{"id":25728,"date":"2024-05-04T18:01:41","date_gmt":"2024-05-04T22:01:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www3.tusculum.edu\/news\/?p=25728"},"modified":"2024-05-04T23:12:32","modified_gmt":"2024-05-05T03:12:32","slug":"diverse-graduating-class-of-about-200-students-leaves-its-mark-at-tusculum-university-as-it-advances-to-the-next-stage-in-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www3.tusculum.edu\/news\/news\/2024\/diverse-graduating-class-of-about-200-students-leaves-its-mark-at-tusculum-university-as-it-advances-to-the-next-stage-in-life\/","title":{"rendered":"Diverse graduating class of about 200 students leaves its mark at Tusculum University as it advances to the next stage in life"},"content":{"rendered":"

GREENEVILLE<\/strong> \u2013 Descending the stage as Tusculum University<\/a>\u2019s newest alumni<\/a>, 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.<\/h3>\n
\"Johanna

Johanna Palacio, right, receives congratulations from Dr. Scott Hummel.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Jamicheal

Jamicheal Wilson, right, shakes hands with Dr. Scott Hummel during graduation.<\/p><\/div>\n

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\u2019s and master\u2019s degrees in multiple disciplines, but most importantly, many were just as active in other endeavors during their days as Pioneers.<\/p>\n

\u201cA Tusculum degree is rooted in active and experiential learning, which strongly prepares students for the workforce or the next step in their careers,\u201d said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum\u2019s president. \u201cOur 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Some graduates served as founding members of the Tusculum Band<\/a> 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\u2019s caring Christian environment and spiritual growth by participating in ministries<\/a> on and off campus.<\/p>\n

\"Dr.

Dr. Scott Hummel, left, congratulates Cristobal Morales.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Left

Left to right, Sydney May, Samantha Nelson and Hughston Burnheimer celebrate before graduation.<\/p><\/div>\n

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<\/a>. Some graduates completed free income tax returns<\/a> for East Tennessee residents. Creating murals for nonprofit organizations was another tangible way graduates showcased their connections with the community.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>. They also demonstrated their talents as members of the production team for the \u201cTusculum Review<\/a>,\u201d the university\u2019s international literary journal, and \u201cSit Lux,\u201d a student-led journal that highlights exceptional written and art works by students and alumni.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Shay

Shay Hess, right, receives congratulations from Dr. Hummel in honor of her bachelor\u2019s degree.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Andrae

Andrae Robinson speaks during the commencement ceremony.<\/p><\/div>\n

Many graduates, such as Andrae Robinson, supplemented their educational experiences by playing on one of Tusculum\u2019s 23 athletic<\/a> teams. Robinson, who earned a bachelor\u2019s in sport management<\/a> and a minor in business administration<\/a>, was a defensive back on the football<\/a> team and served as the undergraduate speaker at Saturday\u2019s graduation ceremony.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith sports occupying such a big part of our lives, it is easy to be consumed with the individual growth and progression we\u2019ve made as athletes in our respective sports,\u201d Robinson told fellow graduates. \u201cHowever, we should not forget the many transferable life skills we\u2019ve 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speaking of the university, he noted that Tusculum\u2019s smaller size was a key factor in his academic success. He shared how professors make themselves accessible to students\u2019 needs. He also emphasized the knowledge he gained outside his major and minor \u2013 in literature, sociology and public policy \u2013 during his Tusculum studies. He thanked the faculty and staff for making Tusculum a home for him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs 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,\u201d Robinson told the graduates. \u201cTusculum\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Robinson thanked God for having the opportunity to deliver his remarks and his parents for their unconditional love and support.<\/p>\n

\"Emerald

Emerald Jones, right, celebrates her graduation with Dr. Scott Hummel.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Katie

Katie Love-Pride delivers remarks as the graduate student speaker.<\/p><\/div>\n

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\u2019s degree<\/a>. They, too, expanded their knowledge through hands-on learning.<\/p>\n

One of those was Katie Love-Pride, who earned a Master of Arts in Teaching<\/a>. She participated in Tusculum\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

She said curiosity has always been one of her characteristics, and that trait led her on the path to her master\u2019s degree. She commended her professors in the College of Education<\/a>, who supported her in her journey and, she joked, \u201cpatiently responded to all my emails that began, \u2018I have a few questions.\u2019\u201d She encouraged graduates to embrace curiosity and foster it in others.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a team member or leader, be curious about other points of view,\u201d she said. \u201cAs a teacher, model curiosity for your students. As a medical professional, listen to your patients with curiosity. In whatever profession you choose, don\u2019t stop asking questions. And when you don\u2019t have answers, embrace the unknown.<\/p>\n

\u201cCuriosity 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Master\u2019s

Master\u2019s degree recipient Zackary Nelson celebrates after his name is called during graduation.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Cynthia

Cynthia Brown, right, celebrates her graduation with Dr. Scott Hummel.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Abby

Abby Lockwood, center, celebrates her degree with Angelo Botta, left, and Dr. Suzanne Byrd.<\/p><\/div>\n

Dr. Tricia Hunsader, Tusculum\u2019s provost and vice president of academic affairs, said the value of a Tusculum education is high.<\/p>\n

\u201cTusculum is focused on helping students achieve their academic dreams, develop socially and civically and build on their faith,\u201d she said. \u201cWith 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

To become a Tusculum student, please visit https:\/\/site.tusculum.edu\/apply-visit\/apply\/<\/a>. More information about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

GREENEVILLE<\/strong> \u2013 Descending the stage as Tusculum University<\/a>\u2019s newest alumni<\/a>, 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.<\/h3>\n

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\u2019s and master\u2019s degrees in multiple disciplines, but most importantly, many were just as active in other endeavors during their days as Pioneers.<\/p>\n

\u201cA Tusculum degree is rooted in active and experiential learning, which strongly prepares students for the workforce or the next step in their careers,\u201d said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum\u2019s president. \u201cOur 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read the full article…<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[131,91,7,137,138,136,139,135,19,1,6,172],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nDiverse graduating class of about 200 students leaves its mark at Tusculum University as it advances to the next stage in life :: Tusculum University<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www3.tusculum.edu\/news\/news\/2024\/diverse-graduating-class-of-about-200-students-leaves-its-mark-at-tusculum-university-as-it-advances-to-the-next-stage-in-life\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Diverse graduating class of about 200 students leaves its mark at Tusculum University as it advances to the next stage in life :: Tusculum University\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"GREENEVILLE \u2013 Descending the stage as Tusculum University\u2019s 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. 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\u2019s and master\u2019s degrees in multiple disciplines, but most importantly, many were just as active in other endeavors during their days as Pioneers. \u201cA Tusculum degree is rooted in active and experiential learning, which strongly prepares students for the workforce or the next step in their careers,\u201d said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum\u2019s president. \u201cOur 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.\u201d Read the full article...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www3.tusculum.edu\/news\/news\/2024\/diverse-graduating-class-of-about-200-students-leaves-its-mark-at-tusculum-university-as-it-advances-to-the-next-stage-in-life\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"TUSCULUM UNIVERSITY NEWS\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-05-04T22:01:41+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-05-05T03:12:32+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www3.tusculum.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/graduation-7-3-300x233.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Jim Wozniak\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Jim Wozniak\" \/>\n\t<meta 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