Thomas University Celebrates Class of 2024
Post Published On:Thomas University celebrated the academic achievements of nearly 600 students during its 69th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 4 at the Forbes Campus.
Degrees were conferred upon graduates don in their caps and gowns marking a milestone in their educational journey at TU.
The graduates were encouraged by commencement speaker Danny Copeland, Superbowl 26 champion and entrepreneur, on the importance of teamwork and knowing their role as they embark upon their new careers.
“I want to encourage you to finish every drill,” he said. “Every opportunity you get, display your best. It’ll be over, and over and over, in the context of teamwork. You will be joining another team soon — your job. Work! Your position. Work! ‘Why am I there?’ Work!
“Give them the absolute best that you have, and when you meet failure, compose yourself, complete the role, and finish the drill.”
During the ceremony, some graduates received Division Awards.
They were:
Kristen Manza of Thornhill, Canada, Mahogany Menefee of Portland, Oregon, Kelsie Staten of Valdosta, Georgia, Alexus Parker of Guyton, Georgia, Sarah Culp of Moultrie, Georgia; Dori Griffins of Whigham, Georgia; Elizabeth Soto of Snellville, Georgia; Drew Lanier of Bainbridge, Georgia, Marco Galardini of Thomasville, Georgia, and Nissrine Bourbouh of Harhoura, Morocco.
- Kristen (undergraduate) received the President’s Award, the highest honor given to a TU student.
- Mahogany (undergraduate) was recipient of the Outstanding Student Award for the Division of Humanities and Interdisciplinary Studies
- Kelsie (undergraduate) and Alexus Parker (graduate) were recipients of the Outstanding Student Award for the Division of Education.
- Sarah (undergraduate) and Dori (graduate) were recipients of the Outstanding Student Award for the Division of Health & Sciences
- Elizabeth (undergraduate) and Drew (graduate) were recipients of the Outstanding Student Award for the Division of Social and Behavorial Sciences
- Marco (undergraduate) and Nissrine (graduate) were recipients of the Outstanding Student Award for the Division of Business
Faculty members were also honored with awards.
Dr. Ingee Lee, Professor of Mathematics, was named Thomas University’s 2024 Professor of the Year.
Dr. Gale Neal, the division of education’s graduate program director, received the 2024 Vulcan Teaching Excellence Award. This award recognizes an outstanding faculty member who demonstrates strong academic skills in the classroom and provides leadership and support in the other areas of campus life.
