Approximately 3,400 students will receive degrees during Appalachian State University’s commencement May 12-13.

Denise Goetz, an academic advisor in the University College Academic Advising and Orientation Center (AAOC) at Appalachian State University, has received the university’s Harvey R. Durham Freshman Advocate Award for 2017.

Juliana J. Blanton of Boone, who is pursuing a Master of Arts degree in the clinical mental health counseling program at Appalachian State University, has received a fellowship that includes $8,000 to defray the costs of her education as well as training in the counseling of underserved minority populations, specifically those ages 16 to 25.

After an extensive national search, Dr. Jefford Vahlbusch has accepted the position of dean of The Honors College at Appalachian State University effective July 17.

The Wilson Scholars Program is the university’s most prestigious, merit-based scholarship program, which covers full institutional costs as well as an additional $10,000 experiential learning stipend.

A tailgate party pack designed by Morgan Batley, a senior graphic arts and imaging technology major from Mooresville, has been named “Best of the Best” by the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF).

Sarah Carmichael, associate professor in Appalachian’s Department of Geology, was received as a Fellow in The Explorers Club, headquartered in New York City, on March 24.

Dr. Lorilee A. Medders has been named the Joseph F. Freeman Distinguished Professor of Insurance in the Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University.

The gala concert featured 10 works chosen by conference adjudicators, including “Tiny Potato on the Train,” by Assistant Professor of Dance Studies Cara Hagan, and “From Here I Saw What Happened and I Cried,” which was choreographed by Juliet Irving, a junior dance studies and graphic design double major.