GREENEVILLE – Descending the stage as Tusculum University’s newest alumni, graduates left their imprint on the higher education institution in the classroom and through extracurricular activities and emerged from their studies as career-ready, civically engaged professionals.
Johanna Palacio, right, receives congratulations from Dr. Scott Hummel.
Jamicheal Wilson, right, shakes hands with Dr. Scott Hummel during graduation.
Nearly 200 students from 25 states and territories and 10 countries moved their tassels from one side of the cap to the other during graduation Saturday, May 4, in Pioneer Arena. They earned associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in multiple disciplines, but most importantly, many were just as active in other endeavors during their days as Pioneers.
“A Tusculum degree is rooted in active and experiential learning, which strongly prepares students for the workforce or the next step in their careers,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “Our pioneering spirit also enables students to impact the campus and the community in other ways through the mentorship of our expert faculty and dedicated staff. We have been pleased to watch our graduates embrace this opportunity and make the most of their years at Tusculum.”
Some graduates served as founding members of the Tusculum Band and added greatly to school spirit on campus playing music at football and basketball games. They also enriched personal lives with their performances at concerts. Others contributed to the university’s caring Christian environment and spiritual growth by participating in ministries on and off campus.
Dr. Scott Hummel, left, congratulates Cristobal Morales.
Left to right, Sydney May, Samantha Nelson and Hughston Burnheimer celebrate before graduation.
Enrollment at Tusculum enabled graduates to be heavily engaged in community service through participation in alternative spring break trips and other work throughout the year as members of the Bonner Leader Program. Some graduates completed free income tax returns for East Tennessee residents. Creating murals for nonprofit organizations was another tangible way graduates showcased their connections with the community.
Academically, these graduates made their mark by finding a potential new crayfish species on campus. They continued the research started by earlier Pioneers into potential new medications to treat cancer. They also demonstrated their talents as members of the production team for the “Tusculum Review,” the university’s international literary journal, and “Sit Lux,” a student-led journal that highlights exceptional written and art works by students and alumni.
These graduates have worked on an exhibit for the President James K. Polk Home and Museum, collaborated on an updated study of the Horse Creek community of Greene County and represented the university as Ledford Scholars of the Appalachian College Association. In addition, they prepared themselves to enter the classroom as teachers in elementary and secondary schools.
Shay Hess, right, receives congratulations from Dr. Hummel in honor of her bachelor’s degree.
Andrae Robinson speaks during the commencement ceremony.
Many graduates, such as Andrae Robinson, supplemented their educational experiences by playing on one of Tusculum’s 23 athletic teams. Robinson, who earned a bachelor’s in sport management and a minor in business administration, was a defensive back on the football team and served as the undergraduate speaker at Saturday’s graduation ceremony.
“With sports occupying such a big part of our lives, it is easy to be consumed with the individual growth and progression we’ve made as athletes in our respective sports,” Robinson told fellow graduates. “However, we should not forget the many transferable life skills we’ve acquired because of our time as student-athletes. As you reflect on your time here as a student-athlete, celebrate your individual and team accomplishments, but remember that you have more skills and abilities than just the ones demonstrated on the field or court. I believe they will serve us well on our journeys ahead.”
Speaking of the university, he noted that Tusculum’s smaller size was a key factor in his academic success. He shared how professors make themselves accessible to students’ needs. He also emphasized the knowledge he gained outside his major and minor – in literature, sociology and public policy – during his Tusculum studies. He thanked the faculty and staff for making Tusculum a home for him.
“As we prepare to enter this next chapter in our lives, I want each and every one of you to understand that you are not confined to the major listed on your degree,” Robinson told the graduates. “Tusculum’s liberal arts program allows students to challenge themselves by exploring different points of view and requiring them to learn skills outside of their major field of study. I challenge you all to consider all the experiences and skills you have acquired throughout your career at Tusculum and use them to inspire future generations.”
Robinson thanked God for having the opportunity to deliver his remarks and his parents for their unconditional love and support.
Emerald Jones, right, celebrates her graduation with Dr. Scott Hummel.
Katie Love-Pride delivers remarks as the graduate student speaker.
For many students who crossed the stage, continuing their studies at Tusculum enabled them to build on earlier coursework, enhance their careers or head in a new direction with a master’s degree. They, too, expanded their knowledge through hands-on learning.
One of those was Katie Love-Pride, who earned a Master of Arts in Teaching. She participated in Tusculum’s job-embedded teaching program as a fifth grade instructor at Farragut Intermediate School. Love-Pride served in the social services field before reflecting and concluding she wanted to change professions.
She said curiosity has always been one of her characteristics, and that trait led her on the path to her master’s degree. She commended her professors in the College of Education, who supported her in her journey and, she joked, “patiently responded to all my emails that began, ‘I have a few questions.’” She encouraged graduates to embrace curiosity and foster it in others.
“As a team member or leader, be curious about other points of view,” she said. “As a teacher, model curiosity for your students. As a medical professional, listen to your patients with curiosity. In whatever profession you choose, don’t stop asking questions. And when you don’t have answers, embrace the unknown.
“Curiosity is essential for forward progress. It leads to innovative solutions, acceptance of other perspectives and an appreciation of our similarities and differences. Curiosity can lead you down unexpected paths in your life journey, as it did for me.”
Master’s degree recipient Zackary Nelson celebrates after his name is called during graduation.
Cynthia Brown, right, celebrates her graduation with Dr. Scott Hummel.
Abby Lockwood, center, celebrates her degree with Angelo Botta, left, and Dr. Suzanne Byrd.
Dr. Tricia Hunsader, Tusculum’s provost and vice president of academic affairs, said the value of a Tusculum education is high.
“Tusculum is focused on helping students achieve their academic dreams, develop socially and civically and build on their faith,” she said. “With one-on-one attention from their professors and support from staff across the university, students develop many valuable skills that will suit them in the next phase of their lives. We are proud of what our students accomplish and are grateful they entrust us to assist them on their journey.”
To become a Tusculum student, please visit https://site.tusculum.edu/apply-visit/apply/. More information about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu.