Commencement | Today at ��Ƶ | ��Ƶ

Katie Blunt ’15 to deliver 2026 graduate Commencement address

Eric Townsend — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 20:38:33 +0000

An ��Ƶ alumna whose work with the Wall Street Journal was named a Pulitzer Prize finalist will deliver the Commencement address in May to graduate students in the Class of 2026.

Journalist and author Katherine Blunt ’15 will address candidates for the Master of Arts in Higher Education, Master of Education in Innovation, Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Business Analytics and Master of Business Administration in an Alumni Gym evening ceremony on May 20.

“Katie Blunt embodies the very best of what an ��Ƶ education makes possible. Her outstanding reporting on some of the most complex and consequential issues of our time reflects a commitment to truth, rigor and public service that began right here on our campus,” said ��Ƶ President Connie Ledoux Book. “We are deeply proud of the way she uses her voice to inform the public, strengthen democracy and illuminate the forces shaping our future.”

Blunt is a Wall Street Journal reporter based in San Francisco who covers Google and how artificial intelligence is reshaping search, along with related stories such as the rapid data-center buildout and its implications for the power grid. She previously covered power, renewable energy and utilities for the Journal, with reporting focused on the risks facing Western utilities, including catastrophic wildfires.

Wall Street Journal reporter Katherine “Katie” Blunt ’15

Her coverage with colleagues of Pacific Gas & Electric was a finalist for the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting and earned top journalism honors including a Gerald Loeb Award.

Blunt is the author of Prior to joining the Journal in 2018, she served as a business reporter at the Houston Chronicle and, before that, as a transportation reporter for the San Antonio Express-News.

“I’m honored to have been chosen to address this year’s class of graduate students,” Blunt said of her invitation to deliver Commencement remarks. “I hope to inspire them as much as my time at ��Ƶ inspired me, and may ��Ƶ continue to grow in what it has to offer students of every age.”

A journalism and history double major who served as news editor of The Pendulum, Blunt received a Lumen Prize while at ��Ƶ and spent her final two years as an undergraduate immersed in research that focused on how Adolf Hitler was described in major American newspapers from 1923 to 1933, presenting her studies at two academic conferences for history and communications.

About ��Ƶ

��Ƶ is a nationally recognized leader in engaged, experiential learning that prepares graduates to be creative, resilient, ambitious and ethical citizens of our global culture.

At ��Ƶ, more than 7,000 students learn through hands-on experiences and close working relationships with faculty and staff whose priorities are teaching and mentoring. The curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts and sciences with emphasis on global experiences and career development. More than 70 undergraduate majors are complemented by professional and graduate programs in law, business, education and health care. ��Ƶ is ranked No. 1 for excellence in undergraduate teaching by U.S. News & World Report.

��Ƶ’s academic divisions include ��Ƶ College, the College of Arts and Sciences; the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business; the School of Communications; the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education; the School of Health Sciences; and the School of Law, with programs in Greensboro and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Patricia Walsh Chadwick P’16 to deliver 2026 undergraduate Commencement address

Eric Townsend — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 20:36:12 +0000

An ��Ƶ trustee and accomplished Wall Street strategist, Patricia Walsh Chadwick P’16 will draw on a career in finance and a life of wide-ranging experiences to deliver the Commencement address to the Class of 2026 on May 22 in two ceremonies inside Schar Center.

Having carried the lessons of her professional success into new arenas of leadership and service, Chadwick brings a distinctly broad perspective to graduates embarking on their own journeys.

“Patricia Chadwick’s story is one of resilience, intellectual curiosity, courageous leadership and a commitment to lifting others as she climbs,” said ��Ƶ President Connie Ledoux Book. “From the heights of global finance to the deeply personal work of storytelling and advocacy, she has used her experiences to build institutions, mentor emerging leaders and expand opportunities for communities in need. Ms. Chadwick is someone who understands that success is not defined by titles, but by impact.”

Chadwick’s 30-year career in the investment business included roles as a research analyst, a portfolio manager and a strategist. She eventually oversaw the institutional investment business for INVESCO as a Global Partner.

For the last two decades, Chadwick has leveraged her knowledge and experience for several corporate and not-for-profit boards, including Wisconsin Energy, Amica Mutual Insurance Company, Voya Mutual Funds, and Royce Mutual Funds. In addition to her leadership as a trustee of ��Ƶ, she serves on the board of The Avon Theatre, The United Theatre in Rhode Island and The Glimmerglass Festival, where she is vice-chair of the board.

In 2016, Chadwick co-founded , a Stamford-headquartered health care company that serves the needs of the LGBTQ community in Connecticut. She today serves as the company’s pro-bono CEO.

Chadwick’s first book, “Little Sister,” is a 2019 memoir that tells the story of her growing up in an extreme religious sect. Her second book, “Breaking Glass: Tales from the Witch of Wall Street,” was published in May 2024 and recounts the transition from a challenging childhood to her successful career on Wall Street. Chadwick dedicated “Breaking Glass” to mentors whom she credits for her rise to the top in the demanding world of finance.

Chadwick said she was honored to be invited to deliver this spring’s undergraduate Commencement address.

“As an ��Ƶ parent, I have watched with admiration as first President Lambert, and now President Book, have propelled ��Ƶ to new heights in both scholastic excellence and expanded degree programs,” Chadwick said. “The Class of 2026 faced the challenge of spending part of high school under the duress of the COVID pandemic and remote learning, and their graduation from ��Ƶ exemplifies their commitment to excellence.”

Chadwick and her late husband, John, are the parents of Jim Chadwick ’16, who earned his undergraduate degree in economics from ��Ƶ before pursuing his MBA at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business. Chadwick joined the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business Advisory Board in 2014 and provided strategic leadership as the board’s chair.

With hobbies and interests that include global travel, opera, and canning, Chadwick publishes frequent posts and life updates on her website: .

About ��Ƶ

��Ƶ is a nationally recognized leader in engaged, experiential learning that prepares graduates to be creative, resilient, ambitious and ethical citizens of our global culture.

Affinity celebrations bring together graduates, families and mentors

Eric Townsend — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:32:34 +0000

��Ƶ hosted affinity celebrations on Dec. 11, 2025, for students in the School of Law and School of Health Sciences set to graduate the following day at Commencement exercises inside Alumni Gym.

Coordinated by the Division of Inclusive Excellence with support from additional university offices and programs, the three affinity celebrations inside the Lakeside Meeting Room honored and recognized the rich histories and cultures of ��Ƶ’s community.

A heartfelt program to recognize ‘authentic selves’

Lavender Celebration featured remarks by ��Ƶ faculty and administrators who praised graduates for their authenticy and fearlessness.

��Ƶ’s Lavender Celebration, coordinated by the Gender and LGBTQIA Center and the Division of Inclusive Excellence, recognized seven graduating students from ��Ƶ’s School of Health Sciences and School of Law as allies and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“We celebrate you: your hard work, your resilience, and the unique journeys that have brought you here,” Melissa Scales, associate professor of physical therapy education, said in her welcoming graduates. “Each of you has made a significant impact, not only through your academic achievements, but also by being your authentic selves and advocating for a more inclusive world.”

Each student received a rainbow stole and heard a personal tribute from friends, family and faculty, including Scales, Assistant Professor Bob Minarcin and Krista Contino Saumby, associate director of career development for ��Ƶ Law.

Among the tributes were those to Taylor Streuli L’25, executive director of OUTLaw. Minarcin, also OUTLaw’s faculty co-adviser, called their kindness and courage “a superpower” that connects people.

“Taylor’s constant efforts to improve both ��Ƶ and our broader community come from a place of genuine love and bravery,” said Minarcin, recalling OUTLaw’s trip to the Lavender Law Conference where Streuli fearlessly engaged with everyone. “Keep being you, Taylor — the world desperately needs more people willing to introduce themselves to an entire bar full of lawyers.”

Scales celebrated Raya Cubley, a Doctor of Physical Therapy candidate in the School of Health Sciences. “Raya advocates fiercely for equity — for her peers and for her patients,” Scales said. “She is brilliant, compassionate, and unapologetically herself.”

Closing the ceremony, Luis Garay, director of the Gender and LGBTQIA Center, recognized the importance of family and friends in supporting the achievements of these graduate students.

“As we close our time together, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our Lavender graduates,” Garay said. “We hope the messages shared today inspire our community as we continue to support you beyond this moment.”

¡Celebremos! honors journeys, roots and communities

Graduates from the School of Health Sciences and the School of Law gathered for a ¡Celebremos! Graduates Take Flight ceremony inside Lakeside Meeting Rooms on Dec. 11, 2025.

Heritage, community and the journeys that shaped graduates were at the heart of the ¡Celebremos! Graduates Take Flight ceremony, which honored nine Latinx/Hispanic students from ��Ƶ Law and the School of Health Sciences.

“When you think about today, think back to when you first dreamed of receiving a professional degree,” Adriana Hernandez Ordonez L’25 said during her keynote address. “The same person who worked hard every single day to accomplish their goals is the same person sitting here, now waiting to walk on the stage.”

In its third year for December graduates of ��Ƶ Law and the School of Health Sciences, ¡Celebremos! recognizes the achievements of students as well as the “villages” of family and friends whose support has been instrumental throughout their educational journey.

Building on that reflection, Hernandez Ordonez reminded graduates of the meaningful influence they’ll bring to the communities they serve.

“Our families are the emotional support we held onto through this journey,” Hernandez Ordonez said. “Our roots keep us grounded and remind us of where we come from, even when life becomes overwhelming.”

During the ceremony, each graduate received a stole adorned with a monarch butterfly design created by Carolina Ferreyros ’20. As graduates received their stoles, faculty read heartfelt letters they had written to members of their “village,” sharing gratitude, acknowledgment and reflections that honored their heritage and culture.

“This stole symbolizes the journey that brought you to ��Ƶ,” said Sylvia Muñoz G’02, assistant dean of students and director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education.

The ceremony concluded with an alumni presentation that welcomed graduates into the ��Ƶ alumni family and underscored the value of staying engaged and lending voices to a community that now extends beyond campus.

“Your paths to this moment have taken many shapes,” said La’Tonya Wiley ’97, assistant director for alumni affinity engagement. “Some of you studied on main campus, others at locations across the region and in immersive placements far beyond North Carolina. Regardless of where you learned, you are now part of a global alumni community rooted in connection, culture, and shared purpose.”

Donning of the Kente celebrates identity, journey and achievement

The Donning of the Kente program welcomed students to the stage where tributes from loved ones or mentors were read aloud.

A ceremony that celebrates the achievements of graduating students who recognize their African roots included keynote remarks from a former chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court.

In her address, Cheri Beasley, ��Ƶ’s Justice Sandra Day O’Connor Professor, encouraged graduating students to claim their future – even if those futures are uncertain.

“This moment really is about who you are as people of color in your African heritage and all that you’ve accomplished,” Beasley said. “I hope that you have begun to take the time to relish in your accomplishments and think about what this journey has really meant for you.”

Each graduate who participated in the afternoon program received a handwoven kente cloth stole imported from Ghana to be worn during Commencement. ��Ƶ faculty and staff read tributes written by student’s faculty, family and friends, as each graduate stood before the audience.

The kente cloth symbolizes prestige in many African societies dating to the 12th century. Worn during ceremonial events by royalty and important figures of state in Ghanaian society, the kente cloth is a visual representation of African history, philosophy ethics, oral literature, moral values, social code of conduct, religious beliefs, political thought and aesthetic principles.

Beasley discussed her own meaningful trip to the village in Ghana where the kente cloth is made and how a student’s educational and career journey is comparable to the journey of the cloth itself.

“Your career will be filled with unexpected twists and turns,” said Beasley. “Many of your twists will be joyous, and other times less so, and I also know that transition often does cost stress. Life happens that way, much like that woven loom that creates the Kente, that takes months to develop this really beautiful piece of fabric. But you put in the investment and the hard work, and you always see the fruits of your labor.”

The Rev. Kirstin Boswell, ��Ƶ’s chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement, opened the ceremony with an invocation that was followed by an introduction from Maha Lund, dean of the School of Health Sciences.

“You have crossed rivers that your professors couldn’t see. You have spoken truths that your peers could not hold. You have spoken truths that your peers could not hold. You have carried the weight of brilliance and burden of community and of contradiction. And still, you continue to rise,” Boswell said. “This kente cloth, this sacred ritual, this moment, is not performance. It is a moment of proclamation. You are the ones who made it.”

Closing the ceremony, ��Ƶ Law Dean Zak Kramer reminded students to celebrate their accomplishments but get ready to do the work of their professions.

“We expect you to throw your all into that, because we need you. Our communities need you. The world needs you,” Kramer said. “It means the world to us that you started that journey, which will be long, but you started here. And you will always be part of ��Ƶ.”

‘Room Dogs’ united | Three ��Ƶ PA students turn different paths into shared journey

Avery Craine Powell — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:48:24 +0000

Mike McCormack G’25, Devron Felder G’25 and Samir Halalou G’25 come from very different backgrounds. McCormack is a former hospital lab technician from Massachusetts, Felder served in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman and Halalou was an aspiring soccer player born in Ghana. But ��Ƶ brought them together.

“We really complemented each other,” said McCormack. “I’m thankful for Samir and Dev for pushing me out of my shell and having me go out more. It was a fun experience, and I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s friends we’ll have for life.”

The ‘Room Dogs’

The three men are not only classmates in the Physician Assistant Studies program, but also roommates. Before coming to ��Ƶ, McCormack posted on a Facebook page for the PA studies cohort and connected with Felder and Halalou. They quickly formed a bond.

(Left to right) Devron Felder G’25. Samir Halalou G’25 and Mike McCormack G’25 at ��Ƶ’s Festival of Lights and Luminaries

“We flew down here in October 2023 to meet each other and look at apartments,” said Halalou. “Mike came to pick me up from my hotel, and when I got in the car, the first thing I realized was he was playing Fella Cuti, who is a very popular Nigerian artist, and that’s how we kicked it off. I’m like, ‘Oh, we got the same vibe and taste in music.’”

The connection was aided by a nickname given to them by the store associate at a mattress store where McCormack and Halalou were shopping.

“I was like ‘This is my roommate and I’m bringing him out so he can get a mattress,’ and he said ‘Oh, you guys are room dogs!’” said McCormack with a laugh. “I don’t know where he came up with that, but it just stuck, and we named our group chat based on that.”

But their friendship proved to be more than just a nickname; their varied skills helped guide each other through the two-year program. Felder’s experience as an enlisted hospital corpsman and then an independent hospital corpsman gave him real-world experience managing different conditions and patients. McCormack earned his undergraduate degree in medical laboratory science and had experience interpreting lab results. Halalou was initially exposed to X-rays after tearing his labrum at 15 years old, leading him to eventually become an X-ray technician.

“Our differences made each other better,” said Felder. “I’m the super definition of a non-traditional student, so how to study and how to be in school again was something I had no idea about. Mike and Samir showed me how to be a person in school again since it’d been a couple of years.”

A team approach

From left to right: Devron Felder G’25, Samir Halalou G’25 and Mike McCormack G’25.

The three students are preparing to graduate on Dec. 12 during ��Ƶ’s School of Health Sciences commencement ceremony. It’s a culmination of the 24-month Physician Assistant Studies program, which engages students through an innovative systems-organized curriculum that employs large and small group discussion, hands-on clinical skills labs, simulated patient experiences, lecture and patient scenario discussions. Upon graduation, students are prepared to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).

“I liked the team approach to medicine,” said Felder, of his choice in PA studies. “It’s one team, one fight. That’s always appealed to me.”

For all three students, the faculty in the program made a difference as well.

“I really liked how accessible the faculty is,” McCormack said. “They’re available to you. They seem generally invested in student success. I like how we’re focused on the communities we serve, like with the Open Door Clinic. They are very mission-focused.”

“We really complemented each other. I’m thankful for Samir and Dev for pushing me out of my shell and having me go out more. It was a fun experience, and I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s friends we’ll have for life.”

-Mike McCormack G’25

Shared success

Halalou says the support from the program helped him when he initially felt out of place because of his background.

“You see all your friends and classmates and ask yourself, ‘Do you even deserve to be here?’ I would say yes, I deserve to be here. And ��Ƶ has exceeded my expectations,” said Halalou. “It’s like a family.”

The program’s class sizes, ability to learn through the Anatomical Gift Program and ultrasound training were all big benefits. Felder and McCormack want to enter emergency medicine, while Halalou is exploring critical care – two areas of medicine that can continue to bond them together.

“There are some problems and conditions where we can fix it, and then the patient can leave,” said McCormack of emergency medicine. “But for those very complex patients, or they have a lot going on, we’d admit them and send them to Samir, and Samir would solve the problem, and then they can go home.”

And Felder says it’s that collaborative spirit that drew him to ��Ƶ in the first place

“We’re all in this together,” he said. “I went to some other program where they were very competitive amongst themselves, but at ��Ƶ, it felt more like our successes were shared successes. We struggled together, and we succeeded together.”

With physical therapy degree, Raya Coley G’25 aims to be the ‘role model’ she needed to see

Avery Craine Powell — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:41:48 +0000

Becoming a physical therapist is personal for Raya Coley G’25. The former college basketball player suffered three ACL tears during her time in the sport and noticed a trend she wanted to change.

“As I was recovering, I wasn’t seeing many Black women, if any, that were in that field working with me,” she said. “I wanted to be that version of what I wasn’t seeing within my time as a patient.”

A home away from home

So, when it came time to find a Doctor of Physical Therapy program, it needed to be personal, too. A Raleigh native, Coley had heard about ��Ƶ’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, but it wasn’t until she came to campus that she felt an immediate connection.

Raya Coley G’25

“As soon as I stepped foot on campus and even through the interview process, it just felt like home,” Coley said. “I was looking for a home away from home, and ��Ƶ was.”

Coley earned her undergraduate degree in physical education with a concentration in exercise science from Coker University. Now, she will graduate in December as part of ��Ƶ’s School of Health Sciences winter commencement with a goal “to be an innovator, be a model and be what I didn’t get to see as a patient.”

All first-year DPT students participate in research, but Coley found her niche early. She joined ��Ƶ’s athletic testing group, working with Division I athletes on data collection and analysis.

“I fell in love with it so much that I decided to stay on for the next two years,” she said. “We’ve been able to make some pivotal progress and put some thoughts into the world about returning to sport, ACL information and everything from that capacity.”

Coley’s clinical rotations took her across the East Coast, including outpatient orthopedics in North Carolina, neuroscience in the medical respiratory ICU in Richmond, Virginia, and outpatient neurorehabilitation. Her final, and longest, clinical was for 16 weeks at Rehab 2 Perform in Germantown, Maryland. She calls it an “experience of a lifetime.”

Learning through service

��Ƶ’s curriculum design, which blends classroom learning with immediate clinical application, prepared her well.

“The orthopedics module was my favorite part of PT school,” she said. “That’s the first area where we feel like real student PTs. We spent eight months before ortho learning a bunch of different skills without knowing how to apply it, and then we kind of got to put it all together.”

But Coley made it a priority to stay engaged beyond academics.

“It’s really easy for students when they get into PT school to say, ‘School is going to be the main thing I focus on,’” she said. “But I have been able to do so much more than I thought I was going to be capable of.”

She volunteered with the Hope Clinic (Help Outreach Program of ��Ƶ), pro bono clinics managed by the program for underserved populations in the Alamance County community. Coley also tutored fellow students and served on the DEI Committee. She even helped launch a food pantry connected to Hope Clinic’s weekly services at the Dream Center.

“It was such an amazing experience,” she said. “Just seeing the amount of impact within the community. It meant the world to me.”

Raya Coley G’25 (left) at a research presentation.

Grace, intellect and empathy

Faculty mentorship played a significant role in her experience. “��Ƶ does an excellent job of just having professors be pretty accessible,” Coley said. “Whenever I needed something, I knew I could knock on a door.”

“Raya Coley embodies everything we hope for our graduates—grace, intellect and empathy,” said Crystal Ramsey, associate professor of physical therapy education. “She has quietly built a legacy that reaches far beyond the classroom, redefining what it means to lead through service. Whether tutoring peers, supporting patients, or strengthening community outreach, Raya leads with humility, compassion, and conviction. Her impact will continue to inspire those who have the privilege to learn from and work alongside her.”

While the academics were rigorous, Coley said the relationships she formed were the most lasting part of her ��Ƶ experience.

“I have made the best friends that I will take for a lifetime,” she said. “I don’t feel like I’m just graduating with cohort members or colleagues. I feel like I’m graduating with 44 other friends.”

Next comes preparation for her licensure exam, a process she expects to take 10 to 12 weeks. As she prepares for graduation, Coley is keeping her options open, but hopefully she will earn a spot in ��Ƶ’s sports physical therapy residency, giving back to the community that helped her grow.”

“I think opportunities are endless and that’s exciting,” she said. “I want to be somewhere where I can make the most impact and serve in the greatest capacity.”

��Ƶ’s first Accelerated Pathways to Physician Assistant Studies students to graduate in December

Avery Craine Powell — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:20:37 +0000

Before embarking on the path to become physician assistants, both Sarah Newman ’24 G’25 and Grace Huisking ’24 G’25 held a deep appreciation for the profession.

“I wanted to be a PA because I had a lot of medical problems when I was younger, in and out of different hospitals,” Newman said. “I remember noticing that the PAs were very involved in the patient care side, which was something that I was really interested in.”

(Left to right) Sarah Newman ’24 G’25 and Grace Huisking ’24 G’25

Being from southern California, Newman didn’t initially apply to any East Coast schools. However, after learning about the direct line from undergraduate to physician assistant school through the Accelerated Pathways (AP) program at ��Ƶ, Newman jumped on the opportunity, as did Huisking. Both students will be the first to graduate after going through the AP program to physician assistant studies.

“I’ve always had an interest in science, as well as helping others, so this way, I combined those,” said Huisking. “I wasn’t originally sure what I wanted to do in the medical field, but then I saw this program when I was looking at colleges, and I thought it’d be a great opportunity. PAs are so awesome. They work in a collaborative team, expand patient access to care and so much more.”

The AP program helps students fast-track their careers to become a physician assistant or physical therapist. It includes an ��Ƶ 1010 course, similar to the design of that for first-year undergraduates, but specifically designated to assist healthcare students in achieving a holistic academic and career plan. Students engage in leadership workshops, local volunteer opportunities and research. Additionally, they reap the benefit of graduating a semester early and entering the workforce ahead of their peers working in healthcare. During their undergraduate years, Newman majored in biology, while Huisking studied exercise science.

“I think one advantage from going straight to PA school from undergrad is that we never really left that sort of ‘study’ mindset. We never forgot how to study,” Newman explained. “A lot of our classmates had to get back into that mindset and re-figure out the best way to study for them, when we never really lost that. I was able to take some of my undergrad study methods and continue that.”

Both Newman and Huisking volunteered with the Open Door Clinic of Alamance County throughout their undergraduate years, as well as completing secondary research required in the AP program. For Newman, this sparked an interest in what may potentially be her specialty upon becoming a physician assistant.

“After that research, I did a subspecialty of women’s health for my elective,” Newman said. “I picked something that I was able to ask my preceptor, and the clinic I was at, about, so that’s kind of a cool thing to pick a question and then actually see a real-world application of it.”

As they reflected upon their time in the program, both Newman and Huisking acknowledged the role that Tracey Thurnes, associate professor of physician assistant studies and director of the AP program, had on their experience.

“Dr. Thurnes has been the biggest influence since my freshman year of undergrad. We’ve been with her for five and a half years at this point,” Newman said. “I can’t even begin to describe the number of ways in which she’s helped us.”

“Whether it was undergrad drama, figuring out classes, or transitioning from undergrad to PA school, she was there,” Huisking added “Feeling a bit younger than everybody else can have its own difficulties, and she helped us navigate that for sure. She’s just there for whatever we need.”

(Left to right) Grace Huisking ’24 G’25, Associate Professor of Physician Assistant Studies and Director of Accelerated Pathways Program Tracey Thurnes and Sarah Newman ’24 G’25

Though the age difference between them and their classmates was an initial struggle, Huisking noted the great impact that other students in the program had on her experience.

“One of my best friends in the program is the oldest person in our program,” Newman said. “Getting to learn with people that have so many different experiences than I have through their previous healthcare and even world experiences, has definitely shaped the way that I hope to practice in the future and has taught me a lot in addition to the books and the clinicals.”

Both Newman and Huisking graduate Dec. 12 and plan to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) a few days afterwards. Upon receiving the proper credentials, Newman hopes to work in women’s health, while Huisking is open to primary care, emergency medicine and other fields before honing a specific specialty.

Former teacher Sarah Jenkins ’25 finds new purpose in ��Ƶ nursing program

Avery Craine Powell — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 14:26:50 +0000

As a former teacher, Sarah Jenkins ’25 says she’s always loved to learn, so when it came time to jump into ��Ƶ’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program after being out of school for 20 years, she was ready.

“I was using parts of my brain that I hadn’t used in a long time,” said Jenkins. “I would tell people I felt like I could actually feel the neurons connecting.”

For years, Jenkins was a teacher for children with dyslexia, but as a single mom of two teenagers, the career became financially unsustainable, and she began looking for something she could get started with quickly.

“I didn’t have a science background and never would have gone into anything in medicine the first time through,” said Jenkins, who has a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s in teaching. “But just through life experience, I’ve had the opportunity to see medicine in a different way.”

Jenkins’ son is a type 1 diabetic, which has meant multiple interactions with health care professionals.

“When I think of my son being diagnosed with type one diabetes, and the times my daughter has had different health issues as well, the nurses made a huge difference to our family, and I wanted to be a part of that,” she said.

So, Jenkins enrolled in ��Ƶ’s ABSN program, an intensive 16-month program for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in any field and want to earn a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in a shorter time frame. The program also requires 18-24 hours of prerequisite coursework before admission.

“The professors are fantastic, and I’ve felt that so many of them have made an extra effort to be there for us both academically and personally, to encourage us and support us,” Jenkins said. “Especially coming from a teaching background, I know all of the different aspects of what it takes to be there for your students, and I’ve seen those professors show up and work hard to provide opportunities for us to learn.”

Jenkins completed her prerequisites online, all while still working as a teacher and being a mom. Then, she transitioned to ��Ƶ’s full-time ABSN program, with in-person classes requiring her to commute from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It was hard work, she says, but she wouldn’t trade it.

“I’ve always been somebody who appreciates education and learning, as well as trying new things So, for me, it was really stimulating, even though it was exhausting,” she said.

Her hard work paid off through several scholarships, including the Tina Filoromo Scholarship through the National Student Nurses Association, the Donna Lynn Eaton Memorial Scholarship, the Twin Lakes Scholarship and recognition on ��Ƶ’s President’s List each semester. Now, Jenkins will walk across the stage during the Winter Graduate Program Commencement, which also recognizes the ABSN program, on Dec. 12 in Alumni Gym.

“I appreciate every bit because being a working mom in school is challenging. The financial aspect with all three of the scholarships was definitely helpful,” she said, “and it meant a lot to be recognized for my work and my story.”

Before graduating, Jenkins has already accepted a position as an operating room nurse with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.

2025 Commencement news releases available to download

Eric Townsend — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 18:27:34 +0000

Download 2025 Commencement News Releases

Members of the Class of 2025 and their parents can now download customized news releases for distribution to hometown media outlets that publish information on academic achievements. News releases can also easily be shared through social media platforms Facebook and LinkedIn.

Jackson Spaeth (biochemistry) and Sam Perri (chemistry) were among 15 students in ��Ƶ’s Class of 2025 to receive Lumen Prizes during their studies. Commencement releases offer graduates and their families space to add academic and extracurricular honors such as the Lumen Prize before submission to hometown news media. (Photo courtesy of @elonchemistry on Instagram)

The university encourages submissions to local newspapers, which often announce college graduations in their community sections.

President’s List and Dean’s List honorees also have news releases available for download.

Students and parents may contact Eric Townsend in the Office of University Communications at etownsend4@elon.edu if corrections to the news release need to be made before sending to local media.

The Month in Photos: May 2025

Avery Craine Powell — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:24:47 +0000

May brought the end of the spring 2025 semester and a farewell to the Class of 2025 as they embark on a new journey as alumni.

View some of the most impactful moments of the past month through the eyes of staff in the Office of University Communications.

Strawberry Festival

The Garden Studio course hosts its annual Spring Strawberry Festival in the beginning of May. Strawberry-themed baked goods are provided, along with student musical entertainment, face painting, a photo booth and dancing.

The Garden Studio course hosts its annual Spring Strawberry Festival in the beginning of May.

Faculty Excellence

��Ƶ recognized the excellence of faculty and staff in their service to the university and the community at its annual awards luncheon on May 13. Honored with awards from the university this year were Professor of Chemistry Kathy Matera, Professor of Biology Brant W. Touchette, Professor of Public Health Studies, Human Service Studies and Watts/Thompson Professor Cynthia Fair and Professor of Communication Design Phillip Motley.

Cynthia Fair, professor of public health studies, human service studies discovers she is the recipient of the Steven and Patricia House Excellence in Mentoring Award during the Faculty and Staff Awards Luncheon in Alumni Gym on May 13, 2025.

Virtual Reality

A student uses a virtual reality headset at ��Ƶ.

The Law Life

While ��Ƶ School of Law students studied hard for their May finals, ��Ƶ School of Law alumni saw the product of their hard work, taking the oath to become licensed attorneys.

An ��Ƶ School of Law student studies at the end of the spring 2025 semester.

��Ƶ Law graduates of the Class of 2024 take oaths to become licensed attorneys. From left, Julia Rene Tobolski L’24, Nicolas Quiroga L’24, Gabriella Parisi L’24, Marcus Maldonado, Brendan Ikner L’24 and Lauryn C. Hyatt L’24.

CAA Champs

Both the ��Ƶ softball team and women’s track and field team became CAA champions in May. The softball win was ��Ƶ’s (33-19) first-ever CAA tournament title and the program’s second overall in its Division I history.

The ��Ƶ softball team celebrates after winning their first-ever CAA Tournament title on May 10, 2025.

Goodbye and Welcome

The ��Ƶ community said “goodbye” to the Class of 2025 as students and ‘”welcome” to the Class of 2025 as alumni, including with the annual Numen Lumen Senior Baachlaurette, Senior Celebration and the university’s 135th Commencement Exercises.

Numen Lumen: Senior Baccalaureate Reflection Under the Oaks on May 20, 2025.

Senior Celebration 2025 at Rhodes Stadium on May 21, 2025.

��Ƶ celebrated the Class of 2025 during the university’s 135th Commencement Exercises on May 23, 2025 in Schar Center.

Sean Mikesh ’25 is surprised by President Connie Ledoux Book, ��Ƶ faculty, family and friends for an impromptu commencement ceremony in New York City. Mikesh was unable to attend ��Ƶ’s 135 Commencement due to his role in “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” on Broadway.

Communications students recognized in Commencement season celebrations

Tommy Kopetskie — Tue, 27 May 2025 13:42:32 +0000

In the days leading up to Commencement, graduating seniors from ��Ƶ’s School of Communications were recognized at several university-wide celebrations that honored their academic achievements and personal journeys.

Events such as the First-Generation Stole Ceremony, Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight, Donning of the Kente, and Lavender Graduation highlighted the resilience of students from many backgrounds and experiences.

“These students faced additional layers of complexity throughout their time at ��Ƶ, and they exemplify resilience, commitment and conviction,” said Professor Vanessa Bravo, assistant dean in the School of Communications. “Graduating from college is a wonderful accomplishment in itself, and the School of Communications is immensely proud of these individuals – and all of our graduating seniors.”

More than 60 students attended the First-Generation Stole Ceremony on May 20, including Jessica Walker ’25 (first row, middle), a strategic communications major.

First-Generation Stole Ceremony
May 21, McKinnon Hall

Honoring the accomplishments of first-generation college students, this event celebrated those who were the first in their families to earn a college degree. School of Communications honorees:

Jason N. Adama-Tettey, Communication Design
Chase Augustus, Sport Management
Jenivee Bevan, Cinema & Television Arts
Alexis Cooper, Journalism
Laker Figueroa, Sport Management
Hailey Gardiner, Cinema & Television Arts
Uwera Izabayo, Cinema & Television Arts
Jayla Martin-Beasley, Strategic Communications
Manny Peralta, Sport Management
José Alex Reyes Arias, Strategic Communications
Mackenzie Smith, Cinema & Television Arts
Givanna Solis, Cinema & Television Arts
Jessica Walker, Strategic Communications

Leslie Aviles Mendoza ’25, a strategic communications major, grew emotional during the Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight celebration as she thanked her mother for being her hero and role model.

Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight
May 22, Lakeside

This bilingual event is an annual tradition to honor the achievements and contributions of all graduating students, with a special emphasis on those who identify with Latinx/Hispanic identities and cultures. School of Communications honorees:

José Alex Reyes Arias ’25 (center), a strategic communications major, participated both in the First-Generation Stole Ceremony and the Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight celebration. In the photo, Reyes poses with Daniela Maldonado ’25 (left), a biology major, and Tyra Duque ’25, a political science and data analytics double major, who are also Latinx seniors at ��Ƶ. The always-migrating monarch butterfly is the symbol of the Celebremos! event.

Leslie Aviles Mendoza, Strategic Communications
Cristy Mariné, Cinema & Television Arts
José Alex Reyes Arias, Strategic Communications

Donning of the Kente
May 22, Alumni Gym

The university’s Donning of the Kente ceremony is a celebration that honors students of African descent and acknowledges their academic achievements, cultural heritage, and personal journeys. During the ceremony, graduates are presented with a Kente stole – a colorful, handwoven cloth – which they wear as part of their graduation regalia. School of Communications honorees:

Jason N. Adama-Tettey, Communication Design
Aniya Arnold, Cinema & Television Arts
Chase Augustus, Sport Management
Alexis Cooper, Journalism
Rachael (Mae) Curington, Cinema & Television Arts
Uwera Izabayo, Cinema & Television Arts
Jayla Martin-Beasley, Strategic Communications
Madison Muir, Cinema & Television Arts
Sebastian Schroeter, Sport Management
Taylor Scott, Strategic Communications

Nijah Toshumba (left), assistant director of the Gender & LGBTQIA Center, stands with Jayla Martin-Beasley ’25, a cinema & television arts major, who participated in both the Lavender Graduation and the Donning of the Kente ceremonies.

Lavender Graduation
May 14, Alumni Gym

The university’s Lavender Graduation honors and celebrates the achievements of graduating LGBTQIA+ students and their allies. The ceremony provides a space for reflection, recognition and community, acknowledging the unique experiences and contributions of these students during their time on campus. Among the 23 participants were the following School of Communications majors:

Rachael (Mae) Curington, Cinema & Television Arts
Jayla Martin-Beasley, Strategic Communications

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Strawberry Festival

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Communications students recognized in Commencement season celebrations

First-Generation Stole Ceremony May 21, McKinnon Hall

Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight May 22, Lakeside

Donning of the Kente May 22, Alumni Gym

Lavender Graduation May 14, Alumni Gym

Commencement | Today at ��Ƶ | ��Ƶ

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‘Room Dogs’ united | Three ��Ƶ PA students turn different paths into shared journey

��Ƶ’s first Accelerated Pathways to Physician Assistant Studies students to graduate in December

Former teacher Sarah Jenkins ’25 finds new purpose in ��Ƶ nursing program

First-Generation Stole Ceremony
May 21, McKinnon Hall

Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight
May 22, Lakeside

Donning of the Kente
May 22, Alumni Gym

Lavender Graduation
May 14, Alumni Gym