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The University of North Georgia (ǧÃŬAV) honored 989 graduates at a pair of fall commencement ceremonies Dec. 16 in the Convocation Center at ǧÃŬAV's Dahlonega Campus, including more than 640 who participated in the events.   

Carvil Chalk, '94, addressed graduates of the College of Arts & Letters, College of Science & Mathematics, Lewis F. Rogers Institute for Environmental and Spatial Analysis, and University College. He serves as the deputy director for aviation technology at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center in the Technology Development Directorate in Huntsville, Alabama.  

"Walk out of this place today determined to serve others in humility," Chalk said.  

Carlee Blankenship, who earned a Bachelor of Science in political science with a pre-law concentration, served as the student speaker to her fellow graduates in that first ceremony.  

"Without the people who have been there for us throughout this journey, we couldn't have made it here. So many of us have made meaningful connections that will last us throughout our professional and academic careers," Blankenship said. "I encourage you not to forget those who have helped us grow as we turn over this new page in our stories." 

Dr. T. Sloane Guy addressed graduates of the College of Education, College of Health Sciences and Professions, and Mike Cottrell College of Business. He is the director of minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery at the Georgia Heart Institute at Northeast Georgia Health System. 

"Each of you stands at the crossroads of possibility. As you step into the world beyond these academic walls, I implore you to consider the profound impact you can have by aligning your passion with the needs of others," Guy said. "It's all about others, and you realize that more and more as you get older. It is through your contributions to others that you will find the greatest fulfillment." 

Louisa Schlesiger, who earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in management, served as the student speaker to her fellow graduates in the second ceremony. 

"Never be afraid to be yourself. Be confident in who you are, but be kind to others," Schlesiger said. "Find your purpose and what makes you happy, and strive toward that. Remember that luck still requires preparation to meet opportunity."  

Madison Rollins, from Pensacola, Florida, earned a degree in environmental spatial analysis. She is grateful for the way faculty in ǧÃŬAV's Lewis F. Rogers Institute for Environmental and Spatial Analysis (IESA) share their expertise and mentor students. Their work inspired her.   

"Experiencing how good the professors are at teaching, I was inspired to be like them. They convinced me to go to graduate school, and they've supported me through the application process," Rollins said. "My experience here has been so amazing."  

A class with Captain Joseph Hughart, a lecturer of Earth and environmental science at ǧÃŬAV's Blue Ridge Campus, during her freshman year helped Rollins decide to change her major after originally pursuing a degree in history education. Her time in IESA has consistently confirmed she ended up in the right discipline.   

"I met people as strangers, and I feel like I know them better than people I've known my whole life. They're like family," Rollins said. "As an alumna, these relationships will continue. The bonds you form at ǧÃŬAV never go away."

Savannah Whitmire, a Flowery Branch, Georgia, resident, earned a Master of Accountancy after completing her Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from ǧÃŬAV in summer 2022. As an undergraduate student, she received the Chantal and Tommy Bagwell Scholarship.   

"The only reason I stayed in school during COVID-19 was the Bagwell Scholarship. It was so hard," Whitmire said. "When I see other students struggling with various things, I try to point them to scholarships."  

ǧÃŬAV's chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, a national accounting honor society, has been an important part of Whitmire's experience, as well. She said ǧÃŬAV's accounting career fairs have helped lead to all her internships and jobs in the field. As she graduates, Whitmire plans to work for Mauldin & Jenkins, where she has gained experience as a student. Her experiences at ǧÃŬAV have helped prepare her for the opportunity.   

"The ǧÃŬAV student culture in the accounting program is wonderful," Whitmire said. "It's how I learned how to work with other people." 

Olivia DePaux, a Buford, Georgia, resident, earned a degree in film and digital media with a production concentration and a specialization in screenwriting. She came to ǧÃŬAV more than 20 years after completing her associate degree.  

DePaux had reservations about coming back to school at her age, but she said the students, faculty and staff at ǧÃŬAV welcomed her with open arms and never made her feel out of place. She particularly appreciated the chance to take part in the summer 2023 "Film in Italy" study abroad. DePaux cannot say enough good things about ǧÃŬAV's film faculty members.  

"They've worked with me on my writing, and they've been great mentors," DePaux said. "I've learned and grown and developed so much. I feel like I can go out in the world and start a new career."  

She had acting roles in a variety of projects, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, those opportunities lessened, opening an avenue for DePaux to pursue her long-held passion for writing.   

DePaux encourages others to pursue a college degree whenever they have the opportunity.  

"Getting this degree has been the greatest thing I've accomplished besides my children. This is a dream I've had my whole life. This degree opens so many doors," DePaux said. "If you have the ability to go to college, you should do it. Without a degree, you will hit a ceiling."