Augusta University graduated over 500 students receiving their masters or doctoral degrees on May 8 with a hooding ceremony. During this ceremony, college faculty members drape hoods over the heads of students to signify their earning of these degrees.
Looking to the future
Graduate Laura Castro said that she’s happy to be done with grad school so she can pursue a career in medical illustration, something that piqued her interest during the pandemic.
“There was that image of the COVID-19 virus, which is actually made by one of our graduates here at the Augusta program,” she said, referencing Alissa Eckert, an AU grad who contributed to the iconic 3D rendering of Coronavirus.
“I’m relieved,” Castro said about how she felt just moments before walking across the stage. “I think it was a long time coming. But I’m very happy.”
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For graduate Carly Warbington, the key to her success came, she said, from having attentive instructors. “The professors have the biggest impact on us as professionals, us as therapists, us as even individuals,” she said.
Warbington began volunteer caregiving at a young age and knew as early as her middle and high school years that she wanted to go into the field of occupational therapy.
“I’m finally getting to do what I’ve been wanting to do, what I’ve been looking forward to for years now,” she said. “This is the field that is doing so much for so many people, like, changing lives.”
AU’s graduation festivities continued Friday with two undergraduate ceremonies at 10 a.m. and at 2 p.m.
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