Georgia Gwinnett College Graduates Largest Class at Spring Commencement

Georgia Gwinnett College graduated its largest class in its 10-year history Thursday, when 425 students were awarded degrees during its 2015 Spring Commencement ceremony on campus.

More than 4,500 family members, friends and supporters of the graduates gathered on the library lawn for the academic ceremony.

“Although today represents a great accomplishment, it is only the beginning,” said psychology major Kamisha Lancaster of Lilburn, according to a GGC news release. “Some of us will go on to graduate school, careers and study abroad, become entrepreneurs or start families. Whatever your next step is in life, I’d challenge you to embody a few things along the way … including scholarship, creativity, service and leadership. If those things sound familiar it’s because those are the pillars upon which Georgia Gwinnett College stands.”

Other highlights:

• His Excellency Jeremiah Sulunteh, the Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia, presented the keynote address. Sulunteh is a prominent Liberian politician, administrator and professor. “While it is true that all who are eligible don’t choose this option, it’s undeniable that those who do, like yourselves, are involved in a tremendous and exhilarating experience which starts today,” Sulunteh told the students.
• Luis Victor Camargo-Fouche of Dacula became first GGC graduate to complete the Global Studies Certification program. The certification is a campus-wide program that enhances students’ global competencies by maximizing opportunities for international experiences.
• Biology major Gabrielle Costello of Lawrenceville was also presented with the Legislative Resolutions acknowledging her selection as the 2015 Outstanding Scholar for GGC. An initiative of the Georgia General Assembly, Academic Recognition Day began in 1987 as a celebration of individual academic achievement and recognition of those students who exemplify that which is best about the University System of Georgia and its institutions.
• Cadet Chris Lacroix of Lawrenceville, graduated and commissioned into the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. He is only the third cadet to be commission in the history of GGC’s ROTC program.
• GGC President Stas Preczewski acknowledged more than 100 graduates were graduating with honors, and also recognized several graduates for their accomplishments, including Erika Dillingham, Lawrenceville, who will continue her internship with The Carter Center, and Jose Gutierrez, Lilburn, who just returned from interning at the White House.

(Photo: Georgia Gwinnett College graduate Candice Nicole Coulter of Lithonia receives congratulations from His Excellency Jeremiah Sulunteh, the Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia during the Spring 2015 Commencement Thursday. Coulter earned her B.S. in biology. Credit: GGC)