BOONE, N.C. — The black and gold pride — the hugs, tears and cheers — typically reserved for Appalachian State University’s Holmes Convocation Center took to a new venue this year — the living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens and porches of Mountaineers near and far who gathered, virtually, to celebrate Appalachian’s Class of 2020 during the university’s Spring 2020 Commencement.
During the ceremony, which can be viewed by visiting Appalachian’s commencement website, Appalachian Chancellor Sheri Everts conferred degrees to 3,651 May and August graduates, including 3,134 undergraduate and 517 graduate students, who registered to be recognized in the spring ceremony. May and August graduates will also have the opportunity to participate in a special commencement ceremony to be held Friday, Dec. 11.
Appalachian Class of 2020 graduate Travian Smith, of Charlotte, earned his B.S in political science with a concentration in public administration, as well as a community and regional planning minor. Smith is the inaugural recipient of Appalachian’s National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Divine Nine Leadership Award, and, while a student at Appalachian, served as a first-year class senator in Appalachian’s Student Government Association and was a Black Student Association member. Learn more about Smith’s accomplishments and campus involvement as an Appalachian student. Photo submitted
Lianna Demko, a Class of 2020 Appalachian State University graduate, sports an Appalachian jersey, her mortarboard and a cum laude honor cord while holding her Appalachian banner high. Demko, who is from Cary, earned her B.S. in exercise science. Photo submitted
Ben McCormack, of Lake Lure, who graduated cum laude from Appalachian with a B.S. in communication, advertising, is pictured airborne in his regalia — mortarboard in hand — while skating in front of the stone Appalachian State University sign located in Founders Plaza near the campus’s main entrance on Hardin Street in Boone. Photo submitted
Appalachian State University graduate Daniel Patrick Kirby, of Cumming, Georgia, mirrors the triumphant, fists-raised pose of Appalachian mascot Yosef, who is depicted in a 6-foot-6-inch bronze statue on Appalachian’s Boone campus. Kirby graduated magna cum laude from Appalachian with a B.S. in sustainable development with a concentration in agroecology and sustainable agriculture. Photo submitted
Kira Taylor, who graduated from Appalachian State University with an M.A. in student affairs administration, took to Instagram to share her black and gold pride during Appalachian’s virtual Spring 2020 Commencement. Here, Taylor, who is from Durham, wears her mortarboard and displays her graduate hood from her beachside physical distancing location in Florida. Photo submitted
Caroline Turner, of Hickory, who graduated cum laude from Appalachian State University with a B.S. in nursing May 16. In her Instagram post, featured on Appalachian’s commencement website, Turner shared she is excited to start her nursing career in the oncology intensive care unit at Wake Forest Baptist in a few months. Photo by Samuel Duarte
Casey Catchings, of Newton, who graduated from Appalachian State University May 16 with a B.S. in exercise science with a concentration in clinical exercise physiology. During his time at Appalachian, he served as a personal trainer in Appalachian’s University Recreation. In his Instagram post featured on Appalachian’s commencement website, Catchings wrote, “Regardless of how it ended, I’m beyond blessed to be able conclude this chapter of my life … Huge thank you to everyone who made my collegiate experience the most memorable four years of my life. Needless to say — it was worth the weight(lifting).” Photo submitted
Bridget Victoria McKinney, of Vilas, who graduated summa cum laude from Appalachian State University May 16 with a B.S. in elementary education through the university’s Reich College of Education. In this Instagram photo, McKinney displays her mortarboard, the top of which is decorated with flowers that surround an outline of an apple, the inside of which reads “Most of what I learn comes from those who I teach.” Below the apple is the text “Thanks mom and dad!” Photo submitted
Appalachian Class of 2020 graduate Gabby Gil, of Charlotte, in her regalia in front of the Appalachian State University sign located in Appalachian’s Founders Plaza. Gil, who earned her Bachelor of Social Work, transferred to Appalachian from Central Piedmont Community College in fall 2018. During her time at Appalachian, she served as a Transfer Student Mentor and conducted research for the Juntos program, which empowers middle and high school Latino youth to achieve high school graduation and pursue higher education. Photo submitted
Appalachian State University graduate Sarah Madison MacEldowney, of High Point, pictured in her regalia, celebrates by blowing gold glitter into the camera. MacEldowney graduated from Appalachian May 16 with a B.S. in recreation management, offered through Appalachian’s Beaver College of Health Sciences. Photo by Maggie Collazo
Tiffany Cooper, of Indian Trail, who graduated summa cum laude from Appalachian State University with a B.S. in communication studies on May 16. In her Instagram post featured on Appalachian’s commencement website, Cooper wrote, “Thank you for making my bachelor’s in communication dream come true! Going back to school after graduating in ’93 would have been impossible without your quality distance ed program. It was challenging and stressful, and I wouldn’t change a day of it! Act two of my life will now begin!” Photo submitted
Katherine “Katie” Martin, of Greensboro, an Appalachian Class of 2020 graduate with a B.S. in biology. While at Appalachian, Martin was a member of the Department of Biology’s Highlands Biology Club — a student club that works to advance knowledge, inspire the community and open doors of opportunity for its members through biology-related events. In her Instagram post on Appalachian’s commencement website, she wrote, “I can't believe it’s over. Love you, Boone. Thanks for the memories.” Photo submitted
Appalachian State University graduate Caroline Denise Manley, of Vale, left, and her son, Silas, hold a sign that states “I’m the newest #AppStateGrad. Congratulations, Class of 2020!” Manley graduated magna cum laude from Appalachian May 16 with a B.S. in exercise science. Photo submitted
Appalachian State University Class of 2020 graduate Tim Lazur, of Apex, dons his regalia, honor cords and Sigma Iota Epsilon sole. Lazur graduated cum laude from Appalachian May 16 with a BSBA in management, offered through the Walker College of Business (WCOB). While at Appalachian, Lazur was a member of WCOB’s Society for Human Resource Management, the Forensic Science Club, Club Baseball and App State Athletics’ Student Yosef Club. Photo submitted
Létissia Adoko Akue-ka, of Greensboro, graduated from Appalachian State University May 16 with a B.S. in exercise science. In her Instagram post featured on Appalachian’s commencement website, Akue-ka shared, “A big thank you to everyone who has made my time at App State nothing but amazing — y’all rock! Cheers to what the future holds.” Photo submitted
McKenna Blenk, a cum laude graduate of Appalachian’s Hayes School of Music, earned her B.M. in music education. Blenk, of Rockwell, Texas, is pictured atop Grandfather Mountain, located approximately 40 miles from Appalachian’s Boone campus, with the Blue Ridge Mountains visible in the background. During her time at Appalachian, Blenk performed with the Marching Mountaineers and was a member of HSOM’s Percussion Ensemble, Steely Pan Steel Band and Wind Ensemble. Photo submitted
Appalachian State University Class of 2020 graduate David Riley, of Concord, celebrates — while observing COVID-19 safety measures — on the field of Appalachian’s Kidd Brewer Stadium. Riley, who graduated summa cum laude from Appalachian May 16 with a B.S. in exercise science, is pictured wearing his regalia, as well as gloves and a face mask, while launching two rolls of toilet paper into the air. Photo by Brookelyn Riley
Dr. Quinn Morris, assistant professor in Appalachian’s Department of Mathematical Sciences, holds his infant daughter while wearing his regalia. In his Twitter post featured on Appalachian’s commencement website, Morris said, “Baby E and I would like to wish the #AppStateClassof2020 a very happy graduation! Though graduation isn’t the form that any of us @appstate might have wanted, we’re nevertheless excited to welcome you to the #AppStateAlumni family!” Photo submitted
Appalachian State University Class of 2020 graduate Luathsee “Lucy” Xiong, of Morganton, lounges on a sunny lawn while wearing her regalia. Xiong, who was recognized during Appalachian’s virtual Spring 2020 Commencement, earned her B.S. in apparel design and merchandising, offered through the College of Fine and Applied Arts. As a student at Appalachian, Xiong was a member of the Appalachian Apparel Association, the Hmong Society Club and the Gamma Beta Phi national honor society. Photo submitted
Appalachian State University Class of 2020 graduate Lauren Ariel Parmley, of Winston-Salem, earned her M.A. in reading education, offered through Appalachian’s Reich College of Education. Parmley also holds a reading education graduate certificate. Photo submitted
The ceremony — which began with sweeping drone views of Appalachian’s campus — included remarks by Everts, the provost and the executive director of alumni affairs. Their addresses were followed by remarks from two students representing the undergraduate and graduate Class of 2020, a keynote address by alumnus and best-selling author Stephen J. Dubner ’84 and a guest performance by Grammy-nominated country music artist Luke Combs.
In her video address to graduates, Everts said, “I congratulate each of you on your achievements and celebrate the hope and possibilities you take forward into our future world — a world which holds more promise because of the contributions you have made thus far, and one which you will continue to make brighter.”
She continued, “As App State students, you have learned to innovate and persevere. Many of you have experienced significant misfortune and hardship as a result of this pandemic, but its consequences have enhanced these abilities. As App State graduates, you will be uniquely positioned to adapt, to lead and to serve in what is certainly a very different world than it was a few months ago. You will make real and powerful differences in your communities and beyond.”
Everts said the successes of Appalachian’s graduates “reflect the rich academic relationships they have developed with faculty and staff who have served as teachers, fellow researchers, mentors and role models.”
Appalachian’s student veterans and military-affiliated graduates were also recognized for their commitment to both their university studies and their service to the country. Undergraduate and graduate students were recognized for Latin honors, as well as university honors through Appalachian’s Honors College. The top 2% of graduate students who achieved induction into the Cratis D. Williams Society were also recognized for their academic success in research, professional practice, leadership and community engagement.
“To the parents, other family members and friends of our graduating students; be proud of these graduates. … Be proud of what you have done to help them achieve this important milestone,” said Appalachian’s Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris, interim provost and executive vice chancellor, in her video address to graduates.
Stephanie Billings ’92, Appalachian’s executive director of alumni affairs, brought the Class of 2020 greetings and congratulations from the more than 132,000 living Appalachian alumni. Watch Billings’ complete video address.
The online event was attended by individuals from across the world and the U.S. and has received nearly 28,500 views — and counting.
Graduates and Appalachian faculty shared their celebratory commencement photos through various social media channels. See Appalachian’s commencement website for more Class of 2020 photos and congratulatory messages.
A challenge to ‘do wild things’
Appalachian alumnus Stephen J. Dubner ’84, an award-winning author, journalist and radio and TV personality who is best known as co-author of the “Freakonomics” book series. Photo by Troy Tuttle
Appalachian alumnus Stephen J. Dubner ’84 — an award-winning author, journalist and radio and TV personality who is best known as co-author of the “Freakonomics” book series — joined Appalachian’s commencement via teleconference from New York City. Watch his video address to Appalachian’s Class of 2020.
“This is not the world you planned to graduate into … everything’s been scrambled, frozen by this invisible little virus,” Dubner said. “So, what are you going to do about it?”
He proposed a challenge to graduates: To view the present COVID-19 situation as an opportunity to “do something wild that you, and only you, can do … something bigger and better than you’ve ever done before. Something you may not think you’re capable of doing. There’s a lot of research showing one of the best ways to make yourself happy is to do things that help other people,” he said.
Dubner, a former Chancellor’s Scholar and Honors College student at Appalachian, is a graduate of the university’s B.S. in communication degree program. In 2012, he was awarded the Appalachian Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
‘This One’s for You’
The event’s guest performer, award-winning country music artist Luke Combs, played Appalachian’s alma mater and congratulated Appalachian’s Class of 2020 on their accomplishment, encouraging them to “have fun out in the world.”
He also surprised those tuning in to commencement with an encore performance of his song “This One’s for You,” the title track of his debut album by the same name — a song that always causes him to reflect on his time at Appalachian and the people he met at the university, he said. View and listen to Combs’ Appalachian commencement performances.
“I remember my last days in Boone like they were yesterday,” Combs said. “It was 2014, right before I moved to Nashville. There were so many things I felt thankful for and people I felt thankful to and my time at Appalachian State and the people of Boone are definitely some of those people.”
Pandemic-prepared graduates
Olivia Gentry, of Weaverville, graduated from Appalachian with university honors through the university’s Honors College and a B.S. in public health with a minor in social work through the Beaver College of Health Sciences. She served as the undergraduate student speaker during Appalachian’s virtual Spring 2020 Commencement May 16. Photo submitted
Ann Marie McNeely ’16, of Morganton, served as the graduate student speaker during Appalachian’s virtual Spring 2020 Commencement May 16. McNeely, who graduated from Appalachian with an Ed.D. in educational leadership, is dean of arts and sciences at Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton. Photo submitted
In her address to her peers, Olivia Gentry, of Weaverville, who earned her Bachelor of Science in public health with a minor in social work from the Beaver College of Health Sciences and graduated with university honors from Appalachian’s Honors College, spoke of the home she found in Appalachian’s Department of Wellness and Prevention Services as a member of WE CAN (Wellness Educators for Change, Advocacy and student Needs) — a peer education group that works to positively impact the health and well-being of students at Appalachian.
Graduate student speaker Ann Marie McNeely ’16, who serves as dean of arts and sciences at Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton, shared her first-hand experience with COVID-19 as a caregiver to her husband, who was infected with the disease while caring for his 78-year-old mother, who died due to the virus.
McNeely, who holds an education specialist degree in higher education from Appalachian, graduated with a Doctor of Education in educational leadership (Ed.D.). Her dissertation focuses on the broad, historic purposes of community college education.
Other music performances for the ceremony included the signing of the national anthem by Ear Candy, Appalachian’s all-female a cappella group, which harmonized via Zoom while physical distancing. Watch and listen to Ear Candy’s performance of the national anthem.
The traditional “Pomp and Circumstance” graduation march was performed by members of the Brass Choir in Appalachian’s Hayes School Music (HSOM), who were conducted by HSOM’s Dr. James Stokes, professor of trumpet. The piece was produced and audio engineered by HSOM’s Scott Wynne, professor of music industry studies and chief recording engineer for Appalachian’s Robert F Gilley Recording Studio.
What do you think?
Share your feedback on this story.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
