A Commencement to Remember — Last Saturday the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences held its spring commencement ceremony, and it was a memorable experience for everyone who participated. Coming just eleven days after the tragic shooting that took place on the UNC Charlotte campus, the commencement ceremony provided our campus community with an opportunity to remember and honor the victims of the shooting while at the same time celebrate the successes of our graduating students. This dual function presented a difficult balancing act for all involved, and yet everyone rose to the occasion.
Associate Dean Banita Brown and the other administrators and staff members charged with organizing and running the event all pitched in and made the best of what could have been a very difficult situation. Despite the terrible weather and the long delays associated with the heavy security measures, the great majority of graduating students still showed up and waited patiently as they filed through the metal detectors. Chancellor Phil Dubois and the other speakers all addressed the campus community’s sense of grief and loss caused by the shooting, but they still made a point to celebrate the graduation of the students.
The phrase “Charlotte strong” has taken root on our campus since the tragic shooting. The success of Saturday’s commencement is yet another example of why this phrase rings as true as the UNC Charlotte Bell–the bell that one of the graduating students rang to mark the end of a most memorable commencement ceremony.
Commencement Report — For 104 of our students, the spring commencement ceremony marked their transition from current students to graduates. A total of 15 of our graduate students are listed in the commencement program, and 89 undergraduate students are listed.
I was especially impressed with how many of our BA students fall under the heading of “Graduation with Distinction.” Of the 89 students, 22 earned the distinction of Cum Laude (GPA between 3.4-3.7), 13 earned the distinction of Magna Cum Laude (GPA between 3.7-3.9), and 6 earned the distinction of Summa Cum Laude (GPA between 3.9-4.0). This total comes to 41 students. I am very proud of all of our graduating students, but I want to mention by name the 6 students who earned the distinction of Summa Cum Laude. Their names are Kellyanna Grace Atwell, Kristina Marie Duemmler, Lydia Ashlee Hopkins, Alyson Mary Jordan, Sarahan Elizabeth Moser, and Marissa L. Neale.
I also want to mention by name the 12 students who graduated with English Honors. Their names are Edison Gabriel Angelbello, Kellyanna Grace Atwell, MaKalea Danielle Bjoin, Catherine Joy Butt, Kristina Marie Duemmler, Lindsey Taylor Herndon, Hilary Claire Hoyt, Alyson Mary Jordan, Mark Jarrett Moseley, Jr., Sarahan Elizabeth Moser, Marissa L. Neale, and Emily Ann Sanders.
Kudos — As you know, I like to use my Monday Missives to share news about recent accomplishments by members of the English Department. Here is the latest news:
Liz Miller recently presented an invited talk on the topic of agency and language learning at the University of Essex, in Colchester, England.
Upcoming Events and Deadlines — Here is information about upcoming events and deadlines:
May 14 — Final grades for the Spring 2019 term must be submitted by Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at noon.
May 20 — The first day of class for the first summer session is Monday, May 20, 2019.
Quirky Quiz Question — According to the 2019 Spring Commencement Program, the UNC Charlotte Bell was donated to “Charlotte College in 1960 to be rung on ceremonial occasions.” One such occasion took place on March 2, 1965. What was celebrated on this occasion?
Last week’s answer: Thomas Jefferson
The third president of the United States once wrote, “Let the eye of vigilance never be closed.” What is the name of this president?
