s a full-time student, she’s got two hard-headed kids and a husband without a job. So she’s the hero of the family.”

See Family, Page 19

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Special Commencement Issue

Student recognized for work with children Children have a special friend in Teresa Easton, a senior Social Work major from Lexington.

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission, for Easton’s work as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), honored the UTM student in April with a Love Community Service Award.

Awards went to five faculty /staff members and five students across the state who excel in volunteer work and community service activities.

The Tennessee General Assembly created the recognition programs for faculty, staff and students at public and private postsecondary institutions in 1991. In 1993, the General Assembly funded the program by presenting $1,000 cash awards to future recipients. The awards are named for the late Tennessee Rep. Harold Love, who sponsored legislation to create the recognition program.

“Teresa is an excellent example of someone pursuing a passion and helping others in the process,” said Chancellor Tom Rakes. “She serves one of the most vulnerable segments of our population as an advocate for abused and neglected children. We’re grateful that this awards program has chosen to honor her.”

As an advocate, Easton researches each child’s circumstances by speaking with family, friends, teachers, physicians, social workers and others to determine the child’s current situation. She then works to assure that each child’s needs are being met and that the children are receiving all services for which they are eligible. When the case is in court, she files a report with each child’s current situation and any recommendations that

she believes are in the child’s best interest.

She recently became the AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) for Northwest Tennessee CASA, with her primary goal to build the program’s capacity and sustainability.

As a VISTA, she recruits volunteers, fundraises, does community outreach and education, and develops material for the media.

“I became involved with CASA because I wanted a concrete way of making a difference in the lives of children,” Easton said.

“In particular, I wanted to help children who had been abused and neglected. When I discovered CASA, I knew that was what I wanted to do, and I’ve never regretted that decision.”

She especially enjoys working directly with children and seeing results that change lives.

“It’s amazing to see a child going from being withdrawn and sad to becoming an open, loving and happy child,” she said. “To see these children find a place to call home, a place where they know they’ll be safe and loved, is the most amazing thing, and it makes me happy to know that I had a small part in making that happen.“ Easton, who will receive her bachelor’s degree in December, said serving others is important and that community members are obligated to be involved “even if it is only in a small way.”

“Communities need people to get involved in order to thrive.

This is especially true in rural areas like West Tennessee,” she said.

Easton’s recognition brings the total to 27 students, faculty and staff members from UTM recognized by the Love Community Service Awards programs.

May 2012

Fall grad seeks to continue serving Capt. Joseph Sanders of Waverly, Tenn., was a standout graduate at UTM’s December 2011 graduation exercises.

Sanders earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 2001 from UTM, and 10 years later, walked across the familiar stage to receive his Master’s of Business Administration.

After attending Hickman County High School and graduating from Waverly Central High School, Sanders joined the Navy where he served for six years before he decided to take advantage of the GI Bill and attend UTM to pursue a philosophy degree.

Sanders has served 14 years of active duty, and during that time, he spent 39 months in the Middle East. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Army Infantry Officer Basic Course and the Military Intelligence Captains Career Course.

While working on his undergraduate degree, he was involved with UTM’s ROTC program.

“I learned that I was not a good leader or manager,” Sanders said of his experience.

“That’s important, trying to understand your weaknesses and trying to work on that.”

As his time with ROTC progressed, Sanders said that

the program helped him improve his leadership skills, and he plans to apply his degree in his service with the U.S. Army.

“As military intelligence we do a lot of research. So, the marketing aspect is almost a direct tie. Going out, looking at the environment, looking at competitors is a pretty good parallel,” Sanders said.

The strategic planning aspects of business came easily to Sanders, who has a background in tactical operations with the Army.

With his MBA, Sanders will await his next appointment with the Army, and has requested

a maneuver (tactical) unit in Hawaii in hopes of increasing his number of deployments, which currently stand at 39 months.

Sanders also was promoted to major in early 2012, and, in May, he plans to marry another U.S. Army officer, Capt.

Kristina Stokes, in Key West, Fla. “It’s a good vocation,” he said of his career path. “It’s a very professional organization, has an admirable and honorable reputation. There’s a very established structure to it and a way to move up the chain. It’s like any corporation. It’s a very good job.”

Family (Continued from Page 18) Besides her hectic schedule, Marchell also battles personal health problems. Combined with the Goodyear closure, the family has succeeded in college despite significant challenges.

As for graduating with Jordan and Amy, Rusty said, “I’m more excited than they are. I mean, it means a lot. I want them to be able to get a job that they like.

Of course, I want them to make a lot of money and be successful and remember old dad.”

Rusty will use his 25 years of management experience and

new degree to re-enter the job market. Jordan will seek his first full-time position, and Amy plans to enter the MBA program this fall at MTSU. Marchell will celebrate for different reasons when she graduates.

“It’s really a personal challenge for me. It’s a ‘bucket list’ kind of thing. I’m perfectly happy in the job that I have,” she said, adding, “It’s taken me 30 years, but I’m going to get it, and it’s something that once I have it, nobody can take that

away from me.”

Legendary baseball pitcher Satchel Paige is known for saying, “Don’t look back.

Something might be gaining on you.”

Rusty, Jordan and Amy Gardner aren’t looking back as they face the future with college degrees in hand.

If anything is gaining on them, it’s the family hero, Marchell, who’ll join the rest of the Gardner family in May 2013 as the family’s next college graduate.

Page 20

Special Commencement Issue

May 2012

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Special Commencement Issue

May 2012

Top Movies

2

5

The Hunger Games (2012)

Dark Knight (2008)

1 Avatar (2009)

3

Toy Story 3 (2010)

4

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2 (2011)

Page 22

Special Commencement Issue

May 2012

Top Albums

5

Lionel Richie ‘Tuskegee’ (2012)

Adele - ‘21’ (2011)

4

1

Lil Wayne ‘The Carter III’ (2008)

2

Taylor Swift ‘Fearless’ (2009)

Eminem ‘Recovery’ (2010)

3

Page 23

Special Commencement Issue

May 2012

Top Gadgets

4 iPhone (2011)

3

2

Motorola Droid (2009)

iPad (2010)

1 5

Retail DNA Test (2008) Streaming Stick (2012)

Page 24

Special Commencement Issue

May 2012

World Events

1

Natural disasters: Haiti Japan Iceland Volcano

2

Global recession

4 End of the War in Iraq

3

Royal Wedding

5 Deaths of Osama bin Laden and Kim Jong-il

Special Commencement Issue

Page 25

May 2012

National Events

1

2 BP Oil Spill (2010)

Barack Obama is elected president of the United States

3

National disasters:

Nashville flood (2010) Winter storm (December 2009-January 2010) Southern tornadoes

4 Celebrities lost from 2008-2012:

Michael Jackson (1958-2009) Heath Ledger (1979-2008) Whitney Houston (1963-2012) Walter Cronkite (1916-2009) Dick Clark (1929-2012) Steve Jobs (1955-2011)

5 UTM alumnus Jerry Reese wins second Super Bowl with the New York Giants

Page 26

Special Commencement Issue

May 2012

Memorable moments 9 6 10

UTM hosted SEJC (major regional convention)

WUTM awarded first in Nation

Construction on Food Court complete

8

Softball hosts OVC championship

7

Women’s Center opens

Page 27

Special Commencement Issue

May 2012

Memorable Moments 5 2

University Village apartments open

Fine Arts Building undergoes renovation

1

Student Recreation Center opened

4

Upgrades to campus lighting complete

3

Skyhawks head to NCAA tournament