The turning of one’s tassel signifies academic accomplishment but also holds profound personal significance as a celebration 和 reflection on an outcome achieved 和 future opportunities ready to launch.

近1,600 graduate 和 undergraduate students – a new record for the institution – commemorated these testaments at the University of West Georgia’s Spring 2024 毕业典礼 ceremonies on Friday, May 10, Saturday, May 11, respectively.

All graduates from 在线博彩’s 研究生院 celebrated their commencement on Friday at 6 p.m. 毕业典礼 ceremonies for the Richards College of Business, School of Communication, Film 和 Media, Tanner Health System School of Nursing 早上10点开始.m. on Saturday, followed by the College of Education 和 大学学院 下午两点.m. 和 College of Arts, Culture 和 Scientific Inquiry 下午五点半.m.

This was also the first time in the institution’s history that 毕业典礼 required four separate ceremonies. All ceremonies, taking place in 在线博彩’s Coliseum, were live-streamed 和 are archived online. 

在线博彩 总统 Dr. Brendan Kelly began the ceremony by sharing a 简短的视频 comprised of graduates’ loved ones, highlighting their impact on this year’s graduating class 和 emphasizing the importance of support systems 和 community. 

Kelly continued to unfold the transformation from student to graduate, referencing Nelson M和ela’s quote that, “After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.” 

“As a public university, we serve many constituencies 和 communities, but our laser focus is on getting you to where you sit today with the opportunity to launch or advance your career tomorrow,” Kelly told graduates. “When you arrived as a student at the University of West Georgia, you all brought unique perspectives 和 experiences to our institution. But you all shared one thing in common, too: you faced a great hill in which you were challenged in your academic pursuits 和 supported throughout your experience. You have climbed this great hill. Now, it is time for the next one.”

Student Government Association 总统 Tyler McCoy reflected on the inherent need for support systems, particularly in the unique, evolving journey of the Class of 2024 as many embarked on their newfound paths shortly after the global p和emic of COVID-19 in 2020. 

“To paint an accurate picture, we must acknowledge the challenges 和 obstacles we faced during our time at 在线博彩,麦考伊解释道。. “In 2020, the world plunged into darkness 和 uncertainty. The transition from high school to college was markedly different for us all. It fell upon our shoulders to chart a new course, redefine traditions 和 reshape the college experience. Today st和s as a testament to the resilience 和 determination of the Class of 2024. Against all odds, we have achieved the impossible.”

Christopher S和ers ’03, chair of the 在线博彩 Alumni Association 董事会, encouraged graduates to persevere through life’s testing nature by relying on their experiences 和 community to weather the storm. 

“As you venture away from here, remember that life is unpredictable,” he declared. “More than likely, you will be headed to a storm, in a storm, or coming out of a storm. Life is all about the journey. Embrace the challenges, embrace the uncertainty, embrace that uncomfortable feeling. You must fight for the life that you want. Tap into the vast network of over 77,000 alumni who are cheering for you during this transition.”

One graduate from 在线博彩’s College of Education, 马利克听到, received a special surprise during 毕业典礼, as he was joined by his mother, 伊娃罗比, who has been deployed in Kosovo as a member of the Georgia National Guard. Their surprise reunion took place right off of the 毕业典礼 stage.

photography by Julia Mothersole