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Displayed in front of the Appalachian State University sign, located in Founders Plaza on App State’s campus, are the university mace and banner, along with the banners for App State’s College of Arts and Sciences, Beaver College of Health Sciences, College of Fine and Applied Arts, Hayes School of Music, Reich College of Education, Walker College of Business and Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies. The state flag is shown at far right and the U.S. flag is pictured at far left. Photo by Marie Freeman

More than 1,700 Mountaineer graduates to be recognized during App State’s virtual Fall Commencement

“Although you will not physically cross the commencement stage this December, you are taking part in a defining moment in our university’s history. Your accomplishments have prepared you to make positive changes in our world.”

App State Chancellor Sheri Everts in a letter commending the university’s fall 2020 graduates

By Jessica Stump
Posted Dec. 7, 2020 at 10 a.m.

BOONE, N.C. — As 2020 comes to a close — a year marked by the global pandemic — Mountaineers near and far will celebrate more than 1,700 Class of 2020 graduates during Appalachian State University’s virtual Fall 2020 Commencement. A total of 1,348 undergraduate and 361 graduate students will be recognized. Of these, approximately 300 are August graduates who will be recognized during the fall ceremony.

“Although you will not physically cross the commencement stage this December, you are taking part in a defining moment in our university’s history. Your accomplishments have prepared you to make positive changes in our world.”

App State Chancellor Sheri Everts in a letter commending the university’s fall 2020 graduates

In a letter congratulating December’s graduating class, App State Chancellor Sheri Everts commended students for their academic achievement and perseverance during the pandemic. “Although you will not physically cross the commencement stage this December,” her letter stated, “you are taking part in a defining moment in our university’s history. Your accomplishments have prepared you to make positive changes in our world.”

The virtual commencement, to take place Friday, Dec. 11, at 4 p.m., will be available on App State’s commencement website. A permanent YouTube video link will be available after the event, allowing graduates to continue sharing the momentous occasion.

The name of each candidate who has registered for Fall 2020 Commencement will be read and displayed during the event.

The event’s keynote speaker is App State alumnus and WBTV News anchor John Carter ’79. Carter is a 34-year veteran of Charlotte-based WBTV and co-anchors the station’s morning and noon news shows.

Two members of the graduating Class of 2020 will also speak:

  • Jennifer McCracken, of Hickory, who will earn her Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a concentration in public management.
  • Wendell Addy, of Raleigh, who will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in business administration (BSBA) in computer information systems.

Hayes School of Music performer Samantha Latino, a senior from Charlotte, will sing “If There Were Dreams to Sell,” composed by John Ireland. Dr. James Douthit, dean of the Hayes School of Music, will accompany her on piano. Latino will graduate with a Bachelor of Music (B.M.) music education–general music education (K–12), a B.M. in music education–choral music education (K–12) and a B.M. in music performance–voice.

Prior to the virtual ceremony, graduates received a commencement packet that included the diploma cover presented to all App State graduates during the university’s in-person commencement ceremonies, as well as additional items to help graduates augment individual celebrations and remember and share their achievement.

About keynote speaker John Carter

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Appalachian State University alumnus and WBTV News anchor John Carter ’79 will serve as the keynote speaker for App State’s virtual Fall 2020 Commencement. Carter is a former entrepreneur and North Carolina senator who represented the state’s 25th District. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communication arts with a concentration in broadcasting from App State. Photo courtesy of John Carter

After graduating from App State in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in communication arts with a concentration in broadcasting, John Carter began working as a news assistant at Charlotte’s WBTV. From 1979–89, Carter worked as a general assignment reporter, consumer reporter, western bureau chief/reporter, news producer/consumer producer and news producer/managing editor. He was also host of the WBTV show “Carolina Camera,” traveling across North and South Carolina as a feature reporter.

Over the next seven years, Carter formed his own video production business and opened a comic book shop in Lincolnton. He was elected to the North Carolina Senate, representing the state’s 25th District, and served as a public information specialist for Mecklenburg County. He eventually returned to WBTV in 1996 to anchor its morning news show and later “WBTV News at Noon.”

A survivor of prostate cancer — the No. 1 cancer in U.S. men — Carter routinely shares informative news and feature reports about the disease and works closely with the American Cancer Society to share its message about the life-saving importance of early cancer detection.

Carter has received numerous awards and honors for his video and journalistic work. He is also a 1992 recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian award. In spring 2014, he delivered the commencement address for App State’s College of Fine and Applied Arts, of which he is a graduate.

About the student speakers and musical performer

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Wendell Addy, of Raleigh, is an Appalachian State University graduating senior who is majoring in computer information systems (CIS). Addy, who was named the Walker College of Business’ top CIS student for 2020, will speak during App State’s virtual Fall 2020 Commencement, representing the undergraduate Class of 2020. Photo submitted

Wendell Addy is graduating from App State as 2020’s top computer information systems (CIS) student in the Walker College of Business. The 4.0 GPA senior, who was born in Liberia and grew up in Texas, holds an associate degree from Wake Technical Community College and will earn his BSBA in computer information systems.

Since transferring to App State in summer 2019, Addy’s success as a Mountaineer has been on a fast track: In addition to a scholarship he received for the top 2020 CIS student honor, Addy was awarded merit-based scholarships when he was accepted to App State, which he said enabled him to focus on his coursework and professional development. In the 2019–20 academic year, he earned a spot on the Chancellor’s List — awarded to full-time students with a GPA of 3.85 or higher. He also was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, a national honor society for business students.

After engaging in three virtual internships this summer, Addy secured a job offer from Citrix Systems Inc., a multinational computer software company. After he graduates in December, he will serve as a technical analyst at the company’s Fort Lauderdale, Florida, headquarters.

“Being able to live out my dreams — I will attribute that to App State,” he said.

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Hayes School of Music senior Samantha Latino, of Charlotte, is set to graduate from Appalachian State University in December with three degrees: a Bachelor of Music (B.M.) in music education–general music education (K–12), a B.M. in music education–choral music education (K–12) and a B.M. in music performance–voice. As part of App State’s Fall 2020 Commencement, Latino will perform the song “If There Were Dreams to Sell,” composed by John Ireland. Photo by Marie Freeman

Hayes School of Music (HSOM) senior Samantha Latino, of Charlotte, will graduate from App State with Latin honors, receiving her B.M. in music education–general music education (K–12), B.M. in music education–choral music education (K–12) and B.M. in music performance–voice.

Latino was introduced to App State by the university’s Cannon Music Camp, a three-week, residential course of musical instruction course for high school students offered during the summer. Latino was a “Cannon camper” for three years. “The camp allowed me an inside look on what being a music student at App State would be like, in addition to getting to know App State’s faculty, campus and culture,” she said.

While at App State, she has been involved with HSOM’s Chamber Singers and University Singers choirs, as well as the Knitting and Crocheting Club. She has also represented vocal performance students as a member of HSOM’s Student Advisory Board.

After graduating, Latino aims to teach music in North Carolina at the elementary level. She is also considering pursuing a future master’s degree in vocal performance.

Latino is a recipient of the Joe and Anna Phelps Music Scholarship and the Mariam Cannon Hayes Endowment for Music Excellence Scholarship. “My scholarships provided me with not only financial assistance but the knowledge that other people believed in me,” she said.

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Jennifer McCracken, of Hickory, is the health director of Catawba County Public Health. She will earn her Master of Public Administration with a concentration in public management from App State in December and serve as the graduate student speaker during the university’s virtual Fall 2020 Commencement. Photo submitted

Jennifer McCracken, who is among the Hickory cohort of students in App State Online’s MPA distance education program, will earn her MPA with a concentration in public management.

McCracken serves as health director of Catawba County Public Health (CCPH), a position she has held since mid-March, when the county announced its first case of COVID-19. A registered nurse, McCracken joined CCPH in 1998 and was named the department’s assistant director in 2016 before being named interim director in 2019.

She said her pursuit of App State’s MPA has exposed her to broader areas of government and provided her with advanced knowledge in finance, budgeting, health policy, personnel administration and program evaluation — knowledge she can apply directly in her current role to reimagine local public health both during and in the aftermath of the pandemic.

“The relationships I have built while at App State are some of my most valuable,” McCracken said. “I not only have lifelong colleagues but lifelong friends.”

Upon graduating, McCracken will be inducted into App State’s Cratis D. Williams Society, which recognizes the top 2% of graduates from the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies for their academic success in research, professional practice, leadership and community engagement.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing and a certificate in public health leadership from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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Fall 2020 Commencement
Dec
11
Fall 2020 Commencement
Dec. 11, 2020
4 p.m.

For many graduates, commencement is the ultimate celebration of one of the most significant accomplishments of their lifetimes. This is our second virtual ceremony, and we have worked hard to provide a memorable commencement experience for our fall 2020 graduates. You have been determined and resilient in order to reach this stage in your academic career. We are proud to honor your achievement.

Learn more
The sky is the limit for this high-achieving Mountaineer
The sky is the limit for this high-achieving Mountaineer
Nov. 17, 2020

Graduating senior Wendell Addy has achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA as a computer information systems major, and after completing three virtual internships this summer, he had a choice of job offers in the technology field.

Read the story
Alumnus Profile: John Carter ’79
Alumnus Profile: John Carter ’79

WBTV morning news anchor John Carter got his start in the Charlotte market with an undergraduate communications degree from Appalachian.

Read the profile
A commencement in the cloud — App State virtually celebrates 3,600-plus graduates
A commencement in the cloud — App State virtually celebrates 3,600-plus graduates
May 19, 2020

More than 3,600 Mountaineer graduates who were conferred degrees during Appalachian’s virtual Spring 2020 Commencement celebrated — at a physical distance — with family, friends and Appalachian Community members. They also took to social media to share their black and gold pride and excitement.

Read the story

About Appalachian State University

As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.

“Although you will not physically cross the commencement stage this December, you are taking part in a defining moment in our university’s history. Your accomplishments have prepared you to make positive changes in our world.”

App State Chancellor Sheri Everts in a letter commending the university’s fall 2020 graduates

Fall 2020 Commencement
Dec
11
Fall 2020 Commencement
Dec. 11, 2020
4 p.m.

For many graduates, commencement is the ultimate celebration of one of the most significant accomplishments of their lifetimes. This is our second virtual ceremony, and we have worked hard to provide a memorable commencement experience for our fall 2020 graduates. You have been determined and resilient in order to reach this stage in your academic career. We are proud to honor your achievement.

Learn more
The sky is the limit for this high-achieving Mountaineer
The sky is the limit for this high-achieving Mountaineer
Nov. 17, 2020

Graduating senior Wendell Addy has achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA as a computer information systems major, and after completing three virtual internships this summer, he had a choice of job offers in the technology field.

Read the story
Alumnus Profile: John Carter ’79
Alumnus Profile: John Carter ’79

WBTV morning news anchor John Carter got his start in the Charlotte market with an undergraduate communications degree from Appalachian.

Read the profile
A commencement in the cloud — App State virtually celebrates 3,600-plus graduates
A commencement in the cloud — App State virtually celebrates 3,600-plus graduates
May 19, 2020

More than 3,600 Mountaineer graduates who were conferred degrees during Appalachian’s virtual Spring 2020 Commencement celebrated — at a physical distance — with family, friends and Appalachian Community members. They also took to social media to share their black and gold pride and excitement.

Read the story

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Share your feedback on this story.

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Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

The migration of materials from other sites is still incomplete, so if you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Additional feature stories may be found at Appalachian Magazine
  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian Magazine
  • Photo galleries and videos published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found at Appalachian Magazine
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian

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Archives

Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

The migration of materials from other sites is still incomplete, so if you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Additional feature stories may be found at Appalachian Magazine
  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian Magazine
  • Photo galleries and videos published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found at Appalachian Magazine
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian
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