2024 Spring Commencement | Graduate Ceremony

≫: [Applause. ]. ≫: Music playing. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Music playing. Wuk ≫: [Applause. ] Chancellor Brown, the graduating students have now assembled fore the 2024 spring graduate commencement exer sciezs. We welcome our students and everyone in the audience. Ask that you respect the dignity of our celebration of graduates by not engaging in noise and dis ruption . ≫: Thank you professor karns. Please remain standing as we pause for a moment of silent reflection on the special meaning of this day. Thank you. Please join me in singing the National Anthem led by miss Kennedy Cox a junior in the School of Music . ≫: Oh say can you see, by the dawn's early light, what so proudly we hailed at the twilights' last gleaming, whose bright stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, or the rampart we watched were so gallantly streaming . And the rockets red glare T bombs bursing burse bursting in air, gave proof Through the Night that our flag was still there. Oh say does that star spangled banner yet wave , or the land of the free and the home of the brave. [Applause. ] ≫: You may be seated. Graduates and distinguished guests, it is a pleasure and honor to welcome each of you to the 2024 spring graduate commencement ceremony at Western Carolina University. Before we begin our program today, it is my honor to make special acknowledgment in the recognition in our relationship with the Eastern Band of care Chee Indians. Western Carolina University is situated within the ancestral homelands of the Cherokee people, 20 miles from present day Eastern Band Cherokee Indian communities of the Qualla boundary. An ancient principle town with mount and council house where Killian Building now stands . Cullowhee the university's home is Judaculla's place. Judaculla this giant being was a great teacher and steward of the natural world. Tell of the creator and creation. The origin of humans and the proper way to be Cherokee. We at Western Carolina University inherit these stories so that we may better understand the deep significance of this beloved place and our role here . We are dedicated to supporting the Eastern Bands of Cherokee Indians and all indigenous tribes throughout the world. We will continue to collaborate with tribal nations to address the challenges at hand. We want each of you to accept the charge of learning and supporting our relationship with indigenous people during your time at WCU. This work acknowledges our sense of place and reinforces our mission at WCU . Now, please allow me to recognize members of the platform party who do not have speaking roles in the commencement program. I ask them to stand and remain standing as I call their names. Please hold your applause until I have introduced them all . First, members of the WCU Board of Trustees, miss Becky brown secretary. Mr. Casey Cooper Vice Chair. Mr. Tim Haskett, Mr. Ken Hughes, and Mr. Erin hul Rivera . Next, WCU administrative staff Dr. Sam Miller Vice Chancellor for student affairs. Mike Byers, Mrs. Jamie rainer Dr. George Brown dean of the David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts. Jill Granger dean of Brinson Honors College . Representing all faculty Dr. January SEI gully Faculty Senate Chair. Sackry Williams and Dr. Alvin recipient of UNC Board of Governors excellence in teaching. Please join me in recognizing these institutional leaders. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Miss Kathy Greeley Board of Trustees will now bring greetings from the board . ≫: Thank you Chancellor Brown. And thank you to today's graduates, their families, to our alumni, to university leadership, to our distinguished faculty and staff, and my fellow Board of Trustees and members of the platform party . It is migrate pleasure to bring greetings, congratulations and best wishes from all of the members of the Western Carolina University Board of Trustees . Congratulations graduates, you made it! ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: I know firsthand how you are feeling right now. Before I was chair of WCU's Board of Trustees, I was ones a student just like each of you. After receiving my Bachelor's Degree at Western Carolina University, I loved Western so much I came back and got a master's degree in the interior design program and I am now the board chair of the trustees. I believe that Western Carolina University changes lives. It certainly did change mine. One of you sitting here today in front of me may follow a similar path. I know many of you feel the same as I do about this great university and those past few years in Cullowhee have been a very special experience for all of you . You have developed lifelong friendships and fond memories. You haves received a great education . Now, it is your turn to show the world what you can do. You are our future, the future of this wonderful mountain region T great state of North Carolina, our nation, and our world world. So no pressure, but we are depending on you. I am confident that you will not let us down. Thank you for your hard work and all that you have accomplished. And more importantly, thank you for what you are going to do. We are very proud of each and everyone of you. Thank you. Mr. [Applause. ]. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Thank you miss Greeley. Mr. Mark Holton member of university university of North Carolina Board of Governors will bring greetings from the board and the office of the president. ≫: Well, good evening, everyone . To our graduates, and their families and friends, the Western Carolina University alumni who are here tonight, Chancellor Brown an Board of Trustees , university's incredible faculty and staff and members of the platform party, it is my honor and pleasure to bring this message of greetings and congratulations from our UNC system president Peter Hahns T staff of the UNC system office, the UNC Board of Governor's chair Randiy Ramsey and all my fellow members of the UNC Board of Governors. Graduates, let me simply say congratulations . It is a delight to look around today before the ceremony and now and see the looks of joy on your faces and on the faces of your family members and friends. And to share your excitement with you . We appreciate and being a building the long hours of hard work for you to get to this point . We honor you today for the commitment you have demonstrated to better your life by obtaining your degree tonight. In doing so, you not only have done something important for yourself and your families, but you have also accomplished something that improves your, well, our communities, our state, our nation, and yes our world . Your time here has also been a celebration. A celebration of the rich physical cultural and intellectual diversity that Western Carolina University offers. The joys of new friends T rigors of your academic study, and the robust debate of ideas have all contributed to your growth as a student and well rounded individual. Each of you has much to celebrate. But let meta a moment and talk a little bit about Western Carolina University. I love this place. I know you love this place. It is reaching great milestones too . First, I would be remiss if I did not mention and highlight the dynamic leadership being provided by Chancellor Kelli Brown who has led Western Carolina University since 2019. Through aware winning faculty and programs, life altering and groundbreaking research and a robust and impactful student experience , Western changes lives and transforms communities. Nowhere is this better represented than in Western Carolina University's hard working and resilient faculty and staff. Also, this year, Western Carolina was ranked 34th in for's list of best mid size employers . That makes a big difference in your life as a student here. Only one other North Carolina university made this top 100. Only two other North Carolina employers made it into the top 100. This recognition reflects the over all working environment Western Carolina provides all its students, faculty and staff. As graduates of Western Carolina you have earned the benefit of that reputation as you go into the workforce or go on and continue your education. Before I closely want to share a timeless observation from sinica ancient stoic philosopher, play Wright. Seneca teaches us, I quote, as is a tale so is life. It is not how long it is, but how good it is is what matters. As you leave this special place today and begin the next chapter of your life's tale I wish for each of you a good and long life . Now, please savor the memories of your time here as a Western Carolina student . Stay connected to this university and the people you met and encountered here. They have become important in your life. Please, come back to Cullowhee as often as you can. So, again, congratulations graduate and enjoy this evening and the many days to come . Thank you. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Thank you Mr. Holton. Miss Allison behind son president of WCU alumni association will now bring greetings . ≫: Hello Chancellor Brown, members of the best faculty and staff in the world, and distinguished friends and members of the platform party. But most importantly, hello graduates. My name is Allison behind son as president of WCU's alumni association I bring you greetings and congratulations on behalf of the more than 84,000 cat mount alumni. I hope you are able to use it all. Today is the day that you get started on whatever is next. That's why we call it commencement. Today, I want to ask you to make four commitments to your journey or to your University . First, stay in touch. Make sure you stay connected with Western. Send your favorite professor a note. Gives your mailing address. Drop us a class note when something exciting helps in your life. Second, be advocate. Volunteer your times a mentor to a student coming behind you. Find a young person who you know wants to go to an incredible university and point that person to Cullowhee. Wear your purple and gold. Third, "Pay It Forward. " Yes, your university will ask you to give it back. Yes, we know that you are going to have a lot of obligations that thousands of students that come behind you though are worth your support. Just like you they have dreams and bright futures. They will benefit from your generosity. Every gift from alumnus is testimony to the power of this place. Fourth, come back. Visit us. Show up. Even if it is a surprise. Make your plans for homecoming. Attend alumni even. You all are the newest members of our alumni family. You will make whatever we are doing way more fun. No matter where life leads you, you will always be a Catamount. We are proud of you and cannot wait to see you back in Cullowhee. Congratulations again and welcome to the alumni family. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Thank you Allison. For bringing greetings on behalf of the WCU association. Provost Richard Starnes will introduce our commencement speaker . ≫: Each year a graduating WCU student is selected to deliver remarks to our graduating class and guests. We invite submissions from all of our graduating students and the committee of faculty and staff from across campus review those submissions. Without fail, the committee receives entries from remarkable students and faced with difficult task of selecting a speaker. I would like to thank the commencement committee for hard work in choosing dynamic energetic speaker for this year's graduate commencement ceremony. Student selected graduated from North Carolina central in university in 2202 with Bachelor's Degree en mas communications today. Is graduating from WCU's College of Education and allied professions with a master's degree in higher education student affairs . During their time at WCU the student served as vice-president of public relations for the Graduate School association. Was a member of the Catamount philanthropy council and served on WCU hearing board. Also committed, completed, not committed, completed fan engagement and fundraising internship with division of athletics in the spring of 2023 and most recently worked in the Greek student engagement development office. Western Carolina community is proud to congratulate this student on their achievements and all those we know await them in their future. Please join me in welcoming Alexis harp to the podium. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Before I yield the microphone, I would like to recognize Alexis with a plaque on behalf of WCU in the academic affairs division ke commemorate . ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Thank you. What if we told you that you could move mountains. See coming to Western Carolina was new for me . Those that I have not had the pleasure to meet my name is Alexis harp. The vice-president of public relations for the Graduate School association, a member of the conduct hearing board and a member of the first ever Catamount philanthropy council. A soon to be graduate here at Western Carolina . I have been the first in my family to do a lot of things. Know this Inc. institution I am pretty sure a lot of you are. First generation college student A proud HB -- a member of the first black sorority . Almost in my family with master's degree and claiming the first to have a PhD. Getting here was not my initial first step. College was never the one stop shop when I was growing up. I wanted to follow a lot of my family's footsteps and join the military. Importance of education was something that stayed on my mind. During my time here I realized how fast two years goes by and in this time I haves learned many little valuable lessons . I would like to share a few of those with you today . Number one, look for the good in every day, even if some days you have to look a little bit harder . Western was a tough transition for me. I moved four and a half hours away from home, no friends no idea of what was coming next, a purpose to continuer my education and a passion to impact the lives of college students. Moving away from everything I knew to something I didn't was hard. I struggled a lot my first semester. Rural college town was difficult. What kept me afloat was knowing every day might not be a good day some type of good in every day . We have to look harder to find that light. Number two, be willing to learn. I know you are probably thinking, well ALCTS cyst tharyksz what we are here for. But taking the opportunities to learn outside of the classroom. One of my first monumental times was when Dr. Gully taught me the importance of asking for help. I struggled a bit while I was making my transition . I said I will figure it out for myself. I quickly learned although we think we can master the art of life by ourselves it is a community anvil landing is needed. Thank you Dr. Gully for teaching me the importance of it. My students have taught me in more ways than one. Forever thankful for highs and lows of my graduate assistantship. I won't shout all that my students have done but thank you to the divine nine for trusting me to lead you and to learn from you. Lastly, my cohort staff on campus and faculty in the program, thank you for allowing me to learn from Yaw. Learning not only to be slow to judge, slow to speak , and slow to anger, but to be quick to listen, quick to be thankful, and quick to look for the hope in the darkest of situations. You all are who I count my growth for. Without you I wouldn't be before you today. Last and most important was this: Rock bottom will teach you lesson that mountain tops never will. I believe as high achievers, we all are , we forget the importance and joy that comes from the slow see sons. Quick to jump to the next endeavor, next accomplishment but never slow to enjoy what got us here. Rock bottom has negative meaning. Some of my most valuable lessons and blessings were born in seasons of me not knowing what was next. Comfort zone is the worst place to be. Taking a risk is what we should all learn to do . Everything you want is on the other side of fear. Do what you want and be scared after. Celebrate not only each accomplishment at the mountain top by the -- I will leave you with this. Be open to the opportunity for change. Be patient in moments of waiting. Makes a many connections as you can in every space that you can. Do not hide from your mistakes, for mistakes equal growth. Take as many pictures and make memories. One day that is all we will have. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Tell the ones you love that you love them consistently. Remember to take moments to appreciate where you a now. To the graduating class of 2024 what if they told us we could move mountains take. A second and look around and see that we did exactly that in our own way. Our time here has come to an end of our journeys are far from over. I am proud of who you are and who you will become. Greatest asset. Do not forget the importance of empathy and understanding . For it is through compassion that we can truly make a difference in the lives of others. Thank you to my family and friends for being there when I needed them the most every single time. To my program for allowing me to be who I am in every space. To Western Carolina University for taking a bet on me. May the knowledge that we gained in the we empower us T challenge we face during our time strengthen us. Friendships we created sustain us. Here is to the next chapter, adventure and countless opportunities that lie ahead. Congratulations again class of 2024. We have done it again. Go cats! Of ≫: Thank you Alexis for your thoughts and thoughtful remarks and congratulations on your graduation today. Joy to hear our student speakers, your journey is a reminder of why education is so important. Provost Starnes will begin today's presentation for degrees . ≫: Chancellor Brown I now call on Dr. John Hell dret, research, to present to you the candidate force degrees Dr. of education, Dr. of nursing practice, Dr. of physical therapy and doctor of psychology. All are recognized as the terminal degrees awarded in the field of education, nursing, physical therapy and psychology . ≫: Doctor education, Doctor of Nursing Practice , -- to please stand and remain standing. Chancellor Brown, the Graduate School is pleased to present these candidates for terminal degrees . Chancellor Brown these candidates subject to completion of all requirements established by the University and Graduate School are recommended to you for the conferral of degrees . ≫: Upon the recommendation of the faculty by the authority vested in me by the university of North Carolina Board of Governors and Western Carolina Board of Trustees and upon their successful completion of all degree requirements I confer upon these candidates the degrees for which they have been recommended with all the rights, honors and responsibilities appertaining there to. You may be seated. ≫: Plus blawtion [Applause. ] ≫: So now my pleasure to ask the candidates for the doctorate of education degree to come forward and proceed to the platform. Escorted by academic a advisers and invested with a Hood that is symbolic of this highest of academic degrees . ≫: ≫: Proceed to platform doctor of nursing -- will be invested with a Hood that is symbolic of this highest of academic degrees . Candidates for the Doctor of Physical Therapy come forward and proceed to the platform . Will be escort bid academic adviser and invested with ahood that is symbolic of this ≫: highest of academic degrees . Dr. Eric Reece manly -- ≫: It is my pleasure to ask the candidates for the doctorate of psychology degree . Doctorate of psychology escorted I invested with a Hood that is symbolic of this highest of academic degrees. ≫: Please join me in rock cog nicing our newest recipients of these academics degrees. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Chancellor Brown I call upon the deans of the colleges to present the candidates for master's degrees . Dr. David Kenner College of Arts and Sciences. ≫: I ask all candidates from colleges of arts and sciences to please stand and remain standing. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Chancellor Brown T college of arts and sciences the pleased to present these candidate force master degrees. ≫: Dr. AJ Grubey dean of the College of Business. ≫: I ask all candidates from the College of Business to please stand and remain standing. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Chance lore brown College of Business is proud to present these candidate force master's degrees. ≫: Dr. Kim Winter dean of College of Education and Allied Professions . ≫: I ask all candidates from the College of Education and Allied Professionses to please stand and remain standing. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Chancellor Brown the college of education and ad allied professions is pleased to present these candidates for master's degrees. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Dr. Randiy Collins dean of College of Engineering and Technology. ≫: I ask all candidates from the College of Engineering and Technology to please stand and remain standing. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Chancellor Brown the College of Engineering and Technology is pleased to present these candidates for master's degrees. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Dr. Lori Anderson dean of College of Health and Human Sciences. ≫: I ask all candidates from the college of health and human sciences to please stand and remain standing. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Chancellor Brown the college of health and human sciences is pleased to present these candidates for master's degrees. ≫: Chancellor Brown all candidates for master's degrees are here by presented. ≫: Thank you Provost Starnes. I now ask all faculty present today on the platform and in the audience to stand and remain standing in support of these graduates. All faculty, please stand. And as confirmation of meeting their rigorous standards set forth by the University. Our faculty are essential to student success. Thank you faculty for all you that do for our students and this university. I now ask that all alumni of Western Carolina University present today on the platform and in the audience to stand and remain standing as witnesses to the conferral of these degrees and the acceptance of these students in the ranks of loyal alumni. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Upon the recommendation of the faculty by the authority vested in me by the university of North Carolina and Board of Governors and Western Carolina University Board of Trustees and upon their completion successful completion of all degree requirements, I confer upon these candidates the master's degrees for which they have been recommended with all the rights , honors and responsibilities appertaining there to . Please join me in congratulating our newest graduates. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: You may be seated. Thank you. ≫: Graduates, it is an honor to stand before you today as you celebrate all the accomplishments that come with graduating. And as you prepare to embark on the world as professionals and alumni of WCU. You did it! I could not be prouder of you in what you have accomplished getting your degree. Many of you dealing with the effects of the pandemic and automatic additional challenges that brought on. From classes online to quarantining and isolation, many of you went through all of that and still succeeded . You are a special class and I am proud to be here with you today. I thank you thank each of you and encourage you thank each other for what you have accomplished during your academic careers. This is a proud moment. Time, take time to savor it. Each of you have had different college experiences that have led you to this moment today. A day that represents one of the most significant milestones in your lifetime. As citizens of the world, we face many challenges and many opportunities. Excellent healthcare for a changing population, innovation in an age of automation and robotics, protection and care of our natural resources, access to affordable and quality education . Construction and design of energy efficient homes and buildings and reflecting our common humanity through the creation and performance of art and music . And this is just the tip of the iceberg . No matter what you do, or where your path takes you, I hope that this special Catamount community remains an important part of your life . And remember your WCU family will always be here for you. You are forever a part of western's legacy . As alumni, you now share an essential bond of Catamounts across the nation. I encourage you to take part inform incredible community and support with it energy, commitment, and affection. We want you to contribute your talents, your insights, your brilliance, your humor and your compassion for the benefit of jury alumni, fellow alumni future classes to come and the world beyond . As I look out at the passion and the energy, the hope and resilience on the faces in front of me I must say you inspire us and we are proud of you, our Catamounts. Graduates, once upon a time we stood before you to lead the way. Today, we stand behind you ready to follow and we stand beside you ready to serve as you lead us into the future. Congratulations and go cats! ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Please note that those students graduating summa cum laude, magna cum laudey wear the gold cord. Currently served inning the University states armed forces wear the red, white, blue cords . Some graduates wearing cords, stoles or pins denoting their participation in or affiliation with organization or signifying their status and first generation college graduate. Is recognized by calling their name as they walk across the stage, we ask the entire audience to respect the graduates and their families by refraining from the use of artificial noise makers such as air-horns. We also ask that you remain seated and stay for the entire ceremony . From the Graduate School, College of Arts and Sciences : From the Graduate School College of Business: From the Graduate School, College of Education and Allied Professions : From the Graduate School, College of Engineering and Technology: From the Graduate School College of Health and Human Sciences: ≫: Clans Chancellor Brown, all candidates for degrees have now been presented . ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Please be patient while we pause to allow our graduates to return to their seats, I invite all members of audience, platform party to stand and join me in celebrating as the bands lead us on in our WCU fight song. ≫: Us music playing . ≫: Music playing. Western, Western, go Western, go cats! ≫: Air horn. ≫: Woo, woo, excuse me . I, cheer Greeley, stop. My goodness gracious. No air-horns. Deans, trustees, no air-horns . Oh my goodness. Now it is time to be serious again. Guests and members of the platform party will you please be seated. Graduates please remain standing . You are now alumni of Western Carolina University. Congratulations! ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: You may be seated. Thank you. Before we conclude, let me acknowledge some special individuals who are part of our ceremony today. First, I salute all members of our graduating class and members of the audience who are veterans, active duty, guard and reserve members. Western Carolina University takes great flied being a military-friendly University. We are so proud of you. Would those students and members of the audience who are veterans or active duty military please stand so we may express our appreciation for your service. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Thank you. Thank you very much. Next, let me recognize the families of our graduates. Graduates please hold your enthusiasm until all have been recognized. Parents or guardians of our graduates please stand. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Will the spouses and children of our graduates please stand. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Will the grandparents and other family members of our graduates please stand. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: And will all the special friends of our graduates please stand. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Now, it is my pleasure, now it is my pleasure to invite our graduates to rise and show their appreciation to you for your love, support and commitment to their future. Congratulate them, yes. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: You may be seated. Thank you. A ceremony like this does not just happen. Please join me in thanking the army of staff, colleagues from every part of the campus who had a part in making this ceremony a very special occasion for all of us. Let's give them a round of applause. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Thank you to all who have joined today to share in this momentous occasion in the life of our University. Now, please rise as we sing the alma mater led by Kennedy Cox. Following the recessional this ceremony will be concluded. Again, congratulations and go CATS con congratulations graduates and go CATS. ≫: Hail to thee our alma matter , fateful and kind and true . Every son and every daughter offers praise to you . Hail to the dearest spot of all. Hale Hail to WCU . Night and life and fond devotion all to thee are due. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: ≫: We ask the audience to stand and remain standing for the recessional of the platform party, faculty and graduating students. Upon conclusion of the recessional the commencement ceremony will be finished. Safe travels and come home soon to Cullowhee . ≫: Music playing.