Wingate University graduates who crossed the stage in Cuddy Arena on Saturday were challenged to embrace change while holding fast to truth and to use their education to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. The University awarded 261 degrees in total.
Nearly a third of the 102 undergraduates donning caps and gowns earned degrees in biology or psychology. Management and exercise science were also popular fields of study for fall grads. Of the 159 students awarded graduate degrees, 59 earned their master of physician assistant studies and 35 their doctor of physical therapy degrees. Other graduate degrees awarded were master of business administration, doctor of education, master of arts in education, and master of accounting.
Regardless of their academic focus, Dr. Karen Friel, director of the University’s DPT program and one of two faculty members chosen to address the class, told graduates that they have “a basic obligation to lift up the most vulnerable, to be their voices and often their biggest supporters.”
“I am not naive to the fact that we all need to put food on the table, clothes on our back and a roof over our heads, but trust me when I tell you that your lives and the lives of those around you will be significantly more enriched by giving of your time and talents,” Friel said. “There is a way for you to use your Wingate degree, no matter what your program of study, to help those less fortunate.”
To illustrate her point, she described patient interactions that she said had left a profound but consistent impact on her over the years.
Dr. John Sykes, an English professor who has taught at Wingate since 1989, described himself as “superannuated” compared to graduates whom he said were “supercharged – filled with inspiration and having enough knowledge to want more, eager to get on to the next great thing.”
Sykes urged his audience to embrace change while holding fast to ancient truths.
“Wingate University has tried to introduce you to what great thinkers and artists and religious traditions have done to help human beings survive and thrive in this constantly evolving adventure of living,” Sykes said. “Don’t throw that past away. Use it to bring balance to your own life and to the society you live in.”
Turner Shehan from Burnsville, N.C., who earned his bachelor of science in exercise science, said he’ll use his Wingate degree “to help young athletes reach their full potential on the field or court.”
“This degree has also prepped me for graduate school in how to handle adversity when I’m faced with difficult tasks and find resources to succeed,” Shehan said.
Doralisa Pellane of Monroe said earning her bachelor of liberal studies in human services from Wingate has helped her to become a positive role model and to encourage others to pursue their education.
“Wingate University has helped me build my self-confidence,” she said. “I have been very grateful to have very supportive faculty members, staff and students by my side during this journey. It is not just an institution. Wingate University is family.”
Pellane plans to continue her studies at Wingate, enrolling in the University’s new master of social work program in the fall of 2024.
Lizzie Suazo, a native of Honduras who earned her bachelor of arts in communication, said she also felt supported at Wingate.
“Regardless of my status in the country, I was accepted at Wingate and was able to fulfill my dreams, thanks to the University,” Suazo said. She’s headed to Georgia State University to pursue her master’s.
In addition to degrees, several awards were handed out at Wingate on Saturday.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Award for Academic Excellence, presented to the students with the highest GPA in the program, went to William Altemueller and MacKenzie Crowell. Kirk Jones earned the DPT Award for Clinical Excellence, and Griffin Love won the DPT Award for Service Excellence.
Jessica Knutelsky won the Stokes Leadership Award, for exemplifying the core values of DPT professionalism: accountability, altruism, compassion, excellence, integrity, professional duty and social responsibility. And the DPT Advocacy and Professional Outreach Award went to Ryan Smith.
The H.K. Helms Award, presented to the undergraduates who have achieved the highest academic average, went to Olivia Marie Allen, Briana Marie Crowell, Gabrielle Rose DeSimone, Karla Jovyna Espinosa, Cody Alan Kelley, Vuong Trieu Nguyen Hoang, Taryn Elise Pryce and Carissa Lee Simpson.
Learn more about Wingate University at wingate.edu.
