TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 – The History of Gardner-Webb University 2 – The Purpose of Gardner-Webb University 3 – Academic Regalia 4 – Honors and Recognition 4 – Mission Statement 4 – Find and Share Graduation Memories 2015 Commencement Ceremony 5 – Traditional Undergraduate, Degree Completion, and Graduate Programs 16 – National Honor Societies 18 – Administrative Senior Staff Associate Provosts Deans Senior Faculty Members 19 – Board of Trustees 20 – Honorary Degrees 21 – Special Recognition 22 – Marshals 23 – Statement of Values 24 – The Bell, The Mace, and The Medallion 25 – Gardner-Webb University Alma Mater 26 – Emergency Evacuation Plan for LYCC 28 – Invitation from Alumni Relations*

A BRIEF HISTORY OF GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITYOn December 2, 1905 Boiling Springs High School was chartered as a result of an initiative sponsored by the Kings Mountain Baptist Association (Cleveland County) and the Sandy Run Baptist Association (Rutherford County). Three years later, the first campus structure, the Huggins-Curtis building, was completed.

In response to the changing educational needs of the area, the institution was transformed in 1928 into Boiling Springs Junior College. The Great Depression created many obstacles for the College, but its survival was secured by the sacrifices of many loyal supporters. One such instance occurred in 1932 when the school contracted with teachers to run the College on the condition that the teachers pay all expenses for food, books, supplies, heat, water, and lights and then accept for their own pay what was left from fees and gifts. There were at least two occasions in the 1930s when trustees made motions to close the school. The proposals failed, once by a single vote, and the College survived.

Shortly thereafter, North Carolina Governor O. Max Gardner began devoting his energy, time, and wealth to strengthening and guiding the College. On June 15, 1942 the trustees voted to change the name to Gardner-Webb Junior College in honor of Gardner and his wife Fay Webb-Gardner. During the following year, the institution embarked on a $300,000 financial campaign. At the conclusion of this initiative, the trustees announced that the school was debt-free.

Gardner-Webb was granted senior college status in 1969, and the first graduates of Gardner-Webb Senior College received their bachelor’s degrees in 1971. The Christian Service Organization (CSO) was also established in 1971 to provide scholarships to students preparing for ministry.

The institution became a pioneer in distance learning in 1978 with the establishment of the GOAL Program, which is now known as the Degree Completion Program (DCP). In 1980, the institution offered its first master’s degree program—a Master of Arts in Education with concentrations in early childhood, middle school and physical education.

In 1993, the school changed its name to Gardner-Webb University, the School of Divinity enrolled its first students, and the Master of Business Administration program began.

The University began offering its first doctoral program, the Doctor of Ministry degree, in 2001. Additional doctoral programs in education and nursing have since been added.

The University celebrated 100 years of educational service in 2005 and completed its largest-ever capital campaign of $46 million in 2013.

The year 2014 marked an emphasis on health education as the University launched a Physician Assistant Studies Program, established the Hunt School of Nursing on a gift from community leaders Dr. Jack and Mrs. Ruby Hunt, and announced the purchase and renovation of the former Crawley Hospital facility and 26 acres of property for the University’s growing health sciences programs. That building, the College of Health Sciences, opened in 2015 and houses The Hunt School of Nursing, The Physician Assistant Studies Program, and the Exercises Sciences Program.

Consistently recognized nationwide for the excellence of its liberal arts core curriculum, outstanding individual programs and community service initiatives, the institution now enrolls nearly 4,500 total students in 90 total undergraduate and graduate fields of study.

THE PURPOSE OF GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY

Gardner-Webb University’s purpose is to advance the Kingdom of God through Christian higher education by preparing graduates for professional and personal success, instilling in them a deep commitment to service and leadership, and equipping them for well-rounded lives of lasting impact, Pro Deo et Humanitate (For God and Humanity).

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ACADEMIC REGALIAAcademic Regalia, as we know it, traces its origins to the Middle Ages, first to the church and later to the guilds. The apparel is little changed in design, colors, and symbolism. The earlier forms of caps, gowns, and hoods served not only to declare the wearer’s rank and station, but also to provide warmth in cold, drafty halls.

Since 1895, most colleges and universities in the United States have subscribed to a uniform code of academic dress designed to show the various degrees, the courses of study and the institutions conferring the degrees.

Gowns – usually black; the distinguishing mark is the sleeve: Bachelor – a long pointed sleeve Master – an oblong sleeve open at the wrist Doctor – a bell-shaped sleeve with three velvet bars

Hoods – lined with silk in colors identifying the institution granting the degree. The color of the velvet edge indicates the discipline in which the degree was earned: Agriculture Maize Arts, Letters, Humanities White Commerce, Accountancy, Business Drab Dentistry Lilac Economics Copper Education Light Blue Engineering Orange Fine Arts, Architecture Brown Forestry Russet Journalism Crimson Law Purple Library Science Lemon Medicine Green Mental Health Counseling Light Blue 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

Mortarboard and Tassel – the black mortarboard may be worn with each type of gown. Those holding doctoral degrees may wear gold tassels; others usually wear black. Some colleges and universities prescribe velvet tams with gold tassels for those with doctorates.

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HONORS AND RECOGNITIONGraduation HonorsTo be eligible for baccalaureate honors, the student must have completed a minimum of 64 hours at Gardner-Webb. Based on the Gardner-Webb cumulative GPA, those in the graduating class with a GPA of 3.8 or above will receive honors. Those with a 3.8-3.89 will receive cum laude. Those with a 3.9-3.94 will receive magna cum laude. Those with a 3.95-4.0 will receive summa cum laude. Associate degree candidates with an overall cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 are awarded honors recognition.

Honor graduates wear gold cords as part of their academic regalia. The specific level of honor recognition will be announced as the diploma is awarded.

Alpha Chi (Traditional Undergraduate Program) ACAX is a national organization for students in all disciplines who place in the top 10% of the junior and senior classes. Membership in Alpha Chi (AC) is the highest academic honor available to students at Gardner-Webb University.

Alpha Sigma Lambda (Degree Completion Program) ASLAlpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society is devoted to the advancement of scholarship and to the recognition of nontraditional students continuing their higher education. Its purpose is to honor superior scholarship and leadership in adult students.

MISSION STATEMENTGardner-Webb University is an award-winning, private liberal arts institution that aims to advance the Kingdom of God through Christian higher education. Through its warm and welcoming community, Gardner-Webb unites award-winning academics and a student-centered environment, inspires in students meaningful intellectual thought and personal spiritual growth, and equips them for well-rounded lives of lasting impact, Pro Deo et Humanitate (For God and Humanity).

FIND & SHARE GRADUATION MEMORIES• Please use the hashtag #WebbGrad2015 for tracking social media posts related to GWU Commencement.

• Gardner-Webb salutes Grad Images (GradImages.com), our vendor for official commencement portraits. Additional commencement photos will be available for viewing and/or purchase by December 16 at photos.gardner-webb.edu.

• The Fall Commencement Ceremony news release is available for download at gardner-webb.edu/grad-release.

• You can find graduation coverage at Facebook.com/gardnerwebb; Instagram (gardnerwebbuniversity), Twitter (@theGardnerWebb), and You Tube (gardnerwebb1905).

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Gardner-Webb UniversityCommencement Ceremony

December 14, 201510:00 a.m.

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COMMENCEMENT CEREMONYMONDAY, THE FOURTEENTH OF DECEMBER

LUTZ-YELTON CONVOCATION CENTERTEN O’CLOCK IN THE MORNING

A. Frank Bonner, PresidentPresiding

The Prelude Selected Music

The Gardner-Webb University OrchestraPatricia C. Sparti, Conducting

Professor of Music, Department of Music

The Processional Fanfare for the Common Man Aaron Copland Pomp and Circumstance #1 in D Major, Op. 39 Edward Elgar

The Academic Processional The University Mace Bearer The Faculty Marshals The Candidates for Degrees The University Faculty The Chief Marshal The Platform Participants

The Ringing of the Bell Brooke M. Rampy President, Alpha Chi

Opening Remarks A. Frank Bonner President

The Invocation Katie Elizabeth Faith Loftin Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minor in Chemistry Chattanooga, TN

The National Anthem Key/SmithLed by Tracy C. Jessup

Vice President for Christian Life and Service and Senior Minister to the University

The Greetings from the Board of Trustees Frank A. Stewart, ‘15 Vice Chair, Board of Trustees Belmont, NC

The Greetings from the Alumni Association Board of Directors Jennifer Bunton Bowe, ‘95 President, Alumni Association Board of Directors Greenville, SC

The Greetings from the Students Anna G. Kullmar Class of 2016 President, Student Government AssociationThe Scripture Reading Old Testament Joshua 1:8-9 Kyndal Bari Davis Bachelor of Science in Health & Physical Education New Testament Matthew 6:31-33 Kevin Bryant Clary Bachelor of Arts in Music Education Philippians 4:4-7 Gloria Denise Hopper Master of Divinity, Christian Education6

The Special Music The Eternal Gates arr. by Howard Helvey

The Gardner-Webb University Concert Choir(Current and Former Members)

Paul J. Etter, Professor of Music, Chair, Department of Music, Conducting

The Recognition of Student Awards Degree Completion Program Academic Award Barbara G. Cox Associate Provost for Adult and Distance Education

Senior Scholastic Achievement Award Ben C. Leslie Most Outstanding Female Graduate Medal Provost and Executive Vice President Most Outstanding Male Graduate Medal

The Introduction of the Commencement Speakers A. Frank Bonner

Katherine Hamrick Hoyle Bachelor of Science, Business Administration Lawndale, NC

Robert J. Gaskin Master of Wealth and Trust Management Charlotte, NC

The Conferring of Degrees Presented by Ben C. Leslie

C. Earl Leininger Associate Provost for Arts and Sciences

Frances Bailey Burch Conferred by A. Frank Bonner

The Alma Mater Hammett-HammettLed by Tracy C. Jessup

The Closing Prayer C. Earl Leininger

The Recessional Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov “Procession of the Nobles” from Mlada When the Caisons Go Rolling Along Gen. Edmund L. Gruber Olympic Fanfare John Williams

The audience is requested to remain standing until the graduates have exited the arena. Stephanie Oliver Lauren Isom Interpreter for the Deaf Captionist

*The international flags displayed at today’s commencement ceremony represent the home countries of various members of the graduating class and the student body at large. 7

BACHELOR OF SCIENCEJoy Elizabeth Abernathy Human Services Newton, NC

Marah Elizabeth Alexander Elementary Education Rutherfordton, NC

Derek Miles Allen Business Administration Gastonia, NC

Sesilia Argote Human Services Charlotte, NC

Edna Leigh Ball Criminal Justice Statesville, NC

Christopher Lee Barrett Accounting Aberdeen, NC

Scarlett Noelle Baxter Accounting Gold Hill, NC

Eulastine Esther Marie Bell Human Services Kings Mountain, NC

Nedrea Arnice Bell Human Services Winston Salem, NC

Anita Enoh Bell-Njuitakang Criminal Justice Charlotte, NC

Nykia Keya’Na Bennett Elementary Education Taylors, SC

Kellie Lee Beres Psychology Greenville, NC

Katondra Ingram Blackmon Criminal Justice Albemarle, NC

Pamela Smith Boston Human Services Lincolnton, NC

Whitley Madeline Bowman Biology Damascus, MD

Macy Ann Bradshaw Accounting Morganton, NC

Nicole Christine Bridges Healthcare Management Shelby, NC

Leslie McDowell Brown AX Elementary Education Bostic, NC

Ciera Rae Buchanan AX Business Administration Dallas, NC

Tanner Nevin Burch Exercise Science Bluffton, SC

Codi Nicole Burdette Human Services Lenoir, NC

David Christopher Burnett Biology Columbus, NC

Tessa Lackey Caldwell Human Services Statesville, NC

Joyce Cagle Cassidy Human Services Biscoe, NC

Anthony Christopher Chicoine Business Administration Winston Salem, NC

Simonya Yvonne Clark Human Services Shelby, NC

Denzel O. Clarke Business Administration Lilburn, GA

Nathan Joseph Cook Sport Management Casar, NC

Boyce Lewis Cornwell, Jr. Sport Management Boiling Springs, NC

Samantha Costner Human Services/Criminal Justice Gastonia, NC

Santresa Sloop Culpepper Accounting Southport, NC

Kyndal Bari Davis AX Physical Education & Health Ed Iron Station, NC

Aaron Michael Dodson Computer Science Wake Forest, NC

Michelle Lee Dolin Criminal Justice Seagrove, NC

Raven Victoria Dover Human Services Shelby, NC

Jason Lee Eldridge Business Administration Hudson, NC

Stephanie Juanita Eller Human Services North Wilkesboro, NC

Robin Morris Enoch Human Services Badin, NC

Michael Phillip Estes International Business Raleigh, NC

Theresa Denise Eudy Accounting Albemarle, NC

Sherry Ann Farris Accounting Morganton, NC

Jordan S. Ford Psychology High Point, NC

Eric Franklin Fortenberry Sport Management Concord, NC

Alexandra Joy Francioni Exercise Science Hendersonville, NC

Silas Gomes Freitas Accounting Rutherfordton, NC

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Charles Franklin Friday Criminal Justice/Human Services Lincolnton, NC

Donna Marie Frushour Accounting Granite Falls, NC

Demond Ferguson Gates Accounting Charlotte, NC

Dayo Jamela Geter Human Services Shelby, NC

Jon Gibbs Human Services/Religion Claremont, NC

Sarah Jessie Gilbert Elementary Education Mill Spring, NC

Timothy Ashley Graham Human Services Charlotte, NC

Trevor Cecil Greene Accounting Hickory, NC

Christopher Garrett Guffey AX Accounting Shelby, NC

Lynda Elaine Harmon Healthcare Management Statesville, NC

Sara Elizabeth Harmon Psychology Cherryville, NC

Tanika Lasean Hawkins Human Services Pfafftown, NC

Asha’Ta Lanece Hayden Business Administration Statesville, NC

Stewart Glenn Head Religious Studies Spindale, NC

Corey Matthew Hensley Biology Candler, NC

Olivia Michelle Hopper Accounting Kings Mountain, NC

Shannon Hallman Horton Business Administration Hickory, NC

Cynthia Huffman Howard Human Services Charlotte, NC

Morgan Elizabeth Howlett ASLHuman Services/Criminal Justice Dobson, NC

Katherine Hamrick Hoyle Business Administration Lawndale, NC

Sheila Bolinger Hoyle ASL Criminal Justice/Human Services Charlotte, NC

Blair Huggins Economics/Finance Tallahassee, FL

Warren Taylor Hull Business Administration Mount Airy, NC

Benjamin Davis Jackson Human Services Huntersville, NC

Sathit Wyman Jakawa Computer Information Systems Moncks Corner, SC

Tennille Elizabeth Jessup Criminal Justice Claudville, VA

Larry Lamont Joe, Jr. Human Services Winston Salem, NC

Adam Leon Johnson Marketing Pike Road, AL

Angela Falls Johnson Healthcare Management Greensboro, NC

Achovia Denise Jones Human Services Winston Salem, NC

Sandra James Jones ASLBusiness Administration Winston Salem, NC

Savanah Lauren Jones Psychology Shelby, NC

Steven Michael Jones Sport Management Ellenboro, NC

Matthew Thomas Kowalski Psychology Taylors, SC

Tristan Nathaniel Lain Sport Management Indianapolis, IN

Caroline Smith Land Healthcare Management Lenoir, NC

Spencer Patrick Laughlin ASLBusiness Administration Lawndale, NC

Robert Michael Ledbetter Religious Studies Augusta, GA

Carlie D. Ledford Human Services Boiling Springs, NC

Carmen Elizabeth Limerick AX Exercise Science Pisgah Forest, NC

Mark Todd Lineberry Criminal Justice Liberty, NC

Katie Elizabeth Faith Loftin AX Biology Chattanooga, TN

Tiffany Rose Lother Psychology Rutherfordton, NC

Heath Donovan Love, Sr. Human Services Rockingham, NC

Wendy Michelle Mahone Business Administration Pinnacle, NC

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Gregory Seth Manuel Business Administration Shelby, NC

Debora Manes Marchetto Accounting Rutherfordton, NC

Cayce Meaghan Martin Healthcare Management Charlotte, NC

Tammy Lynn Martin ASL Criminal Justice/Human Services Dallas, NC

Rene Martinez, Jr. Criminal Justice Morganton, NC

Brandy Nicole McCombs Criminal Justice Forest City, NC

Abby Marie McElhenny Psychology Charlotte Hall, MD

Bradly Caison Minor Exercise Science Graham, NC

Clarissa Denise Mitchell Human Services Winston Salem, NC

Matthew Aaron Morrow Computer Information Systems Mooresboro, NC

Heather Renae Nayadley Business Administration Pinebluff, NC

Kenya Lorraine Nicholson Human Services Rockingham, NC

Lisa Yarborough Nolen ASLAccounting Gastonia, NC

Glenda Lowery Oakley Criminal Justice North Wilkesboro, NC

Jacob Colby Parker Business Administration Shelby, NC

Patricia A. Parks ASLHuman Services Wilkesboro, NC

Christa Elisabeth Parsons Human Services Walnut Cove, NC

Michael Anthony Payne ASLHuman Services Charlotte, NC

Estela Cuellar Peraza Human Services Granite Falls, NC

Allison Lane Petersen Sport Management Watkinsville, GA

Dustin Allen Peyton International Business Greensboro, NC

Sheeneka Poole Human Services Shelby, NC

Joshua Poteat ASL Criminal Justice/Human Services Lincolnton, NC

Aaron Daniel Rabin Sport Pedagogy Jonesville, NC

Lafreda Annette Renwick Human Services Statesville, NC

Alejandro Rivillas Exercise Science Fort Lauderdale, FL

Hannah Elizabeth Robarge Accounting Gastonia, NC

Kelly Roberts Human Services Fort Mill, SC

Dorothea Robinson Human Services Rockingham, NC

Andrea Rodriguez ASL Human Services Mooresville, NC

Douglas J. Rogers Accounting Belmont, NC

Gelena Marie Royster Human Services Charlotte, NC

Linda Nettie Rutherford Human Services Shelby, NC

Corey Allan Santiago Business Administration Keller, TX

Sheila Davis Seabrooks Criminal Justice Gastonia, NC

Sara Paige Simpson Religious Studies Monroe, NC

Hannah Marie Smith ASLAccounting Gastonia, NC

Megan Maria Sparks ASLMultidisciplinary Studies Ronda, NC

Hank Eugene Starnes ASLAccounting Statesville, NC

Lori Haney Starnes Healthcare Management Monroe, NC

Stephanie Gail Staton Business Administration Spruce Pine, NC

Shawn Liam Stevens Physical Education & Health Ed Newton, NC

Avery Strickland Sport Management Mooresville, NC

Robert Sullivan Criminal Justice Troutman, NC

Bradley Evan Taylor Business Administration Elon, NC

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Machelle Annette Thomas Criminal Justice Lincolnton, NC

Pamela Kay Thomas Accounting Morganton, NC

Phethsamone Thongsamouth Business Administration Kings Mountain, NC

Benjamin C. Todd Sport Management Rose Hill, NC

Angela Christine Turner Human Services Shelby, NC

Cathy Diane Walker Business Administration Forest City, NC

Jody Shook Walker Accounting Vale, NC

Melisa Dianne Walker ASLBusiness Administration Grover, NC

Andrew J. White Sport Management Hurricane, WV

Jill Brady Wingler Human Services Statesville, NC

Benjamin Samuel Wise ASL Human Services/Criminal Justice Newland, NC

Andrew Tyler Wishon Criminal Justice Hamptonville, NC

BACHELOR OF SCIENCEIN NURSINGAngela Featherston Adams Cramerton, NC

Robin Elaine Brock Fountain Inn, SC

Amy Lola Burrell Flat Rock, NC

Tracy Lynn Campbell Clemmons, NC

Melody Ann Clary Shelby, NC

Kelli Phillips Gandy Greer, SC

Michael Curtis Hartman Candler, NC

Nachole Melissa Hartman Candler, NC

Pamela Gayle Hill-Martin Sandy Ridge, NC

Stacy Inman Candler, NC

Chantel Raylin Jackson Shelby, NC

Bonnie Lynn Jennings Mooresboro, NC

Michelle Lail Mooresboro, NC

Robin Lynn Logan Charlotte, NC

Hilary M. Lopp Shelby, NC

Jessica Margie Lee McCain Lawndale, NC

Jennifer Lee Merritt Shelby, NC

Danielle Lane Prestwood Candler, NC

Natrisha Marie Smith Pauline, SC

Tammy Lynn Stovall Sandy Ridge, NC

Shanna Dawne Stowe Greensboro, NC

Christy Denise Threlkeld Greer, SC

Kinsey Rebecca Turnmire Mount Pleasant, NC

Keisha Jane Wademan Huntersville, NC

Billie Cooke Walker Hiddenite, NC

Elizabeth Paige Williams Largo, FL

BACHELOR OF MUSICRicky Edwin Alston, Jr.Durham, NC

Kevin Bryant Clary Gaffney, SC

Jordan Shay Cochran Mount Holly, NC

Elizabeth Hughes Riley Hildebran, NC

Paul Singh, Jr.Gaffney, SC

Brandon Wayne Taylor Claremont, NC

Matthew Wayne Wyatt Lyman, SC

BACHELOR OF ARTSMelanee Ann Berlin American Sign Language Otisville, MI

Natalie R. Cardwell American Sign Language Street, MD

Bobby Clark Sociology Winston Salem, NC

Phillip Eneliko Fata Sociology Hendersonville, TN

Yasmin Ghasemy-Doost Communication Studies Poole, England

Hannah D. Haggerty Communication Studies High Point, NC

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Gabrielle Lashunda Harden Communication Studies Boiling Springs, NC

Jessica Christina Heilig Sociology Salisbury, NC

Javarias Jamal Hubbard Sociology Tampa, FL

Christina Martin Youth Discipleship Studies Boiling Springs, NC

Oj Mau Leiataua Sociology Pago Pago, AS

Cory Deion Morgan Music Shelby, NC

Jennifer Analy Ortiz Journalism Gastonia, NC

Jessica Marie Saltijeral Communication Studies Oswego, IL

Abigail F. Simmons American Sign Language Dillsburg, PA

Caleb Alexander Smith Sociology Woodruff, SC

Ivan Timothy Toomer Sociology Miami, FL

INTERNATIONAL MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATIONHannah Elizabeth Angel Fallston, NC

John William Claytor, III Shelby, NC

Leonard William McClendon Charlotte, NC

MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCYAntonio Joseph Allen Mc Leansville, NC

Blaise Kokou Aziague Charlotte, NC

Seth Stephen Keller Harmony, NC

Reggie Van Ledford Shelby, NC

Deon Marsha Miller Tampa, FL

Brittany Elizabeth Walters Columbia, SC

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATIONRati Jain Ajmera Charlotte, NC

Tyler Miraye Cockrell Boiling Springs, NC

Scott H. Graham Belmont, NC

George Steven Holtz, III Statesville, NC

Andrew Lee Huff Mount Airy, NC

Breanna Mazalewski Orefield, PA

Thomas Allan Parnelle, Sr.Gastonia, NC

Nicole Harrill Phongsa Kings Mountain, NC

Jordan Lee Plumblee Easley, SC

Rochelle Domonique Royster High Point, NC

Elizabeth Ann SimonsEnnice, NC

Robert James Steed Spartanburg, SC

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MASTER OF WEALTH & TRUST MANAGEMENTRobert James Gaskin Charlotte, NC

Lateef Gibson Gastonia, NC

Qutevia Wilette Weaver Hemingway, SC

MASTER OF DIVINITYBenjamin Lee Brown Biblical Studies Peachtree City, GA

Brittany Renee Carey Intercultural Studies Shelby, NC

Mary Joan Dickson Missiology Fletcher, NC

Antonio Carlos Duarte Intercultural Studies Gaffney, SC

Danielle Maria Goad Christian Education Hillsville, VA

Susan Horn Haney Christian Education Belmont, NC

Eliza Kathleen HarrisIntercultural Studies Mooresboro, NC

Michael Anthony Heredia Pastoral Ministries Gastonia, NC

Gloria Denise Hopper Christian Education Monroe, NC

Esther Littlejohn Pastoral Care and Counseling Shelby, NC

Elizabeth Ann Maye Christian Education Shelby, NC

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Mallory Elizabeth Monroe Christian Education Shelby, NC

Anthony Eugene Neal Pastoral Care and Counseling Charlotte, NC

Michael Christopher Puckett Pastoral Ministries Boone, NC

Amber Joy Setzer Intercultural Studies Taylorsville, NC

Lynnette James Sills Christian Education Arden, NC

Doris Thompson Pastoral Care and Counseling Brevard, NC

Tony Clay Williams Pastoral Ministries Charlotte, NC

MASTER OF ARTSLindsay Jo Scearce Brake Executive Leadership Studies Jamestown, NC

Amber Rene McDaniel Executive Leadership Studies Fayetteville, NC

Deborah Gale Shephard Executive Leadership Studies Fayetteville, NC

Anthony Raymond Spinks Executive Leadership Studies Greensboro, NC

Glenda Faye Tate-Williams Executive Leadership Studies Kings Mountain, NC

Susan Denise Watson Executive Leadership Studies Elizabethtown, NC

MASTER OF ARTS/EDUCATION SPECIALIST– MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELINGLynne Brooks Allred Concord, NC

Stephanie Elizabeth Beaumont Rutherfordton, NC

Elizabeth Spratt Guyer Forest City, NC

Kara Buchanan Smith Boiling Springs, SC

Patricia Carol Weatherford Lawndale, NC

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSINGKathy Cook Anders Asheville, NC

Crista H. Brown Bostic, NC

Timothy Edward Fraley Mocksville, NC

Kathryn Renee Noles Crouse, NC

Mary Lynn Peeler Gaffney, SC

Elizabeth A. Schaper Spartanburg, SC

Myra Upchurch Westbrooks Cowpens, SC

DOCTOR OF EDUCATIONKarri Campbell Adams The Impact of the Role of an Instructional Technology Facilitator on Teacher Efficacy in Classroom Technology Integration in Two Rural Public Schools in Northwestern North Carolina Hays, NC

Alisa Danielle Simmons Banister A Correlational Study of Teacher Effectiveness: Evaluation Instrument and Value-Added Model Charlotte, NC

Julia Jones Conn Teacher Perceptions of the Impact of Digital Photo Stories on Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder Hendersonville, NC

Michael Shawn Cory Program Evaluation of Bridges to Success Program Liberty, SC

Robert Taylor Crouch A Study of the Perceptions of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives in Producing Improved Productive Work Cultures Durham, NC

Ashley N. Davis A Study of High School Students’ Perceptions of Mentoring Students with Disabilities Marion, NC

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Lora Barefoot Drum Examination of RtI (Response to Intervention) Based Upon Teacher Reading Instructional Knowledge in Teaching Struggling Readers and ELLs (English Language Learners) Maiden, NC

Sabrina Rae Fordham An Explanatory Sequential Mixed-Method Investigation of Athletic Training Students’ Perceptions of Preceptor Mentorship and Board of Certification Exam Success Monroe, NC

Dana Huffman Greene An Evaluation of the Relationship among State Accountability Reading Test Scores and Levels of Language Proficiency of English Language Learners Newton, NC

James Chapman Hall Program Evaluation on the Implementation of a Middle School Concept in Private Christian Schools Davidson, NC

Kari Sanderson Hobbs Beginning Teachers’ Experiences Working with a District-Employed Teaching and Learning Coach in their Role as Mentor in a North Carolina School District Four Oaks, NC

Jessica Elaine Mays A Case Study on the Impact of Homogenous Small Class Instruction as an Academic Intervention for At-Risk Students Taylorsville, NC

Holly Jill Minnear An Evaluation of CHAMPS: A Classroom Management Program Morganton, NC

Elizabeth Crowe Mitcham Teacher Capacity and Attitude toward Data: An Examination of the Association between Teacher Beliefs and Student Performance on the Measures of Academic Progress Assessment Charlotte, NC

Tashna Comica Morris How Do Ninth-Grade Students Make Meaning of Their Transition Experienced During Their Freshman Year: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Gastonia, NC

Jacqueline L. Persinski The Impact of Teacher Efficacy and Student Engagement on Eleventh-Grade South Carolina U.S. History and Constitution End-of-Course State Exam Scores Lancaster, SC

Anna Lorraine Shook An Investigation of the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching and its Possible Influence on Beginning Teacher Retention: A Companion Dissertation Taylorsville, NC

Alexandra Leigh Pitts Smith A Program Evaluation on Implementing Investigations in Number, Data, and Space® in a Title I Elementary School Gastonia, NC

Ernest Tolbert, Jr. The Impact of Computer-Aided Instruction on Student Achievement Charlotte, NC

Rosanna S. Whisnant Practices and Perceptions of Regular and Special Educators Co-Teaching in the Middle and Secondary Inclusion Classrooms Taylorsville, NC

Jennifer Blalock White An Investigation of the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching and its Possible Influence on Experienced Teacher Retention: A Companion Dissertation Kings Mountain, NC

DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICEJanice Kaye Fuson The Effect of In Situ Simulation on Teamwork Attitudes in Nursing Students Thomasville, NC

Nancy Marlene Geedy Lean Six Sigma Impact on Operating Room Safety Attitudes and Efficiency Huntersville, NC

The commencement program is a ceremonial document and is not intended to be the official verification of graduation. Therefore, there may be students listed above who have not completed all requirements for a Gardner-Webb degree.

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MEMBERSHIPSNational Honor Societies

Alpha Chi (Traditional Undergraduate Program) Leslie McDowell Brown, Ciera Rae Buchanan, Kyndal Bari Davis, Christopher Garrett Guffey, Carmen Elizabeth Limerick, Katie Elizabeth Faith Loftin

Alpha Psi Omega (Theatre Arts) No Graduates for December 2015 Alpha Sigma Lambda (Degree Completion Program) Morgan Elizabeth Howlett, Sheila Bolinger Hoyle, Sandra James Jones, Spencer Patrick Laughlin, Tammy Lynn Martin, Lisa Yarborough Nolen, Michael Anthony Payne, Joshua Poteat, Andrea Rodriguez, Hannah Marie Smith, Megan Maria Sparks, Hank Eugene Starnes, Melisa Dianne Walker, Benjamin Samuel Wise

Beta Beta Beta (Biology) Whitley Bowman, Alexandra Joy Francioni, Wendy Harmon, Corey Hensley, Katie Loftin Chi Sigma Iota (Counseling) Lynne Allred, Stephanie Beaumont, Elizabeth Guyer, Patricia Weatherford Delta Mu Delta (Business Administration) Ciera Rae Buchanan, Santresa Sloop Culpepper, Scott H Graham, Christopher Garrett Guffey, Reggie Van Ledford, Wendy Michelle Mahone Gamma Sigma Epsilon (Chemistry) Whitley Bowman, Alexandra Joy Francioni, Katie Loftin

Kappa Delta Pi (Education) No Graduates for December 2015

Lambda Pi Eta (Communications) Yasmin Ghasemy-doost , Hannah Haggerty, Jennifer Ortiz, Jessica Saltijeral

Pi Delta Phi (French) Jennifer Ortiz Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science) No Graduates for December 2015

Psi Chi (Psychology) Ashley Amstutz, Casey Birmingham, Kelly Brown, Tiffany Lother, Abby McElhenny, Juliette Ratchford, Madison Williams Sigma Delta Pi (Spanish) No Graduates for December 2015

Sigma Tau Delta (English) Ciera Buchanan

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Sigma Theta Tau-Phi Upsilon (Nursing) Angela Adams, Robin Brock, Crista Brown, Tracy Campbell, Timothy Fraley, Danielle Gatton, Pamela Hill-Martin, Hillary Lopp, Jennifer Merritt, Vanessa Norton, Mary Peeler, Myra Westbrooks

Sigma Zeta (Math and Science) Whitley Bowman, Katie Loftin

Theta Alpha Kappa (Religious Studies and Theology) Jon Gibbs

UNIVERSITY-SPONSORED ORGANIZATIONS Presidential Associates No Graduates for December 2015

Student Alumni Association (SAA) Olivia Hopper University Honors Program Whitley Madeline Bowman

REACHING FOR ONES’ POTENTIAL FOR EXCELLENCE (ROPE) Steven Michael Jones

ROTC COMMISSIONED OFFICERS Dustin Allen Peyton Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, Engineer in National Guard

Aaron Daniel Rabin Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, Active Duty Infantry

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ADMINISTRATIVE SENIOR STAFFA. Frank Bonner, PresidentBen C. Leslie, Provost and Executive Vice PresidentT. Perry Hildreth, Chair of the Faculty, Professor of PhilosophyCharles S. Burch, Vice President for AthleticsMike W. Hardin, Vice President for Administration and FinanceJeffrey L. Tubbs, Vice President for Planning and Institutional EffectivenessTracy C. Jessup, Vice President for Christian Life and Service and Minister to the UniversityDelores M. Hunt, Vice President for Student DevelopmentDavid S. Hawsey, Vice President for Enrollment Management and MarketingGlenda S. Crotts, Senior Assistant to the PresidentH. Woodrow Fish, Vice President for External Affairs and Special Assistant to the PresidentPatrick W. Wagner, Vice President for Advancement

ASSOCIATE/ASSISTANT PROVOSTFrances Bailey Burch, Associate Provost for Professional and Graduate StudiesC. Earl Leininger, Associate Provost for Arts and SciencesC. Douglas Bryan, Associate Provost for Academic ServicesBarbara G. Cox, Associate Provost for Adult and Distance Education

DEANSVan Graham, Interim Dean of the Godbold School of BusinessRobert W. Canoy, Dean of the School of DivinitySharon Starr, Dean of the Hunt School of NursingDavid M. Carscaddon, Dean of the School of Psychology and CounselingMary Roby, Dean of LibrariesAllen Douglas Eury, Dean of the School of EducationJeffrey Rogers, Dean of the Gayle Bolt Price School of Graduate StudiesLawrence Herman, Dean of Physician Assistant StudiesJames W. Thomas, Dean of the School of Performing and Visual ArtsHeather H. Hudson, Dean of the School of Preventive and Rehabilitative Health SciencesAnthony I. Negbenebor, Dean Emeritus of the Godbold School of Business

SENIOR FACULTY MEMBERSSue C. Camp, Professor of Business Administration (1976) * Tom Jones, Professor of Biology; Associate Dean of the Honors Program (1980) *Janie Carlton, Professor of Nursing (1982) *Glenn Bottoms, Professor of Economics and Management Information Systems (1983) *Susan Bell, Professor of Art (1986) Earl Godfrey, Professor of Business Administration (1988) Marcia Miller, Professor of Nursing (1977)

* will serve as faculty marshals for today’s commencement ceremony18

GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY2015 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Chairman of the Board Dennis R. Axelson Racine, WIVice Chairman of the Board Frank A. Stewart Belmont, NCSecretary Max J. Hamrick Boiling Springs, NCTreasurer Randall L. Marion Mooresville, NC

2011 – 2015Dennis R. Axelson, Racine, WI

Hoyt Q. Bailey, L.H.D., Shelby, NC

R. Alton Cadenhead, Charlotte, NC

Grady S. Duncan, Belmont, NC

Teresa Hamrick Huggins, Boiling Springs, NC

Steve M. Simpson, ’71, Raleigh, NC

Stanley W. Spence, D.Min.’06, Lincolnton, NC

Lisa C. Tucker, ’81, Concord, NC

Maurice York, ’96, Columbia, SC

2012 – 2016Wesley W. Barkley, ’00, Newton, NC

David C. Brinkley, Kings Mountain, NC

Robert E. Cribb, ’74, Atlanta, GA

Max J. Hamrick, Boiling Springs, NC

Carole Roberts-Carvajal, D.D.S.,’93, Forest, VA

Tony Tench, Shelby, NC

Philip E. Turner, D.D.S., Shelby, NC

Thomas L. Warren, Hickory, NC

H. Gene Washburn, ’52, L.H.D., ’02, Boiling Springs, NC

2013 – 2017W. Thomas Bell, ‘71, Marietta, GA

William K. Gary, Mt. Holly, NC

Ronald W. Hawkins, ‘55, Cornelius, NC

Ryan D. Hendley, ‘71, Greenville, SC

William W. Leathers, III, STD, Winston-Salem, NC

Sam H. McMahon, Jr., Charlotte, NC

Thomas E. Philson, Charlotte, NC

J. Linton Suttle, III, Shelby, NC

2014 – 2018Franklin W. Beam, Shelby, NC

Ronald R. Beane, Lenoir, NC

George R. Gilliam, College Park, GA

C. Lorance Henderson, ‘79, LHD, Morganton, NC

J. Jackson Hunt, Lattimore, NC

James E. Robbins, Forest City, NC

David W. Royster, III, Shelby, NC

Frank A. Stewart, Belmont, NC

Anthony N. Strange, Henrico, VA

Don L. Yelton, Shelby, NC

Robert W. Yelton, Shelby, NC

TRUSTEE EMERITABettye A. Moore, Boiling Springs, NC

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRC. Neal Alexander, Jr., ‘84

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GARDNER-WEBB HONORARY DEGREES (64)May 1971 Lloyd Cleveland Bost Humanities

Sept 1971 Johnny R. Cash Humanities

May 1972 John Labon Fraley Humanities

Vance Houston Havner Divinity

Royce Patrick Spangler Humanities

Norman Adrian Wiggins Laws

May 1973 Zenon Clayton Raymond Hansen Humanities

James Lineberry Jenkins * Divinity

May 1974 Wofford Benjamin Camp Humanities

Charles Quitman Carter Divinity

James Orville Terrell Humanities

Dec 1974 Gene Lee Watterson Divinity

May 1976 Thomas Robert Mullinax Divinity

Mae Cline Stroup Humanities

Aug 1976 John Emmett Martin, Jr. Science

Burrell Ellis Morris Divinity

Ernest Carl Upchurch Divinity

May 1977 Charles I. Dover Humane Letters

Cecil L. Gilliatt Humane Letters

May 1978 Hargrove Bowles, Jr. Humanities

Jerry R. Potter Divinity

May 1979 C. Lorance Henderson Humanities

May 1980 Sir John King Humanities

Aug 1980 Forest Feezor Divinity

May 1983 Max Linnens Divinity

Aug 1983 Alex Booth Divinity

May 1985 Linda Morrison Combs Humanities

Aug 1985 Sara Ann Hobbs Divinity

May 1986 Hobart C. Smith Humanities

Sept 1986 Earl Scruggs Humanities

May 1987 John Elgin Roberts Humanities

Aug 1988 Marquerite W. Noel Humanities

May 1990 W. Wyan Washburn Humanities

May 1991 Edwin S. Coates Humanities

Noriaki Okajima Business Administration

May 1992 Fay Webb-Gardner * Humanities

O. Max Gardner, Sr. * Humanities

May 1994 Bob D. Shepherd Divinity

20* Posthumously

Aug 1994 Gordon Weekly Humanities

May 1995 Davi d Gomes Divinity

May 1997 George Blanton, Jr. Humanities

M. Lansford Jolley Humanities

Aug 1997 Mikhail Ovchinnikov Humanities

H. Fields Young, III Humanities

May 1998 Daniel Wesley Moore, Jr. * Humanities

J. L. Suttle, Jr. Humanities

Aug 1998 Samuel A. Raper, Sr. Divinity

May 1999 Hoyt Quattlebaum Bailey Humanities

May 2000 Paul H. Broyhill Humanities

Aug 2000 Walter H. Dalton Humane Letters

Aug 2001 Gregory T. Mathis Divinity

May 2002 H. Gene Washburn Humane Letters

May 2003 Wade R. Shepherd, Sr. Humane Letters

May 2004 Martha Mason Humane Letters

May 2006 C. Earl Leininger Humanities

May 2009 Ronald Vincent Rash Humane Letters

Dec 2012 John Jackson Hunt Humane Letters

Dec 2012 Randall L. Marion Humane Letters

Dec 2012 Emmett Harvey Rogers Divinity

Aug 2013 Carolyn C. Tucker Humane Letters

Aug 2013 Robert B. Tucker Humane Letters

Dec 2013 Gilmer Blackburn Humane Letters

May 2015 C. Neal Alexander, Jr. Humane Letters

May 2015 Frank A. Stewart Humane Letters

SPECIAL RECOGNITIONWe would like to express our appreciation to the following members of

THE GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY ENSEMBLEPaul J. Etter, Professor of Music, Chair, Department of Music, Conducting

(Current and Past Members of Concert Choir)Rachel Alexander, Anna Banick, Hannah Boehmer, Rebekah Bridges, Malcolm Burch-Reaves,

Jordan Cochran, Darrell Currence, Julia DeSerio, Sydney Hardin, Nathan Hawsey, Matthew Lineberger,Andrea Malinowski, Nathaniel Parks, Elizabeth Riley, Katie Ujevich, Matthew Wyatt

and also to the members of

THE GRADUATION ORCHESTRADr. Patricia C. Sparti, Professor of Music, Conducting

VIOLINS Sharon LawrenceBilly NortonEmma CarrollFelice PolicastroLogan Howell

VIOLALouise Campbell

CELLOGregory Weneck

BASSSteven Bingham

FLUTE AND PICCOLOJennifer DiorKim Hollifield

TROMBONECornelius LoganOmar WingoJosh SettlemyreSteve TruckenbrodChris Murphy

TUBATyler Scruggs

PERCUSSIONMark ColeMegan McCauleyJames RobinsonMatthew LinebergerAnne LangleyJondra HarmonDover Walker

OBOECandace Schmidt

CLARINETMatt WhitfieldBrandon ThomasJessica Powell

BASSOONKeith Lail

HORNBob CampbellJeremiah HambyRebecca BridgesBrittany ThomasChris George

TRUMPET Tim HudsonChris FensomBen DawkinsJulia DeSario

21* Posthumously

MARSHALSFACULTY

Dr. Sue C. Camp, Professor of Business Administration

Dr. Janie Carlton, Professor of Nursing

Dr. Tom Jones, Professor of Biology; Associate Dean of the Honors Program

Dr. Glenn Bottoms, Professor of Economics and Management Information Systems

ALPHA CHI

Brooke Margaret Rampy, Alpha Chi President

Susan Marie Ward

Aaron J. Horner

Emily Christine DeVries

Chasity Megan McCraw

Kevin Alexander Mills

Sarah G. Lynch

Taylor Rae Schwartz

Mariana Ignacia Mellado

REGISTRAR’S OFFICE STAFFLou Ann Scates, Registrar

Sherri Jackson, Associate Registrar

Stephen Sain, Associate Registrar

Pam Skinner, Assistant to the Registrar

Sonda Hamrick, Academic Records Coordinator

Elaine Clark, Secretary/Receptionist to the Registrar

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GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITYSTATEMENT OF VALUES

CHRISTIAN HERITAGEAcknowledging One God - Creator and Sustainer of life, and Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; committing to self-giving service displayed in Christ-like moral action that respects the dignity and value of every person.

BAPTIST HERITAGEAffirming historic Baptist values such as the freedom of individual conscience and the right of people to worship God as they choose, the authority of Scripture in matters of faith and practice, the priesthood of every believer, the autonomy of the local church, and the separation of church and state.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCEEncouraging visible enthusiasm for knowledge, intellectual challenge, continuous learning, and scholarly endeavors; inviting pursuit of educational opportunities within and beyond the classroom for the joy of discovery; and inspiring accomplishment within one’s field of study.

LIBERAL ARTSOffering broad-based exposure to the arts, humanities and sciences and to each field’s unique challenges, contributions, and life lessons; complementing the acquisition of career-related knowledge and skills with well-rounded knowledge of self, others, and society.

TEAMWORKWorking collaboratively to support and promote shared goals, assuming responsibility willingly, meeting commitments dependably, handling disagreement constructively, and persevering despite distraction and adversity.

STUDENT-CENTERED FOCUSProviding students an environment that fosters intellectual and spiritual growth; encourages physical fitness, service, social and cultural enrichment; strengthens and develops moral character; and respects the value and individuality of every student.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTAssisting campus, local, national, and global communities through education, outreach, and research; fostering dialogue and action in support of human welfare and environmental stewardship.

DIVERSITYStudying and celebrating our world’s rich mix of cultures, ideologies, and ethnicities; respecting and welcoming students without regard to ethnicity, gender, religious commitment, national origin, or disability.

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THE BELL The bell ringing in today’s commencement ceremony is a replica of America’s symbolic Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was first rung in the fall of 1970 to inaugurate the senior college status of Gardner-Webb. Today, the bell tolls to signify the opening and closing of the academic year and to mark formal academic occasions.

Cast at London’s Whitechapel Bell Foundry, the same origin as the Liberty Bell, Gardner-Webb’s replica weighs 44 pounds and stands 15 inches tall, one-fifth the size of the Liberty Bell.

THE MACEThe mace, originally a weapon of defense, has in modern times become a symbol of authority, dignity and privilege. English universities have used ceremonial maces in academic processions since the 15th century.

Gardner-Webb’s mace was used for the first time at the installation of Dr. A. Frank Bonner as the University’s 12th president in April 2006 and is now a part of all academic processions.

Carved from dark mahogany wood and standing 42 inches tall, the mace features rich aspects of Gardner-Webb’s history and mission through architectural carvings, Christian symbols, the official seal, and the declaration of the University’s motto, “Pro Deo et Humanitate” (For God and Humanity). It is also marked by a series of polished silver bands highlighting pivotal points in Gardner-Webb’s history and lists all the institution’s principals and presidents.

THE MEDALLIONThe medallion, worn by all candidates for graduation and by faculty and staff, was originally unveiled in May 2006 to signify Dr. A. Frank Bonner’s first spring commencements as president of Gardner-Webb University.

Along with the institution’s founding date of 1905, the medallion sports the Gardner-Webb seal and motto.

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THE ALMA MATER Hammett-Hammett

At the foot of the mountains

Is our College; proud she stands,

Serving all who want her service,

Blessing all with out-stretched hands.

With our hands we will serve thee.

Gardner-Webb, our college fair;

In our love we will uphold thee;

Our wealth we’ll gladly share.

Alma Mater, Alma Mater,

We sing our love to thee;

We pledge our hearts in deep devotion

Our love, our faith, eternally.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN FOR THE LUTZ-YELTON CONVOCATION CENTER

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You and your familyare invited to attend

theWelcome New Alumni Reception

Monday, December 14, 2015Immediately Following

CommencementTucker Student Center

Gardner-Webb University

Light refreshments will be served.Senior gifts will be given to

all new alumni.

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