2024 Spring Commencement | 10 a.m. Undergraduate Ceremony

≫: Music playing. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Music playing. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Chancellor Brown the graduating students have now assembled for 2024 springs commencement exercises for the colleges of arts and sciences, education and allied professions and the David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts. We welcome our students and everyone in the audience today and ask that you respect the dignity and decower r kowr correspondence Yum -- and disruption. ≫: 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 in singing the National Anthem led by Kennedy Cox a junior in the School of Music . ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Oh, say can you see, by the stars dawn's early light, what so proudly we hail ed at the twilight's last gleaming. Whose bright stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight. Or the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming . And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through Through the Night that our flag was still there . Oh say does that star spangled banner yet wave, for 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 220 4R spring commencement ceremony, for students in the colleges of Arts and Sciences, education and allied professions, and the David Orr Belcher College of fine and performing arts at Western Carolina University . Before rebegin our program today, it is my honor to make a special acknowledgment in the recognition with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians . Western Carolina University is situated within the ancestral homelands of the Cherokee people, 20 miles from the present day Eastern Band Cherokee Indian communities of the Qualla boundary. Occupies Two Sparrows Place. Ancient principle town with a mounts and council house where Killian Building now stands . Judaculla, this eyant being was a great teacher and steward of the natural world . Ancient stories about you today cull la tell 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 this beloved place and our role here . We are dedicated to supporting the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in all indigenous tribes throughout the world in achieving their futures of their own making. We will continue to collaborate with tribal nations to address the challenges at hand and we want each of you to accept the relationship with indigenous people during your time at WCU. This work acknowledges our sense of place and reinforces our mission at weren't at Western Carolina University. Recognize members of the platform party who do not have speaking roles. 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 Western Carolina Board of Trustees miss Becky brown secretary . There Casey Cooper Vice Chair . Mr. Tim has coat. Ken Hughes, Bob Roberts, Jake Robinson and Mr. Erin Rivera and Member of the Board of trustees. Next, WCU administrative staff Dr. Sam Miller Vice Chancellor for student affairs. Mr. Mike Byers Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance . Mrs. Jamie rainer Vice Chancellor for advancement. Dr. Lori Anderson dean of College of Health and Human Sciences . AJ Grubey. Dr. andy Collins dean of College of Engineering and Technology. And Dr. Joy bowers Campbell associate dean of the Graduate School . Representing all faculty Dr. Ian SEI gully. Representing all staff, Mr. Sackry Williams Staff Senate chair . Recipient of UNC Board of Governors for excellence in teaching. Please join me in recognizing these institutional leaders. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Miss Kathy Greeley chair of Western Carolina Board of Trustees will bring greetings from the board. ≫: Thank you Chancellor Brown and thank you to today's graduates and their families, to our alumni, to University leadership, to our distinguished faculty and staff, and to my fellow trustees and members of the platform party . It is migrate pleasure to bring greetings and congratulations as well as well wishes from all of the members of the Western Carolina University Board of Trustees . Congratulations graduates, you have made it. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: I know firsthand how you are feeling right now. Before I was chair of Western Carolina University 's Board of Trustees, I was ones a student like each of you. After receiving my Bachelor's Degree at WCU, love I loved Western so much I kept coming back to Cullowhee. First to get master's in interior design . Then to teach in the interior design and now as board of trustee's chair. I firmly believe that WCU changes lives. It has certainly changed mine . One of you sitting here in front of me today may follow a similar path . I know many of you feel the same as I do about this great University and these past few years in Cullowhee have been a special experience for each and everyone of you . You have developed lifelong friendships and fond memories. And more importantly, you have 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. So no pressure, guys, but we are depending on you. I am confident that you will not let us down . Thank you for all of your hard work and all that you have accomplished thus far. More importantly, thank you for what you are going to do. We are very, very proud of you. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Thank you miss Greeley. Mr. Mark home ton Board of Governors will now bring greetings from the board and office of the president. Mr. Holton will also present the UNC Board of Governors Award for excellence in teaching to Dr. Alvinmaless key key. ≫: Well, good morning everyone. What a fine day, what a fine morning it is to be right here at Western Carolina University to celebrate this fantastic group of graduates . Congratulations. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: So graduates, families and friends and it looks like it is close to a sell out , Western Carolina alumni, Chancellor Brown and the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff and members of the platform party, it is my honor and pleasure to bring a message of greetings and congratulations from the UNC system president Peter hawns, the staff of the UNC system office, UNC Board of Governors Randy Ramsey and all my fellow members of the Board of governors. Graduates, congratulations. It is a sheer delight to look around today and see the joy on your faces and on the faces of your family members and friends, and to share that excitement with you. We acknowledge is long hours of hard work it took 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. In doing so, you have accomplished something very important for you self and your families, but you also have accomplished something that improves your, well, our communities, our state, and, yes, program 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, the rigors of your academic study, and the robust debate of ideas all have contributed to your growth as a student and as a well ronded individual. Now, as individuals, each of you has much to celebrate. As a community, everyone associated with Western Carolina also has much to celebrate. Because Western Carolina is reaching great milestones , too. First, I would be remiss if I did not mention the outstanding and dynamic leadership being provided by Chancellor Kelli Brown who has led since 2019. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Through award winning faculty and programs, life altering and groundbreaking research and a robust and impactful student experience, Western Carolina changes lives and transforms community. Nowhere is this better represented than in Western's incredible hard working and resilient faculty and staff. Together with you, a Western Carolina becomes sim simply one of the best places to learn and to work. In fact, this year Western Carolina was ranked 34th in Forbes list of best mid size employ Is. Only one other North Carolina university made the top 100. And only two other North Carolina employers made it there. This achievement reflects the over all working environment Western Carolina provides its students, faculty and staff . Consider that. That makes a big difference. Also want to take a moment and recognize miss Stephanie revast. Who is graduating today. Stephanie has been a UNC association of student government's president and for this year has been a fellow Board of Governor's member. She has been a wonderful student representative to The Board of Governors, a passionate advocate for students both here at Western Carolina and throughout our state and a tremendous ambassador, a tremendous ambassador for Western Carolina. I am proud to be here today as she graduates. Congratulations aStephanie. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Now, as graduates of Western Carolina University, you have earned the benefit of this University's reputation as you go into the workforce or continue your education . Now, I would like to share for the moment a timeless observation from Seneca, an ancient stick to philosopher, playwright and adviser to the emperor Nero. As is a tale or story, so is life. 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 . I encourage you to savor the memories of your time here as a Western Carolina University student. Stay connected to this University and the people you met and encountered here who have become so important and have made such a difference in your life and please come back to Cullowhee as often as you can . Congratulations again graduates. Enjoy this great day. Now, give yourselves a great big hand. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: And for sure, you guys deserve to celebrate. But, today, it is also important to acknowledge celebrate and show gratitude for the countless contributions of faculty and staff of Western Carolina . One way and especially as|1 s 10 for those teacher whose have helped, encouraged and provided you with the education and guidance to succeed. Many faculty members, indeed, I submit all faculty members on this campus exemplify outstanding teaching. Today, I want to recognize one of them. It is my privilege to present this year's UNC Board of Governors Award for excellence in teaching to one of your most outstanding faculty members. This award was established by the UNC Board of Governors in 1994. To underscore the importance of teaching and to reward out standing teachers across the university . These awards are given annually to tenured faculty member from each UNC campus. It is not easy. Recipients are nominated by special committees on their home campuses and selected by The Board of Governors on personnel and tenure . Each winner receives a medallion and cash award. The selected faculty member at Western Carolina is also the honorary special at the falcon vocation in August. This year's recipient from Western Carolina University is Dr. Alvin ma less key from the College of Education and Allied Professions. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Dr. Ma less key would you and Chancellor Brown please join me up here at the podium. ≫: Dr. Alvin ma less key has been teaching at WCU for the last 18 years and served as psychology department head for nine years. Outside of teaching he is a licensed psychologist in North Carolina and Virginia. Has advanced training in the practice of forensic psychology. Dr. Ma less key received Batchelor from George Mason University. His master's degree in counseling from the university of southern Mississippi and his doctorate from the University of Memphis. He completed his pre doctoral internship at the federal correction complex in Buckner North Carolina and postdoctoral at university of Massachusetts medical school. Dr. Ma less key earned master's in business administration from Western Carolina in 2016. Currently, his research interests deal with academic integrity violations in higher education. Published and presented on the topic at national and international. ≫>coulds. From what I read in the popular press this area is fertile ground. He has received several research and teaching awards including the Chancellor's distinguished teaching award which led him to winning this award today. Last night I heard firsthand about his teaching from one of his students. So Dr. Ma less kiwi celebrate your outstanding professional achievements, salute your demonstrated commitment to great teaching, we thank you for inspiring a new generation of learners and in honoring you we also acknowledge the 14,000 dedicated faculty members who teach nearly 250,000 students throughout the university of North Carolina system, including this incredible batch of graduates today. So let me place in medallion around your neck. Without choking you. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Congratulations Dr. Alvin ma less key. ≫: Thank you Mr. Holt ton. We appreciate your words of congratulations to our students able your participation in our certificate known bringing greetings. Miss Allison behind son 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 especially, 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 Catamount alumni who have crossed this stage before you. Today, you will hear a lot of wisdom. I hope you are able to use it all as you venture forward in your lives today. Is the day you get start owed whatever is next in your life . That's why we call it commencement. Today, I want to ask you to make four commitments to, as you begin your journey to alumni. First, stay in touch, stay connected with Western. Send your favorite professor a note. Give your new mailing address to alumni office to send you a copy of our incredible magazine. Drop a class note when something exciting happens in your life so we can celebrate alongside you . Second, be advocate for WCU. Volunteer as mentor to younger student. Find a young person who you know wants to go to a n an incredible University, and point them to Cullowhee . Third, "Pay It Forward. " Yes. Your University will ask you to give back. Yes, we know you are going to have a lot of obligations. But the thousands of students who come behind you are worth your support. Just like you, they have dreams and bright futures and they will benefit from your generosity. Every gift from an alum us in is a testament to the power of this place. Fourth, come back. Come visit. Show up. Even if it is a surprise. Make your plans for homecoming. Attend alumni event in your new home . You all are the newest members of our alumni family. You will make whatever we are doing way more fun. No matter where your life leads you, you will always be a Catamount. We are also so proud of you. We cannot wait to see you back in the W EE. Congratulations again. Welcome to the alumni family. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Thank you Allison for bringing greetings on behalf of the WCU alumni association. It is now my pleasure to recognize provost Richard Starnes who will introduce the 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 a committee of faculty and staff across campus review those submissions. Committee receives entries from remarkable students and is faced with the difficult task of selecting a speaker. Thank you for your hard work in choosing dynamic and energetic student speaker for this year's spring commencement ceremony . The student selected is graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in forensic anthropology, minors in biology from WCU's arts and sciences. During this student's time Saturday WCU they volunteered with campus rock ministry , they also were a member of alpha lamb today delta and finished their degree in three years . The Western Carolina community is proud to congratulate this student on achievements and all those we know await them in the future. So, graduating Catamounts, faculty and staff esteemed family and friends welcome Madison Dixon to the podium. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Before I yield the macro phone I would like to present this black on behalf of WCU in to Madison commemorating her selection as 2024 springs commencement speaker. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: For many of us, today started out like any other day. We woke up. Hopefully ate breakfast, got dressed and showed up to school. But this day, unlike any other day, marks the rest of our adult life. Right. We did it, didn't we? We got our degree, had the college experience, and now we get to move onto bigger and better things. Maybe for some this is true. But today, I wanted to talk to you all about how untrue this statement is. Today, doesn't function as a stopping point or even a turning point. It serves as a unique merging point taking all that we have learned and shared and experienced during our time here at WCU and allowing this to shape our futures. The rest of our lives may start today, but that doesn't mean we have to cut ties with our past. We get the opportunity to show the world what it means to be a Catamount. So how do we do that? To preface let's go back to when we last sat through a graduation speech for those of us who are able. When COVID-19 hit the U.S. I remember how quickly things fell apart . Spring semester ended early and getting accustom to Zoom meets were more important than prom. Was stripped away. We felt cheated. To those who graduated earlier or later, I am sure you felt the same way. Then there were lingering thoughts of the future. How will I ever get to college? Will my college experience be just like everyone else's? What is my career going to look like? These fears were ever present throughout the subsequent years. Even when we got to Western things didn't feel the same. At first. But growth was slow and gradual. We returned to our own kind of normal . Isolation turned to public separation, then masks and today we are finally able to embrace the calm after the storm. Now, I would like you to remember some of your fondest memories during enrollment at WCU. Did you join a club or sports team? Maybe you got to learn a new hobby or skill unique to the mountain region. What about Greek life, I am sure many of you worked hard for our cap stones. WCU fostered educational pro west for sure. We also spent time with friends bottled and new swells club and class member, gym and lab partners, tutors and roommates . The list goes on. Now that I think about it, haven't we been able to embrace the college experience just like everyone else? Despite the initial add adversity , participating in our community as each of us has desired . I for one enjoyed the freedom of attending conferences in person again. Safe to say we as a collective student body have gotten the full college experience. We have made memories, had fun, gotten our degrees and lived through first drudges of our adulthood just like everyone else, right. To be honest, this statement is also far from true. While we may have been able to overcome the challenges of the past, overcoming something doesn't make it disappear. Our past still exists and what we went through still happened. But what we have that everyone else doesn't is not surviving a crippling disaster, it is the resilience , determination and sheer will power of the human beings able to survive such a disaster. I would like you all to take a look at how many people sit here today and not just the students . Haven't we all made it this far ? Despite the loss T suffering the isolation and fear, have we all not harbored strength, exercised dedication and earned the right to sit here and celebrate today? For us students we share more in common than a university to call home. We share more than academic courses , dormer to hallways or even a favorite on campus restaurants. What we have the strength of fighters having battled first a pandemic and its aftermath then learning how to become independent, balance a professional schedule, dedicate responsibilities unlike others before, survive the hardships that come with leaving home and being able to sit here today, ready to graduate . Ready to take everything you have learned from your past, your lessons and your victory and apply them to the wide waiting world. The world that is excited for you. I would like you to think back to this morning as we did in the beginning. Day seemed to have started like any other. But in reality, it didn't. Most people wouldn't wake up excited or nervous as you may be to prepare for the ceremony commemorating your fighting spirit. Most days would conclude as a memorial to usher in the birth of the next. Unlike today, which marks the incorporation of the experienced and that yet to have been embraced into an anticipated future. We don't celebrate today as the typical college experience. We celebrate today as the Catamount experience . Day when our mountain home sends us off into the world and rejoices at another generation's success. I wonder how different today would look without us not having been here. How many new faces we would have never met, how our degrees obtained through the determination and fortitude of a warrior. We have earned such a unique experience, each one of us, that I believe wouldn't have been possible anywhere else . Our classwork alone has proven the value of the college education. However, by being a Western Carolina student, we are able to represent the pride that comes with it. When we leave today, others will see the accomplished powerful individuals we have become. We have the privilege to say yes, I am strong . Yes, I have been through battle after battle and come out victor you. I have come home different than the rest. I have exceeded every expectation and blossomed into the personally dreamed I could be. I have become a Catamount. So I would like to send you off with this: As the apostle Paul wrote to Romans we also glory in our sufferings because we know suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character and chacialtion hope. Hope does not put us to shame. Have no shame Catamount. Stand all the, Tell-all, and strife to be the exception. Thank you. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Thank you Madison for your thoughtful remarks and congratulations on your graduation today. It is always a joy to hear from our student speakers and your journey is a reminder of why education is so important. At this time Provost Starnes will recognize university scholars and begin today's presentation of candidates for degrees . ≫: Chance lore brown it is my pleasure to recognize those student whose enrolled as dpreshman at Western Carolina University and who have completed their entire undergraduate careers with a perfect record a 4. 0 GP A. Having consistently met the rigorous standards they deserve this special recognition as university scholars. I ask the following individuals to stand and be recognized during this spring commencement: Elliott concerns. Julia ga rare. Congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment . ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Chancellor Brown I now call phone deans of the colleges to present to you the candidates from within the respective colleges. Dr. Jill Granger dean of Brinson Honors College . ≫: I ask all candidates for degrees from the Brinson Honors College to please stand and remain standing. ≫: Woo hoo. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Chancellor Brown, the Brinson Honors College is pleased and proud to present these candidates who will graduate with full honors. Candidate whose are graduating with full honors are distinguished by the honor's medallion . ≫: Dr. David Kenner dean of the college of arts and signs. ≫: I ask all candidates from the College of Arts and Sciences to please stand and remain standing. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Chancellor Brown the College of Arts and Sciences please to do so present these candidates for Batchelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science. ≫: Dr. Skim winter dean of College of Education and Allied Professions. ≫: All candidates from the College of Education and Allied Professions to please stand and remain standing. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Chancellor Brown College of Education and allied profession is pleased Bachelor of Science degree and Bachelor of Science in education degrees . ≫: Dr. George Brown dean of the David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts. ≫: Will the creative class T artists, scholars and teachers graduating from the David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts, please rise and remain standing. ≫: Plawrs [Applause. ] ≫: Chancellor Brown, the Belcher college is proud to present these candidates for Batchelor of Arts degree. Batchelor of Fine Arts degree, Bachelor of Music degree and the Bachelor of Science degree. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Chancellor Brown, all candidates for degrees are here by presented. ≫: Thank you p 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 and as confirmation of their meeting the rigorous standards set forth by the University. Our faculty are essential to student success. Thank you for all that you do for our students and this University. I now ask automatic Western Carolina University alumni 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 into the ranks of loyal alumni. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Upon the recommendation of the faculty, by the authority vested in me by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors and the Western Carolina University Board of Trustees , and upon their 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. Please, join me in congratulating our newest graduates! ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: You may be seated . Graduates, it is an honor to stan before you today as we celebrate all the accomplishments that come with graduating and as you prepare to embark into the world as young professionals and alumni of WCU . This graduating class, many of you starting out in the fall of 2020, is particularly special as you chose to come to Western Carolina University in the middle of a once in a century pandemic . While many people chose to wait it out, you chose the more difficult pathed and came anyway. You covered your nose. And wore your mask. Every day. Because that's what we were asked to do . You social distanced and stayed six feet apart in classrooms and across campus because that's what we were asked to do. You came and you didn't enjoy . You came and enjoyed but didn't hang out with your friends, because that's what we scwred to do. And look at where you are now . You did it! ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: You did it! ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: I could not be prouder of you in what you have accomplished getting your degree in getting through a pandemic and all the additional challenges that brought on. From classes online to quarantining in isolation, you went through all that. And still succeeded here today . You are a special class . I am so very proud to be here with all of you today. Also, many of you are graduating today have been benefited from the NC promise tuition program that began in the fall of 2018. This bold and innovative state program significantly reduced tuition for all undergraduates at WCU without sacrificing quality education. The program has been a huge success. Each of you are likely to leave WCU better off financially than many of your peers across North Carolina and the nation while still receiving an excellent education . In fact, because of the NC promise, it is likely many of you did not have to take out a loan at all in order to achieve your education . I thank each of you and encourage you to thank each other for what we have accomplished together, during your academic careers . This is a proud moment, take time to savor it. Each of you has 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 and age of automation and robotics . Protection and care of our natural resources, access to affordable and quality education, construction and design of energy efir shenl homes and buildings. Reflecting our common humanity through creation and performance of art and music . 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 . Remember, your WCU family will always be here for you. You will be forever part of Western's legacy. As alumni you now share an essential bond with the Catamounts across the nation. I encourage you to tap into the incredible community and to support it with energy, commitment and affection. We want you to contribute your talents, insights, your brilliance, your humor and your compassion for the benefit of your fellow alumni, future classes to come and the world beyond. As I look out at the passion T energy T hope T resilience on the faces before me, I must say us inspire us. We are so 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. We stand beside you ready to serve as you lead us into the future . Congratulations and go cats ! ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: I now ask all degree candidates to step forward to receive their diplomas . ≫: Please note that those students graduating summa cum laude, magna cum laudey or cum laude wear the gold cord . Served inning the United States Armed Forces wear the red white and blew coreds. Some graduates are wearing cords , stoles or opinions denoting participation in or affiliation with organization or signifying their status as a first generation college graduate. Since each individual 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 honester. See that you remain seated and stay for the entire ceremony. From the Brinson Honors College, college of arts and signs: ≫: ≫: From the College of Arts and Sciences: Ask . ≫: ≫: From the Brinson Honors College College of Education and Allied Professions: ≫: From the College of Education and Allied Professions: ≫: From the Brinson honor satisfy college David Orr Belcher College of fine and performing arts : ≫: From the David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts: ≫: Chancellor Brown all candidates for degrees have now been presented. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Please be patient as we wait for folks to get to their seats. While we wait I invite all members of the audience and our newest graduates to stand and join me in celebrating as the band leads us in the WCU fight song. ≫: Music playing. ≫: Go Western, go cats! ≫: Yeah. All right. ≫: Woo. Woo. Chair Greeley. What did I say, stop it. Stop it. My goodness gracious, they can't listen. Oh my goodness. Okay. now, time to be serious again . Guests and members of the platform party would you please be seated. Graduates remain standing . Okay. Now, the moment you have all been waiting for : Graduates, it is time to move your tassel to the left to signify the earning of your degrees. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: You are now alumni of Western Carolina University. Congratulations! You may be seated . 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. WCU takes great pride in being a military-friendly university . We are so proud of you. Would those students and members of the audience who are veterans or active military please stand so we may express our appreciation for your service. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Thank you. Now, now let me recognize the families of our graduates. I am going to ask the graduates to please hold your enthusiasm. Will parents or guardians of our graduates please stand. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Will the spouses and children of our graduates, please stand. Spouses and children, please stand. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Will the grandparents and other family members of our graduates please stand. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Will all the special friends of our graduates please stand. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Now, it is my time, 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. Yes. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Thank you all. You may be seated. Thank you, I appreciate it . A ceremony like this does not just happen. Please join me in thanking the army of staff , colleagues from every part of campus who had a part in making this ceremony a special occasion for all of us today expwhrvment [Applause. ] us today. ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Thank you to all who have joined us today to share in this momentous occasion in the life of our University. Please join me one more time to rise as we sing the alma matter led by Kennedy Cox and remain standing for the recession. Again, congratulations graduates and go cats! ≫: [Applause. ] ≫: Hail to thee our alma matter faithful kind and true. Every son and every daughter owe s daughter offers praise to you. Hail to the dear est spot of all, hail to WCU . Light and life and fond devotion all to thee are due . ≫: We ask the audience to pen conclusion of the recessional we encourage our guests to reunite with their party and debleep Ramsey Center and adjacent parking lots as soon as possible in order to accommodate guests arriving for the next ceremony. Safe travels and come home soon to Cullowhee .