UNC Greensboro will recognize its newest alumni during commencement ceremonies scheduled for May 7 and May 8. The university announced on May 4 that nearly 3,000 diplomas will be awarded to graduates who have completed their studies in a wide range of fields.
The upcoming ceremonies mark a significant milestone for students who have worked to build skills and overcome challenges during their time at the university. Graduates are encouraged to celebrate not only their academic achievements but also the personal growth and community connections they have made as Spartans.
Undergraduate Commencement will feature Jiyah McLaughlin as the speaker at First Horizon Coliseum. McLaughlin, who earned a bachelor of arts in media studies with minors in sociology, new media and design, and photography, is president of UNCG’s Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society chapter. “She will describe her expectations when she first set foot on campus and what surprised her along the way. She will talk about what goes beyond her paper degree and describe the community, the commitments, and the moments that shaped her,” according to university communications.
Other students participating include Seania Burnett welcoming attendees through a traditional hype video; Christian Bartney leading the turning of tassels; and Fatima Galvan-Ruiz delivering a send-off alongside alumna Jana Welch Wagenseller. The class includes graduates ranging from age 18 to over 50 years old. Notably, Dr. Andra James returns three decades after earning an MD to receive a bachelor’s degree in history with plans for public service volunteer work.
Among this year’s honorees is Janae Wofford, a Goldwater Scholar recognized for research into plant-based antibiotic alternatives who has been accepted into multiple graduate programs and received support from the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.
Brian Hall, president of real estate at Samet Corporation and UNCG MBA alumnus, is slated as Master’s and Doctoral Commencement speaker. Dr. Jeff Sarbaum will receive the UNC Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award during ceremonies that also include conferral of honorary degrees upon philanthropists Susan Morris Safran—whose $1 million gift established an endowed professorship—and Randall Kaplan.
After graduation day concludes with ceremonial traditions such as ringing the bell or turning tassels, many graduates plan next steps including further study or entering careers across healthcare, education, business leadership or research.
