Augusta University (AU) students completing their graduate degrees gathered with family, friends, and faculty during a Dec. 11 fall graduate hooding ceremony to celebrate their academic triumphs.
This ceremony was a precursor to the college’s autumn undergraduate commencement, which will be held the morning of Dec. 12.
Dr. Ralph Turner, president of Wellstar MCG Health, delivered the keynote address, accenting in his speech the “hard work, determination, sacrifice, resolve and grit,” necessary to reach academic milestones.
Student speaker Churchill Ezeokonkwo also took to the podium, speaking on purpose and life direction.
““If you’ve ever found yourself asking, why am I here? What am I meant to do on this earth? It is a sign that your purpose is calling,” said Ezeokonkwo, addressing the audience and his fellow graduates.
Ezeokonkwo received his Master of Public Health with a concentration in health management.
Graduates reflect
Before the hooding ceremony began, eager graduates inundated the Augusta Marriott Convention Center to find their classmates and their seats.
In the midst of the hubbub, several of them took a moment to share their perspectives as the owners of brand new master’s degrees.
“[The hooding ceremony] represents, just, the breaking of generational curses and the opportunity to seek higher education without limitations,” said Moriah Kelly, who received her Master of Education with a concentration in counselor education.
JoJon Cabrera is now a two time AU grad, starting with an undergraduate degree in cybersecurity and celebrating on Wednesday the acquisition of his Master of Science with a concentration in Information security management.
“It’s a rewarding process…I’m glad I went through it, because through my undergrad, I didn’t feel I was fully prepared for this workforce, the field I’m entering,” said Cabrera. “Now with a couple of extra years, I get a new piece of paper, a new fancy accolade that I can add to my resume, but also a sense of accomplishment that I did it.”
“I think this is the highest degree in my immediate family,” he added. “I’m setting the tone for future generations.”
Kim Smith, all smiles, was celebrating earning a specialist degree in advanced educational studies after being out of school for nearly 25 years.
The third grade teacher said her pursuit of the degree was “a long time coming.”
“This is the best feeling in the world,” she said about having made it to the finish line.
Bradford Hankinson, receiving his Master of Arts in teaching, said that AU’s hands-on learning opportunities prepared him well for his career aspirations.
“I loved my field experiences where I actually got to go into the classroom and everything. That was probably the best thing ever,” said Hankison “Especially student teaching where I got to spend so much time in the classroom working with the kids and teaching and kind of refining my practice.”
Suzanna LaMunion, also walking away with a Master of Arts in teaching, said that despite never meeting her professors face to face due to all virtual classes, they played a large role in her success.
“I actually have not been able to say enough good things,” said LaMunion. “I had some really great professors that just made it so much fun, and their love for teaching was super evident through their instruction.”
Undergraduate Commencement
The college’s undergraduate commencement ceremony is planned for 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12, at the Augusta Marriott Convention Center.
