More than 1,700 Appalachian State University graduates were conferred degrees during the university’s virtual Fall 2020 Commencement Dec. 11. This photo collage shows a handful of the numerous celebratory commencement photos shared by App State’s Class of 2020 graduates via social media. Photos submitted
BOONE, N.C. — Approximately 4,000 Appalachian Community members gathered virtually during Appalachian State University’s Fall 2020 Commencement to celebrate App State’s more than 1,700 graduates — a class that has persevered during a global pandemic to reach this momentous milestone.
During the ceremony — which can be viewed by visiting App State’s commencement website — App State Chancellor Sheri Everts conferred degrees to 1,348 undergraduate and 361 graduate students who registered to be recognized in Fall 2020 Commencement.
The ceremony — which began with sweeping drone views of App State’s campus — included remarks by Everts, C. Philip Byers ’85, a member of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, Interim Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Heather Hulburt Norris and Executive Director of Alumni Affairs Stephanie Billings ’92. Byers brought greetings from the UNC Board of Governors and the UNC System Office. Alumnus and WBTV News anchor John Carter ’79 was the event’s keynote speaker.
Their addresses were followed by remarks from two students representing the undergraduate and graduate Class of 2020. A Hayes School of Music graduate gave a vocal performance as part of the ceremony.
App State’s alma mater was performed by Grammy-nominated country music artist Luke Combs.
Appalachian State University’s Savannah Travis, of Maiden, is pictured wearing a jacket that features the university’s block A logo and the words “Class of 2020.” Travis, who graduated summa cum laude from Appalachian State University Dec. 11, earned her B.S. in elementary education. Photo submitted
Appalachian State University’s Charles Fennell, of Charlotte, graduated from the university Dec. 11 with a B.S. in psychology with a concentration in natural science and a minor in statistics. “The mountains have provided me with tranquility and a unique community that will live forever in my heart,” Fennell wrote in an Instagram post shared on App State’s commencement website. Fennell plans to pursue a doctorate in behavioral neuroscience. Photo submitted
Appalachian State University’s Sharon Slakter, of Kernersville, graduated from App State Dec. 11 with a B.S. in elementary education with a concentration in visual arts. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in reading education through App State’s Accelerated Admission program. Photo submitted
Appalachian State University Class of 2020 graduate Jean Carlos Garcia Reyes, of Winston-Salem, earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a concentration in diversity Dec. 11. While at App State, he was part of the Reich College of Education’s Appalachian Community of Education Scholars (ACES). His next steps after graduation include substitute teaching and the pursuit of a master’s degree in reading education, along with a graduate certificate in teaching emergent bilingual populations in content areas — both from App State. Photo submitted
Zoé Kincheloe (nee McCauley), of Raleigh, graduated cum laude from Appalachian State University Dec. 11 with a B.S. in middle grades education with concentrations in mathematics and science. From right to left, this photo collage shows Kincheloe as a child, a high schooler and in her most current state — an App State grad. In her Instagram post featured on App State’s commencement website, Kincheloe wrote, “I was always supposed to be a teacher. I’m feeling excited and proud of how far I’ve come and how hard I’ve worked to get here.” Photo submitted
Leina Moore, of Crouse, graduated from Appalachian State University Dec. 11 with a B.S. in risk management and insurance, offered by App State’s Walker College of Business. In the bottom left photo, Moore is pictured on the field of App State’s Kidd Brewer Stadium, and in the top and bottom right photos, she is pictured with Boone’s rolling Blue Ridge Mountains in the background. Photo by Samantha O’Brien
Spenser Taylor, who graduated from Appalachian State University Dec. 11, is pictured wearing his regalia in the stands of App State’s Kidd Brewer Stadium. Taylor, of Graham, earned his bachelor’s degree in building sciences. Photo submitted
Elisia McKnight, of Charlotte, graduated from Appalachian State University Dec. 11 with a B.S. in communication, public relations, offered through the College of Fine and Applied Arts. She is pictured on the steps outside App State’s Turchin Center for the Visual Arts. During her time at the university, McKnight was involved in the Black Student Association and Minority Women’s Leadership Circle. Photo submitted
Pictured on the field of Appalachian State University’s Kidd Brewer Stadium is Olivia Fletcher, of Fayetteville. Fletcher graduated from App State Dec. 11 with a B.S. in psychology with a concentration in health studies. In her Instagram post featured on App State’s commencement website, Fletcher wrote, “I had an amazing experience here at App State and would not trade it for the world.” Her next steps after graduation include pursuing Basic Law Enforcement Training. Photo submitted
First-generation college student Kimberly Becerra, of Weaverville, is pictured in front of the Appalachian State University sign in Founders Plaza. Becerra graduated from App State Dec. 11 with a B.S. in communication, public relations, offered through the College of Fine and Applied Arts. In her Instagram post featured on App State’s commencement website, Becerra wrote, “I’m so thankful to be able to graduate from such an amazing school and I definitely wouldn’t take back any moment from my four years here. I am proud of this accomplishment and can’t wait for what’s next!” Photo by Brianna Messer
Rheo Bruer, of Asheville, graduated from Appalachian State University Dec. 11 with a B.S. in computer science. “Thankful for the valuable knowledge and experience gained during my time at App!” Bruer wrote in a College of Arts and Sciences Instagram post shared on App State’s commencement website. His plans after graduation include seeking a software engineering job and traveling. Photo submitted
Charlotte native Eunice Bingolo graduated from Appalachian State University Dec. 11 with her B.S. in biology–cellular/molecular biology and a minor in chemistry. What’s next for her after graduation? Securing a job and applying to medical school, according to Bingolo. Photo submitted
First-generation college student Tatiana Magee ’19, of Rutherfordton, graduated from Appalachian State University Dec. 11 with a master’s degree in geography. Magee is a three-time graduate of App State; in addition to her master’s degree, she holds a B.S. in geography and a B.S. in community and regional planning. She is pictured in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Photo submitted
Christopher Klutz, of Kernersville, graduated from Appalachian State University Dec. 11 with a Master of Public Administration. “The MPA from App State opens a lot of personal and professional opportunities,” Klutz wrote in an Instagram post shared on App State’s commencement website. Post-graduation, Klutz plans to continue his service in public safety. He is a 16-year fire service veteran and is currently employed full-time by High Point’s fire department. He also serves as an assistant fire chief for multiple fire departments in the state’s Piedmont Triad region. Photo submitted
Audrey Hudson, of Salisbury, graduated from Appalachian State University Dec. 11 with a B.S. in psychology with a concentration in business and a minor in digital marketing. In a College of Arts and Sciences Instagram post shared on App State’s commencement website, Hudson wrote, “I wouldn’t be the same person without my experience at App State. My teachers, friends and organization have shaped who I am today.” Hudson plans to pursue a career in marketing post-graduation. While at App State, Hudson was a member of Sigma Kappa sorority. Photo submitted
Appalachian State University’s Victoria Anderson, of Tryon, graduated cum laude from App State Dec. 11 with a B.S. in criminal justice–international studies. While at App State, Anderson served as a Student Ambassador and was supported by App State’s Student Support Services program, which provides comprehensive services to low-income and/or first-generation college students. After graduation, she plans to work for a nonprofit organization in the Dominican Republic before pursuing her master’s degree in business management. Photo submitted
Appalachian State University Class of 2020 graduate Alec Bryan, of Greenville, is pictured riding his motorcycle — with robe and helmet donned and mortarboard in hand. Bryan graduated cum laude from App State Dec. 11 with a B.S. in industrial design–furniture design. Photo submitted
Ashlyn Quick, of Wilson, graduated summa cum laude from Appalachian State University Dec. 11 with a B.S. in elementary education. In an Instagram post, Quick wrote, “I am officially a licensed teacher! Thank you to all of my friends, family, professors and those who have trusted me to learn with their children along the way.” Quick will continue her education at App State in spring 2021 as part of the Accelerated Admission program, through which she will pursue a master’s degree in reading education. Photo submitted
Matthew Lance, of Germanton, graduated from Appalachian State University Dec. 11 with a B.S. in biology–ecology, evolution and environmental biology. In a Twitter post shared on App State’s commencement website, Lance wrote, “The day has finally arrived! Thank you @appstate for many great friends, good times and wonderful experiences! App state — my home away from home.” Photo submitted
Appalachian State University’s Chitambo Chikoya, from Lusaka, Zambia, graduated cum laude from App State Dec. 11 with a B.S. in biology–cellular/molecular biology. “My time at App State has been nothing less than life-changing,” Chikoya wrote in an Instagram post shared by App State’s College of Arts and Sciences. Chikoya’s next steps after graduation include attending medical school in Zambia. Photo submitted
First-generation college student Khalijah Simon, of Shelby, graduated from Appalachian State University Dec. 11, earning her B.S. in sociology with a concentration in criminology, deviance and law and a minor in criminal justice. In an Instagram post shared on App State’s commencement website, Simon referenced her “three angels” — her mother, brother and grandmother, who have all passed away — writing, “… everything I do is for them and I’m gonna succeed at everything in life.” Photo submitted
In her video address to graduates, Everts said, “You have earned one of the most significant achievements of your lifetime, and you did so under historically challenging circumstances: two consecutive semesters overshadowed by a global pandemic unlike anything the world has seen in more than a century. We are so very proud of how you persevered and arrived at this momentous occasion with grace and unwavering resilience.”
She continued, “As App State graduates, you will be uniquely positioned to adapt, to lead and to serve in a world that has been fundamentally changed. You will make real and powerful differences in your communities and beyond.”
Byers, in his remarks, said, “Graduates, your education at Appalachian State University has provided you well with the knowledge and skills you will need to achieve the goals and dreams you set forth. Your degree represents hard work and dedication to a most worthy goal.”
Provost Norris recognized App State’s student veterans and military-affiliated graduates for their commitment to both their university studies and their service to the country. Undergraduate and graduate students were recognized for Latin honors — the cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude distinctions awarded based on academic achievement, as well as university honors through App State’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 Norris in her video address to graduates.
Billings brought the Class of 2020 greetings and congratulations from App State’s living alumni — a group of more than 134,000 individuals worldwide. Watch her video address.
The online event has received approximately 4,000 views — and counting.
Graduates and App State faculty shared their celebratory commencement photos through various social media channels. See App State’s commencement website for more Class of 2020 photos and congratulatory messages.
‘Step up and do great things’
Appalachian State University alumnus and WBTV News anchor John Carter ’79 served 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
App State alumnus and WBTV News anchor John Carter ’79 — a retired state senator and entrepreneur, as well as a graduate of the university’s College of Fine and Applied Arts — joined App State’s virtual commencement from Charlotte’s WBTV News studio. Watch his video address to App State’s Class of 2020.
Carter said he found his life’s passion — news broadcasting — while working for 90.5 WASU-FM, App State’s student-run radio station. He advised graduates to create a roadmap or a goal they can use to guide their path as they pursue their own passions and career aspirations post-graduation.
He also encouraged App State’s Class of 2020 to “step up and do great things in your life. Make a positive difference in this world, even if it only impacts one other person. You don’t have to change the world, although you can,” he said.
App State ‘prepared me for life’s challenges’
Wendell Addy, of Raleigh, graduated from Appalachian State University Dec. 11 with a BSBA in computer information systems. Addy, who was named the Walker College of Business’ top computer information systems student for 2020, served as the undergraduate student speaker during App State’s virtual Fall 2020 Commencement. Photo by Marie Freeman
In his address to his peers, Walker College of Business graduate Wendell Addy encouraged App States’ Class of 2020 to embrace uncertainty, citing American lawyer and New York Times best-selling author Bob Goff — “Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won’t have a title until much later.” Watch his commencement address.
“As I look to the future, I am filled with optimism and excitement knowing I am a product of this great institution,” Addy said. “Being at App State molded me academically and it taught me patience, the importance of sustainability and stewardship, how to find my purpose and, most importantly, it prepared me for life’s challenges.”
Addy, of Raleigh, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in business administration (BSBA) in computer information systems. He has secured a full-time position with Citrix Systems Inc., a multinational computer software company, and will soon serve as a technical analyst at the company’s Fort Lauderdale, Florida, headquarters.
‘We are truly history in the making’
Jennifer McCracken, of Hickory, served as the graduate student speaker during Appalachian State University’s virtual Fall 2020 Commencement Dec. 11. McCracken, who graduated from App State with a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in public management, is Catawba County’s public health director. Photo by Marie Freeman
Jennifer McCracken, who served as commencement’s graduate student speaker, fulfilled a promise she made to herself and her father 23 years ago — she graduated from App State with her Master of Public Administration degree with a concentration in public management. She was also honored with induction into the university’s Cratis D. Williams Society. Watch her address to the Class of 2020.
McCracken, who completed her degree through App State Online’s MPA distance education program, is 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.
“We are truly history in the making,” she said to her fellow graduates. “One of the most important lessons this pandemic has taught me is that challenges bring opportunities — sometimes you just have to look for them. … The challenge of this pandemic has given us new ideas, new ways of communicating, new perspectives and a new appreciation for personal connection.”
She continued, “Did any of us plan to go to school in a pandemic, graduate in a pandemic, or look for a job in a pandemic? The answer is no. However, as we leave Appalachian, we leave stronger because we finished our race in the midst of adversity, and we finished it well.”
Musical performances
Hayes School of Music graduate Samantha Latino, of Charlotte, performed John Ireland’s “If There Were Dreams to Sell,” with piano accompaniment by Hayes School of Music Dean James Douthit, as part of Appalachian State University’s Fall 2020 Commencement. Latino graduated with three degrees from App State: 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. Photo by Marie Freeman
Award-winning country music artist Luke Combs, who attended App State from 2008–12, played App State’s alma mater and congratulated the university’s Class of 2020 on their accomplishment, encouraging them to “have fun out in the world.” View and listen to his App State commencement performance.
Hayes School of Music graduate Samantha Latino, of Charlotte, also performed during the ceremony, singing “If There Were Dreams to Sell,” composed by John Ireland. Dr. James Douthit, dean of the Hayes School of Music, provided piano accompaniment.
Latino, who graduated magna cum laude, earned three App State degrees: 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.
Other music performances for the ceremony included the singing of the national anthem by Ear Candy, App State’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 App State’s Hayes School of Music, who were conducted by the college’s Dr. James Stokes, professor of trumpet. The piece was produced and audio engineered by Scott Wynne, professor of music industry studies and chief recording engineer for the university’s Robert F. Gilley Recording Studio.
Visit App State’s commencement website to re-watch the ceremony and view more social media posts by the newest class of App State graduates.
What do you think?
Share your feedback on this 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.
