The Appalachian May 2023

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May 3, 2023

May 3, 2023

Graduation Edition

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AUBREY SMITH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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K SLADE

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OPINION EDITOR

BUSINESS

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May 3, 2023

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PHOTO EDITOR

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May 3, 2023

NEWS

Advice from soon-to-be former Mountaineers Siri Patterson | Reporter The decisions made by Lauren Sande, Jeff Marcin and Lacey Gibbs during their time as Mountaineers are not uncommon choices for students to make. It is well known that App State offers study abroad trips, student-run organizations and job positions to students.

However, Sande, Marcin and Gibbs individually engaged with these opportunities in ways best suited to their interests and goals to create a rounded and fulfilled college experience and get a jump-start on their careers.

Through hard work, these seniors have created their own path to which future students can look for guidance.

Jeff Marcin

The phrase “holy mother meatballs,” has followed Marcin since the September football game against Troy.

As App State scored the winning touchdown with a hail mary pass, Marcin said he quickly said a phrase he knew was appropriate for the airwaves.

An opinion article from USA Today says Marcin made “the call of the year.”

Marcin, an electronic media/ broadcasting major, is the sports director at 90.5 WASU-FM, App State’s college radio station, and often commentates during App State sporting events.

“I always loved the idea of making a big moment at a sporting event, an even bigger moment, and that’s kind of, you know, what I’m trying to do,” Marcin said.

App State students may not be aware, but they have probably heard Marcin’s voice several times throughout their time as a student.

Marcin hosts a sports radio show once a week titled, “Sports WrAPP,” and a sports show on AppTV titled, “The A Game.”

“I think it has helped me a lot for what I want to do is the most

climate change.

This trip introduced “students to climate change impacts in the Andes through direct field experience and research activities, readings, discussions, and meetings with local experts,” according to the Department of Geography and Planning website.

Half of the semester was spent learning and exploring in the communities of Peru, and the second half was spent backpacking through the Andes Mountains, Sande said.

“We would walk the whole day and then have class and labs during the trek,” Sande said. “We had lots of labs which was really fun.”

Sande said she advises App State students to continually check the education abroad website to see if there are any trips that interest them.

“I didn’t think I was going to be able to do this, like mentally and physically, because it is a very physical experience,” Sande said. “And once I did it I thought I could do anything in the world.”

She described the experience as the “hardest but best thing that I have ever Lauren Sande done in my entire life.”

Sande was one of eight App State Sande will graduate in the fall students that attended a studyand hopes to land an internship with abroad trip to Peru with Baker Perry, a climate science organization or a professor in the Department of Geography and Planning and National nonprofit.

Geographic explorer.

One exciting aspect of the trip, Sande said, was the National Geographic team that covered their semester abroad as part of a documentary that will be released in 2024.

“They are doing a whole thing for storytelling and so that is going to be like one part of it,” Sande said.

She said the documentary will focus on Perry but also features herself and her classmates as they studied climate change in relation to Peruvian communities.

Sande, a sustainable development major with a minor in atmospheric science, said she was immediately interested in this trip because her specialization is in important thing,” Marcin said. “The number one thing when I first came here was to take advantage of these opportunities, so I did the radio class for WASU the first semester I was in school here and then worked my way up from there.”

Marcin said he would advise students interested in sports broadcasting to get involved as early as possible, so they can get as much experience as they can.

Marcin said he knew he wanted to go into sports broadcasting before coming to school because of his interest in athletics. But he said his time at App State has helped him to learn more about how to do the physical work of broadcasting through play-by-play and color commentating.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time with WASU and App TV and really just doing all the sports media stuff that I can do here,” Marcin said.

Marcin is graduating in the spring and plans to enter the professional realm of sports broadcasting.

Lacey Gibbs

Gibbs said she came to App State firmly knowing she wanted to study environmental science and immediately decided to make it her major.

However, she said she was introduced to geographic information systems and remote sensing in her general education classes and decided to add a minor in biology and a certificate in GIS to better align with her interests.

The National Geographic website says GIS and remote sensing is “a computer system for capturing, storing, checking, and displaying data related to positions on Earth’s surface.”

“I really liked mapping. I liked seeing how environmental phenomena or, like, population phenomenon could be spread out through geographic spaces,” Gibbs said.

Currently, Gibbs is working as a research assistant on a project that involves analyzing the changes in soil erosion at the ordinal dam removal site using unmanned aerial vehicles.

This is an ongoing project, Gibbs said, and she got involved because it combines her interests in GIS and remote sensing, and environmental

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science.

She said part of the project involves looking at the applicability of GIS and remote sensing in dam removal research She is working with Ok-Youn Yu, a professor in the Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and the Drone2App team, Gibbs said.

“It is really exciting work, and I do believe that it is really valuable work, as it would give a new angle to researching dam removal effects on ecosystems, and also maybe human beings who live downstream,” Gibbs said.

Gibbs said she would advise other students to “engage yourself in classes and find out what you’re passionate about.”

Gibbs is graduating in the spring and said she will immediately start in a position surveying land with Williams Sale Partnerships.

“It’s so interesting and it really can be for important research down the line, and that’s what we are trying to justify, with this project, to test the applicability of this in dam removal research,” Gibbs said.

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May 3, 2023

Masks to degrees: App State’s COVID cohort Jenna Guzman | News Editor Leaving campus for spring break can be exciting, as adventures or relaxation usually awaits— beach trips with friends, traveling and attending parties, or just the thought of seeing family for the first time in months.

However, the adventures were put on a quick pause, the traveling and parties were strictly prohibited and the weeklong relaxation with family turned into months.

“Classes will continue as scheduled,” read a university email from March 9, 2020. Within 48 hours, another email was sent: “Effective immediately, Appalachian State University is extending Spring Break

until 8am on March 23.”

The spring graduating class of 2023 were freshmen when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S., causing the country to shut down in March of 2020. This class went to their hometowns for spring break expecting to come back to Boone in one week. One week turned into two, and two turned into months; but many, including the university, did not anticipate the second half of that sentence.

Now seniors, App State’s COVID cohort reflects on the COVID-19 pandemic and how it shaped their college experiences.

Amelia Rhodes, a senior healthcare management major, said before leaving for spring break freshman year, she had heard rumors of the virus not thinking “it was going to be that serious.” Once the university emails came out, it became a “very slow understanding of, like, ‘Okay we’re not coming back.’”

“I was very slow to accept it as a life-changing thing,” Rhodes said. “I

A selfie by Portia West, taken March of her freshman year, 2020. West, a senior commercial photography major, poses for a portrait in Durham Park, 2023. Photo by Evan Bates.

wanted to think it was just going to be like another week.”

Soon, people living in dorms were told to pack up and move out. Rhodes said moving out of the dorms felt “awful.”

Savannah Fields, a senior elementary education major, described the changes the pandemic brought as “a movie.”

“In a day’s time, like, the whole world just changed,” Fields said.

Being a freshman is a time for many learning experiences. Freshmen have Graphics to learn to adapt to college life and

by McNeil living away from home, and Fields Johnston said the suddenness of the pandemic felt like “one more new thing” she had take it, you know, like fully in person like everyone else does,” said Portia “to get used to.”

West, another senior commercial Freshmen also have to figure out photography major who had to take a major to stick with for the next Studio Photography online. four years. Rhodes said she was West and Webb said Zoom exploring her major as a freshman, presented other challenges such as but COVID-19 made it “very hard to paying attention, staying on top of do that.” work, staying motivated and building Although the university offered relationships with professors. major-specific classes via Zoom to “It’s hard to, like, get up and go on help with reaching that decision, students valued the in-person learning a Zoom when you know, you could probably just skip it or, like, join it and and experiences the pandemic took then turn your camera off and then go away. For hands-on majors such as photography, this was an especially big to sleep,” Webb said.

For Fields, an elementary education challenge.

Landon Webb, a senior commercial major, presenting lessons and projects to classrooms over Zoom was difficult photography major, said he started because of the possibility of students his first photography classes when not listening to her. everyone was sent home. He said Outside of academics, however, it was “really weird,” “funny” and the pandemic prevented other things “difficult” learning photography from happening or fully developing. online because “photography is just, Adventures such as study abroad like, a lot of hands-on stuff.”

“I still don’t feel, like, as comfortable opportunities were quickly postponed or canceled, game days and university as I would have been if I was able to

events were not happening and college expectations as a freshman were tarnished.

“College was basically the place I, like, started to hate the most,” Rhodes said.

One expectation Rhodes had was that college was the time to meet people, but due to safety restrictions, “college started to feel a lot more like jail than something enjoyable” because there was an “encouragement of not socializing.”

“That’s the opposite of what I heard before COVID,” Rhodes said.

“It’s, like, you need to make as many friends as possible, do ‘X’ number of things, then all of the sudden it was, like, ‘Don’t do those things,’” Rhodes said.

She said because of the lack of socialization during the pandemic, there were not a lot of opportunities to develop social skills. When sophomore year rolled around and classes started to go back to in-person, Rhodes did not feel prepared to “go back to normal.”

Rhodes described this as: “Feeling

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May 3, 2023 like you’re 19 when you’re 22 constantly because you feel like you didn’t have that time to grow up.”

West said she missed out on gaining friendships within her department.

She said they started making friends their second semester of freshman year after finally being settled in Boone, and then “right as I was, like, building strong friendships, we all got sent home.”

“I had, like, so many potential friendships that were just completely lost because, like, everything got thrown online and I never saw half of those people ever again,” West said.

Although students had the option to go to in-person classes their sophomore year, West said they still missed out on almost two-years of building relationships.

“I wish that, you know, the friends I’m making this year are people that could have been in my life for the past three years, for the past four years,” West said.

Rhodes said because of the quarantine, she attempted to keep relationships through FaceTime but did not feel “as strong of a sense of community as I would have if I hadn’t gone through the COVID experience.”

The university has gone back to its normal operations, and as a result, these seniors have had the opportunity to experience what they missed out on with their remaining years. However, some wish they had more time.

“It’s super fun and I like it, but I’m, like, I’m also at the age where I’m supposed to be finding a job soon and, like, becoming a real adult,” Rhodes said. “I wish I had, like, two more years of just figuring myself out more.”

Although the first large wave of the pandemic was a time of many hardships, some then-freshmen made the most out of the quarantine period and how it shaped their college experience.

Fields said she took advantage of the online classes by taking her classes wherever she went, such as outside or to work. As a result, she was able to work more hours compared to when she had to go to classes in person.

She also said the pandemic “opened up a new window” for her and how she hung out with friends. Instead of going to the mall or shopping, she and her friends would meet at parks or the lake and she had the opportunity to rekindle old friendships from high school more because everyone was home.

Similarly, Rhodes reached out to people more, such as family and friends.

Despite the challenges COVID-19 presented, these seniors overcame the pandemic and now college.

“I hear a lot more stories, especially these days of people that ended up dropping out because of COVID and then not coming back,” West said.

“I’m, like, kind of glad that I pushed through because I feel like it made me a stronger person in some ways.”

Four years later, these seniors and the rest of the COVID cohort are now graduating college across a stage surrounded by all their families and friends, something some didn’t expect to happen.

“I’m really grateful for that because you know, we didn’t know for a while what was gonna happen,” Rhodes said.” So, I just feel very grateful that I get to graduate like that because I know so many people didn’t, so I’m very grateful to have, like, that closure.”

Based on their experiences, these graduates said they have gained takeaways that they will use going forward.

Rhodes said one takeaway she gained from the pandemic is time management. She said she will be using her newfound skills in whatever she ends up doing post college. Another takeaway she has is “enjoying the little things in life” because of how things can “just be gone within a second.”

After graduation, Fields said she will be a third grade teacher in August.

She said COVID-19 taught her the importance of sanitization, and will ensure her future classroom is clean so her students do not get sick.

Webb, who will be staying in Boone after graduation, said COVID-19 taught him the importance of managing one’s mental health and not taking things for granted. He said he is thankful for having a graduation and said he will be relaxing and taking a break after school.

West said one of their biggest takeaways from the pandemic is having patience.

Read more online:

Amelia Rhodes in Plemmons Student Union. Rhodes, a senior healthcare management major, poses for a portrait in Plemmons Student Union, 2023. Photo by Evan Bates.

Landon Webb, second on the left, on Sanford Mall in August of his freshman year, 2020. Webb, a senior commercial photography major, poses for a portrait in Durham Park. Photo by Evan Bates.

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May 3, 2023

Anticipation of graduation for App State transfers Zoey Sigmon | Reporter With graduation just around the corner, App State prepares to disperse the class of 2023 into their futures, many of which are transfer students.

App State will soon say farewell to its seniors, finalizing each of their times as Mountaineers and concluding a chapter of their lives.

However, graduating as a transfer student means experiencing aspects of App State differently from other students.

Transfer students make up roughly 7.3% of the study body total as of fall 2022, according to App State Facts, which the university welcomes through several ways App State has developed to aid and support their transitions, including housing.

Many transfer students come to the university and live in Mountain Laurel Residence Hall, the official residence of transfer students. Located at 949 Blowing Rock Road, Mountain Laurel earned its current usage in 2021 on behalf of the university. The residence hall can house 246 students, featuring hotel-style rooms, laundry facilities and more, including a universityowned market.

Sidney Breedlove, a senior exercise science major, transferred to App State from Wingate University during her second semester of freshman year. Breedlove said her transfer experience was “pain-free,” saying that finding transfer housing was “easy” and transfer admissions were “very helpful.”

Breedlove said she is “beyond excited to graduate,” and it’s “all she thinks about.”

“I’m just ready to be done and move on with my life outside of college, but overall, my experience at App has been great,” Breedlove said in a written response. “My professors have been outstanding and have made learning so enjoyable.”

Breedlove said her advice to any younger or incoming transfer students would be to “take the leap of faith and

put yourself out there.”

“At the end of the day, everyone is a scared college kid going to a new school whether it’s freshman or junior year,” Breedlove said. “Find your group of people who make you feel loved and valued.”

Both potential and incoming transfer students can utilize the Transfer Admissions & Engagement site, which focuses on supporting students through “all stages of their education.”

The site features many things for visitors to explore, such as campus tour availability, an exploration of the university through videos and a means to schedule sessions with an admissions counselor, which every transfer student will be assigned.

Adrian Tate, a senior supply chain management major, said they transferred to App State from Forsyth Tech Community College as a junior and described their transfer experience as a “selfreliant” one.

Because this was their first experience at a four-year college, they said certain things were “difficult to understand,” and the scariest part was “grasping classes and how to register.”

Tate said though they have enjoyed their time at App State, they wish they would have “explored Boone and campus more” and looks forward to their upcoming graduation.

“I’m excited about the ceremony,” Tate said in a written response, especially since they are a first-generation college student in her family.

The university anticipates and eases the process of transfer students through the Aspire Appalachian Program. The Aspire Appalachian Program is based around the university’s partnerships with nine community colleges and is designed to make the transfer process as “seamless” as possible for students.

One student who transferred

from one of the nine affiliated community colleges is Aru Hopper, a senior exercise science major. Hopper said she was a “first-year junior” when she transferred to App State following her dual enrollment in high school.

“It was definitely interesting having to jump straight into core classes that dealt with my major,” Hopper said in a written response. “I was surrounded by people who were older than me, but they all were so helpful and gave me lots of good advice.”

Read more online:

Aru Hopper, above, poses in front of a stream in Durham Park. “This is a good spot where I originally came to hang out with people,” said Hopper. Hopper also comes to Durham Park to do homework or to calm her nerves. Photo by Mayesivy Carlson.

Adrian Tate, left, poses in front of Duck Pond — a place they came to often when first transferring to App State. Photo by Mayesivy Carlson.

NEWS

May 3, 2023

Seniors ahead of the curve: Accelerated Master’s Program

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Georgia Dixon | Reporter At 16 years old, before even touring campus, Erin Barnette attended an open house at App State where she met with Reich College of Education staff. This staff described an accelerated master’s program, at the time called the 4+1 Program, which is now formally titled Accelerated Master’s.

Barnette is now a senior special education major in the program, and will graduate this May with her bachelor’s degree.

“I was, like, ‘Oh, that’s kind of a neat opportunity,’” Barnette said. “Time effective, and saves some money by taking grad classes at an undergraduate rate, getting it down in a year.”

Since she learned about it at the open house, her ambitions to gain admission to the program have been “in the works.”

Barnette came to the university for its top undergraduate teacher preparation program, and her current goal is to work as a lead teacher in exceptional children’s teaching.

“It seemed like a good fit,” Barnette said. “I knew about this program, so I said I am gonna go and do the five years and teach, that was always the plan.”

The Accelerated Master’s Applicant website says, “If you are accepted into the Accelerated Master’s program, you will be tentatively admitted into the Graduate School. You will then be granted access to register for graduate-level classes while still enrolled as an undergraduate.”

This semester, Barnette is a senior and taking her fourth class in the program for dual credit toward both her undergraduate and graduate degree.

“I did my planning correctly so I will take some more this summer, take some in the fall and the spring and be done in a year,” she said.

Barnette said working toward her master’s degree as an undergraduate student makes her excited for graduation.

“It helps the momentum of being a student, keeps the ball rolling, and I have not tired out yet,” Barnette said. “I do not have senioritis, because I am continuing.”

Barnette said last spring, as a junior, when her peers were considering the program, she had already applied and drafted a schedule a year prior to taking

courses.

Her peers received exposure to the program through a professor in one of her classes.

“She said ‘Hey, do you guys want to do this?’ and they were like absolutely not,” Barnette said. “Then, the more she started to talk to people and I started to talk to people, we gathered nine of us.”

Barnette said she is still actively trying to recruit people into the program along with her professor.

“It is a really good thing to start thinking about it before you are a senior, so you are not rolled up into the, ‘I just want to get a job and get out of school,’” Barnette said.

To continue with the program, you have to like school and have a strong desire to succeed in your educational pursuits, she said.

“I am okay with my role as a student right now. I want to continue to learn,” Barnette said.

In the spring of her junior year, Katherine Sumrell, a senior reading education major, said she learned about the Accelerated Master’s program through a professor teaching an undergraduate course who highly recommended it.

“I think that the initial appeal was that it was only a year and that I could start it during undergrad and save money and not have to worry about going back to school,” Sumrell said.

After she applied, Sumrell was unsure whether to enroll in the program and pursue her master’s or graduate with a bachelor’s degree. However, she explained the opportunity is once in a lifetime.

“So I thought, I may as well. And I do not regret it at all,” Sumrell said. “It was a really good decision for me.”

Sumrell said people in the program, professors and directors “have been so supportive.”

As she has continued further into her journey in the program, Sumrell said her initial interest in her pathway has led to a genuine passion for education and deeper understanding of the elementary careers out there.

“It has encouraged me to change

paths, and maybe become a reading specialist versus an elementary teacher,” she said.

The ability to start on her master’s degree during undergrad made her “a lot less stressed than some other people in applying to grad school,” Sumrell said.

The application process for Accelerated Master’s is “comparatively easier”, she said as the application process does not include the Graduate Record Exam Test.

“I would encourage everyone to apply, or at least think about it,” Sumrell said.

“It is a really good program.”

The program was new when Victoria Carlberg, the associate director of graduate admissions, assumed her role with graduate admissions.

“It was just a handful of programs, it was in its super infancy,” Carlberg said.

“There has been a lot of evolvement with the program as the needs of the students have changed, the needs of the programs have changed, and just with changes in higher ed as a whole.”

The program has gone through a few title changes.

“We used to call it a 4+1 Program, but the reality was not everyone was finishing in five years,” Carlberg said. “So it was not very accurate.”

The program was renamed Accelerated Admissions before it assumed its current title of Accelerated Master’s program.

“We flipped it to Accelerated Master’s

Graphic by McNeil Johnston

because you have the potential to finish your master’s early, while you are also gaining early acceptance into graduate school,” Carlberg said.

Carlberg said certain programs like Reading Education are more popular than others. As her team educates undergraduate students and advisers and faculty, they are able “to find pathways, which do not normally align.”

For example, a communication major may need another applicable path engineered, as there is no current accelerated or graduate program for communication majors, according to Accelerated Master’s.

“So we ask, what other pathways may apply?” Carlberg said. “As those talks are

happening, you can see that the interest is picking up. We definitely have a steady applicant base, but I am seeing it grow in other areas from other majors.”

Carlberg said traditional first-year applicants apply to the program as juniors, but apply “for the future.”

Carlberg said that transfers are still able to complete the program but the timeline may look different depending on how their previous credits transferred and how much coursework they have left.

“Graduate school seems so far away, until you start laying out the path,” Carlberg said.

She said they didn’t have this type of program to save money on when she was younger so she “strongly encourages” it.

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8 NEWS

May 3, 2023

Seniors remember demolished dorms

Justice Hall being torn down in May 2021 with Coltrane Hall looming behind. Coltrane, Justice and Garner were replaced by New River Hall. Photo by Evan Bates.

William Becker | Reporter The dorms do not exist anymore, but the memories forged there live on. Group snowstorm breakfasts.

Rooms so small you could touch both walls at the same time.

Competitive game nights. Thin walls. Floor pranks. No AC. Secret Santas.

These are but a handful of the memories recalled by App State seniors who once resided in dorms that now too only exist in memory.

When the graduating class of

2023 arrived at App State for the first time in the fall 2019, campus was home to Bowie, Coltrane, East, Eggers, Gardner and Justice Residence Halls.

As App State has continued to grow in both size and population, these residence halls have not continued on with it. Justice Residence Hall was demolished in mid-2020, and New River Residence Hall now stands in its place, having opened for students in the fall of 2022. The adjacent

Gardner and Coltrane Residence Halls were demolished in mid-2021 and were replaced by New River Hall Lot. Bowie and Eggers Residence Halls, the last of these older residence halls to have been demolished at the present time, were torn down in mid-tolate-2022 and are slated to be replaced by additional parking areas.

East Residence Hall remains standing, though it is no longer

inhabited by students and instead serves as temporary space for faculty offices and displaced classes.

Madison Neisz, a senior sustainable development major who resided in Gardner Residence Hall during her freshman year, said the close community on her floor was one of the best things about living in her residence hall.

“I loved living in Gardner because my floor’s sense of community was incredible,” Neisz

said. “We’d all go out into the common room every night and just talk forever. I met some of my best friends on that floor.”

Several seniors said one of the biggest contributors to this sense of community was the small rooms and communal facilities that these older residence halls contained, which prompted them to interact more.

“Our RAs and our RDs were very good at, like, connecting people and just creating, like, a

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May 3, 2023 huge community from Bowie because it was an older dorm and it wasn’t as nice as the other ones,” said Kati Ieni, a senior criminal justice major who lived in Bowie Residence Hall her first year. “We were always out of our rooms, always hanging out, sitting outside.”

Despite the nostalgic memories seniors have shared from their time in these buildings, not all memories of them were happy.

In addition to being a source of community, the close quarters of these residence halls were also a source of frustration for some.

“Compared to the other ones I saw at the time, our rooms were super, super small,” said Arianna Papadakis, a senior psychology major who is a former resident of Coltrane Residence Hall. “I’m

short, I’m about 5-foot-3, and I could probably touch each wall, like, standing in the middle of the room, and very, very small bathrooms.”

A lack of air conditioning was also a frequent issue for residents of these buildings and sometimes led to other unexpected problems as well.

“No AC wasn’t fun for the first couple of months,” said Emma Finerghty, a senior electronic media/broadcasting major who lived in Eggers Residence Hall. “It was really hot, and our window was open 24/7 and there was construction, like, with new dorms right in front of my room all year.

So we were getting, like, dust in our windows all the time.”

Despite the issues that living in older buildings presented, several

seniors said their memories of the time they spent in these residence halls were positive overall.

“The community was really, like, the biggest thing for me,” Ieni said. “I was nervous about living in Bowie at first but I was, like, so happy that I was placed there.”

Papadakis shared a similar sentiment and said that while Coltrane was not the best place to live, the close community made it fun nevertheless.

“Everyone would hang out and we would just play a ton of games and stuff,” Papadakis said. “It got really competitive, but it was really, really fun, and it was kind of a distraction from the fact that we thought we were in, like, the crappiest building on campus, but we didn’t really care because we had fun anyway.”

Seniors also shared particularly fun memories from their time in these residence halls, including Finerghty, who said that one of the funniest memories she has from her time in Eggers was watching outdoor boxing matches that residents of a nearby building would hold outside her window.

“There was this group of boys who would come outside and play on that little hill that was in front of the dorms,” Finerghty said.

“They would bring out their little boxing gloves and box each other outside, and I was on the second floor, and we would just look out our window and see these dudes boxing each other, like, rolling around in the grass.”

She said this was a moment when she felt “this is what college is.”

Neisz recalled several pranks and holiday events the “unmatched” community of her floor in Gardner put together.

“I think the funniest thing that happened in Gardner was when my floor would go to other floors and then flip all their furniture,” Neisz said. “We also threw a floor Secret Santa and made a little tree for ourselves before we all left for winter break.”

Though these residence halls are gone now, they remain as stories and memories of small rooms, dysfunctional facilities, fun floor events and unusual but memorable experiences that seem to meet at a brief but clear conclusion: “It was a hell of a journey living there,” Finerghty said.

Congratulations!

To the graduates of the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Dean's Office wishes you the happiest of commencements.

You have reached a great milestone in your life, so savor this moment. Your hard work, determination, and perseverance has paid off. The world needs your unique skills and talents, so wander with purpose and continue to do different, differently!

10 NEWS

May 3, 2023

Retiring professors reflect upon their time at App State Kayla Masterman | Reporter

As commencement approaches, students and professors alike leave and reflect upon their time at the university. Packing up books, papers and desks encaptures bittersweet memories. This year, many professors are moving on from App State after decades of accomplishments and work.

Dan Hill, 90.5 WASU FM general manager in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, and founder of the National Radio Talent System, has been involved at App State since 2005.

Known by students as Dan “Vallie” Hill due to his name on air being Dan Vallie, he said his faithfulness in the future of the broadcast industry is due to his time at App State.

“From the big picture perspective, because of meeting and working with all these students, I am optimistic about the future of the broadcast industry and the future of our country,” Vallie wrote in an email.

Vallie said people make the difference and that he feels most blessed to have the opportunity to meet and work with so many young people and see them graduate and not only have successful careers but build good and successful lives, whether in broadcasting and related fields or whatever field they chose.”

“I have never thought much about retiring but now that it is happening I am slowly becoming excited about it … and I will continue to do a thing or two in the broadcast industry,” said Vallie.

Vallie said watching changes in the Department of Communication throughout the years has been fun and exciting.

“Not only has WASU continued to get better and grow its reputation as a talent incubator,” Vallie wrote.

Vallie advises the future generation to “be authentic. Persevere. Have a positive attitude, a strong work ethic and have integrity. Love your neighbor, and realize everyone is your neighbor.”

Hayes School of Music bassoon professor Jon Beebe said he began

Victor Mansure, music history area coordinator in the Hayes School of Music, poses for a portrait outside Broyhill Hall. Mansure has lived in over half a dozen states, but plans to retire in the High Country. Photo by Sam Byrd.

teaching in 1986 when the university’s enrollment was about 9,000 students and the population of Boone was also about 9,000.

Upon retiring in July, Beebe will have completed 37 years at the university. He said there are various highlights he will take away from his time teaching such as the appreciation of lifelong memories that include watching students succeed.

“The key thing I will be taking away is a collection of wonderful memories of fine friends and colleagues, of being valued and of those special moments when a student had a significant ‘breakthrough’ in their musical or professional development,” Beebe said.

Beebe said the Hayes School of Music has grown significantly in his time here. When he started, the music department had about 25 full-time

faculty members and fewer than a dozen adjunct faculty members Beebe said that presently, The Hayes School of Music, now also offering additional degrees in music therapy, has more than 50 full-time faculty members, several dozen adjunct faculty members and nearly two dozen staff members supporting its mission, and has outgrown the Broyhill Music Center.

Along with the takeaway of cherished memories, Beebe said that a highlight of his career was the opportunity to be immersed in young musicians’ lives.

Beebe said, “being a part of young musicians’ lives as they grow and thrive, both while students and later as their careers mature, performing music with dear friends and worldclass musician colleagues, being valued

as a teacher, mentor, and colleague; those are the true highlights.”

Beebe said he doesn’t quite have concrete plans yet, “but we know those plans will include more time with family, doing some of the local ‘touristy’ things we have never done.”

Professor Rob Falvo, coordinator of the percussion department in the Hayes School of Music, started in 1993 and has been teaching at App state for 30 years. Falvo said that some of the most rewarding moments during his time at App State consisted of witnessing the students’ growth.

“As a teacher, the most precious highlights are when students really understand themselves and the concepts that are being taught, enabling them to be more expressive human beings and musicians,” Falvo said.

Falvo has contributed to the growth of his department by adding a Tabla Ensemble, Ragtime Ensemble, an improvisation group called The Collective Improv at App and a percussion ensemble called the Edge Ensemble.

Victor Mansure, the coordinator of music history, began his career at App State in 1991 and has been teaching at the university for 32 years. Mansure has witnessed history as the university has grown such as the growth of the music department.

Read more online:

Graduating Greek life seniors

NEWS11

May 3, 2023

Eric Mendiola | Reporter

Two seniors on the cusp of graduation are looking onward to their future, where they hope to reap the benefits of their fraternities and sororities.

Margaret Young, a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and Jake Schantz, a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity are two of many seniors in Greek life who are about to embark on a new chapter of their lives.

“Honestly terrified. Very scary. Not ready for it,” said Young, a theater design and technology major, when describing how she felt about graduating. “I don’t know what happened to four years, but here I am.”

However, with members and chapters scattered across the country, a sense of security has reassured Young and Schantz that there will always be someone out there to lend a hand.

After joining Kappa Sigma the fall semester of his freshman year, Schantz, a risk management and insurance major, said his favorite part was “having a solid foundation of friends.”

“My biggest takeaway from being in a sorority is just that I don’t have to be like everybody else to find joined friendships,” Young said. “My friends don’t have to be the exact same as me.”

One priority of Greek life involvement on campus is inclusivity and belonging, according to App State’s Fraternity and Sorority Life website.

“When you’re a freshman you don’t know anybody and it’s an awkward phase, and they made that transition super easy for me,” Schantz said.

Although the recruitment process was scary for Young, “it was the best way to actually meet everybody,” she said.

Friendships have flourished through their involvement in their organizations and an ability to connect with others has people such as Young anticipating new relationships for their foreseeable path, she said.

After running for several positions in his fraternity and engaging with the Boone community through canned food drives and carving pumpkins as donations for homeless shelters, Schantz is grateful

for a group that enhanced not only his professional growth but personal growth as well.

“My favorite thing about being in AOII has to be the big events that we put on like Smoke Out cause it’s just a fun way to interact with the community and get to interact with your sisters as well,” Young said.

Smoke Out Arthritis is a barbecue event which raises funds for the Arthritis Foundation, according to an Alpha Omicron Pi sorority Facebook post.

“I’ve learned so many skills,” Schantz said.

Personal and professional development as well as civic engagement are two values held by the Greek life organizations, according to the school’s Fraternity and Sorority Life website.

“I would say for people who are in Greek life transitioning out, make your connections with alum organizations,” Young said as some words of encouragement for future Mountaineer alumni.

Read more online:

Margaret “Marge” Young shows off the AOII hand sign at the sorority’s charity barbecue fundraiser.

Photo by Ashton Woodruff.

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College of Arts and Sciences

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2023

Actuarial Science Bachelor of Science William Farnham Allen Latham R. Chamberlain Noah Daniel Desimone Omar Gonzalez Adelaide Amalie Haack Brian Thomas Hall Anh Nguyen Austin Glenn Vickers Jenna Nicole Wray Mary Kaitlynn Bailey

Anthropology Bachelor of Science Grace Rose Berzina JS Howitt Braun Lilith Mae Brown Helena Suzanne Davis Carson Rhoades Dickey Sarah Autumn Edmondson Mackenzie R. Fizet Caroline Miller Kaney Anna Stanton Lee Damsel Little Miranda Scarlett Lowery Anahi Marysol Loza Lopez Emma Jane McFarland Kaitlyn Molly Orlovitz Georgia Louise Privott Britan Nicole Sides Sydney Amanda Francis Nadia Ruth Hollar Ryan Shea Millis Molly Carolyn Switzer Madison Joan Trombley Bachelor of Arts Armani Marcos Becerra Elias Calaboyias Fox Brittany Jenikka Krueger Jacob Emory Sharp Brett Reginald Callahan Joseph Paul Coleman Tiber Ann Hood Inanna Rose Meinert

Biology Bachelor of Science Frank Douglas Alberts Lyra Elizabeth Aquino Lily G. Austin Madeline Rose Babb

Heather Nicole Bassett Patricia Jo Beasley Jennifer Leigh Belk Caitlyn A. Brown Alyssa Jordan Buchanan Mary Frances Burrows Austin Edward Callicutt Nicholas James Campany Brianna Nicole Carter Kevin Patrick Carter Zackary Carl Childers Gracie Elizabeth Church Samuel Francis Cooke Allison Elizabeth Corey Benjamin Charles Crawford Laken Nicole Creed Nile Elijah Crump Harrison Cole Curtis Erin Marie Darnell Joseph Glenn Davis Francois Lamond Desautels Joseph Andrew Dray Alisa Thuy Duong Lillian Bess Elkin Elijah Patrick Fox Raquela Pablo Francisco Isabel Grey Freeman Aaron Garcia Lucas Henry Geurs Cristian Gonzalez Lizzete Christine Gonzalez Lauren Ann Gray Bailey Ann Grimsley Taylor Elizabeth Gudac Rian Peyton Habel Zoe Lorraine Helzlsouer Stuart Harrison Hemmer-Skidmore Jacob Nathaniel Huemmer Gabrianne Lye Ivey Emily Laila Jaen Kathryn Jane Jennings Gavin Malachi Joines Vojana Karan Brian Robert Knight Quentin Thomas Lachance Jackson Augustus Lamb Jesus Lovaton Wesley Jay Marlow Kailey Erin McAllister Patrick Oliver Meyers Taylor LeAnn Moore Ezra Brahm Moorefield Danytssa Fonseca Mora Olivia M. Morgan Saisha Alena Neilsen Ally Morgan Nisbet Seiji Sebastian Ono Amber Rose Parker

Payal Mukeshbhai Patel Talina Rubio Perez Zyrehia Patricia Polk Lora Elizabeth Proctor Russell Vernon Quade Morgan Walker Ray Tyler Scot Richardson Lauren E. Rusnak Joshua Pierce Smith Stori Anne Stefanac Everett Cole Stevens Audrey Grace Stone Katherine Hill Sturkie Heather Michelle Summerville Elva Jacqulyn Swibold Henry Dalton Taylor Jessica Mackenzie Terry Natorri Cordet Thomas Grace Elizabeth Tickle Alexandra Torres Juanita Valencia Rincon Patrick Hall Valente Zoe Elizabeth Volmer Brianna Lee Vonderhaar Alexander Michael Wall Zachary Grier Williamson Hannah Catherine Wolf Jenna Lee Woods Jane Lynn Youmans Dabney Patricia Asmer Elizabeth Paige Barr Kaitlyn Victoria Bates Kathleen Anne Buswell Dontaynie Maurina Ann Coard Aerin Nora Crockett Kayla N. Davenport Sierra Rose Dougherty Conner Aaron Elliott Ariana Lizette Fuentes Negron Kyla Jade Gunter Joshua Gage Heskett Jennifer Marie Kagarise Haley Roze Martin Samantha Susan McCrary Mynor Otoniel Mendez-Rodriguez Rachel Terese Milkereit Carley R. Modlin Lauren Ashley Niedzwiecki Kasey Lanette Powers Rodrigo Alfonso Roque MacKenzie Carra Smith Jaryd Alexander Stillwell Ava Elizabeth Stoddard Rylee Lynn Strassner Jasmine Nicole Tolbert Samantha Amber Walls Sydney Kaitlyn Ward Emily Elizabeth Warren

James Edward Watson David Logan Wilson James Matthew Senter

Bachelor of Arts Craig Michael Kurowski Jake Easton Rodgers Olivia Stokes Roehl Rebecca Irene Yoakum Patrick Anthony Bautista Javier Andre Del Toro Negron Chemistry Lindsey Claire Black Kendall Jocelyn Byrd Morgan Lee Clay Terry Kate Dickson Elaine Sarai Garcia Estrada Christian Maxwell Hammond Elizabeth Amelia Haslam Christian Blake Hilton Logan Mackenzie Jenkins Lauren Elizabeth Johann Allison Jordan Keys Megan Elizabeth Learn Katherine Clark May Connor Wayne McMinn Kevin Montero-Martinez Nathaniel Graham Thomas Neblett Anderson Blair Noonan Kayla Cierra Patterson Chase Talford Plyler Christopher Pedro Rivera Dawson William Shropshire Ian Carl Sullivan William Michael Swofford Ella Louise Thompson Sarah Nicole Traylor Brianna Lee Vonderhaar Madison Leigh Wood Emma Jane McGibany Carson B. Shivers Community & Regional Planning Bachelor of Science Malikia Cherubala Landon Clarke Coley Jason Lowell Ehlenberger Jackson Mcbryde Leach Catherine Letitia Matz Patrick Nicholas Werner Computer Science Bachelor of Science Emma MacKenzie Allen Jared Brock Atti

May 3, 2023

Katherine Grace Beal Zachary Michael Belecanech Peyton James Benz Darien Alexander Bowman Christian Raine Brewer Nicholas Arthur Casella Sophie Elyse Columbia Connor Mcdonald Critchley Devin Matthew Crumbley Matthew James Dustin Taylor Michael Fernald Reis Mercer Gadsden Jeremiah Isaiah Hampton Olivia Rose Hess Charles Rawls Jones Phillip Timothy Lavey William Blake Lucas Joseph Maradiaga Dylan Jamesie Mason Zackery Kaleb McDaniel Aria Lee Mills William Robert O’Brien Eli Douglas Orians Cameron Joseph Overbeck Alivia Elizabeth Paredes Austin William Phillips Jack F. Pulsfort Hunter Luke Ringley Jonathan Andrew Rink Gabriel Ruiz Eli Alexander Scheer Katherine Margaret Schwerer Darian Andrew Mitchell Silvers Ryan Mathew Simpson Christian Manuel Sloan Jacob Tyler Swisher Tyler Dean Taylor Jarred Joseph Tramontano Thanh Tan Tran Bailey S. Williams Bridgette Winkler Brett Hampton Ennis Zachary Joseph Farrand Joel Christopher Reiter Cameron Chad Roberts Ian Alexander Robinson Joseph Luke Swearngan Joseph D Thomas Kendrick Earl Vongsvirates John Spencer Williams Criminal Justice Bachelor of Science Camryn Lynn Adams Brianna Blair Airington Jacob Mckenzie Baity Justin Scott Bates

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May 3, 2023 Love Elisabeth Ben-Israel Paige Madison Billings Paige Elizabeth Blythe Elizabeth Grace Bullins Samantha Madison Bunn Donald Joseph Cardwell Abigail Lynn Carter Samuel J. Collins Logan Shea Coring Olivia Madison Coutinho Gloria Cruz Trejo Madison Alexandra Culler Evaline Louise Davis Patrick Robert Dempsey Henry Macarthur Dotson Cherylynn Christine Doyle Landon Kyle Eckard Julia Nicole Egger Alyssa Courtney Ellen Brenda Monserrat Espinoza-Rodriguez Adriana Isabella Fontanini Jordan Fowler Macey Claire Gaines Elisabetta Giambanco Lanie C. Goforth Asher Robert Gray Fred Charles Hammers Ashlyn Constance Hewitt Kariana Marie Holloway Chase Micheal Hunter Kati Elizabeth Ieni Caitlynn Charley Irwin Holly Jane Joyner Coy Wayne Ketchie Alexandra Thea Lee Ashley Anne Leo Jacob R. Lipschitz Chase Devon Lopate Jack Stewart Lowe Cassidy Marilyn Mayhew Cameron Edward McClure Hailey Nicole Mckillip David Bennett Miller Chloe Braedyn Montoya Richard Zebedee Motes Kyle Patrick Neal Nathan Kent Nifong Joseth Perez-Fernandez Djamila Petersen Victoria Jessica Pierce Remzon Miguel Pineda Gonzalez Emma Louise Poindexter Andrew Connor Powlen Douglas Robert Pratt Anderson Grant Ray Tyler Morrison Reed Andrew Chase Rhoades Colby Ronald Roberts Steven Rojas Nicolas Alejandro Ruiz Grace Olivia Saintsing Mary Kate Schmidlin Mary Gabrielle Denise Shackleford Grace Caroline Shires Abbigail Jean Siegert Josh Simpkins

Jon Eric Spaar Joshua Lee Spurlin Sarah Elisabeth Stamey Hunter Kane Stephens Damon Lee Street Katherine Leigh Tice Angela Nicole Toney Dakota M. Ussery Logan Thomas Walsh Allen Tyler Weaver Karson O’Neal Williams Keaton Wayne Williams Malik Quron Williams Elizabeth Ann Wilson Suzanne Marie Wylie Kyle Dlouhy Ziebarth Milana Re Acolino Aida A. Barrientos Heather Leanna Briscoe Noah Samuel Byrd Matthew Dillon Caldwell Daisa Nicole Campbell Dustin Shane Cox Madeline M. Cripe Molly Moi Li Veronica Di Rienzo Maggie Rae Duncan Cole Allen Earls Patrick Jozef Ferguson Blake Carson Hamrick Elizabeth Gray Hartsell Jessica Hernandez Nadia Ruth Hollar Gage Aaron Honeycutt Ella Grace Linthicum Frederick Tyler Main Lacie Renea Minton Kevin LaRoy Mitchell Tyler Keith Munday Daisy Vanessa Panuco Popocatl Andrew Richard Prachar Zarah Logan Ramey Allison Paige Ray Cole Jamison Sain Sydney Ashtyn Sharpe Jillian Christine Spampinato Jason Anthony Spokas Kathleen Mackenzie Stovall Alexis B. Torres Ashley Danielle Watson Reilly Gray Williams Riley Stephen Wood Hayden Zehe English Bachelor of Arts Madison Morgan Ball Jaxon E. Barloga Zoe Jack Jacqueline Beshilas Maud Louise Henriette Bouma Rae Ann Bradley Cayleigh Carlson Brown Kristian Deidre Brown Katie Marshall Bryant LilyGrace Qian Calamusa Abigail Marie Copeland

Mary Lachlann Currie Ashlyn Avery Curtis Dina Angela Damiano Harley Austin Davis Emma Marie Deal Madison Jane Densmore Sebastian Dionicio-Mariano Shelby Elizabeth Fink Mie Jean Finney Sierra Annaliese Flynn Emily Ann Garner Justin Micheal Geary Carter Jones Gromatski Daniel Barak Ham Sabrina Katherine Hess Allison Rose Hoffart Mary Hannah Hollifield Mara Anne Krebaum Shannon Nicole Milner Lane Nicholson Minor Zoë Rose Nagel Abigail Leigh Paul Cameron Lewis Purnsley Jade Katherine Rabah Jacob Kimball Ramsey Sunnie Aroura Riley Elise Rose Robinson Connor Jacob Root Kaitlin Maria Rous Mackenzie Koren Sigmon Emma Delaney Sikes Margot Smith Cimone Thompson Owen Slade Tipton Derek Edward Torres Jack Edward Treece Amber Nicole Trivette Laramie Faith Ward Jacob Paul Williams Taylor Catherine Wooton Jade Nicole Anderson Evelyn Reese Austin Gabriel Alexander Cambre Victoria Alexandra Doan Elliot Lawrence Froese Tiffany Rene Green Trevor Austin Bennett Houser Mackenzie Elizabeth Lorfano Shaun Michael Moore Neal Rocco Perez William David Stallings James Thorley Azlynn Iyonia Williams Leonzo Deandre’ Williams English, Secondary Education Bachelor of Science Jose Angel Cisneros Abbigail Rita Winter Coleman Jensen Lee Giles Zoee Meredith Leblanc Grayson Robert Parsons Margaret Elizabeth Pendergrass Daniel G. Pennell Renee Alexandra Roberts Katelyn Renee Stoves

Environmental Science Bachelor of Science Mason C. Boggess Joseph Aaron Bowden William Henderson Brown Emma C. Burton Tyler Nicole Cumming Lacey Emily Gibbs Alexander Scott Hay Erika Hernandez Gretchen Alice Houser Carter Daniel Keoleian Thomas Aidan Moriarty Justin Kai Parker Victor Jesus Pavon Angela Michelle Price Nicole Elizabeth Purdom Rachel Louise Rhoades Carter Dufford Smith Owen Christopher Swavely Skye-Anne D. Tschoepe Ashley Nicole Zimmerman Anthony Peter Sapino Bailey Lillian Shannon Fermentation Sciences Bachelor of Science Logan Elizabeth Isley Breanna Allene Williams Anna Victoria Browning Sean Jamison Teague Gender, Women’s & Sexuality Studies Bachelor of Arts Oliver R Bandong Owen Ray Carter Elizabeth Regina Lassiter Anna B. Richard Tara Skye Rogers Angelique Loretta Streamo-Pinard Elliot Lawrence Froese Geography Bachelor of Science Trey Hunter Allen Erika Alice Amundson Benjamin Michael Baldwin Evan Samuel Bauman William James Bennett Matthew Wayne Carocci Jason Lowell Ehlenberger Patrick Davis Freeman Alexander Marley Hawkins Patrick Nicholas Werner Zachary Charles Buesing Danielle Leigh Clark Peyton Charles Phillips Charlote Fernandez Tesh Noah Gabriel Caldwell Michael Patrick Capability Dickerso Benjamin Micheal Mapes

Kyle Joseph Mohler Samuel Rand Rosefielde-Keller Lily Katherine Vowels Benjamin Lee Wooddell Alyssa Louise Wurtz Shamsuddin M Ahmed Dwight Crisdean Reagan Duncan Joshua T. Herron Laurel Blythe Tucker Bachelor of Arts Jarred Ryan Swan Geology Bachelor of Science Noah Gabriel Caldwell Michael Patrick Capability Dickerso Benjamin Micheal Mapes Kyle Joseph Mohler Samuel Rand Rosefielde-Keller Lily Katherine Vowels Benjamin Lee Wooddell Alyssa Louise Wurtz Shamsuddin M Ahmed Dwight Crisdean Reagan Duncan Joshua T. Herron Laurel Blythe Tucker Global Studies Bachelor of Arts Ella Sophia Brose Eloise Nicole Fontaine Dianne Aliénor Grâce Keller Ellen Ivy Mason Meredith Sanchez William Thomas Stansill Ainsley Elizabeth Stevenson Vivian Marija Lojk Skylar Melanie Sinnott History Bachelor of Science Elisabeth Frances Balog Mary Kenna Johnson Coley Aubrey Evan Dail Parker Anderson Duck Sergio Andres Echeverry-Ruiz Arden Ivey Fleming Dustin Dwight Hillenburg Derek James Hord Oliver Sebastian Kasell Matthew Paul Kelley Lilly Elizabeth Lloyd Drew Shelby Magnuson Cody J McLeod Thomas Smith McNeill Edison Blake Miller Andrew Jordan Payne Zachary Thomas Prisk Robert Henry Richardson Grace A. Smith Matthew Henry Wagner Spencer Quinn Worrells

14 Emma Leigh Wright Cory A. Yow Ellis Owen Austin Abigail Grace Beane Molly Elizabeth Campbell Christopher Michael Staab Anna Greer Workman Bachelor of Arts Wade Grant Culberson Cecilia Marie Heyn Griffin William Honea Haleigh Danielle Johnson Eric David Little Nicholas J. Lopina Erin Marie Lounsberry Kylee Marie Meier Taylor Morrison Pitts Nathan William Rodney Garrett Elijah Sandell Kendal D. Thomas Rhoda Madeline Waechter Joseph Douglas Picarelli Tyler James Richards Alyssa Jade Royal Luke T. Ruggieri History, Social Studies Education Bachelor of Science Chloe Beauchamp Carter William Alexander Iversen Hales Noah Scott Hamby Taylor Dianne Harkey Deacon Thomas Harris Casia Grace Kaprelian Skyler Sue Lunsford Makayla Nichole Mayhew Addison Hunter Muller Marissa Renee Roman Tyler James Skeen Atticus Jackson Trudeau Ryan Michael Whalen Elizabeth Victoria Vaughan Interdisciplinary Studies Bachelor of Science Eliot Burress Caroline Margret McCrorey Hope Victoria Smith Delaney Reese Hall Bachelor of Arts Cecilia Ruth Bockoven Addie Marie Magyar Mason Reed McConnell Grayson Lane Ross Languages, Literatures & Cultures Bachelor of Arts Ivy Lynn Ayling Amelia Susan Bocko

May 3, 2023 Jeremy Michael Calvin Natalie Rebecca Croxton Dina Angela Damiano Aranzazu Davalos Alfonso Juan De La Serna Buzon Jacqueline Elizabeth Drummond Asia Kymani Griffis Jeweliette Cipriana Harris Ellie Joanne Johnson Nina Cordelia Gulewich Kirkman Astrid Nicole Lyndrup Alexandra Ramirez Tinoco Danielle Christina Rinz Heather Rose Rubin Elijah Aaron Rudisill Brennah Denise Alderfer Aliyah Gray Skylar Melanie Sinnott Bachelor of Science Hannah Leanne Giocondo Mathematics Bachelor of Science Zoe Madison Bryant Sally Kay Campbell Cindy Candelario Jose Tyler Mark Cave Remy A. Duplantis Caroline Anne Fehlman Bailey Elise Gay Gabriella Jane Goelz Jayne Elizabeth Hollar Hannah Elizabeth Joyner Aidan Witte Keaveney Aaron Seth Lubkemann Aiden Drake McDonald Nicholas Joseph Mencis Katherine Alice Metzger Brody Michael Miller Sarah Elizabeth Naughton Meredith Grace Newsome Deborah Elizabeth Nowak Irena Christine Owens Matthew Devin Shaw Lyndsay Marie Snider Elizabeth Page Young Jackson Burton Tilley Philosophy Bachelor of Arts Zachary Noah Baugher Michelle Fernandes Ellison Maxwell Thomas Butterworth Skyelar Sillyman Azlynn Iyonia Williams Physics Bachelor of Science Elias King Beam Lukas Per Wilhelm Jonsson Aidan Witte Keaveney Joshua Atwood McNeill Tomas Edward Romero

Thomas Stewart Batalia Daniel Morgan Carter Andrew Cade Cutshall Trey Michael Jansen John Stanford Stichter Jeffrey Jonah Robert Wyatt Political Science Bachelor of Science Caroline Rachel Arch Rebekah Hope Augustine Walker Douglas Beard Trey Landen Blackwood Kayla Reagan Bostic Liam Tyler Bowman Blaze Keaton Carswell Katelyn Rose Carter William Russell Cramton Ivy Rachael Crist McKenna Rae Daley Evaline Louise Davis Asher Winston Dula Deborah Anne Dupre Madisson Melisa Escobar Madelyn Elizabeth Flowers Eloise Nicole Fontaine Andrew Robinson Garrett Ethan E. Harmon Bek Micah Hartman Makenzie Blaire Hedrick Eric Allen Hesslink Preston Dalton Hilliard William Abbott Hofmann Dabney Suzanne Hyman Allison Mae Johnson Sarah Grace Johnson Melanie Casey Jordan Riley Morgan Kiefer Zannah Paige Kukral Benjamin Davis Leonard Emily Nicole Mahon Jasmine Nicole Mathis Olvera Meghan Louise Merritt Brett Mordecai Ari Moya Devin Thomas Mullins Joshua Andrew Padgett Micah Andersen Patrick Katherine Renée Rheuby Madison Elizabeth Rynne Charles Gilmer Alexander Setliff Celine Nicole Smith Madison Marie Syfert Trinity Marie Thompson Rachael Love Tilley Robert Douglas Welten Corey Isaac Whitaker Daniel Quinton White Vazaria Aubrey Wingo Samantha Rose Zalatan Brianna Antoine Patrick Ross Bostic Owen Coppedge Henley Jose Luis Lagunes Cameron Edward Lancaster

Katelyn Caroline McKinney Katelyn Grace Peters Michael Christian Goetz Rapp Thomas Ryan Skelly Charles John Slemenda Kyla Marie Starr Yucilia Yamilett Ventura Bachelor of Arts Amelia Susan Bocko Lillian Bell Hlavin Austin James Mondi Wesley Hugh Murray Ian Alexander Objio Cole Neill Phillips Anna B. Richard Sean Francis Riordan Tyler Harris Williams Elizabeth St. Clair Wohlbruck John Christopher Cathcart Abby Marie Clay Psychology Bachelor of Science Percy Eden Cody Aagon Camryn Lynn Adams Hunter Ryan Adams Byron Estuardo Aguilar Jose Andres Alarcon Macias Francisco Javier Alcaraz Figueroa Mark Taylor Allen Piper Mackenzie Allen Miranda Nicole Angel Keyona Amishion Anthony Caroline Rachel Arch Whitley Blaire Askew Madison Tera Nicole Bailey Caleb Cole Hughes Barlow Joshua Garrett Bell Kathryn Elizabeth Bolick Jada Sinclair Branch Abigail Marie Branco John Owen Brandenburg Christopher Thomas Brasacchio Isaac Joe Bumgarner Taylor Carolyn-jean Burleson Samantha Lynn Burns Lauren Avery Bush Jackson Alexander Butt Ellie Ann Cahillane Ross Anders Canella Sydney Lee Carlisle Taylor Jelean Carroll Jocelynn M. Castro Kristen Elizabeth Chandler Caden Schimmel Christensen Adam Alexander Christoffersen Laken Karis Clodfelter Matthew Richard Cook Savannah Elizabeth Cook Kylie Morgan Correll Luke Henly Crocker Bailey Ruth Crockett Madison Dawn Culver Jason Carl Dadolf

Francois Lamond Desautels Kaiyah Lakay Dooley Jacqueline Nichols Dozier Jared Michael Drew Elizabeth Caroline Durante Sierra Grace Eaton Eli Edward Ellington Tori Alyse Elliott James Kent Fain Alexis B. Farbman Claudia Ferreira Fiore Michael Reed Fisk Hope Anne Freeman Sienna Lauren Frossard Lauder Jane Fuhrmann Brianna Marie Garcia Naia Sierra Garcia Vanessa Garcia Gabrielle Ann Garrigan Andrew Carlton Gedgoudas Raven Brielle Gendron Chloe Lynne Glasgow Olivia Charline Gnall Hunter Thomas Gorthey Samantha Michele Gosline Sydney Paige Gossweiler Megan Elizabeth Gourd Ethan Jacob Granholm Tyshawn Devon Graves Ma’Lee Alexandria Gray Camryn Layne Greene Elizabeth Alexandra Grimm Lucas Blaise Gromyko Nathalia Guerra-Soria Phillip Michael Hampton Allison Paige Harrell Anna Grace Hawley Lora Elizabeth Heiman Leanne Jordyn Hendley Maegan Leigh Hensley Brandon Heras Megan Ashley Higgins Charles Colclough Hinson Ena Hodzic Isabelle Grace Hoke Faith Maxine Holden Kaitlyn Leora Horne Christien Nakaya Hubbard Sarah Kaitlyn Humphrey Camden Marie Hutchinson Olivia Katherine Hydzik Mallory Nicole Jenkins Isabelle Jane Johnson Noah Andrew Johnson Addison Faith Jones Hailey Elisabeth Kalsky Shelby Lane Kennerly Jonathan T. Koger Taylor Catherine Lautz Griffin R. Law Mackenzie Gertrue Law Gracie Elizabeth Ledford Hallie Catherine Lee Amber Grace Long Sarina Loveless Meredith Claire Luther

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May 3, 2023 Isaiah Asa Maass Brittney Nicole Mabe Morgan Iola McCormick McKenzie Lynn McCullen Haley Kate McDonald Olivia R. McGowan Emily Grace McMurry Colin Vaughn McQuinn Ashlyn Claire Metcalf Dylan Christopher Miller Zoe Analise Mingus Myeasha Bianca Shirley Moore Madison Rebekah Mullin Ella Jane Murphy Erin P. Nicholson Hope E. Nicholson Ashby Lee Nye Parker Louise Ogburn Yuki Isabella Ono Shelby Anne Ouimette Lauren Madison Payne Aaron Wesley Peedin Rebecca Jean Perlman Grace Morrison Pharr Elexa Dori Phillips Keenan A. Phillips Peyton Savannah Portas Aidan Wells Powell Savannah F. Pruitt Kaleb Michael Pulley Hannah Corinne Ramirez Amber Michelle Reilly Maya Elizabeth Renter Amanda Lee Rhyne Sara Elizabeth Richard Mary Charles Rogers Nicholas Vincent Rogers Alexandria Giorgia Romano Gracie Renee’ Roope Kathleen Elizabeth Roskelly Anna Catherine Royal Megan Alexandra Sain Caroline Marie Salisbury Ascelyn Lake Sargent Katelyn Nicole Saunders Alden Thomas Schertz Jessica Haley Schmid Rachel Williams Seifert Nicholas Gabriel Siegel Anna Catharine Caroline Skeels Lauren Taylor Smith Leah Michelle Smith Grace Elizabeth Smithson Emily Jane Sonnenberg Rachel Hannah Stern Brooke Alexandra Stewart Phoebe Isabel Stones Alexis M. Stufflebean Nicole Stephanie Talic Madison Nicole Tallent Breah Sierra Taylor Hannah Elizabeth Thoman Mason A. Thomas Margaret Olivia Thrower David K. Tyson Isabella Julianna Verdicchio

Jasmine Elizabeth Villalobo Helen Claire Vonderhaar McKinsey Beaman Walter Mary Margaret Watson McKenzie Dawn Weekley Karter Paige Westhoff Andi Maryann Wheeler Samuel Powell Whiteheart Charles Ryan Williams Sydney Elizabeth Williamson Anna Marie Wilson Elizabeth Ann Wilson Grace Elizabeth Wilson Lily Ann Wimmer Abby Adeline Winkler Ally Miao Wolfington Aspen Lyn Wood Meghan Kennedy Wuesthoff Aoife Austin Yerby Natalie Paige Zimmerman Emily Christine Allen Connor Angelo Austin Rebecca Ava Bosch Bryan Alexander Bracy Anton Christian Camanguian Samantha B. Carter Anna Christine Ceelen Avishi Chaturvedi Taryn Siera Crawford Theodore Cornelius Cremmins Carson Gray Davis Hannah Jane Leona Dellinger Trisha Rae Donahue Jackson Dennis Dreier Sarah Madison Dye Brooke Elizabeth Edwards Devon Grace Feeley Jodi Lynn Gangwer Robert David Gruber Grace Elizabeth Heide Miles Nelson Hendrix Margaret Dale Hopkins Helena Jansen Figueras Casey Alexa Kruger Mary Short McLeod Sydney Brooke Morgan Brady Edward Mull Hope Logan Mullery Katelyn Madison Nardone Lucy I. Nestor-Dowling Evan Coleman Patti Genevieve L. Polen Caleb Duke Pollard Chase Douglas Poppe Simone Christine Provencher Alexandria Brooke Reaves Ariel Lenore Roche Nisha Srivastava Reese Nicole Staley Spencer Benjamin Teague Catherine Nicole Tinsley Tala L. Tinsley Cecilia Torres Madrigal Emily Carol Vega Jeanna M. Vorndran Grayson Clark Wray

Bachelor of Arts Savannah MaryAnn Baltes Ethan Michael Brown Sydnee Grace Burchette Sofia Rose Cortez Evan Kapel Douglass Kaitlyn Jessica Hodges Hanna Kaye Huber Kaitlin Rae Johnson Lily Ann Joyner Margaret Marie Kemmer Samuel Dalton McNeece Jakob Patrick Miller Ashley Nicole Mitlitsky Zoë Rose Nagel Arianna Helianthe Papadakis Nicholas John Pinkos Isabella Grace Pinson Caroline Cates Riggan Sunnie Aroura Riley Benjamin Nicholas Shaffer Elijah Kieran Tuck Jazmine Delilah Villanueva Jacqueline Brooke Aiello Gunter Brooks Andrews Sloane Margaret Freeman Samantha Lene Miyoko Freer Natalie Olivia Fusaro Leanne Grace Kearns Jessica Diane Todd Autumn R. Workman Religious Studies Bachelor of Arts Percy Eden Cody Aagon Ethan Robert Butler Daniel Wesley Collins Madeline Rose Cunningham Ryan Lon May Michael Hawken Kirchner Bobbi Jane Lawrence Chloie Catherine Thomas Kaitlyn Grace Whisnant Sociology Bachelor of Science Lia Elizabeth Blue Alexia Bojorquez Armenta Dantrevious Marshaun Cobb Madisson Melisa Escobar-C Madelyn Elizabeth Flowers Leah Simone Greenberg Kenna Lee Haney Faith Ann Henson Kati Elizabeth Ieni Jessica Alice Kreider Morgan B. Laverty Yelisa Leiva Natalie Pace Little Betty Maria Manaris Emily Grace Rea Macy Autumn Routh Cassidy Elizabeth Sawyer Cassie Nicole Walker

Jemiah Tanae Williams Jesse Daniel Balcerak Devin Thomas Collins Maija Lynn Coolidge Jillian Summer Dudley Ethan E. Edwards Skylar Brooke Little Olivia Anna Meunier Jenna Mackenzie Ward Bachelor of Arts Zackary Kenneth Belcher Shannon Idell Heath Victoria Ruth Honeycutt Gavrielle Jolie Jacobson Bailey Danielle McFee Danielle Christina Rinz Danielle Christina Rinz Haylee Kierstein Stanley

Walker College of Business Accounting Bachelor of Science Business Administration Alec James Alderson Ivy Lynn Ayling Hunter Wade Bass Noah James Bilodeau John Donald Brader Rosio Aylin Caballero Donaldson Banks Clark Travon Demont Clark Dylan Baxter Coltrane Matthew Evan Deal Jonathan Craig Fogle Cruz Jamie Guerrero-Morales Turner J. Ham James Michael Harner Philip K. Jewell Jenna Eileen Kucmierz Greyson Matthew Laspaluto Andrew Steven Marquard Jordan Michael Martin Meghan Michelle Mitchell Trevor Garrett Musgrave Delaney Michelle Parsons Jack David Reed Payton Elaine Leigh Reynolds Marshal Frye Roten Taylor Elizabeth Rumrill Kaitlyn Anne Setzer Delaney Buchanan Skeen Benjamin Walter Sokalski Mattie Lee Starnes Steven John Testa Martin Arthur Thomas Chase James Tweedy William Francis Vonderhaar Lucas Kendall Votaw Kayla Marie Walter Yujie Wang Jared Tyler Wydrzynski William Jordan Yount

Rachel Faith Blevins Virginia Stovall Bouzigard Conner Brynn Calhoun Cole Jackson Crawford Jacob Neil Glezen Cindy Lin Nicholas Lloyd McKinney Camden Harrison David McMillan Jared Cole Morgan Logan Pavlansky Holden Garrett Surratt Amy Madison Townsend Charles Heath Vogler

Computer Information Systems Bachelor of Science Business Administration Bryce Kenyon Allison Marshall Philip Bakken Robert Owen Barrows Samantha Marie Bickley John Harman Boitnotte Thomas Wheeler Buckingham Joshua Daniel Burgan Jeffrey Alan Cansler Joshua Erle Cegelski Dylan Marshall Coleman Dylan James Coley William G. Craver John Berkeley Deason Ethan Alonzo Dibble Grayson Taylor Dodson Samuel Crawford Duty John Anthony Enamorado-Moncada Pricilla Esquivel Monjarrez Zachary Caleb Fisher Coy Ellis Gause Logan Cyrille Grahn Bennett Michael Gungor Madison Olivia Haithcock John Burnett Haynie David Andres Hernandez Andrew Chase Holmes Bailey Elizabeth Holt Hunter Ryan Kinney Ryan Kuhl Cameron Curran Martel Ethan Paul Moore Kassie Grace O’Hara Tyler Scott Parris James Damian Peres-da-Silva Rachel Lynn Poe Cheyenne Noelle Reckart Mia Reece Gamal Said John Charles Terry Sams Robert Adam Schlaline Thomas Sokpon Sem Cole Takashi Shouse Kathleen Ellen Smith Charles Logan Starnes Ashlyn Kate Stoker Clark Dieges Taylor Quinn Roberson Teddy

16 Kyle Aaron Trebing Grayson James Vrba Michael Price Weunski Christian Sloan Willis Hunter Zheng Refugio Aguilar Nicholas Ryan Binaco Lawson Roger Brown Madison Leigh Canipe John Christopher Cathcart Rosa A. Dionicio Felix Dionicio-mariano Christian Dils Ellison Christopher M E Fjeld Samantha Ann Gough Nathan Andrew Hawkins Christopher Jeffery Katigan Nolan Preston Katowitz Cole Ernest Loveland Sylvia Del Cid Mahon Elijah Keith Mizell Zachary Scott Pollard Cayson Marshall Sellers Ryan Scott Teuscher

Economics Bachelor of Science Business Administration Ryan Alexander Kody Brice Carmody Charles Oliver Cini Ethan S. Fratcher Luke Barry Gorman Thomas Barnett Hale Adam Benjamin Houston Samuel Mettler Peterson Kurtis Mikal Poole Skyler Ray Porter Parker Stephen Reid Katarina Lee Sechrist Lauren McClellan Smith Caleb Reid Snyder Steven Ray Striplin Ian Gabriel White James Alan Womack Jacob Eli Price Bachelor of Arts Drake Remington Bogart Alexander Dunn Brown Juan Pablo Cedeno Lachlan Matthew James Antoni Nikolai Marvin Macy Paris Mcclellan Sean Francis Riordan Joseph Paul Coleman Andrew R. Moore Finance & Banking Bachelor of Science Business Administration Hannah Elizabeth Bagley Benjamin Lee Ballew Chance Stephen Baughman

May 3, 2023 Zachary Thomas Bell Jeremy Michael Bentley James Simon Bryant Owen Buettner Chandler Reed Coleman Aliya Nicole Conner John Faulkner Cornelius Noah C. Delucia Tanner Wilson Devane Lawson Harris Eldridge Adrienne Leigh Eller Jonathan Craig Fogle Ethan S. Fratcher Ian Douglas Glasgow Hunter Lewis Goodwin Christian Gregory Griffin Andrew Layton Hamilton Barrett Martin Hiskett Patricia May Jackson Vanessa Joyce Jenkins Oscar Lorenzo Joyner Charles Landon Kemble John Peter Knickerbocker Johnathan Henry Knoll Joseph Nicholas Lenaeus James Casey Litton Luis Angel Lopez-Bautista Zachary Quentin Lovette Madison Emily Lynch Molly Rose Meaney Rachel Fiona Motha Jackson Joseph Munday Nicholas Montague O’Shields Anna Nicole Osborne Jessica H. Phillips David Briggs Price Jackson David Priddy Charlotte Sterling Rice Preston David Roe Adam Robert Rose Frank Bernas Ruppert Malcolm Barrett Schwede Morgan James Scott Nicholas Bernard Sliz Brendan Alexander Sobol Spencer Thomas Stewart Daniel Alan Stillman Steven John Testa Michael duPont Thompson Dylan Anthony Tierney Judd Reid Van Staden Sharon Lynn Ware Ian Gabriel White Vincent DeAngelis Williams Hayden Lynn Wilson Shelby Michala Wilson Macie Christeen York Zachary John Borkowski Robert Hampton Buttrill Christian William Colasanti David Ryan Creech Joel Anthony Dillis Trey Dempsie Faw Matthew Nathanial Ferguson James Andrew Gore Alec C. Lawson

Nicholas David Lombard Matthew Adam Martin Zachary Crew Morris Christy Nichole Novajosky Vachel Lee Pennebaker Bernabe Piedra Yanez Jacob Eli Price Samuel Forrest Riggins Hans Ian Roemer Nicholas Derrick Ross Carmen Alexis Shore Ribhi Ali Treish Chase James Tweedy Hospitality & Tourism Management Bachelor of Science Business Administration Laura Alice Adams Sutton Caroline Bryan Olivia Rose Fitzgerald Nikalus Brian Gentry Ellen George Gracie Mckenna Hodgin Colton Harrison Kerchner Samantha Mari Koch Megan E. Marshall Madison Taylor Mascorro Katherine Anne Mercer Elizabeth G. Murphy Taylor Evelyn Starnes Skylar Ariel Strange Ashley Josephine Tollefsen Jacob Michael Banks Wayne Oliver Duggins Kaitlyn Josephine Farthing Haylee Carson Kirkman International Business Bachelor of Science Business Administration Daniel Edward Ashburner Aranzazu Davalos Alison Nowatkoski Isabella Mariah Warner Gabriel Braca Victoria Rose Bunstine Vicky Yin Chen Christopher E. Malone Richard Stephen Todd Management Bachelor of Science Business Administration Chris Ryan Adkins Evelia Campuzano Arteaga Tyler James Austin Kendall Paige Balton Allie Elizabeth Barker Morgan E. Barnes Thomas Leon Bass Andrew Reeves Hall Beals Gavin Robert Beaumont

Grey Richardson Bellenkes Payson Lee Black Tristan Neal Black Marquis Bodney William Andrew Boehling Nathaniel Scott Bondi Tess Goebel Brandenstein Chasen Kendrick Brintle Morgan Rosser Brisendine Haydn Stewart Brooks Logan Connor Brown Eva Jane Buhrman Antonio Saul Cabral Franco Javier Carrasco Barragan Caleb Dane Childers Jeffrey Hunter Clanton Mary Madison Clark Kade Elizabeth Compton Jerrica Elizabeth Crouch Grace-Anne Dangerfield Haley Grace Daniels Hunter Reid Deberardino Kristopher Brian Devinney Ana Blake Duncan Steven Andrew Durick Malia Tesfanesh Easler Zane Elliott Elder Dustin Edward Eldridge Clay Coleman Epperson Spencer Cole Everhart Mason Benjamin Fiscella Samuel Austin Foster David Ricardo Gonzalez Zachary Allen Green Kiersten Jamie Groth Cruz Jamie Guerrero-Morales Brendan D¿Andre Harrington William Wallace Harvey Matthew Henry Hedrick Danielle Sletor Hefler Gracie Mae Hester Anderson Cole Hinkle Sean Stephen Horton Julian Tyler Hunt Mcguire Stevenson Hunter Nathan Sean Huntley Katie Elizabeth Icard Charles Ford Johnson Michael Macmillan Jones Cienna Marie Joyce Robby Wayne Joyner Karoline Elise Keith Kirsten Danielle Kiser Paul Henry Krawczyk Alissa NancyJo Lake Tucker Robert Lee Sophia Marie Legare Chase Madison Lindamood Candice Brittany Locklear Haley Lashea McGuire Colby Russell McHargue Thomas Kale McIntosh Logan Thomas McNeely John Thaddeus Monroe Hannah Catherine Montoya Isabel Katherine Moore

Morrissey Isaac Muniz Lauren Cynthia Nuckols Richard Donald Orlicki Carlos Ruben Ortiz Nicholas Lathan Osterhoudt Kyle Justin Piatt Caitlin-Jaden Lilyann Ross Seif Sherif Said Jonathan Andrew Salas Katarina Lee Sechrist Alexander Nicholas Seeling Hannah Alexandria Seidell Gabriel Michael Simmons Danea Joelle Sizemore Lucas Daniel Smith Travis Earl Smith Charles Steven Smythers Omar Hesham Soliman Peyton Wesley Sowell Jacob Andrew Speaks Blake Evan St. Romain Watson Henry Tickle Joshua Paul Tippel Leah Grace Tucker Brysen John Vestal Grady Martin Wagner Aaron Joseph Walters Carlton James Ward Ian Michael Weatherly Robert Ray Willis Tyler Ray Morgan Wonoski Macoy Warren Wood Hailey D. Yancey Carson Kennedy Arnold Caitlyn Jean Belmonte Alexi Ranee Belus Gabriel Braca Sarah Lynn Busshart Graham Anton Cerwin Amelia Grace Christensen Alberto Carlos Daniel Tristan Dice Noah M. Dohle Mariah Chanel Frazier Teryn Emma Hampton Fisher Stevens Johnson Mary Margaret Jones Ian C. Kidder Feven Kifleyesus Haleigh Lynn Lawson Zachary Dean Lucas Carter Ellison Mann Sierra Marie McHan Trent William Mckee Samuel David Melhado Alexander Robert Orr Allie Maria Peterson Shane Riehl Alyssa J. Ross Leah M. Thornburg Faith K. Vang Sydney Laine West Jeremiah Drew Wike Jordan Dean Wiskow Lauren H. Yim

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May 3, 2023 Marketing Bachelor of Science Business Administration Colin H. Bross Lindsay Marie Aggar Nathaniel Gabriel Joel Allison Emma Grace Ayscue LeighAnne Noel Baldwin Zachary Alan Beaver Samuel Paul Beeman Lillian Madison Bellanca Savannah Aubrey Bizjack Anand Dabir Blum Macie Margaret Bodenheimer Lane Marie Bolen Abigail Jean Brannen Reily Patrick Burke Hunter Austin Burleson Zoe Elizabeth Cackowski Caroline Michelle Cason Rhett Daulton Chapman Kristen Delaney Cheek Mallory Arden Childress Payton Ryan Chipman J. Spencer Christopher Lynsey Raelyn Clark Jennifer Grace Connor Austin Gehron Crotts Victoria Madison Darner Zachary Ross De La Cruz Matthew Arthur Decker Sidney Parker Donavant Kaitlyn Olivia Dornauer William Holland Dowdy Alyssa Claire Drogan Ashley Mae Elam William James Evans Jake Anthony Everett Gianna Maria Figueroa Cassidy Aileen Fulcher Drake Wooten Funderburk Taylor Renee Gantt Isabella Frances Garay A’Lea Nicole Gilbert Finnegan Jared Glasscock Anna Camille Goebelbecker Andrea Alejandra Gonzalez Dan Reid Gregory Alyssa L. Hasty Kaleigh Elise Hellman Christian Lara Hernandez Madison Kathleen Hill Matthew Mark Hoglund Alyssa Marie Honeycutt Christopher Daniel Johnson Jessica Nicole Jones Emma Katherine Kemp Max Dunham Keverline Nicholas James Kilduff Kimberly G. King Uriel Lagunas-Mondragon Asher Dean Lattig Riley Alexander Lovelace Michael David Macko Justice M. Mapp

Tanner James Markland Tyson Augustus Marvin Marcus Anthony Matos Kathryn Paige Matthews Michael Thomas Maver Kedra Diane Grace McCall Liam Lynch McHale Ian Martin Mccaskill Andrew Hudson Medley Charlotte Victoria Mench Rachel Elizabeth Merrill Jacob Evan Miner Elizabeth Ann Minton Stella O. Mooy Andrew Warren Munday Blake Abigail Murphy Jesse Aaron Murphy Kyndal Gray Myers Grace Elizabeth Pagan Haven Mackenzie Parker Micah James Briscoe Patchin Ashley Elaine Pearson Evan J. Pendlum Andres Rafael Perez-Hernandez Craig Whitney Pergerson Reid Thomas Pettitt Luke William Phillips Carter Robert Pratt Grace Elizabeth Pruitt Joseph Francis Quigg Leslie Warren Ramsey Alexander Michael Reed Cameron Latham Reynolds Austin Nicholas Rich Cameron Tyler Roney Michael-Russell Adamian Salmi Ashleigh Marie Shelton Avery Jordan Short Bailey Elizabeth Shuping Michelle Tamara Sigmon Delaney Buchanan Skeen Timothy Nathan Sliney Ellie Anne Smith James M. Smith Carson Maxwell Sperber Haley Marie Starling Charles Logan Starnes Garrett Cole Staton Savannah Dawn Stewart Steven Russell Stum Sarah Grace S. Sweitzer Noah Scott Swing Nehara Kayleigh Travis Eleni Joanna Tsiatsios Victoria Haven Vincent Megan Elouise Waid Bailey Mason Watts Emory Samantha White Lauren Elizabeth White Finnian Michael Will Corey Neil Williams Alessandro Ardito Jacob Thomas Auten Cade E. Bettinger Chalyn Belle Bryant Victoria Rose Bunstine

Raelene F. Burke Patrick Daniel Dalton Reid Alexander Efthymiou Justice Connor Fowler Hayley Olivia Heilman Ian Michael Higgins Charles Horner Ian Thomas Lane Marc Austin Lawrence Cameron John McCole Nicole Catherine McKay Amelia Hope McKeaveney Kailee Alexis Mccabe Chapel Keaton Moss Madison Lake Oswald Nathan Wilson Peters Justin Wesley Pharr David Ford Philipp John Martin Polakovic Caroline Nicole Post Samuel Peter Rocci Dustyn Cade Rogers Rachel Caroline Setzer Cedar Ann Skeen Caleb Lee Smith Jacob Joseph Solomon Grace Mackenzie Spell Manley Keith Stovall Alexander Marshal Thomas Emily Rose Ann Wynne William Holt Yon Risk Management & Insurance Bachelor of Science Business Administration Ethan Blake Abrams Oliverio Anselmo Hannah Elizabeth Bagley James Simon Bryant Reece Sumner Callaway William Spencer Carleton-Smith Carolyn Elyse Coldiron Carson Bailey Edwards Andrew Thomas Freeman Tanner Chad Grail Matthieu Skye Gutierrez Jacob Lee Harvell Vanessa Joyce Jenkins Charles Landon Kemble Johnathan Henry Knoll Dakota Scott Lincoln Molly Rose Meaney Andrew James Miller Jonathan Cortez Millner Richard Donald Orlicki Daniel Jacob Ruholl Sienna Sage Sigmon Austin Gregory Smith Jackson Lee Stamey Allison Blake Suddreth Hannah Elise Teague Sharon Lynn Ware Isabella Mariah Warner Macie Christeen York Sara E. Zacharias

William Grey Danford Joshua Jeffrey Ford Boston Reece Moore Peyton Lea Orders Hans Ian Roemer Summer Precious Schloss Carmen Alexis Shore Supply Chain Management Bachelor of Science Business Administration Kasen Robert Agha Joshua Daniel Burgan Reily Patrick Burke Alex Michael Byrd Jeffrey Alan Cansler Charles Oliver Cini Glicerio Antonio Telan Clemente Corey Byrd Cone William J. Danker Matthew Arthur Decker Spencer Cole Everhart Jacob Franklin Faircloth Shannon Mary Fennessy James Robert Fryling Drake Wooten Funderburk Finnegan Jared Glasscock Zachary Allen Green Bryant T. Greene Mitchell Roberts Greene Bennett Michael Gungor Allison Riley Hinshaw Garrett Ludlow Hoyt Mason Chestnutt Hunter Uriel Lagunas-Mondragon Michael Shawn Lippincott Thomas Griffin Lowe Brandon Michael Lushene Rachel Elizabeth Merrill Casey Emma Miller Megan Elizabeth Miller Campbell Reid Nixon Alexander Owens Zoe Marie Panizza Katelyn Grace Patterson Zachary Kenneth Phillips Dorian Miguel Pickett Carter Robert Pratt Chance Stephen Reynolds Sarah Michelle Rhim Stacia Jade Roth Benjamin James Russell Timothy Nathan Sliney Kathleen Ellen Smith Garrett Cole Staton Gabriel Roth Szilagyi Adrian Jann Nichole Tate Joshua Paul Tippel Aaron Joseph Walters Vicky Yin Chen Trevor Thornton Farrell Demetrios Vasilios Panagiotopoulos Samuel Peter Rocci Kathryn Mary Smith Jordan Talor Snipes

Reich College of Education Career & Technical Education Bachelor of Science Sayyed Ahmed Afuwwan Zachary Thomas Brittain Hannah Rhyan Bruce Kimberly Elizabeth Colyer Debra Marie Foxx Cierra Renee Friend Caleb Reid Gilley Whitney Michelle Golding Brittany Nicole Greene Christie Eden Hewitt Cynthia Lou Huntsinger Ryan Kevin Keller Richard Michael Kellum Kayla Elaine Lynn Cheyenne Rose Mateyunas Gina Willette Ortiz Bridgett Nicole Peterson Santiago Ramirez-Escobar Bannah Brooke Rankin Thomas James Sladky Christina Paige Sports Jake Travis Stroud Jenna Marie Chapman Amanda Renee Foster Brittani Tanner Maney Donald Lee McCormick Stephanie Renia Reeves Child Development Bachelor of Science Isabella Swen Buchwald Ainsley Taylor Butler Lindsay Marie Cowley Emma Grace Day Lucy Rosales Dixon Breeanna Blake Eldridge Kassidy Ann Fair Veronica Fay Florido Horton Kayla Madison Frashier Katelin Nicole Garner Kalina Cook Hanowski Elizabeth Secreast Harvan Kaitlyn Ashleigh Helton Kerri Elisabeth Hughes Emily Christine Johnson Mary Catharine Jones Sha’Yeka Shannelle Jones Cindy Sheets Mckiddy Amanda Lee Rhyne Jillian Elizabeth Rokuskie Makayla Elizabeth Ruppe Sherry Lynn Shepherd Megan Alice Spickard Mayci Annette Springle Micah Elisabeth Turner Hannah Louise Wells Jacquelyn Marie Wilson Hannah N. Glover Brittany Christina Guerriero Jillian Morgan Hines

18 Kierra Morgan Lennert Grace Elizabeth McFadden Emily Grace Snelson Kaitlyn Grace Whisnant Elementary Education Bachelor of Science Emily Rachel Abramowitz Celia Holland Agee Madison Melissa Barnes Kaylee Raine Bass Lindsay Jenna Baumgarten Olivia Leighann Bruce Morgan Danielle Butler Christian A. Cabrera Sadie Taylor Cantrell Kayla Ruth Carson Katlyn Olivia Carswell Bridget Kelly Cleary Autumn Brooke Collins Kaitlyn Hannah Colucci Hanne Louise Cooke Anna Maria Curry Briana Nichole Davis Madison Synclair Dever Margaret Rachel Dillon Taylor Ann Doss Marley Drew Eller Olivia Sydney Emmert Sarah Lynn Essick Jenny Carolyn Eure Lindsey Elizabeth Faison Joanne Ferhadi Savannah McCree Fields Meagan Ann Finlay Erin Renee Fletcher Bailey Shae Flippen Madison Paige Frazier Amber Macayla Freeman Ashley Lynn Greene Emma Kate Greene Emily Elise Gulden Katelynn Olivia Guy Lydia Marie Guy Elizabeth Brooke Harris Peyton Gabrielle Harwell Sidney Elizabeth Helms Rebekah Lee Hembree Amy JoAnn Henry Sarah Elizabeth Hollins Heather Dawn Huie Sarah Laurine Huval Jessa Lee Jackson Anna Elizabeth Jessup Caroline Elizabeth Johnson Kristen Cheryl Jones Emily Belle Ketron Faith Lynn Killian Emma Grace King Aleia Hope Knight Payton Marie Kota Aidan Elizabeth Lacz Bailey Cassandra Lake Elizabeth Carol Lamm Emily Grace Lane

May 3, 2023 Kassidy Anell Lineberger Ashley Rose Longworth Kacie Lauren Mabe Shannon Rose McGlynn Emma Suzanne McKnight Jenna Marie Michels Maria Guadalupe Mora-Ponce Carli Lynn Nathan Melodi Asiana Pisces Norng Kaitlin Emily Novak Alexander Scott Olinger Ashton Blair Orvin Sydney Carlin Owens Victoria Gail Parsons Torrie Breanne Pegram Reagan Mclawhorne Radford Savannah Amberlyn Rivers Katherine Elizabeth Rubacky Jenna Louise Sager Alondra Estefania Salinas Raine Milagrosa Saunders Sarah Marie Schriefer Lauren Nicole Shaw Jackson Neville Sidebottom Aubrianna Rose Smithey Adison Taylor Spivey Avery Elizabeth Spoon Katherine Grace Sumrell Katelyn Elizabeth Talbott Sara Kaitlin Thomas Yeadon Margaret Tidwell Jonelle Syeda Trinity Gabriela Anne Upchurch Jennifer Vera Osornio Evangeline Bailey Wilhoit Callie Breann Willard Kenyon H. Wills Courtney Madelyn Wolfe Jillian Frances Wolstromer Samantha Grace Woods Emma Kathryn Wright Middle Grades Education Bachelor of Science Leigh Frances Bazemore Lauren Paige Carpenter Mary Grace Carpenter Britta Jacqueline Crist Natalie Rebecca Croxton Alison Bronwyn Durrence Jonathan Kyle Fariss Dylan Grey Holman Madeline Louise Huffman Sadie Carol Lapointe Maria Guadalupe Limon-Jimenez Christian Cortez Martin Alex William Nees Hadley Blair Pace Kate Michelle Pittman Nicole E. Riggs Hanna Elizabeth Roberson Emma Grace Seger Kayleigh Elizabeth West Holly Zimmerman

Special Education Bachelor of Science Erin Kelsey Barnette Ansley Conner Bennett Alexandria Paige Branan Alanna Kalene Davis Allison MacKenzie Fair Ireland E. Gattens Gretchyn Baylie Gragg Morgan Elizabeth Loftin Caroline Marie Meadows Jillian Kate Parrish Heidi Alycia Pigg Makenzie Marie Pucci Emily Jane Scheuerman Thomas Grant Spradley Claire Ashlyn Sterling Joseph E. Whisnant Jasmine Morgan Wiley

College of Fine & Applied Arts Advertising Bachelor of Science Benjamin Yates Savage Ashley Brooke Singleton Apparel Design & Merchandising Bachelor of Science Rebecca Ainsley Adams Sophie Canlan Fowler Taylor Nadine Houston Jo’Keah Olivia McLean Stella O. Mooy Sally Claire Newcomb Stephanie Juliana Orellana Sarah Isabelle Reynolds Anna Claire Willis Madison Paige Brown Emily E. Chandler Molly Elizabeth Mastromonaco Logan Flynn McNeely Ilyssa Jane Pachao Morgan Lefae Schodtler Dara Kellyn Yates Art & Visual Culture Bachelor of Arts Mary Elizabeth Anderson Carolyn Adriana Balda-Sherer Maisy Ellington Brown Reagan Finch Bullock Sarah Elizabeth Harris Fiona Alexander Hill Jensen Clay Kurki Addie Marie Magyar Charlotte Abigail Marcellus Haven Rebecca Meacham Tayler A. Odell Catherine Elizabeth Pickle

Emma Jane Sheets Rachel Marie Blanchard Crisol Campos Hana Lynn Chong Haley Rose Hayhurst Rachel Adeleigh Lowell Natalie Elizabeth Moorman Emily Catherine Smith Art Education (K-12) Bachelor of Fine Arts Evelyn Vanessa Arizmendi Virginia Ruth Cauble Anna Kate Cheek Delaney Paige England Katherine Ann Hall Eleanor Rose Hand-Thoennes Autumn Elizabeth Jackson Elizabeth Marie Jordan Taylor Marian Latham Mia Stafford Look Corinne Livingston Mullen Camryn Marie Olson Dana Louise Palmer Karli A. Pernell Amanda Christine Schulte Katie Ann Foreman Building Sciences Bachelor of Science Drew Grayson Allen Ethan B. Bodin Alexander Drew Britt Carson Roy Burt Aric Lionel Clinkscales Christopher Barrett Conner Julio Cesar Contreras William Casey Coughlin Anne-Marie Louise Crouch Logan Michael Cruce Justin Lamarr Dagenhart Jack William Eiswert Peyton Michelle Euliss Gunnar Michael Fry Ricky Jakob Gibson Aiden Michael Hager Clark James Harrington Charis Ediya Hatcher Hugo De La Cruz Hernandez Stephan Ross Jennes Elijah Reid Johnson Ethan David Jones Patrick Ryan Keirstead Jonathan Matthew Kenzel Blaine Thomas Kimrey Abigail Elizabeth Lee Tanner Christian Link Charles Ethan Littrell Jordan Thomas Mitchell Jessica Winter Money Jackson Lewis Moore Erik William Morrison William Ashton Moye Cole Anderson Myers Abimael Ocampo-Mondragon Lacodia Rene Reid-Jackson Denise Renteria- Velazquez

Joseph Dickson Richards Ashley Chyonne Robertson Aaron Douglas Rollans Charleston Storie Saylor Colin Ray Schmid Ian Matthew Slone Robert Leonard Tanzola Lindsay Nicole Todd Robert Andrew Toole Siler Jackson White Jonathan Michael Womack Kyle Patrick Young Jude Russell Arsenault Tevon Jered-cole Canady Heber Daniel Chavez-Ochoa Nolan Kidd Cochran Saidy Marisol Cruz Martinez Jonathan James Culpepper Jacob Alexander Fox Michael Benjamin Garner-Mcgraw Solomon James Gossett Kyle Mitchell Grube Kate Marcella Hankins Cody O’Ryan Herman Hunter Thomas Hewitt Noah Winslow Icard Griffin Pearce Jefferies Stephen Joseph Khamis Thomas Anthony Larison Caleb Keith Littleton Alejandro Lopez-Marecos Chaney Mills Lowe Elizabeth Nichole Lowe Ricky Joshua Marcos-Gonzalez Christopher Robert Mosher Bryce Odom Andrew Warren Petty Blakely Hall Pritchard Jeffrey Charles Blake Puckett Jonathan Wesley Randall Hayden Paul Ransbury John Finbarr Roberts Carson Bailey Smith Kincade G. Stalun Jonathan Patrick Strynar Max Patrick Strzadala Jack Michael Tinsley Julia Christine Veit Jacob Wayne Walker James C. Zody Clothing & Textiles Bachelor of Science Eddie R. Gist Communications, Electronic Media/Broadcasting Bachelor of Science Hadyn Elizabeth Autry Emily Kamryn Mary Bell Roberto Belman Cameron Davis Burnett Tomas Evans Delgado Joshua Alex Diamond Carolina L. Diaz Seth Rutledge Fay

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May 3, 2023 Emma Patricia Finerghty Eric Anthony Fisher James Edward Gallons Benjamin W. Gosey Joshua Matthew Hemphill Michael Owen Lillywhite Abraham Wise Long John Paul Luke Michael Randall Luther Jeffrey Steele Marcin Mackinnon James McDiarmid Carter Benjamin Metzger Natalie Rose Mitchell Elijah Williamson Moore Simon Alexander Nessen Yannia Krystal Nordelo Rylan James O’Connor Shannon Faith Pendleton Allison Reece Powell Braden Clay Roberts Zachary Ryan Rode Matthew Barrett Schweikert Christopher William Shutter Sydney Aaliyah Szymanski Elena Lucy Vegso Tomas Villalba-Portel John Crawford Wynn Patrick Lee Schwall Jaylen Michael Sturdivant Austin Riley Ward Commercial Photography Bachelor of Science Bryan M. Bull Samuel Warren Byrd Kaitlyn Olivia Dornauer Sierra Raye Dyer Briann Dominique Eccles Hiatt James Ellis Adrienne Grace Hall Steven Juarez Fabian Adrian Martin-Bryan Jenna Elizabeth Michalski Nikki Leigh Parker Lily Marie Richards Heather Nicole Stewart Reagan Lane Sykes Ann Margaret Taylor Landon Neil Webb Portia Marie West Riley Jane Milstead Communications, Public Relations Bachelor of Science Sydney Nichole Bell Julia Anna-kate Cox Spencer Douglas Cron Chase Edward Cross Chloe Nicole Doane Samantha Elanor Duggan Kelsey McClellan Dukes Ashley Nicole Ferguson Jessica Lauren Fleeter

Grace Caroline Gentlesk Rose Corin Gestwicki Mya Nicole Gittens Imajin N. Graham Kalan Shianne Guenther Emily Christine Halk Alexis Helen Handler Julia Louise Harrison Sophie Elizabeth Hensley Anna Elizabeth Jacobsen Myasia Iyana Jarrett Audra Gene Jones Astrid Nicole Lyndrup Mariya Abigail Matthews Tehan Elizabeth McMahon Avery Elizabeth Miller Cara Mackenzie Mulderrig Sydney Shea Nichols Madison Leigh Parkin Averi Leah Phipps Alexander Whitaker Pitcher Aris Rain Quijosa Breanna Noell Rock Isabella Irene Romeo Kaitlin Maria Rous Hattie Anne Russom Ali Renae Smith Rachael Love Tilley Cameron Blake Williams Catherine Elizabeth Clark Samantha Rosada Cole Christina Marie Dorman Chloe Ellen Hyder Lauren Bailey Pack Tiffany Dawn Postell Abby Elizabeth Simmons Marlee Elizabeth Zay Communication Studies Bachelor of Science Catherine Genette Adams Savannah Kaitlin Arehart Madison Margaret Ayres Matthew T. Bircher Abigail Jayne Booth Caroline-Grace Brantley Carolina Grace Brown Ethan Timothy Cline Dashaun Davis Emily Alise Dellinger Jared Dale Dodrill Seth Howard Drake Hannah Nicole Gwydir Nicholas Obrian Hampton Jourdan Christopher Heilig Emily Grace Hogan Kimberly Ann Huffman Jacquez Adon Johnson Hattie C. Lecka Derek Andre Leighton Nathaniel W. Masters Tasha Ann Moore Porsha Rosezell Norwood Kaitlyn Ramirez Virginia Kathryn Roth

Austin William Scott Tara Drew Scott Christopher Lee Smith Bravin David Troy Noelle Alexandra Tsintzos Samantha Grace Vanderford Haley E. Welch Peyton Audrey Wolf Christina Nicole Wright Harper Elise Bond Amelia Grace Dixon Austin James Edds Collin Avery Holder Jacob Ayrton Knuckles Marcus Magruder Shae Medeiros Rachel Britton Myers Eva Noelle Madison Watkins Troy Daniel Welty Communication, Advertising Bachelor of Science Elizabeth Whitfield Cannon Baesel Hilary M. Barr Arianna Juliette Carrero Madison Paige Christy Carli Grace Ciocco Benjamin Wynn Daniels Robert Alexander Durham Jordon Marquis Earle Casey Jade Enochs Korinne Patricia Fuller Grace Elizabeth Gaines Joshua Daniel Grant Clayton Alan Greene Blake Hardin Janely F. Hardin Marian Covington Holmes Jacob Tyler Humble Kara Michele Hunkele Mariah Ashley Janney-Tyree Samson O. Keach Nathan Michael Kennedy Mackinnley Eudora Ketcham Meredith Graham Levy Abigail Fleming Majors Macon Cole McIntyre Alexander Michael McKinley Hallie Rose Miller Matthew Thomas Mugno Emily Danielle Osborne Devyn Adelle Reilly Cole Augustus Shearin Savannah Ashley Smith Grace Caroline Taylor Kendall Terashima Lily Katrina Tunstall Cameron Whitaker Cameron Blake Williams Jennifer Baltazar Cerroblanco Claudia Grace Caldwell Clifton Marcus Harris Taylor Suzanne Lambeth Lauren Nicole Lawrence David Thor Peters

Nicole Elizabeth Rhyne Lanie Mckinzee Stewart Arthur Randall Sutton Amy Lora Sizemore Williams Kaitlyn Noelle Withers Dara Kellyn Yates William Hunter Yates Communication, Journalism Bachelor of Science Benjamin Joseph Brady Ethan Vance Bumgarner Alexis Elizabeth Carroll Caroline Rebecca Casbon Brionna Monet Dallara Daniel Sawyer Davidson Francisco Javier Delacruz-Hernandez Alayna Marie Fleagle Brynn Cara Fussell Benjamin W. Gosey William Abbott Hofmann Briggs Cooper Hudson Erin Faye Isley Caroline Grace Johnson Christopher James Merritt Matthew Davis Mix James Gregory Parker Madison Leigh Parkin Shannon Faith Pendleton Rachel Lee Rodgers Grace Elizabeth Smith Robert Murdock Sullivan Colin Robert Trinity Alexander Patterson Dodds Samuel Leigh Vanolinda Dance Studies Bachelor of Arts Audrey Marie Black Imajin N. Graham Charlotte Paige Nease Giovanna Monteiro Perazolo Taylor Morrison Pitts Madison Mcewen Welten Kobi Reid Davis Graphic Communications Management Bachelor of Science Eames Alana Maxwell Heather Renae Byron Jacob Carl Jones Riley John Meigs Jessica Lanae Terrell Dylan Aaron Connell Madelyn Rowan Davis Mattison Grace Felker McNeil Rebecca Johnston Rebecca Faith Hartung Ethan Scott Wright Jacob Carl Jones Riley John Meigs

Graphic Design Bachelor of Fine Arts Emanuel Arreaga Sofia Alejandra Baez-Robles Kaitlyn Maxine Bell Spencer Davidson Berling Julia P. Boyce Rachel Elizabeth Cameron Camdyn Michaela Davis Courtney Lynne Eash Isabel Tapscott McCauley Engel Christina Franklin Colton Joshua Hendrix Anna Rose Johnson Ellie Grace Lindsey Samantha Grace Luscher Colston Jay Lyons Madison Avery Miller Jensen Isabella Nesbit Kaylyn Love Ngo Nicholas Morrell Oerter Emilie Leonice Potje Ivan Rowland Michaela Virginia Sullivan Lydia Miro Treml Donovan Toshihiro Yoshida Sylvia Caron Zierz Blake Leigh Cunningham Industrial Design Bachelor of Science Olivia Danielle Bargoil Matthew Allan Carr Bailey McNeill Fort Stephany Gianny Garcia Henao Jacob Zachary Gillespie Armando Elias Guadarrama Huston Arthur Hamlin Lucette Rachael Johnson Margo J. Mackenzie Elaine Nicole Mansure Benjamin Jeffrey Martin Addison James Meink Pedro Alfonso Murcia Taylor Michelle Pitt Emma Alyse Reamer William Jacob Ritchey Zackary Andrew Roberts Nathan Daniel Rowe Sally Jane Ruckterstuhl River Jackson Smith Andrew Michael Sowards James Alexander Stone David Benjamin Wilkins Katelyn Michelle Williamson Roshni Arun William Alexander Brashear Amelia Claire Bullins Evan Ross Clarke Elliott Elisha Dubose Oliver Francis Dunkin Claire Brannan Fontanella Seth Domingo Hodges Adison Niemi Ian Wylie Smith

20 Interior Design Bachelor of Science Esmeralda Benitez-Ibarra Emily Janae Blackmon Kacey Nicole Burke Charlotte Rachel Davis Dana M. DeSilva Michelle Elaina Elezaj Makenzie Elizabeth Garbert Mia Katherine Gronemeyer Grace Emily Hodges Madeline Alexis Hord Emily Briann Johnson Libby Janielle Montgomery Brooke Katelyn Morgan Grace Isabell Neve Sydney Anne Oldham Lindsey Elizabeth Perkins Kathyrn Davis Phelps Hannah Grace Siler Lillian Rose Smoot Molly K. Terra Stephanie K. Underwood Rachel Elizabeth Walker Liza Jane Warner Leslie Kaitlin Webb Ashlyn Grace Wooten Caroline Aubrey Zundel Gracen Hayes Malpass Studio Art Bachelor of Fine Arts Lela Estelle Arruza Paul Monroe Barger Virginia Whitley Barnes Bethanie Lauren Blackburn Molly Katherine Clark Julie Ann Ferguson Rachel Ann Feutz Shania Herrera Logan Brianne-mae Keller Oniel I. Lopez Nicole Elise Montague Christian Taylor Roberts Lauren Nicole Rutledge Jelonnie C’ajai Smith Chloe Alexis VunCannon Alexis Maria Winterrowd Cooper Anthony Yanchulis Sustainable Development Bachelor of Science Aidan Alguire Lyra Elizabeth Aquino Chasen Michael Bradley Barber Gabrielle Elizabeth Bernstein Nathan Tony Blanton Cade Charles Bonebrake Jana Beth Bowman Samuel R. Branch R. J. Brooks Catherine Reeves Chapman Nona Ray Cullen

May 3, 2023 Ainsley Emerson Dickerson Audrey Rose Ditmore Nicholas Andrew Ellison Emma Claire Fox Sophie Christine Fox Adriana Gabriela Freedman-Scott Emily Elizabeth Gieszelmann Lauren Nicole Hawkins Hayden Grey Hill John Arthur Huntley Caleb Manning Hyman Paul Montgomery Jackson Mackenzie Nichols Loomis Kayla Ann Maier Camryn Elizabeth McCoy Patrick Miret Madison Elspeth Neisz Rustyn Olivia Orbison Tanner Hunniford Paul Isabel Noel Peterson Kiernan Alaric Presler-Marshall Lauren Marie Press Analynn Marie Riesberg Maggie Rose Rollins Jacob Samuel Shepard Stephen James Snyder Kaden M. Theisen Hayden Mckee Turner Stella Marie Van Every Mary Elizabeth Warren Peter J. Bimmel Kathryn Mackenzie Bridgers Chase Jackson Greenwood Malinda Ann Morris Rebekah Arabella Nielsen Rachel Jordan Sampey Sarah Hart Sandreuter Ariel Rose Shahar Bachelor of Arts Rachel Catherine Burress Nicholas Richard Gorman Haven Raine Kindle Kaitlyn Deirdre McCabe John Edward Poston Jayna Marie Welch Sustainable Technology Bachelor of Science Stephen A. Andrews Zachary Peter Angerson Logan Bryce Baldwin John Duncan Burns Dawson Robert Catherwood John Andrew Cotton Ryan Josiah Edrington Elijah James Fisher Adam John Galbraith Axel H Gil Jaime Ryan Dean Haneline Max Kenneth Hester-Newnam Grace Elizabeth Hornberger Douglas Curtis Johnston Liam T. Karches-Mead Patrick N. Laney

Cade Anthony Magnanini Darius Andre Marley Samuel Clapham Morrison Ole Christian Galaas Olsen Madelyn Elizabeth Pope Robert Beeland Rehder Joshua Garrett Reynolds Ellen Rose Riddle Connor Matthew Sigmund Jeremy L. Simons Elizabeth Gray Strickland Robert Andrew Toole Megan Grace Ward Grace Anne Waugh Thomas Scott Wilkinson Jonathan Riley Woodbury Trevor Brandon Beam Ian Joseph Byrnes Charles Simpson Cochrane Samuel Mallard Cooper Luke Andrew Hapeman Andre Corbett Maillard Daniel Alejandro Moya Theatre Art Bachelor of Arts Zachary Noah Baugher Ethan Michael Brown Brittney Gonzalez Savanna Victoria Hodge Nicholas C. Isley Savannah Leigh Jackson Natalie Faith Jones Isabel Nura Kaczmarek Mildred Jeremita Kilimanjaro Jordan Christopher Knudsen Kristen Marie Leidich Cali-Ann Sarah Lilly Hannah Aline Millette John Richard Clayton Paige Travis Aaron Pressley Elonie Sinclair Quick Meredith Ashley Shafer Amber Nicole Trivette Margaret Catherine Young Richard David Barker Joseph Addison Cockrell Lindsay Faith Nyman

Beaver College of Health Sciences Communication Sciences & Disorders Bachelor of Science Shannon Faith Adams Joshua Carson Alexander Catherine Anne Allen Mary Pierce Barnes Elisabeth Catherine Blake Lydia Campbell Breedlove Hannah Grace Campany Isabelle Grace Cole Anthony Cruz-Posada

Madison Paige D’Elia Carmen Brianne Davis Emily Baker Desso Madeline Elizabeth Duvall Haley Elizabeth Eggers Faith Ariel Faircloth Anna Rose Garvey Courtney Dawn Greene Claire Elizabeth Hawkins Preston Paisley Hilliard Michelle Dianna Isaacs Camryn Taylor Jones Katherine Rose Juel Audrey Rowland Kelly Reilly Catherine Kerr Jaclyn T. Levine Kelsie Michelle-armstrong Lewis Jessica Grace Luecke Katherine Elizabeth Lutz Bailey Mackenzie Marks Caeleigh Ann McGuire Leah Marie Nance Konner Mckenzie Napier Delaney Blair Orr Amber Brooke Parks Amy Plaxton Makaylia T. Ray Gabriella Elena Rini Jillian Leigh Schaller Taylor Elise Schlossman Brooke Kaitlyn Seavey Sarah Alyson Skergan Mary Grace Smith Rylee Jade Stevens Taylor Nicole Swain Lindsey Varkey Thomas Kalindi Ann Vaswani Jana Elizabeth Whicker Erin Rebecca Whitaker Mallory Lee-Anne Williams Niamh Catherine Winders Exercise Science Bachelor of Science Victoria Lianne Adamczyk Margaret Grace Adams Heather Elizabeth Andrews Kelly Marie Anglim Colby Alan Aponte Caroline Elizabeth Beaver Alexander Coltrane Bennett Luke Foster Blake James Sebastian Bonner Sidney Alana Breedlove Colton Earl Briand Chynna Ann Brintle Grace Marie Brown Michael Dale Brown Sarah Riley Brown Nicholas Aaron Bryant Jason Liem Bui Kaitlyn Elisabeth Bullard Ragan Henley Cadd Isabella Ann Campbell Caitlyn Claire Carter

Olivia Grace Carver-Ritter Caroline Alyse Cauthen Matthew Kenny Chambers Hunter Maria Clapham Ava N. Clapp Meghan Catherine Coats Lauryn Elizabeth Coffman Olivia Lauren Cohen Cassidy Brooke Coleman Savannah Lynne Collins Grace Abigail Cooley Makenzie Grace Corgan Thomas James Corlett Madison Aaliyah Craig Peyton Diane Creekmore Abigail Cristobal Salgado Jack Michael Csicsila Ashley Brooke Davis Adriana Crystal De La Riva Lindsey Anne Deaver Alyssa Maria Dibeneditto Catherine Elizabeth Difoggio Camryn Elizabeth Doub Abigail Mcbeth Dryden Isabella Victoria Duffy Kaitlin Elaine Duke Shane Matthew Earp Malayna Rose Eudy Logan Kacy Tobin Everette Mary Adelaide Farmer Abigail Lynne Farrell Joseph Edward Fields Kendal Nicole Fisher Jesus Alejandro Gonzalez Chavez Colin Edward Guentensberger Carlos Alberto Guerra Joseph Wyatt Guntis Joshua Robert Harris Josephine Dale Harwell Keenen Tyrone Hawkins Aydan Lynn Henderson Samuel Morris Henderson Jeriah Darnell Henry Alanis Herbst Gracie Dell Herndon Alice Jane Hibbard Katie Hill Madisyn Danielle Hopkins Aradhana Abigail Hopper Caleb William Howell Mattie Elizabeth Hoyle Caitlin Nicole Hrabec Kamesha Eashana Jackson Kathryn Keily Garvin Jenkins Eric Glenn Jennings Frances Lucile Jennings-Gilbert Megan Elizabeth Johnson David S. Jovel Harrison Paul Karlok Rhiannon Leilani Kimmer Matthew Grayson King Dara Elaine Kodack Mackenzie Leighton Kremer Elizabeth Scott Lanier Lindsey Blaire Laurer Alyssa Eve Lefler

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May 3, 2023 Abby Dean Leopard Parks Harrison Lewis Rachel Anamile Luna Sanchez Caroline O’Riley Luther Caroline Katherine Macri Pauline Mangold Joyce Naomi Marquez-Sanchez Mackenzie Shae Marrow Jason Nickolas Marshall Ronald M. McCall Leslie Ann McGee Catherine Elizabeth McGrath Francisco B. McKinley William Cameron McNeil Maddie Emma Mckinney John R Menscer William Owen Messer Jeremy Henry Meyer Ryan Prescott Mitchell Maya Kay Mitchiner-Senecal Juliza Montiel Claire Emma Mooney Conor G. Moore Erin Stewart Moorefield Matthew Stephen Morrison Valeria Moscoso Concha Spencer Scott Mourglea Mabeki Ntu Mvuendy Jade Rebecca Naisang Alayah Alexis Nguyen Hailey Ann Niccolai Madison Rea O’Brien Meghan Rose O’Mara Sara Elizabeth Oakman Noah Seth Oliver Easton Montaray Park Ragan Anne Parker Carter Nichols Payne Benjamin Dean Glenn Pennington Virginia Poggi Ema Rose Pozder Luke Prakke Jenna Paris Rabuck Brenda Ramirez-Flores Stephen Michael Reese Cydnee Danyelle Robbins Dylan Blake Roberts Ashton Paige Roess Joelle Cecelia Ryan Jazzmin Evett Salters Jessica Haley Schmid Rene Segura Gabrielle Brooke Shealy Nicholas Michael Sherman Eavan Corinne Smith James Hill Smith Kathryn Brooke Smith Morgan Paige Smith Sydney Nicole Sowa Jaden Patrick Srnovrsnik Brooke Alexandra Steeley Katie Elizabeth Stokes Zoe Kalena Storm Maya Catherine Sweeney Jonah Scott Tatum Natalie Maria Thulien

Jordan Bryant Tomberlin Olivia Grace Tucker Jaden Dionne Tuitt Caroline Grace Tull Hailey Yudith Vega Nancy Paola Villalpando Ira Benjamin Wagner Justin Lee Riley Wallace Elizabeth Anne Warren Mariah Mae Watson Christopher Bailey Weeks Bailey Madison Williams Benjamin Lee Williams Ebony Desiree’ Williams Hannah Riley Williams Jon’Nae Sincere Williams Jeremy James Matthew Wilson Christopher Michael Wing Maryssa Shae Wise Shelby Grace Zmiewsky Tyson Chandler Berg Emerson James Blanchard Lindsay Marie Brand James Patrick Brooks Raegen Elizabeth Brown Jamison Leigh Cochran Ashlyn Nicole Gillard Joshua Isaiah Hairston Austin Brian King Zoe Mackayla Kline Savannah Olivia Lester Meghan Leigh Martinez Macy Lea Moose Emily Elizabeth Munoz Taylor Lee Nguyen Daniel Logan Quaide Chloe Rose Simmons Kathryn Suzanne Sollom Mikayla Elizabeth Spriggs Briana Elizabeth Vestuti Austin Pait Willis Eric Lawrence Zingler Health & Physical Education Bachelor of Science Kellston Campbell Gantt Robert Chase Hagler Allie Rae Holder Zane Gray Johnson Lindsay Alyse Julien Andrew Lawrence Muse Kaleb Tanner Pennell Travis Pendleton Ray Brisa Esther Raya Ashley Fox Shook Dawson Dean Smith Jacob Tyler Walker Health Care Management Bachelor of Science Christopher Tyler Allen Tiffany Bentley Altschul McKenzie Lane Anderson Anna Denise Batchelor

Jake Correll Benfield Kelsey Victoria Call Madison Harris Clark Sophia Grace Cobb Ally Mckenna Day Emma Grace Foreman Andria Hope Frampton Diana Isabel Garcia Zoie Briana Grant Kaitlyn Natalie Gwaltney Benjamin Owen Hamilton Madelyn Brooke Hamrick Lyle Carlton Hiers Lily Irene Hornberger Hannah Holline Horton Adam Wade Hunt Taryn Annsley Jenkins Litzy Guadalupe Lule-Medrano Brandon Martinez Barry Dale Maynard Julia Marie Mihok Lindsey Faith Miller Amelia Helen Rhodes Kiley Gabrielle Riggs Nicole Russi Jake Carson Sheeler Haleigh Nicole Tarman Madison Diane Penelope Beard Grayson Christopher Blackburn Maggie Faith Cook Kristina Marie Hayes Brianna Linn Piosek Mercedes Rose Robinson Nursing Bachelor of Science Sidney Caroline Adcock Julia Sophie Al-Hussaini Madeleine Faye Allen Jordan E. Anderson Faith Elizabeth Bokeno Hannah Kathleen Bonisa Madison Rae Brickman Ryann Elizabeth Brinkman Sarah Grace Butts Pilar Yareli Carbajal-Cabrera Lexie Caroline Childs Ashley Sue Clark Sharon Elizabeth Donahue Anthony Odell Faw Emma Kathryn Gaines Madison Hillary German Michaela Elizabeth Haggarty Elisabeth Grace Hodges Peyton Elizabeth Hodges Katherine Ann Hoffman Catherine Clara-Rose Kramer Samantha Pauline Leclair Sierra Riley Lockamy Bernt Steffan Lysne Sarah Mace Abbigayle Margaret Mays Emma Taylor Mitchell Anna Marie Morton Taylor Renee Patulski

Emily Elizabeth Prebeck Erica Nicole Rea Elizabeth Naomi Rusche Kaitlyn Renee Ryen Jasmine Lisette Salazar Jackie Elaine Saulter Noel Grace Seversky Kristen Noelle Shull Marissa Renee Tocci Kathryn Knol Vandernoord Morgan Riley Washam Mary Katherine Wells Whitney Morgan Bokeno Rachel Caroline Bowman Sarah Helene Boyer Michaela Dawn Butler Shaina Leah Columbia Nicole Marie Costner Carolyn Matsuda DeFreitas Stephanie Marie Estevez Chandra Felice Hendrix Brittany Leigh Leonard Regina Loftiss Sarah Anne McPeters Lirije Mekuloviq Tyra Gabriell Mitchell Sarah Nicole Parks Zachary Allen Pipkin Abbie Karsen Rader Tracy Parrish Reeves Nicholas Alan Robinson Kristen Kay Roszell Maya Suzuki Francesann Mills Taylor Caroline Lea Turner Nutrition & Foods Bachelor of Science Daisy E. Alvarez-Lopez Kate Meacham Beard Olivia Rose Beaulieu Alexandria Riley Blazinic Ashley Elizabeth Blum Emily Elizabeth Bowles Sierra Michelle Brown Haley M. Combs Victoria Elizabeth Dehart Natalie Brennan Epps Michaela Janine Facello Lydia Ann Fisher Abby Jean Furr Carson Wright Goins Macy Lane Hamilton Mason Elizabeth Henry Allyson Marie Jaynes Katherine M. Leahy Sophia Nicole Loiacono Karsyn Daily Looper Stori Y. Marcus Karen Marquina-Vergara Sara Callie Matthews Ryan Austin Musgrave Alayah Alexis Nguyen Georgia Rae Oakley Sharon Burke Ormand

Abigail Vanessa Putnam Alexis Nikol Riccio Deannah Marie Rickerd Bailee Elizabeth Ridlon Megan Louise Seger Alyssa Madison Southern Samuel Christian Svetik Gunnar Kyle Taylor Christy Tran Henry Richard Westbrook Elyssa Danielle Wiggins Taylor Anne Wladyka Allison Connor Young Emily Marie Beauchamp Emma Katherine Bigalke Alexandria Jewel Horne Therese Marie Kafant Public Health Bachelor of Science Ashley Marie Angilello Jonathan Saul Apolinar Soriano Emilyann Compton Bates Daslyn Joelle Bozeman Mikayla Dianna Comer Abby Paige Cope Mary Olivia Cortez Maria Carissa Dove Aidan Christopher Estes Morgan MacKenna Flores Mary Lynn Gilland Alexis Kaylee Jordan Godwin Margaret Skabo Hanff Mariedel Jurian Ignacio Noell Elizabeth Jones Lydia Ann Lesuer Margaret Katherine Lloyd Molly Claire Messenheimer Katelyn Marie Payne Olivia Danielle Rice Celia Eleanor Richmond Julianna Paola Rodriguez-Cruz Audrey Delaney Smith Erin Grace Tobin Phoebe Lynn Warren Christopher Washington Wendy Lisa Wilt Kate M. Wood Mattie Augusta Wyant Anabel Alexis Zayas Sara-Ashlyn Marie Black Meredith Eliana Bordeaux Alexander Neilson Carelas Analie Rita Conforti Phoebe Barret Craft Emilee Meghann Duke Lucille Adrian Gould Alba Natalia Guzman Gonzalez Savannah Rose Hamrick Kayla Lynn Hancock Grace Fiona Kilmartin Jackson Eldon Link Megan E. McCloskey Cassie Lee Norfleet Mann Ketan Patel

22 Samantha Gale Simmons Sophia Rachel Tygh Mary Ann Watkins Camryn Reese Willson Recreation Management Bachelor of Science Gabrielle Alyssa Andux Justin Ryan Arrowood Robert Patrick Bailey Cameron Jason Baugher Tristan Nathaniel Bowen Mary H. Bowman Kathryn Marie Brennan Benjamin Anton Buhler Kameron Lewis Carver Miles Fisher DeBruyn Tucker Page Foster Salem A. Fowler Benjamin Murphy Gregg Tobias Philtrell Kanipe James Gordon King Leonard Matthew Miret Brayden Zane Myers Christopher Bradley Scott Parrow Nicholas Steven Passino Bennett C. Ragland Rachel Emily Sittler Jackson Hamilton Smallridge Grayson Hopkins Smith Parker Douglas Souder Joshua Rhett Steelman Reagan Michelle Tate William Christian Vance Christian Xavier Wells Oliver James Wilson-Cook Remy Page Abrams Ayscue Autumn Elizabeth Baucom Lucas Drake Billings Alana Lea Brim Wade Wilson Byrum Tyrese Jamir Carson Drew Clark Joshua Keith Cornett Samuel Elton Crockett Donovan Jerome Gregory Conner Bennette Grose Hanna Blankenship Houpe Max Henry Lewis Hannah Kathryn Long Emily Grace McKeel Joseph Theodore Morris Ethan Scott Richardson Dylan John Rogers Ava York Tharpe Elle Ingrid Wathan Valorie Elise Wheeler Joshua Alexander Williford Social Work Bachelor of Social Work Ashleigh Collins Allred Alexis Monroe Armstrong Sara Elizabeth Baker

May 3, 2023 Sophie Grace Brown Allison Catherine Calek Emma Grace Conley Lily Alexis Conley Amanda Michelle Davis Kerry Anne Eagleston Morgan Elizabeth Ellis Taylor Cheyenne Ferreira Brandy Leigh Fowler Andrea Francisco Audrey Rebecca Freer David Joseph French Antonina Garcia Galicia Alisha Marie Gallion Brookelyn Lanae Glass Carmen Victoria Gonzalez Mindy Sha Goss Brianna Hope Gracia Asja Maria Guerrero Shannon Mackenzie Hall Jullian Michael Harrison Grace Ann Hatch Sandra Elizeth Hernandez Skylar Leigh Hesla Abbey Elaine Holman Lauren Taylor Hooks Preslie Nicole Hyder Anna Logan Jones Sarah Ashlee Jordan Hope Nicolette Kalainikas Olivia Elizabeth Kyles Kaitlyn Elizabeth Larson Russell Henry Letourneau Anna Marjorie Martin Kayla Elizabeth Mason Emma Brooke McDaris Ariel Elisabeth McMasters Emma Katharine Mishler Christie Mullins Jessica Marie Nash Claire Ellen Oman Sandra Michel Pardo Unique Tebazil Perez Jarrett Catherine Pettigrew Daniel Elijah Pitts Alyssa Elaine Quinn Madison Marjorie Reynik Madison Ann Rogers Makenzie Gayle Setzer Skylar Elizabeth Shears Claire Elizabeth Smith Tana Adele Smith Abby Hooper Henderson Spiro Alexx Nichole Spry Montana Lynn Stanley Niamh Taylor Stephan Mariah Kay Taylor Sydney Taylor Triplett Mary Grace Whisenant Frances Renzie White Christy Emma Wilcox Gracie Elizabeth Woods Olivia Anne Wright Katelyn Emme Drulard

Hayes School of Music Music Education Bachelor of Music Meredith Ashley Bryan Julia L. Chandler Dallas Wayne Cobb Juliana Shae Cooke Nicholas Graham Coppenbarger Connor Laine Davis Dylan Austin Hickok Lindsay Rebekah Hinkle Amy Annette Hinson Daniel Vaughan Irwin Abigail Denise Lambert Kaleigh Brooke Odum Zachary Andrew Parton Shalyn Nichole Rosser Josephene Mae Sanders Sebastien Odin Silvers Music Industry Studies Bachelor of Science Jacoby Marcell Brown David Logan Childers Ryan Christopher D’Alessio Philip Miguel Daniels Jenna Danielle Larcara Declan James Leavitt Dustin Ryan McCall Jackson W. Owens Joshua Lee Parrott Caroline Kay Porter Immanuel Santiago Andrew Jacob Smith Tyrone Antoine Sykes Jamie Zurek Molly Beth Feldmann Waylen Gage Hardison Jacob Harris Kremer Grace Anne Lawton Music Performance Bachelor of Music Audrey Denise Boyles Robert Wallace Brown Michael Alexander Corts Nicholas Payne Harper Daniel Vaughan Irwin Jenna Rae Moynihan Jason Anthony Wise Music Therapy Bachelor of Music Julya Grace Dillard Emily G. Frye Arenda Simon Howard Olivia Martin Nicholas Andrew Paredes Aubrey Layne Pratt Lydia Grace Rudd Ann Marie Rutledge

Catherine Logan Shulby Sylvia Grace Smith Lauren Grace Tidwell Margaret Caroline Wilkins Emily Danielle Jones Alexandra Grey Kinateder Caroline Denise Smith Catharine Marie Yodis

Cratis School of Graduate Studies Master of Science in Accounting Karen Godfrey Harshman Lacy Alexandria Schmidt Chesnutt Sarah Elizabeth Alexander Cassidy Leigh Allen Katherine Anne Bucci John Tyler Burns Angelina Dorothy Coffey John Wesley Gibbs Caleb Allen Harless Delia Victoria Hatchell MaKayla Brianne Kanous Jonathan Hunter Keller Hunter James Kendrick Joshua Michael Liggett Hunter Lee Loftin Aidan Matthew Maloney Sloan Mckenzie Reid Maddisen Renee Robinson Andrew Caleb Sexton Amelia Marie Sisson Megan Ashleigh Temple Kirby Virginia Thornton Melia Paige Tinnin Justin David Vaughn Alexander Michael Voigt Noah Daniel Ward Carrie Paige Wilson Master of Arts in Appalachian Studies Krystal Brooke Carter Megan Elizabeth Hall Carly Grace Pugh Master of Science in Applied Data Analytics Dray Monroe Barrett Ryan Nicholas Absher Veronica Grace McCurdy Christie Elizabeth Montgomery Tessa Renee Phelps Rachel Nicole Walsh Master of Science in Athletic Training Madelynn Marie Alyea Chandler Kay Bartol Tori Ciera Cook Jeffrey Cruz Castillo William Eli Gass Adelyne Elizabeth McGinnis Jillian Rose Steinbrink Josue Alejandro Villegas-Silva

Master of Science in Biology Lila Lynnette Barrera Samuel Benjamin Brewer Ishani Chattopadhayay Morgan Rachel Gaglianese-Woody Henry Mccord Gates William Robert Hardin Abigail Shaw Hockett Mary Caitlin Massie William Gregg McMahan Andrew Tyler Milavec Bryce Guy Norvell Robert Sifa Onjiko Erik Fernando Rangel Silva Gloria Jean Rhoney Daisy Janelle Ryan Reese Marie Sloan Felix Valentine Stith Barbara Elizabeth Teague James Brandon Williams Bronson Richard Brown Breana Alexis Cook Jazlyn Sierra Pointer Anna-Maria Belyaeva Riley Rosemary Grace Ronca Brooke Leigh Stevens Madison Blue Suttman Madeline Elizabeth Wight Master of Business Administration David Huie Ashenfelter Hamilton Todd Castle Russell Sherwood Flowers William Stephen Formato Nicholas Alexander Goodson Daniel Ethan Gryder Joseph Scott Hamby Ryan Alexander Hastings Andrew Marc Jaffe James Donald Jernigan Savannah Elly Kamper Holli Ann Keener Braxton Davis Lee Tabatha Cadigan Loyd Eugenia Marie Morris Kaley Elizabeth Pearson Athena Nicole Pexton Janay Marie Sanders Kirsten Marie Seeley Benjamin Michael Snouse Friederike Stegen Hayley Rebecca Turner Logan George Anderson Taylor Jo Bott Bronson Richard Brown Veda Gopal Nicholas Fair Granowsky Christopher Stephen Keen Marissa Ann Mei Corbin James Moss Michael G. Mullen Arman Shahi Lucas Edward Vavricka

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May 3, 2023 Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Heath Counseling Ethan Lee Beaver Kelly Danielle Frick Kyla Anne Gladstone Toria Davenport Jenks Joyia Given Lanier Sarah Jane McCourt Katharine Lightfoot Mena Kristin Marie Mignogna Lena Claire Morison Anna-Claire Musick Rylee Lane Rosenthal Lacey Alexia Rutherford Macintyre William Shark Schauman Lindsay Gilley Sheek Jessica Aron Souza Michaela Leigh Wilson Jeany Hli Yang Master of Science in Computer Science Brady Joseph Adcock Joshua David Baldwin Quinn Aaron Corcoran Joseph Kyle Joyce Shane Austin McCann Austin James Motsinger Andrew Lawrence Pobrica Andrew Thomas Reeves Rhajon-malik Shim Thompson Derek Clark Wilson Alexander Penn Clarke Luke Terry Patterson Jacob Powers Villemagne Master of Arts in Curriculam Specialty Katlyn Scruggs Deaton Megan Janelle Smithson Hailey Lauren Hefti Lauren Trivett Hicks Melissa Brooks Jardina Lisa Combs Mcabee Courtney Dawn Thomas Mollie Marisa Westall Master of Arts in Educational Media Ashley Nicole Calloway Kacy Buchanan Fair Kevin Scott Heuer William Hudson Marrs Madison Ball Roberts Master of Science in Engineering Physics Matthew Frederick Allen Jacob Scott Barrow Samuel Joseph DeMay Joseph Paul Holmes Jerry Allen Jenks Gabriel Jose Paredes GraceAnna Taylor Portagallo Ethan Zachary Rosenbaum Cameron Joseph Welsh

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership Karen Leondria Anderson Christopher Alton Bottoms Jon Earl Fleisher Dramaine Lamont Freeman Dena Moyer Holman Rebecca Ann Howell Cynthia Caroline Rudd McKaughan Jennifer McLean Kimberly Michelle Miller Ashley Myers Morrison Erica Elizabeth Smith Timothy Scott Wilkinson Melinda Michelle Frank Master of Arts in English Zoe Dae Benfield Camaryn Analizabeth Crump Mackenzie Paul Doebler Brendan Cashill Doering Jessica Grace Gada Cassidy Torrey Queen Alyssa Marie Roberts Kennedy Alexander Sloop Brandon Lee Ward Daniel William Wartham Myfawny Sierra Ruiz Master of Science in Exercise Science Ashley Ann Beaudoin Polacek Brandon Scott Ellis Hope Elizabeth Gamwell Bailey Blaine Nicole Gray Berkley Anne Hall Levi Wyatt Hill MacKenzie Terese Kelleher Hannah R. Labarre Ceara A. Larson Breanna Kristene Locke Michael Reiskind Amy Rebecca Sheldon Benjamin Smolinsky Molly Elizabeth Stock Rachel E. Szeghy K Bryan Taylor Michael John Trgovac Javier Jesus Morales Dozal Alex N. Worley Master of Arts in Geography Matthew P. McGregor Erali Tracie Michelle Miller Sophia Crowley Ryan Taylin Julia Spurlock Matthew Luke Wertis Dalton Emily Akos Emma Marie Crider

Tabatha Cadigan Loyd Tania Lee Dongre Eric Michael William Fischer Dalton Scott Fletcher Timothy W. Gilbert Nancy Louise Havill Bethany Lynne McDermott Andrew Gregory Wear William Cornell Wright Master of Arts in Higher Education Caroline Larsen Bartholomew Amy Stephens Currle Zosephine James-Chaplin Huffines Irving Lamont Montgomery Hannah Lillie Bryant Zachary D Friesen Robert David Gay Aimee Rebekah Gordon Molly Elizabeth Joleen Gumbert April Harper Nakia Lavelle Hill Ryan Taylor Huff Amanda Stansberry Hull Heather Daivine Jones Sierra Sky Matteson DeeAnna Caudill Parker Christy Jane Ridgill Miranda Neaves Roark Makenzie Mull Saenger Jeremy Mark Shearer Hailey Brooke Stafford Megan Veronica Triplett Andrew Travis Wedlock Education Specialist in Higher Education David Edward Clingenpeel Jasmine Deon Coleman Marissa Janeen Cominotti Tyler Michael Cook Kevin Alexis Delgado-Valentin Jessica Lee Dunlow Kathryn Lynne Easter Chantal Eloise Fleming Amy Marlene Hayes Jahtoya Sylvia Means Yolanda Vance Perkins Kevin Louis Plate Cassandra McNeil Sanders

Master of Arts in History Matthew McGrath Abbott Adelia Catarina Daly Kristin Diane Grau Nicholas Anthony Scott Hoffman Catherine Powell Keith Master of Health Administration Whitney Brooke Sprinkle Dana Campbell Bell Pofue Yang Michaela Patterson Catlett Jeffrey Anderson Readman Makeda Calvina Harris Balaam Edward Sherrod Katie Antoszyk Heschel Inga Hawfield Kish

Master of Arts in IndustrialOrganizational Psychology in Human Resource Management Taylor Jo Bott Cori Elise Ferguson Megan Taylor Hineline Braxton Davis Lee Amanda Grace Lillie Elizabeth Kelleher McCarthy Dalton G. Powers Daphne Victoria Slusher Ava Marie Young Veda Gopal Nicholas Fair Granowsky Marissa Ann Mei Lucas Edward Vavricka Master of Library Science Anna Catherine Alexander Meghan Davenport Anderson Morgan Lee Baxter Ashley Nicole Calloway Heather Johnson Chenevey LaVania Yvette Edwards Arai Mitchell Greenwell-Mcansh Marlena Marie Hambacher Jamie Lyn Iglesias Brenda Elaine Austin Murphy Brandy Michelle Parker Carly Grace Pugh Christiana Nicole Sevits Catherine Ann Stack Kelsey Renae Whitten Melissa Cox Murphy Madison Laraine Prevatte Gabrielle Amour Wilson Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy Larke Alexandria Blanton Laura Katherine Butler Sydney Kay Dowdy Kelley Hamilton Flynn Laura Michelle Foley Lindsey Alyson Doles Gonzalez Octavia Saari Henry Sydney Brooke Ingle Lauren Coleman King Karen Naseem Mehri Sage A. Miller Master of Arts in Mathematics Nicholas Jordan Beitzell Nicolas Peter Garzone David Andrew Marhao David Cole Payne Madeline June Chang Travis Nathan Taylor Master of Music Therapy Michael Joseph Hudson Jennifer Ann Kyber Renee Shi Ling Yong Kelly Danielle Frick Lena Claire Morison

Master of Science in Nursing Sara Eve Baker Master of Science in Nutrition Danielle Holly Adams Ashley Rose Aguilar Susanna Joy Cantrell Alphonso Eric Degraffenreid Courtney Stillson Disposti Amber Nichole Dozier Anna Marie Duke Emily Lynn Erasmus Benjamin John Estorge Cailey Miranda Estridge Jonathan Franklin Farrior Gina Gauthier Sharon Lee Huggins Abraya Heidi Johnson Natasha Rhea Johnson-Griffin Alexandra Lauren Krause Madison Taylor Manning Devin Leith Merritt Sidneigh Elizabeth O’Leary Patrick William Peele Daniela Alissa Potts Analee Jean Reed Anne Remington Richardson Tonisha Smith Micah Teague Aubrey Denise Womack Faith Musick Wright Katherine Lea Cress Amy Grace Laster Master of Music in Performance Roland Anthony Anderson Samad Ismaeel Ansari Rebecca Marie Dulaney Kaitlyn Elizabeth Look Christopher Jordan Mayhew Hayley Rebecca Turner Casey Glenn Wood Master of Arts in Political Science Samuel Jasper Hodges River Cordel Collins Matthew David Kenter Master of Arts in Professional School Counseling Jessica Fiona Cave Alison Katelin Esparza Angela Grayce Goins Katherine Nelle Hooks Katelyn Brooke Houser Courtney Lynn Sudderth Morgan Ann Nealy Ayden James Tackett Austin Jeffrey Venrick

24 Master of Arts in Psychology Kelly Marie Davis Brittany Michelle Foster Kimberly Ann Holt Maggie Witherspoon Johnson Shayla Rene Moniz Elizabeth Susanne Pearce Skyler Diane Prowten Shraddha Selani Emma Micaela Walker Kimberlin Laine Walton Angela Rose Napoli Emily Elaine Walker Master of Public Administration Benjamin Mcknight Carter Laney Mercer Crumbley Nicholas James Farmerie Andrew Grayson Finley Dylan S. Haman Paxton Caroline Hayes Neal Castle Winebarger James Dylan Blankley Master of Arts in Reading Education Brooklyn Michele Bauguess Caitlin McNeely Collins Erin Elizabeth Holtzapple Victoria Elizabeth Howle Verity Grace Kelley Taylor Alyse Kuehl Lydia Grace Newnum Olivia Milena Pepin Randi Lynn Krista Pinkerton Cori Isabelle Richardson Carrie Marie Semke Gracie Mae Small Brianna Katelyn Taylor Master of Arts in Romance Languages Pascale Bouchard Jasmine Nicole Garcia Gabrielle A. Monbeck Elisabeth Alston Wilkerson Master of School Administration Leslie Brooke Barbour Buchanan Godwin Kamalanduako Zayobi Kelly Meredith Bradford Ryan Graham Britt Chasity Patrice Clark Nathan Lee Fredericks Wesley Van Grant Sarah Marie Gray Amber Wrench Hall Erin Elizabeth Steed Leach Jamie Lynn Minton Melyssa Danielle Pickett Tammy L. Putnam Anna Frances Russell Jeffrey Lucas Smith Anna-Marie Stines Rebecca Marian Wray Dylan Marie Zunino

May 3, 2023 Master of Arts in School Psychology Casey Josephine Gough Sarah Hannah Grace Hamilton Hannah Marie King Claire Olivia McAlister Natalie Grace Moyer Sarah Elizabeth Rojas Rachel Morgan Sockman Abryanna Evancia Vidot Brielle Dolores Winner

Lila Rebecca Sheon Stith Reagan Jeanna Sydes Domenica Christine Terinoni Dillon Chandler Thomas Karley M. Thornton Lina Melissa Walker Justin James Wiet Lucy Pierce Wilson Rebekah Paige Blalock Lisette Angela Jimenez Kathryn Abbigayle Warner

Master of Social Work Kiersten Cherelle Abernathy Stephanie Albanil-Rangel James Tyler Alexander Katherine Reeve Allen Mary Abigail Ammons Benjamin Ellis Blackwell Lauren Elizabeth Busic Adam Webster Campbell Hannah Lynne Canter Josselyn Marie Cedillo Erica Lee Cheek Victoria Roche Choplin Abigail Blair Citty Sarah Marie Cline Ashley Nicole Clontz Ashtyn Leigh Aman Cole Kaley Madison Coltrain Spencer Grace Daniels Kaylyn Jade Dollar Katelyn Doris Dorn Brittany Nicole Fowler Abagail Nicole Fuhrman Morgan Monique Gibbard Hannah Danielle Grant Allie Brook Graves Randall Forehand Harrell Crystal Dawn Hayes Ginni Lynne Hefner Amy Jo Holchin Peyton Jeffery Jones Whitney Marie Key Elizabeth Lauren Kurtz Meagan Rose McGinnis Mary Adair Melton KeSean Legrant Mobley Adriana Alexia Mot Margaret Ann Nichols Tessa Jolene Orozco Patricia McKenna Passmore Emily Jordan Pitman Brandy-Paula Michelle Pjanic Sarah Holloway Poole Jessie Paige Preston Kaitlyn Marie Reda RoseAnna Michelle Roberts Aruna I. Ross Madison Moncrief Schaffer Kaitlyn Maire Sessoms Emily Madison Sharpe Madison Jean Shepherd Sarah McKenzie Spencer Myles Martin Stacey Hannah Dawn Stark

Master of Arts in Special Education Alexis Marie Barber Bailey Renae Claypool Katherine Elizabeth Clifford Gray Isabelle Frost Cohen Kathryn Danielle Edwards Rachel Olivia Estes Emma Sofia Everson Maggie Leann Gilmore Shelby Lynne Hickey Reagan Karlyn Hiers Bevin Yesenia Hunter Abigail Jean James Hannah Massey Megan Elizabeth McMahon Virginia Maddux Miller

Michala Anne Penninger Hannah Nicole Smith Severt Kate Rose Smith Carleen Nicole Thompson Sarah Ragan Watson Riley Jade Wheat Kathryn Tomoe Holton Kylie Jo Howell Margaret Elizabeth Kunik Grace Hongan Le Master of Science in SpeechLanguage Pathology Emily Payton Barlowe Anna Kathryn Burleson Amanda Michelle Davis Reed Elizabeth Dixon Jennifer Leigh Elrod Shaylan Brooke Ferrell Leighton Jennings Higgins Emily Anne Hymes Nathaniel J. Jackson Daniel Glen Pittman Hannah Elizabeth Porter Abigail Frances Priest Abigail Grace Reeves Kayla Dawn Reichard Molly Elizabeth Reinking

Raegan Grace Rutledge Riley Marie Thomas Anna Grace Wagoner Master of Arts in Student Affais Administration Zackery Edmond Beasley Courtney E. Blackstock Nicholas Howard Davison Emmily R. Eccles Leigh Anne Lessard Katelyn Marie Neeley Cassandra Paige Pennebaker Jordan Lynn Smith Alexis Marie Snoke Dalton Tyler Stroup Cameron Nicole Thompson Master of Science in Technology Porter Samuel Dalton Sarah A. Gummo Nicholas Steven Roberts

May 3, 2023

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May 3, 2023

Come for the fun.

Leave

Inspired.

Folks come to Grandfather Mountain for all sorts of reasons — to get close to nature or simply get away from it all. But after a day on the mountain, and in the new interactive Wilson Center For Nature Discovery, everyone leaves inspired.

g r a n d fa t h e r. co m NEW

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GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN ®

Wonders Never Cease

Wilson Center for Nature Discovery NOW OPEN

Grandfather Mountain | The Appalachian | Full page | 10.25w x 10.5h | Due 2/15/23 | Get away Get Inspired

2/24/23 1:51 PM

ARTS & CULTURE

May 3, 2023

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Graduating RA makes mountains of change at App State Amena Matcheswala | Reporter Many freshmen and others living on campus know the familiar feeling of residence hall events: making stress balls with strangers, participating in ice breakers just to forget people’s names moments later and the awkward silence of elevator rides. Summit Hall’s 10th floor can’t relate.

Instead, they spend their time at events tasting strange sodas, building puzzles and catching up with each other in a tight-knit group of floormates, all thanks to the work of senior psychology major and resident assistant Keyona Anthony.

Anthony is spending her last year as an undergraduate at App State giving those on her floor the experience she wished she had, which is what inspired her to become a resident assistant, Anthony said.

She said she feels like “college is so hard for so many different people for many different reasons,” and to her, it’s important students have the resource of a resident assistant to provide “that close connection to reach out to and talk about your problems.”

Anthony recalled the closeness she felt with her freshman year RA, someone she said was a great resource for her. She said the pair are still friends to this day.

Similarly, Anthony herself said she made similar connections with the residents on her floor, some of whom she would never have connected with otherwise.

“It’s so much easier because we’re on the same floor and everyone cares about everyone, everyone wants everyone to succeed, and I think that’s a great thing,” Anthony said.

She and her residents, who are mostly sophomores, spend a lot of their time studying together, as she shares classes with many of them, Anthony said. They spend time chatting and connecting on a more personal level than she felt she

Keyona Anthony, a senior psychology major, and RA for Summit Hall, poses by her dorm room on the 10th floor. Photo by Maggie Busch.

could with resident assistants in her past.

One of the reasons for that connection is Anthony’s approach to hall-wide events.

“I want to be there for them and have fun events, talk to them and get to know who they are,” Anthony said. “And I’ve gotten to do that, and it’s been awesome.”

One of these events was a Sip ‘n Solve, where Anthony set out jigsaw puzzles and crosswords for residents to solve while tasting strange flavors of soda, such as watermelon flavored Mountain Dew. “Obviously, we didn’t finish them because there are 500 pieces and I just left them out, like they were just out, so other residents came and finished them and now we have finished puzzles,” Anthony said. “I thought that was really cool.”

The list of events that drew out her residents more than usual doesn’t end there. Anthony said one of her favorite moments as an

RA was Cupcake Catchup, where residents could grab a cupcake and speak to other residents on their floor.

“I had 22 people show up. That was very shocking,” Anthony said.

“And it made me happy because there was so many different conversations going on with people that normally didn’t talk to each other.”

Anthony has also been present in other ways, making more personal connections with residents, such as the time she spent bonding with junior social studies education major and resident Elliot Sheehan over spring break. The pair stayed on campus and used their time on an otherwise vacant campus to go grocery shopping and to Bojangles together.

“Keyona is both disciplined and fun. She can be serious when she needs to, but also welcoming and enthusiastic,” Sheehan said.

In addition to her responsibilities

as an RA, Anthony balances roles with various other App State organizations, including APPS, Campus Dining Advisory Board, Honors Vanguard and more.

Anthony said her role and achievements with APPS are her proudest accomplishments among her extracurricular activities. As vice president of administration, Anthony said she implemented an internal newsletter to follow through on an overlooked section of the organization’s constitution, resulting in greater communication and cohesion between the six councils within APPS. Senior electronic media and broadcasting major Emma Finerghty met Anthony during the pair’s shared time at APPS. For Finerghty, it’s hard to pin down a favorite memory with Anthony, someone who she finds to be a hard worker who puts her best foot forward at every turn.

“Keyona is one of the kindest

and most honest people I know,” Finerghty said.

Anthony’s accomplishments were recognized with a Black and Gold Leadership Award from Club Council, which recognized her as the 2022-23 Unsung Champion.

After graduation, Anthony hopes to go to physician assistant’s school after a two-year gap, during which she will be placed at a clinic in North Carolina for a medical fellowship.

The thing she said she will miss most about App State is the connections she made with others, as well as the routine presented by class schedules that feels weird to get out of.

“I think despite the challenges or issues you may go through, the dorm experience is like no other and the time goes by so fast and the community you have when you’re a freshman is so important,” Anthony said.

28 ARTS & CULTURE

May 3, 2023

First four-year grads to minor in ASL Kaitlyn Potochnik | Reporter

it’s about being a part of the community just searching through classes and it came up. I was like, ‘oh, this is pretty cool.’ And and knowing people who are deaf,” With over 100 known minors offered then I was like wait, ‘nobody really knows senior Olivia Gnall said. “You could be at App State, it can be hard to notice when something new comes along. Four a CODA, child of deaf adults, or friends about this.’”

Roope grew up with a learning with them. But putting yourself into those years ago, a new minor was introduced: atmospheres is really important to learn disability which rendered her nonverbal American Sign Language. for the first four years of her life. better.”

The senior graduating class of “I had to rely on ASL with my family Gnall said she wished the deaf culture 2023 will have been the first four-year and I remembered very few things from graduates to have been offered this minor class was offered in-person, rather than it since I was so young,” said Roope. “But just online. The class consisted of a lot since their freshman year.

I knew that like, hey, if I could go back of group work that made it difficult to “I’ve always been really passionate and give back to the community that gave accomplish in an online setting, Gnall about ASL and when I found out that so much to me, like at the facility I was at said.

App State, which was my top choice of Because the deaf culture class is taught to learn ASL and communicate with my school, was offering that program the by a deaf professor and requires no ASL parents, I want to do it. It just hits close first year I was starting, it just made me even more excited to start coming to App prerequisite classes, the online-only setting to home.”

There’s a high demand for ASL allows for an equal opportunity learning State,” said Grace Runza, a senior with experience for those who may not know classes. However, there are only three an ASL minor. professors teaching in the program. Each Along with taking ASL I-IV in order to any ASL. “I do think that they could have done a of these professors are either deaf or learn the language, students participating little better job, like, promoting the classes hard of hearing and teach their classes in this minor are required to take an approved elective course and a course on and promoting the minor because I had to find out myself,” said senior Gracie deaf culture.

Roope. “Nobody told me about it. I was “It’s not just learning the language, Gracie Roope shows one of her favorite words to sign: sunshine. Photo by Ashton Woodruff.

“I’ve had such a positive experience nonverbally, according to Runza. with these classes and having the ASL Runza said her favorite part of minor, which is shocking because I feel the ASL classes was how none of her professors taught verbally. She said she like I always have negative experiences with classes,” Roope said. “But Greta has doesn’t think she would have learned as much if they were allowed to talk in done such an amazing job to make the class so welcoming and I really appreciate class. that.”

“You really get the full immersion Runza thought that either hiring a experience not only with learning new professor or offering another section signs, but also getting the deaf culture of some of the classes would help allow experience from someone who is not only culturally deaf but is deaf or hard more students to become integrated into the minor and allow some more one-onof hearing,” Runza said.

Having only three professors teaching one time with the professors.

Roope said taking this minor has really ASL courses means larger class sizes and helped her develop a “new perspective less one-on-one time for students. of the language.” She plans to use her Despite the challenges, Roope said newfound knowledge to “help people her ASL professor, Greta KniggaDaugherty, put in the effort to make sure in the deaf community as a hearing her students understood what was being person.” taught.

ARTS & CULTURE

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Colin’s Cooking Corner:

Chicken Fontina Colin Bross | Director of Marketing It’s about 2:30 p.m. You’re standing in the entrance of your favorite grocery store, wondering why you agreed to host a dinner party at your apartment. Cooking for yourself is hard, let alone cooking for a group of people. Don’t panic, this recipe is perfect for making a dish that looks sophisticated, tastes delicious and is easy to make. Sharpen your knives, clear some counter space and let’s cook.

Ingredients Approximate cooking time: 35 minutes Servings: 4 • 2 chicken breasts • ⅓ bundle of asparagus • 1 block fontina cheese (usually in the specialty cheese section of most grocery stores)

• • • • • • •

1 cup of flour (for coating the chicken) ½ cup of flour (for thickening sauce) Salt, to taste Ground pepper, to taste 1 cup Marsala cooking wine ½ cup of olive oil 2 tablespoons of butter

The prep work:

Time to cook:

First, slice your chicken breasts in half and set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, add flour and a pinch of salt and pepper, forming your flour mixture.

Place to the side.

Then, slice fontina cheese into thin slices. Two to three slices per chicken breast will work.

Lastly, snap the tips of the asparagus from the bottom, then cut in half horizontally. Bring a small pot of water to a low boil, then, boil and cover the asparagus for two minutes and set aside.

Preheat the oven to 350 F.

Place sliced chicken breast into the flour mixture. Make sure both sides are fully coated.

In a large skillet, completely cover the bottom of the pan with oil and turn the heat to medium high. Allow the oil to heat before placing the chicken breasts into the pan. Let the chicken cook on both sides for approximately three minutes, or until a golden brown crust begins to develop. Once the chicken develops the crust, place on an aluminum foil covered baking sheet.

For the sauce: Following the removal of the cooked chicken breasts, turn down the heat on the skillet. Add butter, marsala cooking wine and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the sauce. If a thicker sauce is desired, gradually add in leftover flour and stir into the simmering mixture until combined.

Once the above steps have been completed, place the blanched asparagus on top of the chicken breasts. Then, lay the thinly sliced fontina cheese on top of the asparagus.

Drizzle the sauce from the pan over each chicken breast.

Tip: When placing the ingredients in the sheet tray, try to balance the ingredients so that when the cheese melts, it will secure asparagus to the chicken breasts when baking.

Place the chicken in the now preheated oven.

After 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meat thermometer says the thickest part of each chicken breast is at 165 F internal, remove from the oven.

Let it sit for three to five minutes before plating.

Enjoy.

Service & what to pair:

As Boone approaches warmer temperatures, Chicken Fontina can be a staple for warm weather dinner parties. If serving during warmer months, consider making a caprese salad for a light springtime meal. For step by step instructions on how to make the perfect caprese salad, check out Lily Kincaid’s “Recipe Corner: Drivin’ me caprese” on theappalachianonline.com.

Wanderings, hopefulness and survival techniques:

Summer reads for the new post-grad

Gabrielle Troutman | Managing Editor Whether you are in need of something to help you through all the post-grad emotions or just looking for a summer reading list, these books feature aimless wanderings, purposeful journeys, powerful relationships and even a cookbook full of accessible tips and tricks all meant to help you along the incoming transitional, sunny season.

“Educated” by Tara Westover Westover’s memoir details her life as a child in a survivalist Mormon family before she left to pursue education.

Her memoir speaks to how education helped her expand her worldview.

“Cook This Book: Techniques That Teach and Recipes to Repeat” by Molly Baz This cookbook is full of cooking tips, techniques to increase your comfortability in the kitchen and several easy to complex recipes for your new stage of life. A helpful inclusion are the QR codes within that link to a video of Baz teaching where there might be confusion.

“Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie The story tells of Ifemelu, a young Nigerian, her relationships, her immigration to the U.S. and, most importantly, her ponderings and activism in America. She does this through her anonymous blog postings as she grapples with returning home to Nigeria and the resurgence of her relationship with her longtime love Obinze.

“The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times” by Jane Goodall Though not discussing the potentially trying times of leaving college or wilderness survival tips, Goodall covers the topic of hope when current headlines make it difficult to find.

Graphic by Rian Hughes

Read more online:

30 ARTS & CULTURE

A Mountaineer mixtape Brionna Dallara | Associate Arts & Culture Editor

As App State 2023 graduates prepare to walk the stage, let’s pause and take a detour down memory lane.

Follow along to a mixtape compiled of songs tied to seniors’ favorite mountaineer moments.

Before you plug in your headphones and get lost in the imagery of these stories, I want to provide a little history about the art of the mixtape. According to an article published on hiphopmakers, the original mixtape was a “compilation of songs from different genres and music artists recorded onto cassette tapes.”

Although we are past the days of Walkmans on the waist, we can proceed with our own modern modes of mixes. Rolling Stones author Rob Sheffield wrote in his book “Love Is a Mix Tape” that mixtapes are “a fundamental human need to pass music around, and however the technology evolves, the music keeps moving.”

Today’s technology lets us share music across various platforms through different streaming services, which is fortunate when crafting a mixtape dedicated to a whole university. Even though the technology changes, the spirit is the same, Sheffield said.

Often when mixtapes are gifted to someone, they tend to tell a story or relay a message. Christine Chung said it best in her article “Whatever happened to giving people mixtapes?” that “when you give

another person a mixtape, it is basically your own artistic audio letter.” Well App State, this is an audio letter from some of your graduating seniors, thanking you for the melodic memories these mountains have gifted to us in the past four years.

The two ended up not making it in time to get ice cream, but despite the night shift closing down Kilwins, they had their own “night shift” that closed their first date on an even sweeter note.

A Whirlwind Romance in Blowing Rock

Phoebe Craft is a senior public health major and first came across the band Her’s in 2020, her sophomore year during COVID, while sitting with a couple of her close friends in their apartment. Soon after having discovered Her’s, they found out the musical duo they were listening to had tragically died in a car accident in 2019 and would no longer be releasing music.

Craft said the first song she listened to of theirs was the song “Harvey” while gathered around on the floor at her friend’s apartment in Brown Heights, located off of the 105 extension. She said when she hears it now, she never skips it.

“Everytime I hear it, I’m just in a trance,” Craft said. “I just close my eyes and listen to it, and it’s really nice.”

She said each listen takes her back to her friend’s room in Brown Heights, back to the “itchy blue couches,” courtesy of the fully furnished units, back to the pink and purple LEDs that stayed on indefinitely, back to the white shag rug in the middle of the living room where they all first listened with melancholy ears to the band they had recently discovered.

“Every time I hear that song, I think of that,” Craft said. “It kind of puts me in that place and it’s really magical.”

Sierra Eaton is a senior psychology major at App State who had her musical moment when driving down Blowing Rock Road for dessert after having her first date with her girlfriend at Makoto’s. As they drove down the road, hoping to make it to their destination for a sweet treat with enough time before closing, they were listening to “Night Shift” by Lucy Dacus.

Eaton said there’s a line in the song that goes, “You don’t deserve what you don’t respect / Don’t deserve what you say you love and then neglect.” She said she remembered that part specifically had made her girlfriend cry because she had never had someone treat her well in relationships.

After that, they got out of the car and sat together on a bench in downtown Blowing Rock observing the vacant road lit up by the gleams of the street lamps and talked.

Eaton said that night her girlfriend confessed how much she liked her.

“And then it started,” Eaton said.

“We started dating and that was about a year ago and four weeks.”

Melancholy Melodies in Brown Heights Reminiscent Rhythms on the Blue Ridge Parkway Sarah Reynolds is a senior apparel design and merchandising major. She found the song “Goodbye Carolina” by The Marcus King Band a couple weeks ago. Reynolds discovered the song per her roommate’s recommendation and decided to put it on while driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway with her boyfriend.

The bluegrass ballad is about saying goodbye to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the bittersweet tune resonated with Reynolds as she reminisced on all her parkway moments during her time at App State.

“It literally almost made me cry,” Reynolds said. “Because the whole thing is about saying goodbye to the Blue Ridge Mountains and like knowing that you had such a good life there, but you know it’s time to move on.”

Reynolds said at the heart of it, the song is about a goodbye to a place you’ve fully gotten everything out of, and for her, the parkway encapsulates that.

“I’ve just had so many, you know, deep conversations or just made friendships up there and just staring out at those mountains,” Reynolds said. “It’s just one of my favorite places to be.”

Gameday Gusto at Kidd Brewer Stadium Graphics by McNeil Johnston

May 3, 2023

Michael Salmi is a senior digital marketing major, and for him, the song that comes to mind when he looks back on his time at App State is

none other than the game day anthem “Hard in Da Paint” by Waka Flocka Flame.

“Everytime I hear that song, I just think it’s game day in Boone.” Salmi said. “I can hear that song on any given day now and I’m like, ‘Oh is it Saturday? Are we about to play?’”

Salmi said he had heard the song before coming to App State, but ever since his first game day freshman year, he has formed a whole different connection to it.

“I just heard it on the loud speaker and I was like shaking with the music,” Salmi said. “It was a surreal feeling, that first game day.”

Summer Sensations and Good Vibrations at Guy Ford Daniel Quaide is a senior exercise science major whose top playlist pick is “The Thrill” by Empire of the Sun and Wiz Khalifa, a song very suiting for his sophomore year summer. A time when he said the thrills of life and summer collided into a memorable montage of moments shared with friends post COVID-19.

Quaide said that when he heard that song originally, it made him “reminisce on an experience he didn’t have” due to the pandemic halting any summer plans.

“That sophomore summer, I started listening to that song and I was kind of down thinking that COVID is going to ruin everything,” Quaide said. “Like, my summer’s gone, I’m in college and I’m not not going to have the full college experience.”

Read more online:

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32 SPORTS

May 3, 2023

Class of 2023: Top 10 sporting moments Dan Davidson | Sports Editor

This list is in chronological order. It is not a ranked list.

#1: King of the Carolinas In 2019, App State football defeated North Carolina and South Carolina to capture its first Power Five victories since its historic 2007 win over Michigan in the Big House.

The Mountaineers marched into Chapel Hill and defeated the Tar Heels 34-31. Similar to 2007, the Black and Gold won on a gamewinning blocked field goal.

Two months later, the Mountaineers took on the Gamecocks in Williams-Brice Stadium, knocking off the Southeastern Conference foe 20-15.

With the wins, App State became the seventh Group of Five team since the Sun Belt’s formation in 2001 to post two Power Five road wins in the same season.

#2: Fourth-straight Sun Belt championships A one-loss Mountaineer team secured its fourth-straight Sun Belt title in Kidd Brewer Stadium Dec. 7, 2019, after defeating Louisiana 45-38.

App State moved to 12-1 on the season, becoming the first program in the state of North Carolina to win 12 games in a season at the FBS level.

Following the victory, fans stormed the field to celebrate with the team as confetti sprayed over Kidd Brewer. The team climbed atop a stage to lift the championship trophy and celebrate with the Mountaineer faithful.

The Black and Gold finished the season 13-1 after a 31-17 beatdown of University of Alabama at Birmingham in the New Orleans Bowl.

Senior linebacker Jordan Fehr and redshirt freshman outside linebacker Nick Hampton jump to block a field goal on the final play of the game to seal the 34-31 victory for the Mountaineers on Sept. 21, 2019. Photo by Lynette Files.

#3: Men’s basketball run to the NCAA Tournament The spring of 2021 saw one of the greatest runs in App State basketball history. After entering the Sun Belt Conference Tournament as a No. 4 seed, the Mountaineers knocked off the No. 2 seed Coastal Carolina and both No. 1 seeds, including the regular season Sun Belt champion Texas State Bobcats, en route to their first Sun Belt Conference Tournament championship.

Michael Almonacy was named the tournament’s MVP after posting a career-high 32 points in the championship game. Throughout the tournament, he averaged 21.8 points,

3.8 assists, 6.5 rebounds and hit a Sun Belt record 20 3-pointers.

Days later, the NCAA Tournament selection committee seeded App State No. 16, sending it to Bloomington, Indiana, for the First Four. Its First Four matchup with Norfolk State resulted in a narrow 54-53 loss after the Mountaineers erased an 18-point second half deficit.

#4: Field hockey defeats No. 24 JMU App State field hockey secured its largest win in program history when it defeated No. 24 James Madison Sept. 10, 2021.

The Mountaineers held the Dukes scoreless as three-time All-MAC

selection Friederike Stegen scored one goal and assisted another. Stegen finished her career as the all-time leader in assists in program history.

The following year, App State reached its first MAC Tournament championship under the leadership of MAC Coach of the Year Meghan Dawson. Despite falling short of the title, the Mountaineers climbed to new heights.

#5: Staton delivers revenge on No. 14 Coastal Carolina In front of a packed Kidd Brewer Stadium on a late October Wednesday night in 2021, former Mountaineer kicker Chandler Staton

drilled a game-winning field goal against No. 14 Coastal Carolina.

As soon as the ball soared between the uprights, thousands of fans packed in the stands of Kidd Brewer poured onto the field to celebrate the program’s first win versus a ranked opponent since 2007.

The victory served as revenge for the Black and Gold after falling to the Chanticleers for the first time in history the year prior.

#6: Forrest joins the 2,000-point club Former Mountaineer guard Justin Forrest pieced together a legendary career during his time in Boone.

May 3, 2023

SPORTS 33

On Jan. 27, 2022, Forrest hit a step back 3-pointer to eclipse the 2,000-point mark in front of a crowd of more than 3,000 in the Holmes Convocation Center. He became the third Mountaineer to exceed 2,000 career points.

Forrest played in 153 games, averaging 13.9 points, 2.4 assists and 3.1 rebounds during his five-year career. His 2,120 points sit at second most in App State history and seventh most in Sun Belt Conference history.

Forrest also dished out the sixth most assists in program history, 372 and finished with the fourth most steals, 191.

#7: Millner’s legendary wrestling career App State wrestling senior Jon Jon Millner dominated throughout his career and became one of App State’s all-time great athletes.

Millner is a four-time SoCon champion, one of one in Mountaineer history and is a fourtime NCAA qualifier. On March 19, 2022, Millner became the second two-time NCAA All-American in Black and Gold history.

Hundreds of App State fans fill the pit for ESPN’s College GameDay Sept. 17, 2022. Photo by Evan Bates If it weren’t for COVID-19 canceling the 2020 NCAA to the void left behind by App State Hail Mary miracle the day College GameDay announced it would travel Championships and an illness which men’s soccer. When the program was GameDay came to Boone; those first to Boone for its show the next week. held him out in 2023, Millner could cut, O’Keefe reached out to Michael three weeks were historic.

After staying up all night and have secured three or four AllHitchcock. Later that year in August, The week one showdown against packing Sanford Mall Sept. 17 for America honors for his career.

Hitchcock called O’Keefe and told the Tar Heels was touted as the College GameDay, fans filled Kidd Millner concluded his Mountaineer him the plan to launch Appalachian largest game in Kidd Brewer Stadium Brewer to witness what’s now known career with a 121-24 record, good FC, with the two being figureheads in history. A record-shattering 40,168 as “Miracle on the Mountain Part II.” for third most victories in App State the ownership group. fans backed up the anticipation, as With two seconds remaining, the history.

It took just two years for the club did the game itself. A 40-point fourth Black and Gold sat at the 47-yard to conquer the Southeast Conference, quarter rally from the Black and Gold line facing a two-point deficit. defeating North Alabama Soccer fell just short, but earned App State Quarterback Chase Brice launched #8: Appalachian FC wins the Club 6-2 at the Ted Mackorell Soccer national attention heading into its a Hail Mary to the end zone as time Southeast Conference Complex in Boone. week two matchup with No. 6 Texas expired, and receiver Christian Horn A&M. snagged the ball after being deflected, In just its second season, The Mountaineers traveled to running into the end zone untouched.

Appalachian FC became the National #9: First three weeks of the 2022 College Station to challenge the The Rock erupted, the field was Premier Soccer League Southeast football season top 10-ranked Aggies in Kyle Field. stormed and fans, once again, Conference champions July 16, 2022.

There, App State held Texas A&M jumped into that nasty Duck Pond.

After App State’s men’s soccer The beginning of the 2022 football to 14 points and secured its largest team was cut in 2020 due to financial season was arguably the most hectic restrictions from the COVID-19 period for App State sports across the victory since the 2007 defeat of No. 5 #10: College GameDay in Boone Michigan. pandemic, former head coach Jason last four years.

Following the victory, chaos ensued O’Keefe continued his soccer career With a record-breaking, in-state For the first time in App State with Appalachian FC, serving as matchup with North Carolina at The in Boone as students rushed King history, ESPN’s College GameDay Street and dove into the Duck Pond. co-owner.

Rock, a top 10 victory on the road came to Boone Sept. 17. Thousands Later that evening, ESPN’s College of fans gathered on Sanford Mall The club was born in part thanks against a major SEC power, and a

to hoist posters and watch the show, which featured celebrity guest picker and former App State student Luke Combs.

Fans began setting up camp on Sanford Mall around noon Sept.

16. Thousands of fans stayed up all through the night, and a line to enter the GameDay pit began to form before 2 a.m. Fans remained standing from then until the conclusion of the show, which signed off around noon.

Even after the noon conclusion of the show, fans moved to tailgating before the 3:30 p.m. kickoff versus Troy. Hours later, they packed Kidd Brewer to the tune of 34,406 fans, the fourth largest crowd in the stadium’s history.

After filming, College GameDay host Rece Davis commended App Nation, saying it was one of the most memorable shows he had ever filmed.

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May 3, 2023

Cross brothers impact on App State baseball

Catcher, Hayden Cross, waits to catch the perfect strike in the home game at Beaver Field. Photo by Leah Matney

Chance Chamberlain | Reporter The 2023 Mountaineer baseball team features a pair of brothers who have played alongside each other since high school at Southern Lee in Sanford. Senior catcher Hayden Cross’ Mountaineer career began in 2019, while junior right-handed pitcher Caleb Cross transferred from UNC-Asheville to App State in 2022.

“That was part of the decision to come to App,” Caleb Cross said.

“Playing with him in high school was kind of like doing it again for his last two years.”

Hayden Cross has improved progressively after being named All-Sun Belt second team catcher in 2022. Along with the award, he posted 54 hits and 28 runs in 2022. He’s part of a group of seniors that have returned, and has become one of the leaders on and off the field.

When Hayden Cross started his Mountaineer career in 2019, he felt like a part of the team immediately and acclimating to the locker room was quick. He prefaced the importance of becoming comfortable with the team, before stepping onto the field, as he felt a part of the team when he first arrived in Boone.

His younger brother, Caleb Cross, was a relief pitcher in 2022, posting a 4.22 ERA. In 2023, he started as a relief pitcher, but is being worked into the starting rotation to finish the season.

When Caleb Cross is on the mound, he’s not pitching to a catcher. He’s pitching to his brother at home plate. To Hayden Cross, it’s just another pitchercatcher relationship and doesn’t take that bond any differently than what they have together. Caleb Cross sees it the same way as they’re just teammates at the end of the day, and it doesn’t change

what goes on out on the field.

During the off-season, teammates train with each other, but many go their separate ways when the holidays arrive.

However, this isn’t the case for the Cross brothers, who continue training together during the holiday break with family.

“I think it’s a lot easier going home, like, Christmas break just because Caleb’s there,” Hayden Cross said. “If he’s going to hit, I’m going to hit. If he’s going to lift, I’m going to lift.”

With the end of the 2023 season nearing, Hayden Cross will take the next steps toward coaching as he’ll serve as an assistant coach for the Boone Bigfoots in the summer. He has larger aspirations to fully commit to coaching after graduating.

Once Hayden Cross hangs up the black and gold jersey, he’ll leave behind his legacy with the impact he’s made for App State.

“He’s left a tremendous impact on our program, and he’s still making it,” said head coach Kermit Smith.

The work ethic he brought to Boone affected not only himself, but his teammates through leading by example, Smith said.

“He’s always kept the same level of work ethic and integrity with his work,” Smith said.

Throughout the process of maturing as a freshman to being a senior and leading this Mountaineer team, Hayden Cross had to grow mentally and physically.

“His maturity has probably been the thing that has changed the most,” Smith said. “To handle a bad day and come back the next day like it’s opening day with the same intent he had the previous day.”

Hayden Cross’ leadership has allowed current teammates to succeed and

pave a path for the future of App State baseball.

For Hayden Cross, being a leader isn’t new, as being a leader comes with playing the catcher’s position. With the responsibility of catching all the pitches but also suggesting pitch selections with signs to the man on the mound.

To become a leader within a team, a player has to build a bond with their coaches. The relationship between Hayden Cross and Smith has been tight-knit.

“It sounds so foreign that a 46-yearold and a 22-year-old or 23-year-old would have a bond,” Smith said. “It only happens really in athletics, and that’s what makes it so special and honestly magical.”

Read more online:

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35

Inside the Mountaineers’ 2022-23 season James Parker | Reporter

Junior forward CJ Huntley shoots a three-pointer while a young fan holds up three fingers in anticipation of the shot going in against Campbell Nov. 18, 2022. Photo

by Hiatt Ellis.

App State men’s basketball finished this past season with a 16-16 record in what was a roller coaster of a campaign.

Following the end of the 2021-22 season, the Mountaineers filled up the newly empty roster spots with six new players last summer with the hope of reclaiming the Sun Belt title.

The Mountaineers had five seniors on the roster this season, and four of them saw their time as a Mountaineer come to an end at the conclusion of the season.

Senior forward Donovan Gregory, who will be returning to the roster next season, was the leader of the locker room for the entire season, surpassing 1,000 career points as a Mountaineer in February.

Senior Andrew Muse joined the Mountaineers the same season as Gregory and became a valuable voice in the locker room throughout his career as

a Mountaineer.

Graduate student forward Dibaji Walker spent a year at Cleveland State and two years at the University of Massachusetts, before transferring to App State last summer. Walker was a major piece off the bench for the Mountaineers throughout the year, and tallied a career-high 27 points and eight rebounds against Sun Belt rival Coastal Carolina.

Graduate student guard Tyree Boykin transferred to App State last summer following a storied career at Union University. Boykin sustained a foot injury during the season, but played in 25 games for App State and tallied 20 points on two occasions.

Graduate student Tamell Pearson transferred to the high country for his last year of eligibility after stints at Western Illinois University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Pearson was

a solid scorer off the bench and scored in double digits four times during the season.

The Black and Gold began their nonconference schedule with wins against Warren Wilson and North Carolina Central at home before defeating the Louisville Cardinals in their first Power Five win since 2014.

As they progressed through the early stages of the season, freshman forward Justin Abson became the anchor of App State’s defense. His 18 blocks through the first six games ranked second in the nation at the time and first among freshmen. He finished the season averaging 2.19 blocks per game, which ranked 15th in the nation.

“This season taught me to play hard no matter what,” Abson said.

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36 OPINION

May 3, 2023

Mountaineer bucket list Nadine Jallal | Opinion Editor

T

he butterflies in a student’s stomach as they click “commit” to their admission offer from App State are only comparable to the butterflies in a student’s stomach on graduation day.

However, somewhere in between is what many people call the best four years of one’s life. Here is a list of things every Mountaineer should aim to do before graduating from App State and leaving Boone, the town they called home for four years.

Do absolutely everything and nothing at all on Sanford Mall A staple of the App State experience is participating in whatever shenanigans, or lack of shenanigans, are happening on Sanford Mall. From APPS events to taking a quick snooze on the grass, Sanford Mall is home to so many opportunities for memory making at App State.

Grabbing a towel and taking a nap on the green is as fulfilling as standing in line for a customizable street sign during an APPS event. Make the nap even more worth it and lay directly under the sun for a tan.

If laying on the ground seems unappealing, get into hammocking instead and secure a spot in the sturdy trees on the edges of the mall. While hanging from these trees, students should go ahead and check off another bucket list item and unleash their inner child by climbing those trees and hanging out at the top.

Spending some time on Sanford Mall is a must for every App State student, no matter what they do on it. That strip of grass is home to countless fond memories, with no two memories being the same, made by years of App State students.

Experience the Blue Ridge Parkway App State’s location near the Blue Ridge Parkway is a perk everybody should take advantage of. Experiencing everything one can do on the Parkway can take four years, but there are a few places that should definitely be on every mountaineer bucket list.

Watching both the sunset and sunrise while parked at one of the Parkway’s over 200 overlooks is a must for every App State student. Some campus

Graphic by Rian Hughes

favorites include the Thunder Hill Overlook, Rough Ridge, Beacon Heights and more.

If sitting and watching a sunset or sunrise is too stationary, there are countless hiking trails on the Parkway to choose from to get things moving.

Some of the most popular hikes on the Parkway near Boone or Blowing Rock include but are not limited to the Cascades Trail, Rough Ridge, the Bass Lake Trail and the Beacon Heights Overlook Trail. Even homebodies can enjoy a hike on the Parkway while at App State as some trails are as short as a quarter mile and provide scenic views unique to the Appalachians.

Take a dip into Trash Can Falls Actually called Laurel Creek Falls, Trash Can Falls is a swimming hole App State students have become quite familiar with. Located about 15 minutes

away from campus, App State students often pile into their friends’ cars on a hot day to cool off in the pristine waters of the swimming hole. If an App State student has not had the chance to experience Trash Can Falls, this month is the perfect time to check it off the bucket list.

Make a home in clubs and organizations This basic advice everybody gives to college students is, of course, an item on the Mountaineer buck list for good reason. When is anyone ever going to get a chance to join niche clubs outside of college campus? The chances are probably slim to none. Taking advantage of the long list of clubs and organizations on App State’s campus is a must for every student. Finding that one hobby, subject or passion to pursue in a club can make all the difference in

a college experience. Friend groups and comfort crowds can be made inside a niche club maybe only four people know about. Students should take advantage of the spaces provided by the university and peers to pursue the interesting things that excite them, whether those things have anything to do with their future careers or not.

Explore the Boone community … or other communities It is easy to feel like campus is in its own little bubble on top of the world during these four years. While it can be fun to exist in a bubble, graduating will pop that bubble within the blink of an eye.

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Leah’s Lens: Any post-graduation plan is a successful plan Leah Boone | Associate Opinion Editor

G

raduation season is on the horizon and many graduating seniors have spent months thinking about the future.

When one graduates high school, there is a large stigma surrounding not immediately attending a four-year university. While this stigma is not as prevalent after college graduation, there is still a negative light cast on any plan that is not graduate school or employment. The feeling of shame or embarrassment should not be

associated with any post-graduation plan, as they are all equally as beneficial and valuable.

There are multitudes of negative connotations surrounding being in college as well as what to do after it, and it can often feel extremely overwhelming when one does not fit into these categories. If college is not the best years ever experienced, students often feel like they have failed in some way. If one does not immediately go to college after high school, they are often deemed lazy or unmotivated. If a major is

changed multiple times or a postgraduation plan is not completely thought out, it could be seen as falling behind. These are just some of the stereotypes and expectations placed on college students, causing them to be under immense pressure.

The largest flaw in the stereotypes surrounding postgraduation plans is the inaccuracies embedded within them. If students are not employed directly after graduation, they are actually in the majority; on average, college graduates are not employed until three to six months after graduation.

Another inaccurate stereotype is the ease with which students can obtain a job directly after college.

Although many students attempt to line up entry level positions after graduation, this name is incredibly misleading; 38.4% of entry level positions ask for more than three years of experience. While some college graduates may have an internship or a few months of work experience under their belt, this still does not meet the requirements for some entry level positions. This requirement often puts a large roadblock between college graduates and immediately becoming employed.

Graphic by Lilianna Rivera

It is unfair to pin this on students as it is completely out of their control. If one does not have enough experience for an entry level position, it is very difficult to find a job that pays enough to afford to live alone. In North Carolina, entry level jobs on average pay around $28,000, and the average nationwide is around $33,000. This average salary is not nearly enough to sustainably live off of. It is wrong to judge students for living with roommates or parents out of college when entry-level jobs pay so little.

While gap years are often met with negativity from others, they have proven to be very beneficial for students’ mental health. College can be one of the most life-altering experiences, but it can also be one of the most difficult. Taking a gap year between college and the next step in life is not only acceptable,

but also a beneficial experience for many young adults. It can help to save money, have a better understanding of what one’s goals are and take a break between two challenging periods.

There are many different paths one can take after graduating from college, and each of these unique paths is equally important and equally opportune. The main focus in life should not be to find the post-graduation plan that satisfies everyone; it is a very personal decision and should be made based on what brings happiness. Whether it is graduate school, an entry-level position, an internship, a job back at home, a gap year spent percolating on next steps or anything else, graduates’ plans after college are entirely up to them and all equally successful.

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May 3, 2023

Let your passion and kindness shine Cameron Burnett | Visual Managing Editor I came to Appalachian State University in fall 2019 as a kid who didn’t know what to major in or aspire to be.

After declaring as an Electronic Media/ Broadcasting major, I was still lost.

Then came January 2020, where I was convinced to come to a full staff meeting for The Appalachian.

Through all my years as a kid, I was a passionate sports fan who shamelessly prided himself in knowing more about the sport and teams than his friends.

And yes, I still do. This led me to join the sports desk. My first assignment was a baseball season preview. I had no clue how to set up or handle an interview, but I made my way there and walked into the clubhouse, albeit terrified of speaking to coaches and players that seemed above me at the time.

From then on, telling the stories of athletes became my passion and I found

myself at The Appalachian. Covering some of the biggest moments in school history and building connections with the App State community is something I will never let go of, especially interacting with the fanbase on Twitter — never change please.

The Appalachian gave me the opportunities I have today to write about the teams I grew up idolizing, and the kid who looked up to these athletes still lives in every word that I write. College GameDay, dominant seasons and titles, and making the NCAA Tournament were moments I’ll never forget covering.

My heart still lies with the one-on-one interviews, getting to know someone whose story hasn’t been told to the masses.

This is just a small portion of what The Appalachian gave me. This is my second family, as corny as it sounds, and I could go on for ages but I’ll spare the trouble. The newsroom became

my second home. Making long-lasting friendships with everyone that walked in has had more impact on me than I could have ever imagined. So, thank you for embracing the nerdy sports fan. Everyone I’ve had the pleasure to work and build relationships with over these four years, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I went through so much in four years as a student and The Appalachian became my safe haven. This organization is the reason I became a kinder person and that stretches beyond anything I will ever achieve as a journalist. There’s a reason I stick to telling the stories of others, but I hope my sentiment reaches through: never give up on yourself, and surround yourself with those who won’t give up on you either.

In the words of Heraclitus, “No man ever steps into the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.”

Photo by Evan Bates

Ending my journey with these words, onto more Gabrielle Troutman | Managing Editor In spring 2020, I joined The Appalachian as a scared, new transfer student. I came in search of words and friendship spurred by a love of editing, books and Rory Gilmore.

From the first day serving as Chief Copy Editor, I felt fulfilled in my immersion into words while being the resident AP style person — even if I wished daily that the Oxford Comma was acceptable. It was quite the ride from the first day.

Then, we dusted off our newsroom and took on the not-so-easy-task of bringing back print operations. It was a joy to be on Ed Board with some of the coolest people I know before they went off to do amazing things. To Jade and the fellow CCEs and copy editors who come behind us: you are the unsung heroes, and The Appalachian wouldn’t function

smoothly without each of you. Long live the stylebook.

This year I’ve had the privilege of serving as Managing Editor to lead passionate, amazing editors who have taught me how to be a better listener, leader and person amid my first year as a graduate student.

Thank you all for listening to my rants while discussing newsletter and print needs. The newsroom had all that we hoped it would with each of you there — laughter, excitement and passion for your respective areas. I am so proud of the work you all accomplished.

Thank you to those that read my book selects in The Bookstop.

Thank you to Allison, Aubrey and Cameron for keeping me steady this year. And thank you to my family and my friends. And most of all thank you to Grey and Titan. I love you dearly. Thank you for supporting me through the

conversations I spaced out of due to a news event, a story needing edits or the freakouts I had about people not knowing the difference between news versus opinion.

Though I won’t be fully graduated until the end of next semester, I’m excited to pass the helm. From nervous chatter at the start of each semester to deliriously eating pasta, watching “The Bachelor” as a crowd in a tiny New York hotel room, and midday tea times in the newsroom, I’ve found the community and confidence I was searching for when I stumbled into Plemmons 217 — now 235.

I’ve certainly found the words I wanted to immerse myself in. And, I’ve developed a realistic, adult perspective on Rory Gilmore.

Photo by Evan Bates

May 3, 2023

SENIOR FAREWELLS

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Short and bittersweet McNeil Johnston | Graphics Editor

This year on The Appalachian was my first and my last.

From the time I was a freshman on campus, I would always look out for the print copies of The Appalachian to make sure I grabbed one. It was weekly back then, so I made a point to head to the nearest newsstand after my last class on Friday, trek back to my dorm, and read what the cool student journalists thought I should know that week. I remember thinking everytime I read a new story, “How can I be a part of this?” Of course, it was only a matter of walking into the newsroom.

I’ve always felt connected to journalism and storytelling, even I wasn’t telling the story. I’ve admired great writers and reporters of all kinds for as long as I can remember, and stories and words have always had a magnetic pull on me, but it was only this year that I got to experience the true passion that exudes from journalists and writers like those on

The Appalachian. I will forever be amazed by you all. This past year I have kicked myself over and over for not joining this staff sooner. Thanks to the urgent need for a graphics editor, I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time, and was on boarded as soon as I could apply. You all are a force to be reckoned with, and I am filled with immense gratitude and pride for having been a part of this incredible team.

Serving as Graphics Editor was an incredible experience. For someone who loves to be around all the disciplines of journalism, assembling the papers and commissioning the graphics was a perfect place to be. I have loved observing and participating in the operations and the meticulous details of production, even into the late (late, late) hours of the night.

I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Good luck to my successors Kaitlyn Close and Rian Hughes; I cannot wait to see what kind of incredible art and new ideas you bring to this organization. Have

fun with it all!

Thank you to Dr. Allison Bennett Dyche, who wrote my graduate school recommendation letters and talked me through the process of what higher education might look like for a creative.

You inspire me and everyone else on these pages oh-so-much.

Thank you to my sweet family for always supporting me and being proud of me, despite how busy I make myself, whether that’s a good or bad thing.

Thank you to Danniel Smith, who wants me to believe in myself more, and who told me that I’d probably love working with this organization, and would learn some valuable stuff — you were obviously right.

And thank you to the friends I have made during my four years at this wonderful university. All of you have helped me grow, succeed and love the life I have gotten to build myself here in this beautiful place.

Goodbye has never tasted so bittersweet.

Photo courtesy of McNeil Johnston

Let your story guide you Will Hofmann | Enterprise Editor I did not come to college knowing what I wanted to do.

I searched hard. I took biology, chemistry, psychology and religious studies courses, among others. Some said I was “wasting my time.”

I remember a phone call with my parents where they asked me, over and over again, “Have you decided on your major?” or “What are you interested in?”

Truthfully, I didn’t really know, but I wasn’t against taking the risk.

During the beginning of my sophomore year, I was fortunate enough to wander into registering for the introduction journalism class, COM 1300 Journalism Matters. With Volha Kananovich as my guide, I never looked back.

As a result, I joined The Appalachian as a junior who had waded through a tall grass of classes, a pandemic and being a part of multiple, wonderful on-campus organizations. I don’t regret a second of it.

Though I bet many were sometimes annoyed by my occasional pointless

pretentious rambling, I am so thankful that my editorial board welcomed me with open arms and served as a constant reminder of how privileged I was to know such a loving, caring and thoughtful group of people. Another thanks goes to our wonderful adviser, Dr. Allison Bennett Dyche, who always answered my endless questions.

You all do not know how much you have impacted my life. You changed me.

The same goes to my wonderful group of friends, who stuck with me through freshman year, a pandemic and a time when it is easier than ever to tune out one another. You guys constantly cheered me on, gave me reasons to laugh and pushed me to be a better person. It has made me so proud to also be a part of our local, community focused bakery, which has given me an even deeper sense of place and understanding, alongside many many friends.

However, I think some of my best writing has gone unpublished.

It’s the writing I did in conversation with others. The different perspectives

my friends have brought to my life.

The different ways that so many caring members of this community have engaged with me in a meaningful and thoughtful way. It’s all here, at this moment, and will be here forever.

Yet, we must find that something comes after.

For those I leave at The Appalachian, always remember that saying hello to one another, finding friendship in community and having an open mind always sets the stage for the best stories. The kind of stories that express the empathy, care and understanding that this world requires.

As for me, I again find myself at a crossroads; I don’t really know what I want to do next.

But, if there’s a lesson to be learned from this whole thing, maybe I don’t need to know anything beyond this: just go, put your foot in the door and figure out what you love. There is no guide, but the stories we make together.

Photo by Evan Bates

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May 3, 2023

Last one out, hit the lights Colin Bross | Director of Marketing In the fall of 2021, I transferred to App State.

There were a lot of questions I asked myself during that time of transition. What will college really be like? How will these next two years unfold? Will I find people I can call close friends? Can I find a community? Who’s Yosef, and why is everyone making puns out of their name? Some of these questions were answered, and others I think I am still searching for the answer, even after the fact.

However, most of these questions were answered when I joined The Appalachian. Seeing a group of talented individuals, all focused on a

common goal was captivating. This captivation only grew as I joined the editorial staff. Throughout my duration on Ed Board it became clear it was the best decision I made in my collegiate career. I thought previously I knew what it was like to belong, but my expectations were shattered. Words alone aren’t enough to express how grateful I am to The Appalachian and its staff.

The endless nights and hard work each and every one of you produce creates the gold standard of what exceptional journalism should be.

Thank you to The Appalachian’s 2022-23 editorial staff. The talent and friendship you all display on a

daily basis is forever appreciated.

Thank you to this year’s marketing desk. The passion, dedication and family you all have shown inspires me to no end. Thank you to Julia Woodring for every one of your efforts, and preemptively, for becoming the best Director of Marketing and PR The Appalachian has had. Thank you to Dr. Allison Bennett Dyche, for being the brightest lighthouse any lost ship could ask for. Finally, thank you to those constantly shining their light. Continue to advocate for yourself, and we’ll leave a light on for you.

Carolina’s premier student newspaper.

During the same time, I had a front row seat to a historic run for App State athletics; 52 football games, 242 basketball games, multiple Sun Belt and SoCon championships, three bowl games and one NCAA Tournament appearance.

From game-winning field goals and a Hail Mary miracle in Kidd Brewer, to several buzzer-beating buckets in the Holmes Center, to yearly domination on the mat in Varsity Gym, the Black and Gold allowed me to learn the ropes of sports reporting on a magical stage.

As time goes on and my name quickly fades from The Appalachian and App State, those memories will remain with me. For that, I am thankful.

I’m thankful for The Appalachian and the many invaluable lessons learned through it. I’m thankful for all those who came to be a

mentor, coworker and friend at The Appalachian. I’m thankful for every member of the sports desk over the past four years, who worked alongside me and filled every meeting with laughter and passionate debate.

I’m thankful for my friends and family who loved me through every day of joy and night of sorrow during college. I’m thankful for my parents, Jim and Lisa, and my siblings, Will, Mary and Neely, whom I love dearly.

I’m thankful for my friends Connor, Harrison and Trenton, who remain my best friends. And I’m thankful for the many friends I have come to know and love through my time in Boone.

Ultimately, I’m thankful to have walked alongside the Lord for the past four years. At times I wandered, at times I drew near, but through it all, Jesus loved me, as He loves us all. It is by the light of that grace that I plot my next steps and the rest of my life.

Photo by Evan Bates

Thankful Dan Davidson | Sports Editor In August 2019, The Appalachian deployed its editorial board across campus to conduct interviews for an annual back-to-school story.

Former Sports Editor, Silas Albright, wandered the sixth floor of Gardner Hall searching for a potential interviewee candidate. Tucked away in the back right corner was room 605, where he met an overly ambitious, sports-obsessed freshman who months later would serve as his Associate Sports Editor.

Fast forward four not-quite-longenough years, and that kid’s time with The Appalachian draws to a close.

In what felt like a matter of months, those four years tallied numerous group accomplishments and changes; thousands of articles, dozens of print issues, four editors-inchief, two advisers, two newsrooms, one dreadful pandemic and countless awards brought home by North

Photo by Evan Bates

May 3, 2023

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It’s been real, it’s been fun, it’s been an honor Jade Ogle | Chief Copy Editor This is one of the few times I’ll write for The Appalachian despite how much I love this organization.

My work as Chief Copy Editor has always been behind the scenes and I’m OK with that. I still get to see all the amazing work every reporter, photographer, designer and editor does for this paper, and it never ceases to amaze me.

I joined The Appalachian in the second half of my sophomore year and became part of the Editorial Board the second half of my junior year. I only wish I had joined sooner. I never saw myself taking on any sort of leadership role purely because I didn’t think I could do it,

but a handful of people believed in me and that’s what pushed me to try something new.

During my time on Ed Board, I got to learn how to be a leader, grow a community, gain confidence in myself, travel to New York for the first time and bond with an incredible group of people and so many other things that would take forever to list. I even got to be part of the historic move from room 217 to room 235. But most importantly, I was given the opportunity to make unforgettable memories with amazing people I wouldn’t have had the privilege to meet if not for The Appalachian.

This organization has given me so much and I hope I was able to give back just as much in return. It pains me to have to leave so soon, I feel like I just got started, but I know The Appalachian will continue to do great things in my stead and beyond.

I could talk for hours about how grateful I am for the tears, stress, joy and everything in between, but I guess the easiest thing to say is simply thank you and goodbye. It’s been real, it’s been fun and it’s been an honor.

Photo by Evan Bates

s e h s i W rad

42 GRAD WISHES

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You’ve worked hard to set goals, push yourself, and conquer your goals!

I’m so proud of you you are. Keeping chasing your dreams and being you, Sunshine!

- I love you, Mama

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May 3, 2023 -

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