Image: This year's graduation ceremony, like all graduation ceremonies, represents a closing chapter for many. All the same, it is also a time of rejoice, celebration, and reflection. Beginning with an introduction by department head Dr. Ed Panetta, the ceremony's tone was established as positive, uplifting, and hopeful. Students were then treated to a welcome speech by Dr. Kecia Thomas, Senior Associate Dean of Franklin College of Arts & Sciences, before hearing a poignant and at times quite humorous undergraduate address by Joycie Bernstein, member of Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society, recipient of the Presidential Leadership Scholarship, and Magna cum Laude graduate. Afterwards, alumni Lee Zell, Account Executive at Turner Sports, spoke on the significance of community, networking, and the role of face-to-face communication in an increasingly digital environment. Finally, Dr. Roger Stahl, Undergraduate Coordinator, presented Graduate Candidates and Undergraduate Certificates, before a few closing remarks of his own. Photos of the event can be found here. Without further ado, the Class of 2017! Doctor of Philosophy: Valerie B. Coles Cone (Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Samp) Ashley Gellert (Advisor: Dr. Thomas Lessl) Jeremy Grossman (Advisor: Dr. Barbara Biesecker) Sally J. Spalding (Advisor: Dr. Celeste Condit) Master of Arts: Debra Gerrits (Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Samp) Anastacia Janovec (Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Samp) Anna Walling ((Advisor: Dr. Celeste Condit) Bachelor of Arts: Christopher Adams Jamie Ascher (C) Katherine Margaret Badcock Caleb Barnes (C) Joycie Bernstein (M) Bevin Bryan Lonnie Brooks Thomas Cato Megan Charbeneau Alex Corluyan (M) Dallas Dante (C) Kyndall Parker Davis Caroline Day (C) Tim del Risco (M) Brittany Ellexson Hallie Estroff (M) Emily Funk (M) Lee-Andre’ Garvin Cequoyah Gates (M) Bilal Gilani Kelsey Graham Nia Hampton Paige Catherine Healey Mary Hemingway Caroline Heys Mary-Margaret Joseph Caroline Kellert (C) Benjamin J. Kerr (C) Benjie Klouda Lucas Krull Merrick Laughridge (C) Austin Macdowell Ebonie S. Medious Jade Nielsen Aliya Nurani (C) Ashley Owen Tanya Lizbeth Pacheco(M) Tuyet-Nhi Pam Julie Catherine Rich (M) Callie Rittweger Christine Roberts (C) Materason Roberts Jessica Sagastume (M) Alexandra Sellers Kari Sicard (C) Hannah Slotin (S) Tanner Smalling (M) Amanda Stanley Ryan Joseph Steffes LaPorsche Thomas Kathryn Timoney (M) Margot Warren Riley Weyher (C) Claire Williams (M) Carly Jade Williford Haley Danielle Wix (C) Jenn Vigh Mun Yang (M) (S) Summa cum Laude 3.9 – 3.99 GPA (M) Magna cum Laude 3.7 – 3.89 GPA (C) Cum Laude 3.5 – 3.69 GPA The Department of Communication Studies wishes to thank the following individuals for helping make this event possible! Our Volunteers: Kristin Andersen – Graduate Student John Banister – Graduate Student Hue Duong – Graduate Student Logan Gramzinski – Graduate Student Elaine Hanby – Graduate Student Andrew Hart – Graduate Student Jason Myres – Instructor Steven Murray – Graduate Student Nathan Rothenbaum – Graduate Student Kevin Sheppard – Undergraduate Student Jason Williamson – Graduate Student Our Staff: Angie Świtoń – Undergraduate Academic Advisor Tara Funderburk - Administrative Associate Tikica Platt – Business Manager
