As Kevin Trapani is quick to note, there’s a certain paradox to life in 2025: global poverty and rates of disease are declining, educational access is expanding, and technology has made communication instant and knowledge more accessible than at any point in human history.

That doesn’t include advancements in medicine, clean energy, and global cooperation.

So then why is there a rise in loneliness, anxiety, division, and despair? What explains the growing violence, political instability, and economic uncertainty now taking a toll on many people? And what’s to be done?

“Well, if you鈥檝e earned an advanced degree in education, I want you to teach character,” Trapani told candidates for master’s degrees who celebrated their 乱伦视频 graduation on May 21, 2025. “And, if you鈥檝e earned an advanced degree in business, I want you to teach鈥� character.”

乱伦视频 conferred graduate degrees on 85 students representing five programs at 乱伦视频 – the Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Business Analytics, Master of Education in Innovation, and Master of Arts in Higher Education programs – inside an Alumni Gym filled with family, friends, and classmates.

In delivering the Commencement address, Trapani – a retired insurance executive and entrepreneur, executive-in-residence in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, and the father of three 乱伦视频 alumni – suggested practices聽“that can anchor you in a chaotic world.”

• Belief: 鈥淣ow let me be clear: Belief doesn鈥檛 require religion. But it does require intention. It requires the choice to say, 鈥楾his is what I stand for. This is what I will sacrifice for. This is who I will be when no one is watching.鈥櫬� Belief is not abstract. It informs our choices. It shapes how we live. It gives us the courage to keep going in tough times. And today, in a world that too often confuses distraction with direction, belief is more necessary than ever.”
• Belonging: 鈥淭o bring people together, to find and build purpose-centered community, give of yourself. Spend your time, talent and treasure on the essential issues of human need: Feed the hungry. House the homeless. Care for children. Welcome the stranger. In that work, you鈥檒l meet people who will challenge and shape you 鈥� and who will come to love you and give your life meaning.鈥�
• Behavior: 鈥淚鈥檓 asking you 鈥� I鈥檓 expecting you 鈥� to change the world. I know you can only lead from where you stand 鈥� but you must lead. Your privilege is power and know this: power is not a bludgeon. It鈥檚 a blessing. Not something you use to dominate, but something that demands that you give. …聽Find a powerful partner and build a family. Practice your faith. Support your schools. Find and speak the truth 鈥� not just the trending soundbite. Sit with someone and really listen. Don鈥檛 choose the easy way. Do hard things. Beautiful things. Love one another. Because that鈥檚 where meaning lives.鈥�

Trapani has been an executive-in-residence at 乱伦视频 since 2022 and lectures on topics related to innovation, ethical leadership and stakeholder capitalism. Before his corporate retirement in 2024, he was co-founder, president and CEO of The Redwoods Group, the largest insurance provider dedicated to protecting youth-serving organizations in the country by working to prevent the sexual abuse of children in institutional settings, drowning prevention, transportation, and elevation risk safety

A 1979 Duke University graduate with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in political science, Trapani is a member and past chair of the Advisory Committee for Duke University鈥檚 Fuqua School of Business Center for Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship.

He has also been the social entrepreneur in residence at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, chair of the board of North Carolina Public Radio, chair of the board of the United Way of the Greater Triangle (N.C.) and chair of the North Carolina Workforce Development Commission.

鈥淵ou. Are. 乱伦视频,鈥� Trapani reminded graduates. 鈥淭hose three words carry weight more than a diploma, a title, or a r茅sum茅 ever will because to be 乱伦视频 means you鈥檝e been formed in a community that believes in purpose and that values knowledge, yes 鈥� but also character 鈥� and that believes we are not simply here to succeed, but to serve.鈥�

The evening Commencement celebration also featured remarks by 乱伦视频 President Connie Ledoux Book, Provost Rebecca Kohn, and Micaela Acosta G鈥�25, a candidate for the Master of Education from Argentina who delivered a message of appreciation on behalf of her classmates.

Acosta reminded her classmates that they stood on a bridge between two worlds: 鈥渢he world that shaped us and the world we are about to shape.鈥� 聽Commencement, she said, is a time to ignite courage for what lies ahead.

Among the many important lessons learned while enrolled in graduate studies, she added, there was one most meaningful to her.

鈥淲e never stop learning,鈥� Acosta said. 鈥淚n education, we are not simply teaching content or following a curriculum. We are shaping lives. We are inspiring futures. We are making an impact that might only reveal itself years from now when a student recognizes us at the grocery store, even if we don’t recognize them. And that, truly, is the power of education.

鈥淭oday is not just a ceremony. It is a declaration that says, 鈥榃e are ready.鈥� Ready to make mistakes. Ready to take risks. Ready to lead with heart and innovation. 乱伦视频 has not only taught us new perspectives, methods, and strategies 鈥� it has reawakened our belief in the profound impact of what we do.

Today is not just a ceremony. It is a declaration that says, 鈥榃e are ready.鈥� Ready to make mistakes. Ready to take risks. Ready to lead with heart and innovation. 乱伦视频 has not only taught us new perspectives, methods, and strategies 鈥� it has reawakened our belief in the profound impact of what we do.

– Micaela Acosta G’25

鈥淎s we step forward into the world, into classrooms, organizations, businesses, and communities, may we remember that success is not just measured in titles or accolades, but in the lives we touch, the hope we plant, and the courage we inspire.鈥�

Book concluded the ceremony with a charge to graduates to be resilient and steadfast “like the mighty oak for which 乱伦视频 is named.”聽The strengths and skills gained at 乱伦视频 should be used to make a difference in the world.

鈥淎s we envision each of you launching into what’s next in the exciting career path ahead, carry 乱伦视频 and our values with you always,鈥� Book said. 鈥淗onesty: be truthful in your work and in your relationships. Integrity: be trustworthy, fair, and ethical. 鈥㏑esponsibility: be accountable for your actions. Respect: be simple, and value the dignity of each person.

鈥淯se 乱伦视频’s values when you encounter the inevitable hard choices. Lean on them and each other when you need to reason things out. Remember, we are forever bound together by these values: you, me, your classmates, faculty, and staff. You are lifelong members of the 乱伦视频 family.

鈥淐ongratulations, Class of 2025, and long live 乱伦视频!鈥�

Candidates for the Master of Science in Accounting

Nick Amatulli
B.S., 乱伦视频

Juliet Baudoin
B.S., 乱伦视频

Cailin Daigle
B.S., 乱伦视频

Kelly Degnan
B.S., 乱伦视频

Emma Flynn
B.S., 乱伦视频

Wise Halverson
B.S.B.A., 乱伦视频

Anna Hamner
B.S., 乱伦视频

Josh Hazlett
B.S., 乱伦视频

Blake Kessel
B.S., 乱伦视频

Tabitha Knedeisen
B.S., 乱伦视频

Vincent Ruggiero
B.S., 乱伦视频

Charlotte Scully
B.S., 乱伦视频

Allison Silvernale
B.S., 乱伦视频

Juliet Walker
B.A., 乱伦视频

Candidates for the Master of Science in Business Analytics

Ananya Agrawal
B.A., Assumption University

Alan Allred
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Robert Barcello
B.S.B.A., 乱伦视频

Craig Brandstetter
B.S.B.A., 乱伦视频

Nicholas Buchholz
B.A., Fordham University

Juan Callejo-Ropero
B.S.B.A., 乱伦视频

Adam Cheifetz
B.A., 乱伦视频

Mackenzie Deming
B.S.B.A., 乱伦视频

Yadira Fernandez-Delgado
B.S.B.A., 乱伦视频

Annie Grantais
B.S., NEOMA Business School

Cece Guyader
B.S.B.A., 乱伦视频

Narjis Jebali
B.S., SKEMA Business School

Jazlyn Jefferson
B.S., Hampton University

Mikayla Jones
B.A., Catawba College

Charline Kergueris
B.S., NEOMA Business School

Madeline Ludwig
B.S.B.A., 乱伦视频

Mariana Martinez
B.B.A., Christian University

Will McCoy
B.A., 乱伦视频

Simone Royal George
M.Ed., Washington University

Annabelle Schall Faucheux
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Victor Stromsten
B.S.B.A., 乱伦视频

Liz Sulley
B.S.B.A., 乱伦视频

Madison Synowiec
B.S., 乱伦视频

James Thomas Tegler Jr.
B.S.B.A., 乱伦视频

Dylan Tucker
B.S.B.A., 乱伦视频

Candidates for the Master of Business Administration

John Acebu
B.A., Xavier University

Addie Ackley
B.S., West Virginia University
M.S., West Virginia University
J.D., 乱伦视频

Jaclyn Burke
B.S., University of South Carolina
J.D., 乱伦视频

Davis Cheek
B.S.B.A., 乱伦视频

Cuyler Field
B.S., The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
J.D., 乱伦视频

Robert Floyd
B.S., The University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Sarah Fuller
B.A., High Point University
J.D., 乱伦视频

Kendra Haskins
B.A., Duke University

Tarah Holland
B.S., North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

Steven Lawrence Losiewicz
B.B.A., Greensboro College

Emily Lyons
B.S., Western Carolina University

Brooke McCormick
B.A., Monmouth College
J.D., 乱伦视频

Aaron Mellette
B.S., 乱伦视频

Eduardo Mendes Flores
B.A., Texas A&M University
J.D., 乱伦视频

Ayo Onasanya
B.A., 乱伦视频
J.D., 乱伦视频

Moni Pao
B.S., North Carolina State University

William McGeachy Roberson
B.A., Davidson College

William Rock
B.S., Trident University

Ryan Xavier JaNeil Sanders
B.S., 乱伦视频

Patrick Schwartz
B.S., University of Hartford

Jon Seaton
B.A., 乱伦视频

Edith Sanchez Smith
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Sean Walker
B.A., 乱伦视频

Daniel Warren
B.A., The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Aaron Whetstone
B.S., Clemson University

Katie Wolfe
B.B.A., The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Candidates for the Master of Arts in Higher Education

Emma Rose Varner Calhoun
B.A., Duke University

Seth Lawrence Lasher
B.S., Kentucky Wesleyan College

Logan Montana Morral
B.A., York College of Pennsylvania

Cassandra McLean North
B.A., Roger Williams University

Rebecca Emily Osborne
B.A., North Carolina State University

Asmaa Zaitoun
B.S., University of Jordan
M.A., University of Jordan

Candidates for the Master of Education

Micaela Acosta
Bachelor鈥檚, Universidad Nacional de Catamarca

Huanhuan Cai
B.A., Southwest University of Political Science and Law

Rocio Castillo Garcia
Bachelor鈥檚, Escuela Normal Particular Autorizada in Queretaro

Erika Conde Garcia
Bachelor鈥檚, Universidad Del Valle

Hailey Firmin
B.A., 乱伦视频

Lu Li
B.A., Tonghua Normal University

Rebecca McLamb
B.A., 乱伦视频

Ana Gabriela Pe帽aranda
Bachelor鈥檚, Universidad de Cuenca

Yuli Andrea Peralta Verano
Bachelor鈥檚, Institucion Universitaria Colombo Americana

Zo毛 Rein
B.A., 乱伦视频

Matthew R. Trez
B.A., 乱伦视频

Nan Ye
Bachelor鈥檚, Shenyang Normal University in Shenyang

Qianhan Yi
Bachelor鈥檚, China West Normal University

Yuqi Yuan
Bachelor鈥檚, Yunnan Normal University,
Foreign Languages College in Kunming

鈥淕raduates, a commencement is the beginning of a new chapter of your life, and you are now armed with the knowledge from an advanced degree to begin something new,鈥� Gaither said. 鈥淭he 乱伦视频 motto is 鈥榥umen lumen,鈥� which signifies spiritual light and intellectual light. At 乱伦视频, you have walked in the light. Now, you enter the world as the light.鈥�

The joint ceremony in Alumni Gym recognized graduates from the Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Business Analytics and Master of Business Administration programs in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business; the Master of Arts in Interactive Media program in the School of Communications; and the Master of Arts in Higher Education and Master of Education programs in the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education.

Stephen Gyan of the Master of Arts in Higher Education program, who was selected to deliver the message of appreciation on behalf of his fellow students, encouraged the graduates to embrace the beauty of the unknown. A first-generation college student from Ghana, Gyan traveled 5,389 miles to realize his goal of earning a master鈥檚 degree and deepening his understanding of how educational systems nurture people and transform societies.

He shared how overwhelming it was at times to pursue an advanced degree in an unfamiliar country, an ocean way from his family. But Gyan鈥檚 乱伦视频 experience also broadened his educational and professional horizons and boosted his confidence in his own abilities, leading him to pursue his Ph.D. this September.

鈥淭here鈥檚 power in the unknown, and it鈥檚 important to reframe it as a catalyst for action,鈥� Gyan said. 鈥淟ife may be complex, but I firmly believe that when we trust ourselves and take initiative in the present moment, the world will conspire to help us achieve our dreams.鈥�

Gyan said he believes that earning their master鈥檚 degrees Wednesday night signified a stepping stone for the future he and his fellow graduates want to create for themselves. With a commitment to learning continuously, constantly seeking mentorship and acting proactively, he said he felt confident the graduates would leave 乱伦视频 well equipped to take on whatever comes next for them.

鈥淟et鈥檚 draw inspiration from taking small steps even when the path isn鈥檛 clear,鈥� Gyan said. 鈥淏y doing this, we become bold, action-oriented and willing to experiment. It will free us from the fear of inadequacy and imposter syndrome and empower us to embrace the humanity that includes failure as part of our journey. After all, our actions can have a variety of outcomes 鈥� it can be good, it can be bad or somewhere in between. But the most important thing is that we would have tried. Colleagues, let鈥檚 choose to be optimistic and embrace the positive world that awaits us.鈥�

Andr茅 Valcour, vice president and laboratory director with the Center for Esoteric Testing and discipline director of allergy, coagulation and endocrinology at Labcorp, echoed the importance of lifelong learning in his keynote address. He remarked on humans鈥� capacity to adapt to change and reflected on how rapidly the world has evolved throughout his own educational and professional journey.

When he took his first computer programming course in college, he submitted his homework on punch cards. His doctoral dissertation at the University of Vermont was the school鈥檚 first to be written on a word processor rather than a typewriter. Today, people carry computers in their pockets or wear them on their wrists and are now experimenting with artificial intelligence as a resource. To keep up with such exponential evolution, Valcour said it鈥檚 imperative that people always aspire to learn.

鈥淭o soar in the age of explosive change, you will need to constantly increase your knowledge and skills,鈥� said Valcour, a 2014 graduate of 乱伦视频鈥檚 MBA program. 鈥淵ou will need to be a lifelong learner to be a lifelong success. The days when you could get a four-year degree or even a graduate degree and think that it would sustain you for a lifetime are over.鈥�

To be successful in today鈥檚 world, Valcour encouraged the graduates to routinely assess what further self-development they need, what further knowledge and skills they need, what standards they should set for themselves and what strengths they should employ. He also urged them to be proactive in exploring mentoring relationships with people who are smarter than them, people who will provide guidance and support, and people who will challenge them.

鈥淵ou must remember that if you will be successful in this kind of relationship, you must be open to criticism, you must have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and, most of all, you must be passionate about your goals and be willing to take risks to achieve them,鈥� Valcour said.

Valcour also underscored the importance of not only learning throughout your career but using that knowledge to empower the success of others. Leadership, he said, is not about a person鈥檚 position, but about their actions, their innovations and their influence.

鈥淏e the kind of leader that makes others successful,鈥� Valcour said. 鈥淯se your talents to effect positive change. Above all, maintain a strong moral compass. Your integrity is your most valuable asset.鈥�

In her charge the graduates, President Connie Ledoux Book said she hoped they would carry 乱伦视频鈥檚 core values of honesty, integrity, responsibility and respect with them as they begin their next chapter as master鈥檚 degree recipients.

鈥淯se these 乱伦视频 values when you encounter hard choices,鈥� Book said. 鈥淟ean on them 鈥� and each other 鈥� when you need to reason things out. Remember, we are forever bound together by these values 鈥� you, me, your classmates, faculty, staff, 乱伦视频.鈥�

Candidates for the Master of Science in Accounting Degree

Alex Belveal

Katlin S. Bollenbach

Blake C. Cleven

Liam M. Dabagian

Tommy Dimock

Claire E. Doherty

Taylor Getz

Kaitlin A. King

Jack C. McAuliffe

Jackie Schmidt

Ariston J. Tomes

Jake Varady

Julia C. Vide

Callum R. Walker

Candidates for the Master of Science in Business Analytics Degree

Annabelle Ackroyd

Jessica Booth

Jack Cutler

Rafi Dahdal

L茅anna Dejean

Justine Dobral

Matthew Downing

Raphael Engelhard

Luca Erhardt

Zac Ervin

Zane Bruce Gilbert

Kai Glass

Chazz Harley

Nazhiyah Hayes

Dylan Heap

Kathryn Johnson

Maya Johnson

Daniel Martin

Drew Ellen Menscer

Hannah Miller

Ajay Nimmala

Caleb Ogunmola

Tate Ostrowski

Shane Paradine

Edoardo Righetti

Victor Roche

Isak Sedin

Suman Sharma

Trinity Roshni Swepson

Vanessa Taylor

Jabril Williams

Jun Yin

Candidates for the Master of Business Administration Degree

Kyra Auguste

Richard Bechtold

Quintin Brenner

Frederick Brown

Jose Daniel Castillo Solano

Felicia Cenca

Major Duckett

April Dawn Dudash

Jessica Hamrick Hart

Nitish Kumar

Meghann Mae Lail

Breanna Lewis

Aeriel Miller

David Eugene Morgan III

Jasmine C. Ryant

Victoria Schneider

Warren Snell

Brandon Jade Swindell

Candidates for the Master of Arts in Interactive Media Degree

Raven Monique Abbott

Jessica Maris Baker

Andrew Allen Dryfoos

Isabella Maria Szalay Hilditch

Tishana Trinity Jackson

Kaitlin N. McGoogan

Cameron Xavier Rosebud

Gabriella R. Sable

Denise Yvonne Simmons

Abigail Sparkman

Morgan Sierra Stankiewicz

Amaya C. Waddy

Puxin Zhao

Candidates for the Master of Arts in Higher Education Degree

Hao Chun Chi

Julia Ruth DeWitt

Darynha Gnep

Elana Rae Gutmann

Stephen Gyan

Caleigh Shea MacKinnon

Marie-Clare Oluebube Ofoegbu

Elijah Pennock

Vanessa Lorraine Truelove

Haley Nicole Turczynski

Alexandra Lucia Weaver

Candidates for the Master of Education Degree

Robert A Alvis

Fernando Antonio Arevalo Rodriguez

Wanying Deng

Yanmei Duan

Maria Florencia Guida

Alexa Perkins LaTorre

Wenting Li

Zongchao Mu

April Ashford Siler

Madeleine Steffani Tapia Solis

In his new role, Brian Lyons will collaborate closely with faculty and staff involved in graduate program team to revamp offerings and aid in reaching quality and enrollment objectives.

鈥淗is expertise and guidance will be instrumental in shaping the future of our graduate programs and ensuring their ongoing success,鈥� Raghu Tadepalli, dean of the Love School of Business, said in announcing Lyons鈥� appointment. 鈥淚 am grateful to Brian for agreeing to serve the school in this capacity.鈥�

Lyons joined the 乱伦视频 faculty in 2014 and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in human resource management and organizational behavior.

He has overseen curriculum development and assurance of learning processes in his previous role as faculty coordinator for the 乱伦视频 MBA and Master of Science in Business Analytics programs. Lyons made significant contributions to both, including co-creating the innovative 3+1 BSBA/MSBA program, streamlining the application process, rebranding the Master of Science in Management program into the MSBA program, and supporting student appeal decisions.

鈥淭his new role allows me to continue to support Love School of Business graduate programs in a strategic capacity,鈥� Lyons said. 鈥淚 look forward to working with our students, faculty, staff, and the Dean鈥檚 office to deepen our commitment to the success of our MBA, MSBA, and MSA programs. I appreciate the committee鈥檚 time and willingness to select me for this role.鈥�

Lyons鈥檚 research focuses on recruitment, selection, job performance, and leadership, with numerous publications in prestigious outlets such as the Journal of Applied Psychology, Human Resource Management, and the Journal of Business and Psychology, among others.

His expertise has been sought by media sources including ESPN, NPR, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and聽FiveThirtyEight.com. He currently serves on the editorial boards of聽Applied Psychology: An International Review,聽Journal of Business and Psychology,聽Journal of Managerial Psychology, and聽Leadership & Organization Development Journal.聽As a co-principal investigator, he has secured more than $1 million in external funding since 2021.

In addition to his academic achievements, Lyons has played an instrumental role in various campus initiatives. At the university level, he has served as co-chair of the full-time faculty teaching appointments committee and he previously co-chaired the Gender Salary Equity study.

Within the Love School of Business, he developed the SHRM-aligned curriculum for the Human Resource Management major, co-created the human resource management minor, and chaired multiple tenure-track faculty searches. He聽is the faculty mentor for the award-winning student Society for Human Resource Management club.

Lyons has received numerous accolades, including the 2016 Dean’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship, the 2017 Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, the 2019 Dean’s Award for Excellence in Service, and the 2020 Beta Gamma Sigma Professor of the Year.

Prior to academia, he conducted HR-related research for the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the American Institutes for Research. He holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Studies from the University at Albany, State University of New York, and is a SHRM-Senior Certified Professional.

Search Committee for the Faculty Director of LSB Graduate Programs

• Assistant Professor Kevin Agnew
• Professor Tina Das
• Professor Raj Gupta
• Assistant Professor Scott Hayward
• Associate Professor Tim Norvell

Before they crossed the Commencement stage and received their diplomas on Wednesday, May 17, Participate Learning CEO David Young urged the spring graduates from some of 乱伦视频鈥檚 masters-level programs to carry their passion for learning with them through whatever comes next in their professional journeys.

Young reminded them that graduation is a fixed point in time, and the world keeps changing every day. But as our society, economy and planet rapidly evolve, 乱伦视频 graduates share a significant characteristic that will ensure their success far beyond their technical skills.

鈥淵ou have proven that you have learned how to learn, and you have done this repeatedly, time and time again, for many years,鈥� Young said. 鈥溌衣资悠� is and has always been committed to lifelong learning and has provided you with everything you need to be a continuous and curious learner for decades to come. Not everybody has this capacity, and it is a clear differentiator as you enter or re-enter the job market.鈥�

The joint ceremony in Alumni Gym recognized graduates from the Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Business Analytics and Master of Business Administration programs in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business; the Master of Arts in Interactive Media program in the School of Communications; and the Master of Arts in Higher Education and Master of Education programs in the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education.

Jason Smith G鈥�23 of the MBA program, who was selected to deliver the message of appreciation on behalf of his fellow students, applauded the time, energy and dedication that graduates from all six programs devoted to earning their degrees. Inspired by his pastor, Smith focuses on one word to live by each year, such as grace, patience and gratitude. He framed his address to his fellow graduates around his word for 2023 鈥� silence.

鈥淭oday we celebrate loudly and proudly,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淭his Commencement day is all about talking, speaking and congratulating. But silence is not about quietness. Silence is slowing down. Silence is stillness.鈥�

Smith acknowledged the hard work, sacrifices and compromises that each graduate poured into obtaining their master鈥檚 degrees. Moving forward, he encouraged his classmates to honor that effort by embracing the peace that comes with silence.

鈥淓ach one of you is a high achiever and high performer, reaching what only 10% of Americans will ever obtain,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淗ow do we blend high performance, success, silence and stillness? My suggestions are to live in the present. Always use paid time off. Always. Talk less. Listen more. Practice gratitude. Check in on your friends. Enjoy work but still leave early. Attend your children鈥檚 activities but stay late. Have a date night with your significant other all of the time. Call your parents. Class of 2023, learn to love stillness and silence.鈥�

In his keynote address, Young reflected on his own exposure to 乱伦视频鈥檚 dynamic learning environment from an early age. His father is former 乱伦视频 President J. Fred Young, so he grew up surrounded by 鈥渢he power of community, kindness, engagement and empathy鈥� that 乱伦视频 offered.

乱伦视频 paved the way for his family鈥檚 鈥渓ifelong pursuit of and commitment to global education and cultural exchange.鈥� Young鈥檚 company, Participate Learning, is the leading provider of K-12 global education programs and one of the largest international exchange teacher programs recognized by the U.S. Department of State.

鈥溌衣资悠� introduced my siblings and me to worlds that would otherwise have not been possible 鈥� visiting professors, guest speakers, exchange students, travel, languages and more,鈥� Young said. 鈥淎nd these experiences taught us to try and stand in someone else鈥檚 shoes for a while and understand what their lives are like.鈥�

Young urged the graduates to carry the rich learning experiences they gained at 乱伦视频 with them to their next adventure. He said that as an employer who has hired thousands of staff in more than 30 years, he would infer that candidates with master鈥檚 degrees would possess certain attributes 鈥� like technical knowledge, problem solving, initiative, ambition and self-discipline. But he would expect candidates with an 乱伦视频 master鈥檚 degree to go a step further, with additional characteristics like critical thinking, emotional intelligence, valuing differences, intercultural understanding and curiosity.

鈥淭hese 乱伦视频 qualities make you so attractive in the marketplace,鈥� Young said. 鈥淎nd, by the way鈥� your degree is going to become more valuable over the years, and I鈥檒l tell you why 鈥� because if there鈥檚 one thing I know about 乱伦视频, it鈥檚 that we will never stop growing, never stop improving and never stop pursuing excellence until we鈥檙e No. 1 in every possible ranking there is.鈥�

Young said he had no doubt that everyone who crossed the Commencement stage that night possessed those qualities, and he emphasized that lifelong learners often become excellent leaders.

鈥淲hen I look out at you, that鈥檚 what I see 鈥� dozens and dozens of future leaders ready to enter the world and make a positive impact,鈥� Young said. 鈥淎nd it brings me joy and hope to see, because we have huge challenges ahead as citizens and humans. We need you now, and we need you fast!鈥�

President Connie Ledoux Book charged the graduates to remain resilient and steadfast in their future endeavors, like the mighty oaks for which 乱伦视频 is named. Oaks symbolize the 乱伦视频 community鈥檚 strength, she said 鈥� strength that also resides within each member of the Class of 2023.

鈥淚 hope each time you see an acorn, or an oak tree,鈥� Book said, 鈥渢hat you are reminded of the personal leadership that you have developed during your studies at 乱伦视频, strengths and skills that I鈥檓 counting on you to use to make a difference in the world.鈥�

Candidates for the Master of Science in Accounting Degree

Kaitlyn Susan Cherniss

Luke Taylor Chisholm

Yuzu Pham Do

Colburn Gray Ehrhart

Andrew Clinton Junkin

Hunter Autumn Leong

Jacob Stone McAllister

Brian Joseph McDonnell

Hari Meher Nori

Conor J. O鈥橬eill

Jane Madelyn Ragland

Madison Schulenburg

Olivia Noreen Taylor

Candidates for the Master of Science in Business Analytics Degree

Gustavo Damian Atencio

Joseph Alan Baughman

Kalli鈥橝na Alize Claire Botelho

John Otis Bowen III

Kiana Aires Bradford

Michael Clow

Matthias Delbove

Baptiste Di Maiolo

Nicole Rose Dischinger

Abigail Marie Fusca

Franc G脿miz Quer

Sean Elliot Halloran

Alexander James Kisch

Apolline Lartiguevieille

Nicolas Legeay

Benjamin C. Muse

Jehan Panthaki

Michael P. Purcell

Corbin David Skaff

Chelsea Paige Wallace

Master of Business Administration Degree

Sandra Paola Acosta Pena

Abdulmohsen Alzamil

Faiger Megrea Blackwell

Timothy Q. Boles

Skyler Christian Davis

Mary Marie DeFriest

Timothy Patrick Dengler

Lindsey Miller Furiness

Jacquelyn Renee Gauntlett

Paris Elaun Henderson

Olivia Creech Holbrook

Brian Scott Joyner

Aleah King

Quianna Lewis

Alexa Noelle Lowey

Sierra McKoy

Aaron Nana Kwame Ofori

Babatunde Sunday Opaleye

Quinn Patrick Reilly

Cassidy B. Richardson

Jason Smith

Kathryn Larned Soraghan

Rosemary Sparrow

Faisal Sulman

Kari Austin Taylor

Nathan Wyscarver

Candidates for the Master of Arts in Interactive Media Degree

Olivia Beth Archer

Shaina Danielle Catchings

John Edward Donohue

Abby Yongting Lachance

JaRiah Teree Morris

Sequoia Raven Nichols

Maya Nicole O鈥橬eal

Hana Rose Sedivy

Courtney Lillian Simmons

Michaela Angelle Zeno

Candidates for the Master of Arts in Higher Education Degree

Jordan Ballantyne

Kelsey Frances Baron

Ivy Blue Breivogel

Toni Maria Formato

Mackenzie Grim Hahn

Martha Yulissa Lopez Lavias

Charles D. Presar

Sarah May Richey

Odaly Esmeralda Rivas

Amy Elizabeth Smith

Rebecca Elisabeth Wiles

Candidates for the Master of Education Degree

Michael Buttner

Destiny Carter

Valentina Cubillos

Manfredo De la Cruz Interiano

Yanela Ferrer

Kirsten Garrison

William Giblin

Erika Liseth Hern谩ndez

Ana Herrera Castillo

Javiera Leyton Alarcon

Emma Lu

Kimberly Manning

Marcela Marambio

Issac Marsh

Deanna Polito

Tatiana Rudiander Conte

Corey Waters

Hannah Wilpon

Jane Ragland ’23, an accounting and economic consulting double major and member of 乱伦视频鈥檚 3+1 Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program, is graduating with dual degrees after having an impressive four years of professional development at 乱伦视频.

The聽Marshalltown, Iowa, native completed an audit internship with KPMG after her sophomore year and secured a credit risk analyst internship with Goldman Sachs for the following summer. Interested in merging her favorite aspects of the two experiences, Ragland worked with the Student Professional Development Center (SPDC) to determine her next career steps and negotiated a full-time role as an Internal Audit Analyst within the Private Wealth Management Team at Goldman Sachs.

Ragland recently shared about her experience working with the SPDC and how she leveraged her previous experiences to align her personal and professional goals.

What were you trying to accomplish when you met with the SPDC and what specific help did you receive?

I have used the SPDC numerous times throughout my 乱伦视频 career, from resume reviews to LinkedIn headshots. Most recently, I used the advice from the professionals at the SPDC to gain clarity on where I wanted to begin my career.

What did you learn from working with the SPDC?

The SPDC helped me to reflect on what I was looking for in my first job out of school. As an accounting and economic consulting double major, I could go down two very different paths. Brooke Buffington, Cindy Sweeney and Lauren Bosselait all shared great insight, connected me with alumni, and helped me compare different opportunities to determine the best company fit for me.

How did your interest in working at Goldman Sachs develop?

I have always admired the ambition and excellence that Goldman Sachs represents. Throughout my early years at 乱伦视频, I attended virtual information sessions to get an inside look into the firm. In the summer of 2021, I also had the opportunity to complete Goldman鈥檚 Summer Insight Series. Following this, I applied to a 2022 summer internship and was elated to join the company as a Summer Risk Analyst within the Credit Research Group in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Tell me about your experience in landing this opportunity with Goldman Sachs.

During my time as a Summer Risk Analyst, I was blown away by Goldman Sachs鈥� company culture. Questions were not just encouraged, they were expected. The environment is designed to encourage learning, which pushes everyone to excel. Although I enjoyed my internship, I missed utilizing some of the skills I gained at my KPMG audit internship the summer prior. Knowing that I want to gain additional audit experience, I began looking into Goldman鈥檚 internal mobility process. This led me to Internal Audit in New York City. It鈥檚 the perfect fit. I get to build a foundation of internal control and financial services knowledge, hone my critical thinking skills, and work in my dream city, all while staying with the company I love.

What specific things about Goldman Sachs鈥� culture made an impression on you?

Something that really stood out to me about Goldman鈥檚 culture is the emphasis on learning. One of my favorite examples of this are 鈥渃atch-ups,鈥� where staff are encouraged to schedule meetings to learn more about how the firm operates and how roles are interconnected.聽Meetings are encouraged not only with members of your team but also with people from Goldman Sachs鈥� various departments and offices around the world.

What did you learn from your internship experience with Goldman Sachs?

During my internship, I challenged myself to take advantage of the 鈥渃atch-up鈥� culture and learn as much as possible from those around me. One of my favorite things to come out of this challenge was connections with 乱伦视频 alumni. I reached out to 乱伦视频 graduates across the country with experience in a mixture of Goldman鈥檚 divisions, from Asset Management to Equity Research to Internal Audit. During this process, I heard inspiring stories of how people navigated their careers from 乱伦视频 to Goldman. These individuals also connected me with other professionals who further attested to the culture, opportunities, experience and community at Goldman Sachs. Soon I had a network of mentors whose advice gave me the confidence to begin my career.

Which other faculty members did you work with to prepare, and what help did you receive?

All of my accounting and economics professors have played an extremely important role in my career path thus far. Specifically, Dr. Tina Das, my advisor for the Business Fellows program, highly encouraged me to take advantage of the resources available at the SPDC. Additionally, my accounting professor Dr. Kevin Agnew, who has a background in internal audit, was a great mentor in my decision-making process. I owe a big thanks to Dr. Das, Dr. Agnew and many other 乱伦视频 professors and mentors who have well prepared me for my Internal Audit role and helped me navigate the decision process.

What recommendations would you share with other students about the Student Professional Development Center?

Don鈥檛 be afraid to make an appointment or stop by the drop-in hours at the SPDC! Everyone I have worked with at the SPDC and in the business school鈥檚 Porter Center have always been extremely welcoming and helpful.聽The services offered at the SPDC are a major asset to campus, take advantage of them!

Academic Achievement Award Recipients

Academic Excellence Award in Accounting

Jane Ragland
Julianne Jarek

This award is given to senior Accounting majors who have demonstrated superior academic achievement, provided significant contributions to the department, and possesses potential for intellectual growth.

Challenge and Expect Award in Accounting

Taylor Getz

This award is presented to senior Accounting majors who have demonstrated excellent growth in academic achievement and in contributions to the department.

Excellence in Financial Education Student Award

Kendall Treco
Lev Goldstein
Nicole Dischinger

This award is given to senior finance majors who have demonstrated excellent academic achievement and possesses potential for professional growth in financial services.

Goldstein Family Award

Steven Saavedra

This award is for graduating seniors who, after transferring to 乱伦视频 (and the LSB) earlier in their academic careers, have established a record of sustained engagement and high academic success and who embody the university鈥檚 engaged learning focus through participation in high-impact learning activities.

Walter Hattenbach Award

Abby Dilsheimer

The senior marketing major with the highest GPA receives this award, which was established by Dr. and Mrs. James W. Johnston in honor of their friend, Walter Hattenbach.

John Kappas Economics Award

James Grant
Peyton Pesavento

This award goes to senior economics majors who best demonstrate enthusiasm for economics, potential for leadership聽and classroom excellence. It is named in honor of the late John Kappas, a 1985 乱伦视频 graduate.

Love School of Business Academic Excellence Award

Jay Blue
Jane Ragland

This award is presented to the student with the highest GPA among those graduating with a major in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business.

Love School of Business Courageous Leadership Award

Yuzo Do

This award is given to a student who exemplifies courageous leadership within and outside of the Love School of Business.

Love School of Business Responsible Leadership Award

Savannah Josey

This award is given to a student who exemplifies leadership, service and academic achievement within the Love School of Business.

Student Achievement in Business Analytics Award

Will Gatchel

This award is given to a senior business analytics major who has shown enthusiasm and success in his or her courses as well as promise for future achievement.

Student Achievement in Economic Consulting Award

Hailey Crawford
Jane Ragland

This award is given to senior economic consulting majors who have shown enthusiasm and success in their courses as well as promise for future achievement.

Student Achievement in Economics Award

Christopher Boyette

This award is given to a senior economics major who has shown enthusiasm and success in his or her courses as well as promise for future achievement.

Student Achievement in Entrepreneurship & Innovation Award

Rebecca Jaeger

This award is given to a senior entrepreneurship major who has shown enthusiasm and success in his or her major as well as promise for future achievement.

Student Achievement in Finance Award

Chloe Draheim
Eric Levine
Ava Rosen

This award is given to senior finance majors who have shown enthusiasm and success in their major as well as promise for future achievement.

Student Achievement in Human Resource Management Award

Maddie Ohlweiler

This award is given to a senior human resource management major who has shown enthusiasm and success in his or her courses as well as promise for future achievement.

Student Achievement in International Business Award

Amelia Ward

This award is given to a senior international business major who has shown enthusiasm and success in his or her major as well as promise for future achievement.

Student Achievement in Marketing Award

Joe Byrd
Gabi Drumm-Schwartz

This award is given to a senior marketing major who has shown enthusiasm and success in his or her major as well as promise for future achievement.

Student Achievement in Project Management Award

Kenna Provost
Nia Griffin

This award is given to senior project management majors who have shown enthusiasm and success their major as well as promise for future achievement.

Student Achievement in Supply Chain Management Award

Emma Ciccotosto

This award is given to a senior supply chain management major who has shown enthusiasm and success in his or her major as well as promise for future achievement.

Benjamin Grover Johnston Award

Emma Solnick
Reagan Kadlic
Ciara Bolger
Blake Kessel
Cole Meixsell
Anna Lippert

This award honors the sophomore who has the highest GPA in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business. Dr. and Mrs. James W. Johnston established this award in memory of Dr. Johnston鈥檚 brother, Benjamin Grover Johnston.

Martha and Spencer Love School of Business Dean鈥檚 Awards for Faculty and Staff

Excellence in Teaching

David Jiang
Sean McMahon
Beth McCain

The Martha and Spencer Love School of Business Dean鈥檚 Award for Excellence in Teaching recognizes faculty members who exemplify the 乱伦视频 teacher-scholar model. They are outstanding in the classroom, engage students in the learning process, maintain academic rigor, and provide evidence of commitment to the intellectual development of students through mentoring and related activities.

Excellence in Scholarship

Xin Liu
Drew Peabody
Long Xia

The Martha and Spencer Love School of Business Dean鈥檚 Award for Excellence in Scholarship recognizes one or more faculty members each year whose scholarly work has a significant intellectual impact in keeping with the 乱伦视频 scholar-mentor model. Selection factors for this award include publication or presentation of peer-reviewed research in quality outlets and evidence that the faculty member engages in scholarship related activities. These activities might include supporting the scholarly endeavors of colleagues, advancing the school鈥檚 reputation, and mentoring students in undergraduate research.

Exemplary Service – Faculty

Tina Das
Tonmoy Islam
Kate Upton

The Martha and Spencer Love School of Business Dean鈥檚 Award for Exemplary Service-Faculty recognizes one or more faculty members each year who has contributed in meaningful ways to the ongoing welfare and betterment of the college, university and profession. This award follows from the 乱伦视频 servant-leadership model. Selection is based on service in the preceding year plus overall willingness to volunteer one鈥檚 time when needed and to carry new ideas to reality.

Exemplary Service – Staff

Kacey Gwynn

The Martha and Spencer Love School of Business Dean鈥檚 Award for Exemplary Service-Staff recognizes a staff member who has contributed in meaningful ways to the ongoing welfare and betterment of the LSB.聽 This contribution includes performing duties above and beyond the staff member鈥檚 regular functions to support and advance the LSB.

Exemplary Service – External

Eric Townsend

The Martha and Spencer Love School of Business Dean鈥檚 Award for Exemplary Service-External recognizes a member of the larger 乱伦视频 community who has contributed in meaningful ways to the ongoing welfare and betterment of the LSB.聽 This contribution can take the form of assisting the LSB with a specific program or project or providing ongoing support for LSB activities.

2022-23 Endowed Scholarship Awards

The Andras Family Award

Isabella Venziale

This award was established in 2007 with gifts from the Andras Foundation and David and Anne Andras, parents of Cody Andras ’10. The scholarship is awarded to a rising senior within the business school whose excellent work both inside and outside of the classroom models a pathway to future success in business.

The A. Vance Beck, Sr. and Gwendolyn D. Beck Scholarship

Mikya Gray

Established in honor of Vance and Gwendolyn Beck by his employer (the Belk-Beck group of department stores), the award goes to a rising junior within the business school.

The David O. Bowden Economics Scholarship

Anna Vassallo

Established by David Bowden 鈥�70, the David O. Bowden Economics Scholarship is awarded to a rising senior majoring in economics who has been active in the department and demonstrated potential for future success. At 乱伦视频, Mr. Bowden was a double major in business administration and economics. He went on to earn his J.D. from the University of Miami.

The Mary C. Bullock 鈥�47 and George P. Bullock 鈥�47 Business Scholarship

Reagan Kadlic
Julia Lapporte

Established in 2017 by Mary Coble, this scholarship is intended for academically talented students pursuing a major in the Love School of Business.

The Samuel L. Burke Endowed Scholarship

Grace Kenney
Ariston Tomes

This fund was established in 2008 by Samuel Burke ’89 to provide assistance for deserving accounting majors who are likely to demonstrate the value of their 乱伦视频 education in their future careers.

The Janie E. Council Scholarship

Wyatt Woodard

This award was established in 1993 in memory of Janie E. Council by former friends, students and Mr. Robert Sandell II. Mrs. Council began her teaching career at 乱伦视频 in 1960 as an associate professor of business education and received the outstanding teaching award from the SGA in 1970. This scholarship is for a rising senior majoring in accounting, business administration, entrepreneurship, finance, international business, management or marketing.

The Taylor S. Davis Scholarship for Engaged Learning in Business

Stephen Rice

This award was established in 2014 by Jeffrey S. and Marti Davis in order to provide support for undergraduate students studying in the Love School of Business.

The Department of Economics Endowed Scholarship

Cole Meixsell

This scholarship was established in 2005 by members of the Department of Economics for an economics major with a record of academic excellence within the major who exhibits a commitment to social responsibility

The Frechette Family Foundation Fund for Global Engagement

Kevin Garcia Reyes
Chloe Higgins

Established in 2016 by the Frechette Family Foundation, this scholarship is intended for business majors who are pursuing global education opportunities.

The Edward and Rita Galante Endowment for Business Internships

Aiden Bradshaw
Sophia Kotelly

This fund was established in 2008 in honor of Edward and Rita Galante by their son Donald and his wife Amanda. The award is to help business majors enjoy the unique educational opportunities associated with internships related to their major.

The Frederick K. Gilliam, Sr. Scholarship

Juliette Baudoin
Kaitlin King
Tabitha Knedeisen
Nathaniel Lerman
Callum Walker

This scholarship was established in 1989 in memory of Fred Gilliam, Sr. by James D. Moser, Jr. and other partners of his accounting firm, and by business associates Maurice Jennings and John H. Vernon III. Fred was a 1942 乱伦视频 graduate. He participated in orchestra and was part of Kappa Psi Nu, and he served as a part-time accounting instructor from 1961-65. This scholarship is for Accounting majors.

The John R. Hill 鈥�76 and Lesley W. Hill Endowed Fund for Engaged Learning in Business

Xuan Huynh
Julia Morrissey

This fund was established by John R. Hill ’76 and Lesley W. Hill to assist students with engaged learning experiences, such as research, international study or internships.

The Don S. and Margaret M. Holt Scholarship

Linn Hertz Saebboe
Claire Przybocki聽

This award was established by the estate of Margaret M. Holt in 1988 to provide scholarship assistance to students in the Love School of Business.

The Mark A. Horsburgh Study Abroad Scholarship

Gwen Hollingsworth

This award, established in 2007 by the Horsburgh family, provides scholarship assistance to a Business Fellow so that he or she can study abroad. The fund was created in honor of Mark A. Horsburgh, a 2007 乱伦视频 graduate and Business Fellow who studied abroad in Australia and Peru.

The Humphries Achievement Award

Hunter Harrison

This award was established in 2023 by Brenna Humphries 鈥�13 to support a rising senior in the Love School of Business who exemplifies academic excellence. Preference is given to students with demonstrated financial need. The student must also demonstrate engagement in high-impact practices at 乱伦视频.

The Kiernan Business Internship Endowment

Jessica Wener

This award was established in 2012 to support business students completing an internship.

The William A. Klopman, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Blake Kessel

This award was established in 1992 in memory of William A. Klopman, Jr., a scholar of business and law. It is to provide scholarship assistance to a rising junior or senior in the Love School of Business who demonstrates high academic potential with preference given to students living in Alamance County, the Triad, or North Carolina.

The R. Cruse Lewis Master Pools Guild/Love School of Business Endowment Scholarship

Drew Menscer
Nicholas Morello

This scholarship was established in 1998 in honor of Cruse’s retirement from Master Pools Guild. Mr. R. Cruse Lewis is a former employee of Swimout Overflow Components, Inc. and Burlington Industries. He received a Citizen鈥檚 Service Award in November 2000 and has served on the Board of Visitors at 乱伦视频 since 1996. This scholarship is for any business school major.

The Calvert C. and Margaret H. McGregor Scholarship

Josh Hazlett

This scholarship was established by Calvert and Audrey McGregor in honor of his parents, C. Calvert and Margaret H. McGregor. McGregor is an associate professor emeritus and the former chair of the accounting department at 乱伦视频. This scholarship is for a rising junior or senior accounting student with preference given to students living in Alamance County, the Triad, or North Carolina.

The Mills Family Endowed Scholarship

Rafi Dahdal
Trinity Swepson

Established in 2006 by Willard 鈥淏ill鈥� Mills, Jr., and his mother, Helen Mills Gardner, this scholarship is awarded to a deserving student from North Carolina with preference given to a student majoring in business. Bill graduated from 乱伦视频 in 1969 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business administration.

The MSA Scholarship Award

Steven Saavedra

This award is for students demonstrating academic excellence at the undergraduate level who are entering the MS in Accounting program. This award is currently funded by Department of Accounting faculty.

The Myers Family Endowed Scholarship in Business

Carly Angel

The Myers family established this fund in honor of their son Jay, a 2007 business school graduate, for Love School of Business majors who exhibit excellence in leadership, character, and intellect.

The Park Business Scholarship

Dejour Banks

The scholarship was established in 1992 by Professor of Finance Dr. Wonhi Synn and his wife, Grace, in memory of her mother, Joy K. Park to provide assistance for a rising junior or senior in the Love School of Business of racial or ethnic minority. Preference is given to students living in Alamance County, the Triad, or North Carolina.

The Rehnert Family Business Internship Award

Duncan George
Colin Gleason
Olivia May
Sierra Joy Spoerndle

This fund was established in 2010 by Geoffrey and Lauren Rehnert to support business students completing an internship.

The Rose Family Endowed Fund for Engaged Learning in Business

Emma Doherty

This fund was established by Harry and Carol Rose in 2008 to help defray the costs of a business-related internship experience for any business major.

The John L. Sills, Jr. Scholarship

Cailin Daigle

This scholarship was established in honor of John L. Sills, Jr. by Riverview Narrow Fabrics in August 1987. Sills was treasurer at Riverview Narrow Fabrics, Inc. He and his wife, Martha, have one son, John L. Sills, III, a 1989 乱伦视频 graduate. This scholarship is for rising junior accounting majors.

The Sirabella Family Scholarship for Engaged Learning in Business

Charlotte Fox

This fund was established to support Love School of Business students as they pursue one of the 乱伦视频 Experiences.

The Charles David Smith Endowed Scholarship

Mitchell McKay

This scholarship was established in memory of Charles D. Smith by his parents Randolph Smith and Joyce Miller, and lifelong friend George Logan. Charles died in a plane crash near Roanoke, Virginia. He graduated from 乱伦视频 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Banking and Finance in 1997. He was part of the men鈥檚 tennis team and a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. This scholarship is for business majors and preference is given to students from Virginia.

The J. Harold Smith Scholarship

Remi Shook

This award was established by C. Randolph Ferguson in 1995 in honor of J. Harold Smith.聽 It is intended for business students from North Carolina with a minimum 2.7 GPA.

The John and Helene Sparks Scholarship for Business

Sarah Mirrow

This award was established by John and his wife Helene in 1981. John Sparks graduated from 乱伦视频 in 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts in business administration. He is a certified public accountant and former faculty member in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business. This scholarship is for business administration, entrepreneurship, finance, international business, management or marketing majors.

The David A. Stevens 鈥�81 Internship Scholarship

Marley Lazo-Murphy

Established in 2007 by David and Beth Stevens, this scholarship is awarded to business students to help defray the cost of completing an internship.

The R. Alston Team III Endowed Scholarship in Business

Steven Saavedra

This scholarship was established in honor of Alston Team 鈥�07 for students with a strong GPA, a record of contributions to the Love School of Business, and a significant potential for professional success.

The Peter L. Tourtellot Endowed Scholarship in Business

Christina Alescio

This scholarship was established in 2010 by members of the Love School of Business Board of Advisors honoring board member Peter Tourtellot for his seven years of service as board chair. The scholarship is for a deserving undergraduate student within the Love School of Business.

The Troy Family Endowed Scholarship for International Study

Matthew Dumiec
Molly Sullivan

Established by Samuel P. Troy ’67, this scholarship is for any student in the Love School of Business studying abroad for a semester.

The Waesche Engaged Learning Scholarship

Craig Brandstetter

Established in 2013 by Roger A. Waesche, Jr. and Alexandra Waesche, this award is intended to support Love School of Business students pursuing professional development opportunities.

The Dudley Ray Watson Memorial Scholarship

Sofia Ballance

This scholarship was established in memory of Dudley Ray Watson by his parents, J. D. and Eunice Watson. Watson served as a member of the business faculty at 乱伦视频 College from 1960 to 1963. This scholarship is for a rising senior majoring in business administration, entrepreneurship, finance, international business, management or marketing.

The Linda Thompson Weavil Endowed Scholarship

April Dudash

This scholarship was established in 1992 by Dr. Linda Thompson Weavil and her husband Robert B. Weavil. Dr. Weavil retired as Professor Emeritus in 2001 after teaching for 31 years in the Love School of Business. This scholarship is for an MBA student or an undergraduate majoring in Entrepreneurship, Finance, International Business, Management, or Marketing. Preference is given to students living in Alamance County, the Triad, or North Carolina.

The Wells Fargo Scholarship

Samuel Levin

This scholarship was established in 1987 as the First Union Bank Scholarship, renamed when First Union and Wachovia banks merged, and again renamed when Wachovia and Wells Fargo merged. The scholarship provides assistance to students enrolled in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business.

The Yearwood Family Scholarship

Cole Fauerbach

This award was established by David and Amy Yearwood, parents of business administration major J.D. Yearwood 鈥�07, in order to help make the unique opportunities presented through an 乱伦视频 education available to a greater number of gifted and deserving business students.

乱伦视频鈥檚 chapter is one of more than 600 collegiate chapters around the world. Each spring, the聽Martha and Spencer Love School of Business inducts the top 10% of the junior and senior classes and the top 20% of graduate students into its chapter, which is advised by Raghu Tadepalli, dean of the Love School of Business, who serves as the chapter鈥檚 president.

鈥淥ur chapter focuses on fostering a community with diverse thinkers and change-makers,鈥� said Nicole Dischinger 鈥�23 G鈥�23, vice president of 乱伦视频鈥檚 chapter. 鈥淭hroughout the past year, we鈥檝e held events to help students connect with each other, alumni and industry professionals in order to build life-long connections and promote continual learning. The values of our society- honor, integrity, the pursuit of wisdom, and earnestness – reflect in our actions as students and BGS members.鈥�

鈥淯nder the leadership of Professor [Patty] Cox, the Lambda Xi chapter has far exceeded the baseline requirements of Beta Alpha Psi and has excelled in the areas of academics, professionalism and leadership,鈥� said Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, 2022-23 BAP president.

The Lambda Xi chapter offers accounting and finance students the opportunity to expand their professional networks, increase their knowledge about financial information professions and employers, and serve the local community. During this past academic year, the chapter hosted a combination of virtual and hybrid meetings and worked closely with members to聽find what meeting style best suited them and how to keep members engaged.

鈥淚 am so proud of our 2021-22 officers who persevered during the pandemic to continue to make Beta Alpha Psi a meaningful experience for members,鈥� said Patty Cox, faculty advisor and assistant professor of accounting. 鈥淭he officers continued to host weekly meetings with professionals, and even continued service opportunities through virtual tutoring and Junior Achievement. The executive board, under the leadership of Giavanna Papavero 鈥�22 G鈥�22, cast the vision, and the members responded! It鈥檚 wonderful to receive this recognition!鈥�

鈥淗aving been a member of Beta Alpha Psi since my first year at 乱伦视频, I have seen our chapter grow and evolve to offer new and exciting professional development experiences to members as well as meaningful connections between current members and our extensive alumni network,鈥� said Julianne Jarek 鈥�23, who serves as the 2022-23 chapter vice president. 鈥淭his year, we are excited about聽our growth in membership, with approximately 60 members in attendance at our weekly meetings.鈥�

The 2021-22 Lambda Xi officers:

• President: Giavanna Papavero
• Vice President: Natalie Ivanov
• Secretary: Nicole Dischinger & Madison McCart
• Treasurer:聽Andrew Nimerofsky
• Service Chair:聽Taylor Getz
• Financial Literacy Chair:聽Valerie Borges
• Alumni Relations/PR Chair:聽Julianne Jarek

Since joining 乱伦视频 in 1998, Weller has taught undergraduate and graduate accounting courses, spearheaded the Writing Excellence Initiative for the Department of Accounting, mentored the 2011 Institute of Management Accounting (IMA) Student Case Competition winning team and led her department鈥檚 efforts to promote the Certified Management Accountant designation to students.

“Dr. Weller has a wonderful personality and sense of humor that she brings to the classroom and shares with her students,鈥� said Christina Byrd Hanko 鈥�18. 鈥淪he is pragmatic, encouraging and quick-to-laugh! As a student, I appreciated Dr. Weller鈥檚 strong focus on writing for business and on management and cost accounting. I use the principles I learned from her in my job each day!鈥�

Weller is the recipient of the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business Dean鈥檚 Award for Exemplary Service, an IMA Educational Case Journal Ethics Case Competition winner and a North Carolina Association of CPAs Outstanding Conference Speaker award recipient.

Her scholarship has been published in IMA Educational Case Journal, Advances in Business Research, and International Business and Economic Research Journal.

鈥淒r. Weller鈥檚 impact on our students and her contributions to the Department of Accounting, the Love School of Business, and at the University level are immeasurable,鈥� said Danny Lanier, Jr., associate professor of accounting and chair of the Department of Accounting. 鈥淗er dedication to our program has resulted in several notable achievements that include scholarship opportunities for students, research grants for colleagues, successful alignment of accounting curriculum to the Writing Excellence Initiative, and enhanced engagement with the Accounting Advisory Board. It is therefore only fitting that Dr. Weller was recently named Senior Lecturer Emeritx in Accounting in recognition for her outstanding contributions to 乱伦视频. It has been my sincere pleasure to be her colleague over the years.鈥�

Prior to 乱伦视频, Weller, a Certified Public Accountant and real estate broker, taught at UNC Greensboro, N.C. A&T State University and Alamance Community College. Before entering academia, her career included positions as CFO of Weaver Investment Company, tax accountant with Deloitte Haskins & Sells and staff accountant for Texfi Industries.

For the first time, master鈥檚 degree candidates from all six of 乱伦视频鈥檚 graduate-level programs that conclude in the spring received their diplomas in a single Commencement ceremony Wednesday evening in Alumni Gym.

The ceremony recognized graduates from the Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Business Analytics, Master of Science in Management and Master of Business Administration programs in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business; the Master of Arts in Interactive Media program in the School of Communications; and the Master of Arts in Higher Education program in the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education. Though they have different professional paths, all of the graduates will embark on the next phase of their journey united in the core tenets of their 乱伦视频 education.

Kerrie-Jean King G鈥�22 of the Interactive Media program, who was selected to deliver the message of appreciation on behalf of her fellow students, highlighted the common threads the graduates share across their areas of study. They are all lifelong learners who chose to continue their education at 乱伦视频, and they would all cross the stage to receive their diplomas and hoods because of their hard work, determination and drive.

鈥淭hough we have experienced different majors and concentrations, we have all had the privilege to learn and grow in a resource- and relationship-rich environment,鈥� King said. 鈥淭his is a campus where people who want to learn don鈥檛 just learn but thrive because of the resourcefulness, accessibility and inclusiveness that is 乱伦视频.鈥�

King encouraged her fellow graduates to carry the lessons they learned both in and outside the classroom with them as they become leaders in their respective professions and to create the same kind of relationship-driven environment they experienced at 乱伦视频 in their new workspaces.

鈥淢y hope for each of you, as we leave 乱伦视频, is that you stay curious,鈥� King said. 鈥淐ontinue to seek out learning opportunities and use the tenacity that you have gained in your graduate studies to propel you forward and make the world a better place.鈥�

Carol Cunningham, vice president of consumer insights and business strategy at BET, also focused on the power of education and human connection in her keynote address to the graduates. Cunningham grew up in Miami with a Cuban mother and a Honduran father who held education and helping others in the highest regard. With an unwavering work ethic, they made sure their family had every opportunity to grow and thrive.

Her father worked numerous shifts at United Airlines and her mother cleaned several convents and priests鈥� quarters for the Archdiocese of Miami so Cunningham and her siblings could attend Catholic school at a discount. They made sure an encyclopedia set was always in the house. They sponsored all 14 of her father鈥檚 siblings for U.S. citizenship and helped family and friends with finances because they epitomized 鈥渁 spirit of each one, reach one,鈥� a value Cunningham still carries with her.

鈥淚 know my life would not have been the same if my mother and father hadn鈥檛 come to this country to pursue their dreams,鈥� she said. 鈥淛ames and Estela reminded us daily of what the United States represented for our family, and they had a love for education that was absolutely relentless.鈥�

Cunningham鈥檚 career has been driven by a passion for consumer insights, consumer engagement and business strategy. She is fascinated by what makes people tick 鈥� their lifestyles, motivations, beliefs and values. That commitment to understanding people drives every facet of her work and has only grown stronger over time.

鈥淚f I learned anything from this pandemic, I learned about being an innovative disruptor, curating and creating content for change and doing good, making a connection with others,鈥� Cunningham said. 鈥溾�� I鈥檓 challenging you all to speak up, engage and connect with others in a very real and necessary way.鈥�

For the past 18 months, Cunningham has been working with companies such as Procter & Gamble, Unilever and McDonald鈥檚 to help them understand how to define their own 鈥渂rand bravery鈥� and voice to more effectively reach consumers. She quickly realized the same blueprint she developed for brand bravery is equally applicable to human bravery.

鈥淟ead with boldness,鈥� Cunningham said. 鈥淏e direct in your intention. Operate with transparency and authenticity. Really embrace being transformative. Always be solutions-oriented; this world is riddled with enough problems. Focus on being an agent of cultural change. 鈥� Embrace your love truths and find your soul鈥檚 force. Walk connected to others by unifying and amplifying your voices so that they鈥檙e embodying the spirit of each one, reach one.鈥�

In her charge to the graduates, President Connie Ledoux Book urged them to be resilient and steadfast like the oaks for which 乱伦视频 is named. The oak, she said, symbolizes 乱伦视频鈥檚 community strength 鈥� a strength that now resides within the graduates as they begin a new chapter.

鈥淚 hope that each time you see an acorn or an oak tree 鈥� you are reminded of the personal leadership that you have developed during your studies at 乱伦视频,鈥� Book said, 鈥渟trength and skills that I鈥檓 counting on you to use to make a difference in our world.鈥�

Candidates for the Master of Science in Accounting Degree

Dean Anthony Anzalone

Jacob Mark Bicknell

John Francis Carro

Carson Prado Jones

Taylor Nicole Kassay

Joshua Kyle Lim

Sarah Jane McCarthy

Kaitlyn Paige Moonsammy

Ciara Therese Mottley

Bennett James O’Brien

Giavanna Lucia Papavero

Nick Stewart

Ryan Stolba

Aisling P. Sullivan

Leah Nicole Traumuller

Candidates for the Master of Science in Business Analytics Degree

Ahmed Alsaba

Suma Amujuri

Wai Yee Irene Chiu

Matthew Jacob Edsall

Maxwell James Ferrari

Kyle Fr盲nkel

Graham Oliver Hutchinson

Frank John Iacobell

Sumera Ingram

Tristan Michael Mazzulli

Israel Jacob Pattison

Alexander Hampton Taylor

Adel Vadkerti

Candidates for the Master of Science in Management

Catherine Christina Parsons

Candidates for the Master of Business Administration

Hunter Alexander Hampton Amos

M. Corey Bell Jr.

Ashley Nicole Capps

Henry T. Carkhuff

Salvatore Catapano

Steven E. Devane

Hannah Doherty

Derrick Durbin

Kengnjisu Fon-Ndikum

Brandon Rayjohn Freeman

Nicole Garcia Jorge

Alisha Brianna Harris

Blaise Andrew Haubert

Rynita Julien

Akinsola A. Kayode

Mark Allen Leath

Rosita Littlejohn

Graham Morris

Mark Edward Morton Jr.

Blanca Iris Padilla

McKenna B. Quinn

Benjamin Taylor Richardson

Charles Robert Rizzo

Eric Paul Roman

Chadbourne Mark Rumley

Nichole Skjerbek

Emily Elizabeth Squicciarini

James Tyrell Stanley Sr.

Michael Tanner Strickland

Victoria Waddell

Erica Walsh

Mary Margaret Welker

Donovan Miles Rivera Williams

Candidates for the Master of Arts in Interactive Media Degree

Diamond Alea Carroll

Zack Benjamin Fertig

Kerrie-Jean King

Savannah Starr Knight

Julia Ann Kocsis

Doo Young Lee

Christina Suzanne Marchand

Ana Luisa Martinez-Valles

Daniela Sanchez Romero

Alyssa Leticia Sandy

Emma Rae Sisk

Tyrell Kelvin Smalls

Ivana Danielle Spurlock

Sophia Jacqueline Theriault

Master of Arts in Interactive Media Class of 2020 Graduates in Attendance

Kwame Amponsah

Rakhia Ardasia Bass

Tabari Jamaal Boykin

William Arthur Brown

Arlette Danielle Hawkins

Michael David Hemstreet

Tehya Rashan Jackson

Victoria Elise Murrell

Candidates for the Master of Arts in Higher Education

Chanece Lenae Bigelow

Nicholas John Boudreau

Casey Madeline Enright

Corinna Marie Fonseca

Jenna Catherine Gibilisco

Allison Elizabeth Mannai

Emilie Phyllis Newman

Norma Edith Rodriguez

Brianna Monique Torres

Mallory Nicole Williams

Jamie Juno Wire

Nelson Rafael Ysabel