AU's Spring 2024 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies
Check out the gallery from the ceremony below!
By Makenzy Veldboom | Managing editor
Augusta University students, faculty and family gathered together Friday, May 10 at the Marriott Convention Center to celebrate our undergraduate students achievements in becoming Jaguar alumni.
The first ceremony took place at 10:00 a.m. celebrating students from the College of Allied Health Sciences, College of Education and Human Development, Hull College of Business and Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
Rakıyah Lenon, graduating senior from Pamplin College and the student speaker for the first commencement, shared an inspirational speech for her fellow graduates.
“A very special person once told me learn what to teach so you can teach what you learn,” said Lenon. “Every day I came to learn all I can so one day I can teach others. Not just sitting in the classrooms, but learning from all the experience I’ve had here at AU.”
Lenon also encouraged the graduates who are looking to the future, where their journey into their respective careers is fast approaching.
“You will be the leaders, nurses, historians, artists, teachers, business leaders and so many others that will make a difference and I know everyone is looking forward to reading about the impacts you make; our potential is endless,” said Lenon.
The second ceremony took place at 2:00 p.m. celebrating students from the College of Nursing, College of Science and Mathematics, and School of Computer and Cyber Sciences.
Luke Anderson, a graduating senior from the College of Nursing was the speaker for the second ceremony and shared an inspiring speech.
“Let us never forget the lessons we have learned, the friendships we have forged and the dreams we have dared to pursue through feelings,” said Anderson.
Anderson adds, “If we continue to be fearless, we can leave a legacy we can continue to be proud of, the world is in our hands. Let’s hold each other accountable, embrace the world with open arms, knowing that we have the resilience, the determination and the courage to overcome any obstacle that stands in our way.”
The keynote speaker for both ceremonies was Dr. Sunny Perdue, the Chancellor for the University System of Georgia.
Perdue also shared inspiring words to the graduates in his speech and thanked President Keel for his 10 years of service at Augusta University.
“Your future awaits and it’s filled with infinite possibility, said Perdue. “May your paths be illuminated by the light of these words leading you or lighting purpose, fulfillment and boundless joy.”
“He’s had great joy in not only what this university has become, but in what the university is going to do as it continues across along this great journey,” said Perdue. “Doctor Keel, I want to tell you that because the university would not be what it is today without you, our students, as well as our faculty, staff, alumni and community.”
These commencement ceremonies also marked the last ones for President Keel, who is retiring this summer.
The ceremony concluded with an alumni association welcome and the tassel turning. An ROTC Oath of Office was also conducted before the singing of the schools alma mater, Augusta: The Bell Rings For Me.
To watch the replay of the ceremonies, visit here, where the streams will be uploaded shortly:
https://www.augusta.edu/stream/#archive
Contact Makenzy Veldboom at kveldboom@augusta.edu
