SENIORS ARTWORK

Abby’s senior project consisted of two large acrylic and oil paintings and a wooden structure. The three pieces have overall themes of rebirth, freedom, and the old life that must pass away before a new life begins. Abby believes there’s great significance to these themes throughout life, from “coming of age” as a young adult to being reborn spiritually as a Christian, among other ways. It took weeks for her to gather, configure, and secure all the materials for the large central structure, and it took her a long time to paint her canvases. But in the end, to her, it was all worth it.

Olivia’s senior project was very personal for her, involving several pieces that show different aspects of her struggle with selfconfidence and body image – but also how body positivity and empowerment are possible. She said, “I want to show that, when you take to heart what society tells you that you have to look like, it not only hurts you mentally but physically as well. I have a life-sized structure and a cubismstyle piece, and I also had a friend of mine do a cast of me, my whole body, from head to toe.” Through her college career, Olivia discovered how life-changing it is to accept herself, how to face her fears, and how healing it is for her to do art.

Jonathan’s senior project was a group of three paintings involving foam, which added a 3D effect to the canvases. The paintings began with a question: how could he depict the three “persons” of the Christian Trinity artistically? “I wanted to get away from traditional depictions and try to depict God as a completely abstract, non-representational form. I wanted to represent how God’s glory, which is too big for us to comprehend, breaks into the chaos – how creation comes from the light of God,” he said. Jonathan used depictions of light, water, and wind to represent God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

More than 2,100 graduates celebrated the completion of their undergraduate or graduate degrees from Cumberlands this spring. Many graduates attended commencement ceremonies in person on the university's Williamsburg campus the first weekend in May to celebrate their accomplishments.

"Graduates, today marks a significant milestone in your lives," said Dr. Larry L. Cockrum, university president, during the ceremonies. "You have persevered through years of hard work and dedication and now stand here, ready to take on the world. I am honored to congratulate each and every one of you on your outstanding achievements."

President Cockrum offered heartfelt advice to the newest graduates – in short, to dream big, work hard, make mistakes, and always be kind. He said those were the lessons that have gotten him through his life and made all the difference, and he encouraged graduates to try it for themselves.

Second Lieutenant Gus Bourff, ’23, was commissioned on May 6, 2023, during annual commencement ceremonies. Second Lieutenant Bourff majored in business administration at Cumberlands and earned Cum Laude honors.

He spent two years training to achieve this milestone. As a member of the Platoon Leaders Corps Course program, he was required to maintain full-time student status and attend officer training at Officer Candidates School (OCS) in the summer. It is a physically, mentally, and emotionally draining test, and not all who attempt it succeed. Second Lieutenant Bourf met the challenge and proved he has what it takes to be a leader of Marines.

He will now report to Quantico, VA, to attend The Basic School (TBS) for 6 months, where he will be trained by experienced officers in preparation for his first assignment as a Marine Corps Officer. Upon completion of TBS, he’ll attend Occupational Specialty School, otherwise known as Flight School, in preparation for services in the operating forces.

Second Lieutenant Bourff, like many U.S. Armed Forces Officers before him, has solemnly sworn to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic and bear true faith and allegiance to the same. He took this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion and promised to well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which he has now entered, so help him God.

Congratulations to 2nd Lt Bourff, and thank you to him and all current and retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces for your service to this country.

GRADUATES FROM 21 COUNTRIES 50 STATES & TERRITORIES