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H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H
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Commencement | August 2, 2018
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elcome to the Summer 2018 Commencement ceremony for Georgia Gwinnett College. The GGC community extends warm greetings to parents, families and friends gathered to celebrate our graduates’ achievements and promising futures. Thirteen years ago, GGC was founded as a new, innovative model for changing the higher education landscape by challenging convention and doing that which is most effective. At GGC, student mentorship and engagement ensure that each student has every opportunity to succeed, and the dream of a higher education can be made possible for students who might not find success elsewhere. That’s game changing. Because of its unique approach, Georgia Gwinnett College is transforming lives, families and communities.
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GE ORGIA GWINNET T C O LLEGE CO MMENC EMENT THURSDAY | AUGUST 2, 2018 | 10 AM
Introductory Musical Selections Processional
Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 Composed by Sir Edward Elgar
National Anthem*
The Star-Spangled Banner Composed by Francis Scott Key Performed by Janae Gray
Posting of the Colors*
GGC ROTC Color Guard Dr. Stas’ Preczewski President
Welcome Graduate Reflections
Ana Echeverry Dr. Stas’ Preczewski
Introduction of Guest Speaker Commencement Address
John Tien Managing Director, Citigroup
Presentation of Gift Presentation of Degree Candidates
Eliman Marenah President, Student Government Association Dr. T.J. Arant Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and Provost Dr. Tyler Yu Dean, School of Business Dr. Laurel Holland Interim Dean, School of Liberal Arts Dr. Cathy D. Moore Dean, School of Education Dr. Thomas G. Mundie Dean, School of Science and Technology
Conferral of Degrees Presentation of Diplomas Georgia Gwinnett College Alma Mater* Recessional
Persons with disabilities requiring assistance with seating, please see an usher.
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Dr. Stas’ Preczewski John Tien Performed by Janae Gray Triumphal March from Aida Composed by Giuseppe Verdi
*Audience is requested to stand.
CA N DIDATES F O R GRADUAT IO N
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION SCHOOL OF BUSINESS MAJOR IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Haya Abdulnabi Mona Sim Adams F Jonathan Scott Adams Layla Aden Ahmad Jalal Alkhatib F Karla Maribel Amaya Leslie Ikenna Anonyuo Cyrille Joseph Aragon F Prince James Bailey II Kenith Jacob Barry Dienabou Barry Andrei Liviu Botezat Karlie Amber Brooks Matthew Stephen Caccavale Nicolas Joel Cardoza F Cristian Colin Sophia L. Diaz Jasmin Diaz Allison Paige Dudley F Ana Maria Echeverry F Darien Gisela Fajardo Michael Andrew Feldman F Matheus Fernandes John William Foster Brianna Christine Froebel Tiffanie Renee Gaines Bhumik P. Gala l Monica Garza Samuel D. Gassert Derek Gilbert Felipe Gutierrez Jr. Jared Brett Hall Mahwiyat Haque Stephen Michael Hausser
Russell Alexander Head Hua Her RaVan-Simone Francheska Jarrett Michael Keith Johnson Maya Lynn Johnson Tanya Johnson Noah Mekonnen Kebede v Andrew Jee-Hyun Kim Diana Yin-Chien Lin Tyvon Brandon Manns Christa Leigh McDaniel F Jordan Bradley Miller Dylan Everett Missel Khatab Dawelbait Mohamed Jake Thomas Morris Baby Myou Nicholas John Phan Casey Scot Price Zachary Joseph Pruitt F Muriel Robergeau-Charles Dalma Neyra Ruelas s Pedro Ruelas-Franquez s Mayra J. Sablon Belma Simidzija Salihovic F Tajeen B. Salim Monica Sylvia Sandoval Ashlee Lynn Seaman Shelby Danielle Stallworth Lakeisha Shane Stephens Daniel Silvestru Sumalan Molly Kate Temples Jessica E. Thomas Ajoa Dufie Tweneboah Alex Daniel Visbal F Michael Richard Watson Jalany Williams Michael Brandon Willis Kathryn Renee Woolen Irene Zhuang
List and academic standing at press time. F Cum laude l Magna cum laude s Summa cum laude
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BACHELOR OF ARTS SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS MAJOR IN ENGLISH Anthony Caruso Jr. Katherine Arlene Kuhns l Drew Tyler Lewis F Tyler Merrow Matt Hastings Myers
________________________ BACHELOR OF ARTS SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS MAJOR IN HISTORY Alexander Joshua Da Silva Brendon Robert Smyles Christian George Sanchez
________________________ BACHELOR OF ARTS SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS MAJOR IN POLITICAL SCIENCE Fathia Ahmed Denis Blazevic Courtney Ozioma Chukwura Olga Nseli Muanda
n Honors Program v Awarded Posthumously
Continued on next page.
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CA N DIDATES F O R GRADUAT IO N (continued)
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS MAJOR IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE Emilyn Elaine Acevedo Laura Bravo Duran Ashley Lynette Clark Daniel Dawson Morgan Alexandra Healey Joseph Nicholas Hudak l Keira Lyanne Jackson Ariana Chantelle Martin Muhamed J. Maura Christian Alexander Mcleod Dianne M. Meuse Steven Kaleb Moody F Jennifer L. Moore Aaron Christopher Motin Sharita Shanta Pritchett Yolanda Denise Ramsey Christopher Andrew Robertson Dionne Patrice Stallworth Kierra Roshawn Taylor Kenya Danielle Windham Ramona Young
________________________ BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS MAJOR IN PSYCHOLOGY
Gabriela Maria Garateguy Adilene Garcia Nathasha Arlene Graterol Courtney Cherish Harmon Zachary Lanier Hodge Victoria Rocio Iurilli Margaret Johnson n Julie R. Joseph l Gurpreet Kaur Stanley Lambert Sharifah Tameeka Leben Lolita E. McNeal F n Bre’Ashia Debra Meadows Nicole Miller Medjine Mirambeau Regina Nash Summer Rae Nelson s Kristina L. O’Brien Lena Rebecca Pearson Anna Marie Petty F Chanique J. Reid-Russell Melissa Severino Nicole Ashlee Whisenant
________________________ BACHELOR OF ARTS SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS MAJOR IN ENGLISH WITH TEACHER CERTIFICATION Daniel Wayne Montague Lloyd
Victoria Mobolanle Adeleke Jasmine Allexux Mickell Barrett Lauren Susanne Britt Robert Dennis Chapman-Myers Heather Raquel Davis Jazmine Doss
F Cum laude
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l Magna cum laude
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s Summa cum laude
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION SCHOOL OF EDUCATION MAJOR IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Michael Wayne Bish Cristabel Wilma Hawkins
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BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION SCHOOL OF EDUCATION MAJOR IN SPECIAL EDUCATION Alecia Walton
________________________ BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MAJOR IN BIOLOGY Sally Saad Ali s Una Kelly Dammar Mary Eleonor Diaz Lance Chase Dickson Jeremy Lewis Goodman F Gilbert Twumasi Gyamfi Taylor Nichole Hubbard Helen Yvonne Manget Tyshica La’Kell McDaniel Rosemary Jane Melendez Aulelia Starrye Naefe Morris Tempestt I. Nwachukwu Miriam Debora Pacurar l
n Honors Program v Awarded Posthumously
CA N DIDATE S FO R GRADUAT IO N (continued)
Nasim Peymani s Danielle Alexandria Samuels Daisy Santana Tanya Renee Stowell Jontana Alexa Sunshine Scurry F Mai Anh Betty Thi Tran Melissa Ann Willingham Darien Armando Woodley
________________________ BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MAJOR IN CHEMISTRY David Shane Breaud
________________________ BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MAJOR IN EXERCISE SCIENCE Violeta Araujo-Espinoza Michael Joseph Croghan F Alec David Fernandez Samantha Lynn Gracia F Melissa Josephine Kedzie Jessica Dianne Meeks Denisse Adriana Mota F Antonio Omar Pereira Samuel T. Reynolds Sonia Sanchez-Alvarez Joseph Nathaniel Smith Katherine M. Valencia F
F Cum laude
l Magna cum laude
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BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MAJOR IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Eric Ahmed Brian David Bailey Aaron Denzel Carter Matthew Austin Carver Michael Bagheri Cawthon Julian David Diaz F Afeefa Firdaus Carla Melissa Fox Richard Stephan Joubert s Tabitha Marie King F Alexander David McWhorter Chinelo Krystle Obiamalu James Kody Paumen F Derex B. Sango IV Jarrod Cordell Sinnock Tracy W. Thompson
________________________ BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MAJOR IN MATHEMATICS Petah Malik Shaw
s Summa cum laude
n Honors Program v Awarded Posthumously
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DR. S TAS PRECZEWS KI P RE SIDE N T, GEO RGIA GWINNET T CO LLEGE
Dr. Staś Preczewski earned a B.S. in engineering from Cornell University in 1980 and concurrently received his U.S. Army officer commission. His other degrees include an M.S. in engineering from the University of Massachusetts, an M.A. in national security strategy and planning from the United States Naval War College, and a Ph.D. in higher education from the University of Missouri. Dr. Preczewski served on the faculty and staff of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He commanded two artillery units with the 2nd and 1st Infantry Divisions. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal and Airborne (paratrooper) and Air Assault wings. Upon retirement as an Army Colonel in May 2006, Dr. Preczewski began his civilian career as the inaugural vice president for Academic and Student Affairs at Georgia Gwinnett College. After serving as GGC’s interim president for a year, he was named president in 2014. Under Dr. Preczewski’s leadership, the college has grown to more than 12,000 students. Dr. Preczewski serves on the boards of directors of the Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce, Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful, Peach State Federal Credit Union and the American Council on Education Council of Fellows. He also is a member of the boards of trustees for the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education and Riverside Military Academy. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Lawrenceville and the Lawrenceville Lions Club. He routinely serves on University System of Georgia task forces and as a mentor in its leadership development program. He is married to Jean Preczewski, a career legal assistant for a private law firm in Buford. They have three children, combat veterans, each of whom served or is serving as officers in the U.S. Army: Kristen, who holds an MBA; Michael, who serves as an Army Medical Planner for the Pacific Region, and David, an Army MEDEVAC helicopter pilot currently in command of the U.S. Army Aeromedical Center Medical Company at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. The Preczewskis have one grandson, Evan, and one granddaughter, Claire.
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JO HN T IEN M A N A GIN G DIREC T O R, C IT IGRO UP
John Tien is a managing director at Citigroup, one of the world’s largest financial services firms, operating in 160 countries and supporting over 200 million customers. He currently serves as the chief operating officer for Citi’s largest American Express co-brand credit card portfolio, which services more than 15 million customers. Tien’s previous roles at Citi include head of operations for Citi Retail Services’ largest MasterCard co-brand credit card portfolio, chief administration officer for Citi’s Global Consumer Operations and Technology organization, and chief of staff for its Global Fraud Prevention division. As a retired U.S. Army Colonel, Tien also is Citi’s senior military veteran and serves on the firm’s global advisory leadership team which oversees the Citi Salutes program and provides firm-wide support to U.S. military veterans and military spouses both internal and external to the company. In this role, Tien represents Citi in several Fortune 500 veterans forums and serves as their senior representative with the U.S. departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs and Labor to help stimulate hiring of veterans in the private sector. Tien’s 24-year, active duty career included three combat deployments to Iraq. His last Army posting was a three-year tour of duty at the White House, where he was a senior national security advisor to both President Bush and President Obama. He advised on matters relating to security in Iraq and security, political and economic development in Afghanistan and Pakistan. In addition to his many policy advisory roles, Tien also accompanied President Obama on his first trip to a combat zone, flying with him on Air Force One to Afghanistan in 2009. His last military operations tour was as the Task Force 2-37 commander in Friedberg, Germany, from 2004-2007 and Tal Afar and Ramadi, Iraq, from 2006-2007. Tien’s military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Valorous Unit Award and the Combat Action Badge. Tien holds a B.S. in civil engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he was the number one military-ranked cadet, and an M.A. in political science from Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar. Tien also was an assistant professor in the Department of Social Sciences at West Point, a White House Fellow in the Clinton Administration and a National Security Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Tien and his wife, Tracy, live in Smyrna and are active community volunteers in the greater Atlanta area. Tien volunteers as the board chair of the national veterans non-profit, The Mission Continues, and as a board member of the Atlanta-based Warrior Alliance, while his wife volunteers as an educational docent at Atlanta’s High Museum of Art. The Tiens’ two daughters recently graduated from universities in the northeast.
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THE G E ORGIA GWINNET T C O LLEGE MAC E A ceremonial mace is a highly ornamented staff used during processions for formal academic ceremonies or parliamentary occasions. Derived from ancient weapons, maces were adapted for ceremonial use during the Middle Ages. GGC’s mace contains a unique combination of materials representing the components of the college community. The torch represents the light of education and its promise of a brighter future for students, families, communities, nations and the world. Cast in urethane from a 3D-printed mold, it symbolizes GGC’s modern and innovative approach to higher education. Its green flame represents one of the college’s official colors, as well as life, growth and prosperity. The cube represents the college as a whole and symbolizes permanence. It is adorned with the college seal and logo in its official colors. Gold represents GGC’s leaders and symbolizes their knowledge and authority in guiding the institution. Stainless steel represents GGC’s staff members and symbolizes the stability and structure they provide the college. Bronze represents GGC’s faculty members and symbolizes the education, inspiration and mentorship they provide their students.
Aluminum represents the educational process and symbolizes the transformation it offers not only for students, but everyone involved with the college.
Maple wood represents the students and symbolizes their growth and pioneering spirit as they embark on their educational journey, forever changing their lives. GGC’s four pillars of scholarship, leadership, service and creativity are inlaid in the maple, as these qualities are instilled in the college’s students. The letters are inlaid mahogany wood.
Copper represents the connection between GGC and its communities, symbolizing positive relationships. Iron represents the broader college community members and symbolizes the strength, courage and life-force its support means to the foundation and ongoing success of Georgia Gwinnett College.
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HONORS REGALIA
Some graduating seniors wear regalia recognizing their memberships in honor societies and/or the GGC Honors Program. In addition to specified GPAs, students must meet other requirements to be considered members of these groups. These students are to be commended for earning the prestigious distinctions represented by their regalia, which may include a cord or stole (sash), with or without a medallion. Organizations/Programs and related major(s)
Regalia colors
GGC Honors Program – Interdisciplinary .........................................................................................Green and silver Alpha Phi Sigma – Criminal Justice ..................................................................................................... Gold and blue Beta Beta Beta – Biology ......................................................................................................... Forest green and red Golden Key – Interdisciplinary .............................................................................................................Blue and gold Kappa Delta Pi – Education ................................................................................................... Purple and jade green Kappa Mu Epsilon – Mathematics.............................................................................................. Rose pink and silver Kappa Omicron Nu – Exercise Science ....................................................................................... Burgundy and gold National Society of Leadership and Success – Interdisciplinary ......................................................... Red and black Omicron Delta Epsilon – Economics ....................................................................................................Blue and gold Phi Alpha Theta – History ......................................................................................................................Red and blue Pi Sigma Alpha – Political Science ........................................................................................... Red, white and black Psi Chi – Psychology..............................................................................................................Platinum and dark blue Sigma Beta Delta – Business ................................................................................................. Hunter green and gold Sigma Iota Rho – International Relations .................................................................................... Black, blue and red Sigma Tau Delta – English ............................................................................................................ Cardinal and black Upsilon Pi Epsilon – Computing and Information .........................................................................Maroon and white
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TRA DITIO NS O F AC ADEMIC DRES S
At many formal college events, faculty can be seen wearing traditional robes, hoods, caps and sometimes cords known as academic dress or regalia. This tradition dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries when universities emerged from religious orders. Similar to the robes of the clergy, academic dress was the customary daily dress of both students and faculty. It was functional in providing warmth and designating someone as a member of the academy. Steeped in tradition, academic dress code follows detailed guidelines for fabrics, patterns, colors, trimming and length of the gown and its accompanying garments, based on the degree of its wearer. More advanced degrees dictate more elaborate regalia, made of finer fabrics with longer and broader hoods and gold tassels. The standard color for bachelor and master degree gowns is black, while doctorate robes may be black or another color designated by the college that granted the degree. Officials and dignitaries at institutions also may wear gowns of varying colors and designs. Fabrics vary from lightweight to heavier velvets, which are reserved for doctorate robes. Hoods worn with the gown are black, using the same fabric as the gown, and lined in velvet or velveteen with the colors of the institution granting the degree and trimmed with the colors of the specific discipline. Below is a list of colors associated with various disciplines:
Agriculture............................................................Maize Arts, Letters, Humanities ......................................White Commerce, Accountancy, Business....................... Drab Dentistry ................................................................. Lilac Economics ......................................................... Copper Education ...................................................... Light Blue Engineering ....................................................... Orange Fine Arts, including Architecture......................... Brown Forestry ...............................................................Russet Journalism ........................................................ Crimson Law ......................................................................Purple Library Science ................................................... Lemon Medicine.............................................................. Green
Music .......................................................................Pink Nursing .............................................................. Apricot Oratory (Speech) .......................................... Silver Gray Pharmacy ....................................................Olive Green Philosophy ......................................................Dark Blue Physical Education...................................... Sage Green Public Administration, including Foreign Service.........................................Peacock Blue Public Health ..............................................Salmon Pink Science ................................................... Golden Yellow Social Work.......................................................... Citron Theology ............................................................ Scarlet Veterinary Science ..................................................Gray
Hoods originally were worn as a covering for the head until the function was handed to the cap. The cap is most often a mortarboard matched to the gown and includes a tassel in either black or a discipline/school color. The tassel worn with doctorate degree gowns may be gold. There is no hard rule for the position of the tassel, however many colleges and universities have incorporated the tassel as a symbolic rite of passage into the academic community by having students move the tassel from right to left upon graduation.
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THE CO LLEGE S EAL
The seal represents the core mission, values and vision of the College, as well as uniquely identifies the College among all other educational institutions. It reflects the College’s official colors - green and gray - and contains symbolism of GGC’s core identity through the following design elements: • The outer rim of the seal contains a dotted line representing the many talents and individuals that surround and embrace the College, creating a unified and secure cord to shape its continued growth and prosperity. • The first line of type within the outer ring shows the name of the College in its traditional green color using the classic, time-honored typeface Jenson. • The type placed at the bottom of the first inner ring is the year the College was voted into existence by the Georgia General Assembly. • The ring of 44 stars symbolizes Gwinnett, the 44th county created in the state of Georgia. • The four pillars of the College are represented by the words Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Creativity. The four pillars are described on the next page. • The center of the seal contains the stylized symbol used in the College’s official logo referred to as the “cresting double G.” • Moving outward from the center ring with the cresting double G that represents students, the next ring represents faculty, the following ring represents staff, and the outer ring represents the community. These are the four groups of individuals who comprise the essential relationships in which learning takes place.
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VIS IO N Georgia Gwinnett College will be a premier 21st Century Liberal Arts College where learning will take place continuously in and beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. Its cornerstones will be innovative use of educational technology and a commitment to an integrated educational experience that develops the whole person. GGC will be a wellspring of educational innovation. It will be a dynamic learning community where faculty engagement in teaching and mentoring students will be the hallmark. It will be a driving force for change in student success. As such, it will be a model for innovative approaches to education, faculty engagement with students, and highly efficient student, facility, and administrative services.
MIS S IO N Georgia Gwinnett College provides access to targeted baccalaureate and associate level degrees that meet the economic development needs of the growing and diverse population of the northeast Atlanta metropolitan region. It emphasizes the innovative use of technology and active-learning environments to provide its students enhanced learning experiences, practical opportunities to apply knowledge, increased scheduling flexibility, and a variety of course delivery options. Georgia Gwinnett’s outstanding faculty and staff actively engage students in various learning environments, serve as mentors and advisors, and assist students through programs designed to enhance their academic, social, and personal development. GGC produces contributing citizens and future leaders for Georgia and the nation. Its graduates are inspired to contribute to the local, state, national, and international communities and are prepared to anticipate and respond effectively to an uncertain and changing world.
T HE F O UR PILLARS Scholarship Georgia Gwinnett College produces graduates prepared for life-long, intentional learning. These graduates will continue to discover, acquire, integrate and apply knowledge in ways that enhance both their lives, and the lives of others. Leadership GGC inspires its graduates to model purposeful, intentional actions that enable them, and those around them, to work together in cohesive and coherent ways toward common goals. Our students lead by example, with both their hearts and their minds, while encouraging others to do the same. Service Georgia Gwinnett College encourages each graduate to live as engaged, contributing citizens, and to serve actively in ways that will result in positive impacts on their local, state, national and international communities. Creativity GGC cultivates the attributes of curiosity, intellectual versatility, imagination and critical thinking to enable graduates to embrace varied perspectives, identify key points of convergence among disparate ideas and situations, and generate creative ideas and innovative solutions.
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THE IN TE G RATE D EDUCAT IO NAL EX PERIENC E
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS The School of Business promotes a learning community characterized by student engagement, a faculty dedicated to excellence and continuous improvement in teaching, scholarship and service. By developing leading-edge programs that nurture and advance intellectual inquiry, critical-thinking abilities, social skills and ethical reasoning, the School of Business prepares individuals to be business leaders in an increasingly complex and changing global environment. SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS The School of Liberal Arts provides an innovative, multidisciplinary, student-centered, flexible curriculum that prepares the student for further study or work in a global economy. The School seeks to develop student learning through faculty engagement in cross-disciplinary teaching, research and service that responds to increased globalization. SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY The School of Science and Technology is committed to providing an innovative, outcomes-based learning experience for all students. It provides programs that offer students disciplinary and interdisciplinary courses, as well as practical and applied learning experiences that prepare them for postgraduate schooling or for positions of responsibility in education, business, medicine or government. The School produces graduates who demonstrate mathematics, science and information technology literacy, and foster an understanding of the role of these disciplines in our society in an uncertain and changing world. SCHOOL OF EDUCATION The School of Education is a collaborative learning community whose members are engaged in developing the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary for outstanding teaching. Faculty and students model exemplary pedagogy, interdisciplinary approaches, data-based decision making and life-long learning.
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Graduates promote the success of diverse learners through educational experiences that incorporate best practices and innovative applications of educational technology. The School of Education develops educational leaders for an evolving global community. SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES The School of Health Sciences offers programs which prepare students to be engaged professionals and leaders in global health. Students in Health Sciences programs are equipped with vital competencies necessary to provide evidence-based care and work effectively in a complex health care system. SCHOOL OF TRANSITIONAL STUDIES The School of Transitional Studies at GGC is designed to support and enhance students’ academic, intellectual and social development to promote their retention, progression and graduation. Its student success programs pursue innovative and multi-faceted efforts to achieve these goals. Courses for students who would like additional preparation to promote their learning as well as workshops in learning strategies, learning styles and use of technology are offered to engage and improve students’ chances for success and graduation. A free tutoring center staffed with professional and trained tutors serves the entire college community. THE DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS The Division of Student Affairs utilizes an innovative student development model that promotes students’ emotional, intellectual, occupational, physical, social and spiritual growth. The division collaboratively develops, provides and assesses programs, services and policies which empower students with opportunities for holistic development and enhanced learning.
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GE ORGIA GWINNET T CO LLEGE HIS T O RY
In October 2004, the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents voted to ask the General Assembly to approve the creation of a new state college in Gwinnett County. In March 2005, the General Assembly passed Senate Resolution 33, authored by Sen. Don Balfour, establishing a new college in Gwinnett, later signed by Gov. Sonny Perdue. In September 2005, the Regents hired Dr. Daniel J. Kaufman, a retired Army brigadier general, as the college’s inaugural president. A month later, the Regents named the institution, “Georgia Gwinnett College.” GGC opened its doors to 118 students on August 18, 2006, as the nation’s first four-year public college founded in the 21st century and the first four-year public institution created in Georgia in more than 100 years. It welcomed its first freshman class in 2007 and recognized 17 students at its inaugural commencement ceremony in 2008. In January of 2009, GGC held its first winter graduation ceremony, and that spring, it graduated 38 students. It added a summer commencement ceremony in 2013. In 2009, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools granted Georgia Gwinnett its initial accreditation in record time, giving the college the ability to apply for research grants and awards from foundations for students and faculty members, and expand its degree programs. More than 3,000 students enrolled for the 2009 fall semester. In 2010, GGC celebrated the opening of its new Library and Learning Center and its first student residence halls, transforming the commuter college into a residential campus. More than 5,300 students enrolled for the 2010 fall semester. The new Student Center opened in January 2011 and a new laboratory building opened that summer. GGC’s enrollment reached 9,400 in fall 2012. The 2012-13 academic year was the Grizzlies’ first season of official intercollegiate competition in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, and marked the completion of the varsity athletics facilities. President Kaufman departed GGC for the presidency of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce in July 2013 and Dr. Stas’ Preczewski, formerly vice president for Academic and Student Affairs, served as interim president for about a year before being named president in May 2014. In fall 2014, the college opened its new Allied Health and Sciences building, home of the School of Science and Technology, the newly formed School of Health Sciences and its nursing program. The college celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2015 with a year-long “GGC10” observance. As it enters its second decade, GGC continues to build upon its success in upholding its unique mission and vision. Today, the college enrolls more than 12,000 students. It is ranked as the most ethnically diverse Southern regional college by U.S. News & World Report (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018), which also ranks GGC as producing the second least student debt among Southern regional colleges. The Daniel J. Kaufman Library & Learning Center was recently named for GGC’s founding president, and the college celebrated the expansion of its academic Building C. GGC offers 17 bachelor’s degree programs and more than 45 concentrations. Its students score it among the nation’s top colleges in several areas of student engagement, a critical predictor of student success. According to USG studies, GGC has contributed more than $2.8 billion to the local economy, including creation of 4,500 jobs. GGC’s innovative practices, caring culture and extremely affordable tuition are changing the game in higher education, and changing the future for students at all levels, of all ages and from all walks of life. Its ground breaking, four-year college model changes how educators facilitate and support student learning and is characterized by its integrated approach to attention, affordability and access.
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A DMINIS T RAT IO N Stas’ Preczewski, Ph.D., President T.J. Arant, Ph.D., Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and Provost Laura Maxwell, Vice President for Business and Finance Lori Buckheister, Vice President for Advancement Terrance Schneider, Associate Vice President of Operations/Chief of Police Daniel Nolan, Chief of Staff Marc P. Cardinalli, J.D., General Counsel Luann Causland, Executive Assistant to the President
SCHO O L DEANS Thomas G. Mundie, Ph.D., School of Science and Technology* Cathy Moore, Ph.D., School of Education* Laurel Holland, Ph.D., School of Liberal Arts, Interim Diane E. White, Ph.D., RN, CCRN, School of Health Sciences* Tyler Yu, Ph.D., School of Business Justin Jernigan, Ph.D., School of Transitional Studies
2 0 0 6 -2 0 0 7 CHA RT ER DEANS AND FAC ULT Y SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Victoria Johnson, Ph.D., Charter Dean Tyler Yu, Ph.D., Professor of Economics Spero Peppas, Ph.D., Professor of Marketing and International Business** Mary Saunders, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Management
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION Cathy Moore, Ph.D., Charter Dean
SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS Lois C. Richardson, Ph.D., Charter Dean Juliana Lancaster, Ph.D., Executive Director of Plans, Policies and Analysis; Professor of Psychology Vickie Williams, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology
SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Thomas G. Mundie, Ph.D., Charter Dean Christopher Brandon, Ph.D., Professor of Biology Diane Dorsett, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology Bagie George, Ph.D., Professor of Biology Lee Kurtz, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology * Denotes charter dean ** Denotes first faculty member hired
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G E O R G IA GW IN N E TT COLLEGE F O UNDAT IO N BO ARD O F T RUS TE E S
Chair Thomas P. Hughes Vice Chair Stas’ Preczewski President Lori M. Buckheister Secretary Bartow Morgan, Jr. Treasurer Glenn S. White Trustees Thomas J. Andersen Marsha Anderson Bomar David J. Bowen K. Carlton Buchanan, Jr., MD Madison F. Cole, Jr. C. Norwood Davis Timothy J. Foster Ronald H. Garrard Gregory W. Hayes Terri E. Jondahl Wayne H. Mason José R. Pérez William E. Russell Greg D. Shumate John D. Stephens W. Gordon Tanner, Jr., MD Richard L. Tucker Philip R. Wolfe
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W E LCOM E TO THE ALUMNI AS S O C IAT IO N
Graduates, After years of hard work and dedication, you are now alumni of Georgia Gwinnett College – congratulations! We applaud you and your proud family, friends and mentors for reaching this important milestone in your life. On behalf of the GGC Foundation and Alumni Association, I welcome you as our newest alumni members. The mission of the Alumni Association is to build and support lifelong relationships with Georgia Gwinnett College, alumni and the community through academic excellence, leadership and tradition. Your active participation and support is key to fulfilling this mission. We encourage you to do the following:
G ET INVOLVED
You will always be a member of the GGC family. Enrich your experience by attending our alumni networking mixers. Come back to campus for events like Homecoming, Alumni Day at a baseball game, and other opportunities to connect with members of the GGC community. Stay in touch with the Office of Alumni Engagement, and make sure to keep up-todate with the monthly alumni e-newsletter and Engage magazine. You have invested time and effort in your GGC legacy – share your successes and talents with us to inspire the next generation of Grizzly grads.
G IVE BACK
If you have contributed to GGC, thank you. We are grateful for this demonstration of your support and your belief in Georgia Gwinnett College. Gifts from friends, parents, faculty, staff, students and alumni are vital to our continued success as a college, and for helping future Grizzlies achieve their dreams. You can also give your time. Join us for dynamic events and programs, or pursue a leadership position on the GGC Alumni Association Board.
C ONNECT
Today, you joined a rapidly expanding network of nearly 6,000 Grizzly graduates. Interact with your fellow alumni via our online community. “Like” us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and join us on LinkedIn and Networkggc.com. Be a GGC ambassador and advocate in your careers, your communities and among your friends.
Membership in the alumni association is free, but I encourage you to give back to the annual fund. In doing so we directly support the needs of our students and programs, and help our alma mater thrive. On behalf of the GGC Foundation and the GGC family, congratulations on reaching this special day in your life. We look forward to what the future brings for you. Sincerely, Tim Foster Chair, GGC Alumni Association Board
A LU M N I A SSOCIAT IO N BO ARD MEMBERS Chair: Tim Foster, 2011 Past Chair: Chad Miller, 2008 Chair-Elect: Sasha Ruiz, 2011 Secretary: Elease Dillard, 2015 Whitney Durrah, 2014 Shelly Elfil, 2012 Brigette Fontenot, 2013
Tyler Henry, 2012 Ben Hines, 2012 Shelby Jack, 2017 John Maison, 2015 Jay Patel, 2011 Brittany Perry, 2013 Blair Sanders, 2013
Andrew Stephenson, 2012 Jacky Sylvain, 2016 Cooper Wade, 2015 Tyler Walsh, 2011 Porshaye Watkins, 2017 Tom Willard, 2010
Be sure to visit the GGC Alumni Association website at www.ggc.edu/alumni for the latest news and updates. For more information, contact Nate Jones, njones20@ggc.edu, Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement.
SUMMER 2018
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ALMA MAT ER
Lyrics by Dr. Alvina Atkinson and Brittany Dertz-Oakley, Class of 2011 Music by Dr. Thomas Young
We have gained wisdom and honor From our home of green and gray. We will go forth and remember All we’ve learned along the way. And with knowledge and compassion We will build communities Leading by example And with dignity. Georgia Gwinnett, we’ll never forget How we have grown, And those that we’ve met. Georgia Gwinnett, love and respect Our alma mater, Georgia Gwinnett.
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COMMENCEMENT
TH E FOLLOW IN G SP ONS O RS WIS H T O CO NGRAT ULAT E TH E SU M M ER 2018 GRADUAT ES
GOLD LEVEL
S I LV E R L E V E L
BRONZE LEVEL
Lucien
and
Marsha anderson BoMar
G R A D U AT I N G S E N I O R D O N O R S Thank you to the graduating seniors who have supported the college’s culture of philanthropy with a graduation gift.
SUMMER 2018
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MEMORIES
20
COMMENCEMENT
www.ggc.edu