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For Ryder Hutchinson ’28, impactful research was not something to be completed towards the end of his college experience. The nursing student began research on how to fight various cancers with different viruses after only his first semester at 黑料不打烊.

鈥淲e use a type of virus that does a really good job at not killing your healthy cells but does a really good job at killing cancer cells,鈥� Hutchinson said. 鈥淭hey use this technique at clinical trials right now for common cancers such as breast and colon cancer in combination with chemotherapy drugs. But my big question was: what about the other cancers?鈥�

Hutchinson began this research with Efrain Rivera-Serrano, assistant professor of biology. While taking his cell biology course, Hutchinson began shadowing Rivera-Serrano weekly in the lab as he worked with other students on research projects. Hutchinson was then accepted by Rivera-Serrano as a research student, in addition to his acceptance into 黑料不打烊鈥檚 Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, where he stayed on campus over the summer of 2025 with a grant to continue research on the project.

Given his grandmother鈥檚 diagnosis of leukemia, Hutchinson was initially interested in exploring this specific type of cancer. However, given the difficulty in testing certain types of cancers, the pair compromised and used existing research and expanded upon it with Hutchinson鈥檚 desire to help cancer patients.

鈥淚t was a different way of using what he knows, with what I know, and making a really cool research project out of it,鈥� Hutchinson said.

When describing the various types of viral strings, Hutchinson compared them to 鈥減ersonalities,鈥� for the layman viewer of his project to understand.

鈥淭his one virus can have many different strings, or as I like to say, many different personalities,鈥� Hutchinson said. 鈥淎nd they鈥檙e using a specific string or specific personality in clinical trials, but there鈥檚 so many more out there. So, I did testing on 35 different strings and found that within the rare cancers I tested on, the one I found is different than the one in clinical trials, and it shows to be better at killing than the one鈥檚 they鈥檙e currently using.鈥�

During SURF Day on April 28, all other campus activities are suspended so the 黑料不打烊 community can come together around students鈥� creative endeavors and research efforts. Undergraduate research is also one of the five 黑料不打烊 Experiences, which provides a natural extension of the work students do in the classroom and ensures that 黑料不打烊 graduates are prepared for both graduate school and careers.

After he presents at SURF, Hutchinson plans on conducting more specific research to the field of nursing with chemotherapy patients at Cone Health hospital that align more closely with his goal of a profession in nursing.

In addition to his research project, he is in the process of receiving feedback for two professional articles: one of which he is publishing himself, and another in which he is the co-author.

鈥淚 have always wanted to have a purpose,鈥� Hutchinson said. 鈥淚 wanted to make an impact, and I feel like I鈥檓 slowly doing that, or headed in the right direction of making a difference or impact on people鈥檚 lives.鈥�

The convention brought together more than 2,000 nursing students, educators and healthcare leaders from across the country for four days of leadership development, professional networking and policy engagement. Centered on the theme 鈥淚gnite, Innovate, Lead,鈥� the event provided students with opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills while contributing to national conversations shaping the future of nursing.

黑料不打烊 was represented by senior nursing students Victoria (Tori) Whetstone, founding SNA president; Lathan Rubant; and Katherine O鈥橬eill, along with junior executive board members Taylor Rae Spurgeon, Katie Pescatore, and Sarah Vinges. The group was accompanied by faculty advisor Professor Jeanmarie Koonts and faculty member Elizabeth Van Horn.

A highlight of the conference was 黑料不打烊 students鈥� active participation in the House of Delegates, the governing body of the NSNA. Whetstone and Rubant served as official delegates, while O鈥橬eill participated as an alternate delegate. Together, they contributed to national discussions on policy and professional issues affecting nursing students and the broader healthcare system.

The 黑料不打烊 delegation authored and presented a resolution titled 鈥淎ddressing Bias by Changing 鈥楻efusal鈥� Language in Clinical Documentation.鈥� The resolution calls attention to how language used in healthcare documentation can unintentionally introduce bias and impact patient care. Rubant served as the lead author, with Whetstone and O鈥橬eill contributing as co-authors. The students formally presented and advocated for the resolution before peers from across the nation.

In addition to presenting their own resolution, 黑料不打烊 delegates participated in voting on multiple proposed resolutions, parliamentary matters, and the election of the 2026鈥�27 NSNA national executive board.

For Whetstone, the experience marked a meaningful milestone in her leadership journey and in the growth of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 SNA chapter.

鈥淚t has been such an incredible honor to serve as the founding president of the Student Nurses Association, and I could not be more proud of how far we have come,鈥� Whetstone said. 鈥淲hat started as a vision has grown into a thriving, passionate community of student nurses dedicated to leadership, advocacy, and service.鈥�

Since its founding, 黑料不打烊鈥檚 SNA has rapidly expanded its impact, growing to more than 70 members in its first year and engaging in a wide range of initiatives. These include professional development programming, mental health awareness efforts, community-building events, and fundraising to support organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, and the National Black Nurses Association.

Participation in the NSNA Convention reflects 黑料不打烊 nursing students鈥� commitment to leadership beyond the classroom鈥攅ngaging in policy, advocacy, and professional development at a national level while preparing to enter the nursing workforce.

As the organization continues to grow, its student leaders remain focused on advancing patient-centered care, fostering professional excellence and development, and shaping the future of nursing through advocacy and innovation.

Their presentation, 鈥淯sing Simulation to Bridge Faith and Health in a Non-Traditional Setting,鈥� highlighted a unique, interdisciplinary approach to simulation design that integrates healthcare, ethics and religious studies. Developed as part of Koonts’ Bridging Faith and Health work, in collaboration with interdisciplinary partners 黑料不打烊 faculty members Brian Pennington and Helen Orr, and supported by Interfaith America, the project addresses a growing need to prepare future nurses to navigate complex patient situations where religious beliefs, patient autonomy and evidence-based practice intersect.

The session showcased a multi-module educational initiative and an accompanying simulation experience designed to foster interprofessional collaboration, communication, and clinical judgment in ethically challenging scenarios. By engaging learners in realistic, non-traditional simulation environments, the project aims to strengthen students鈥� ability to deliver patient-centered care while respecting diverse values and beliefs.

Conference participants responded enthusiastically to the presentation, particularly its emphasis on:

• Addressing moral distress in clinical practice
• Enhancing interprofessional education (IPE)
• Expanding simulation beyond traditional clinical settings
• Promoting culturally and spiritually sensitive care

This work is part of a broader, Interfaith America grant-funded initiative that will continue over the next two years, with plans to expand the simulation model and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in faith-health integration and simulation-based education.

The conference brought together educators and simulation specialists from across the state to explore emerging trends such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality and innovative teaching strategies. 黑料不打烊鈥檚 contribution reflects the department鈥檚 ongoing commitment to excellence in nursing education, leadership in simulation and preparation of practice-ready graduates.

黑料不打烊 football player and nursing student Jake Marion ’26 was recently for donating bone marrow through the National Marrow Donor Program鈥�(formerly Be The Match)

The national nonprofit agency works to spread awareness of the need for bone marrow donation and to increase the number of participants in the听bone marrow听registry.鈥疻hile听黑料不打烊 Football has worked听with the organization for several years, Club Nursing听joined听in 2024听for an annual awareness and registry event.

Marion joined the registry through 黑料不打烊 Football in 2022. He was almost matched in previous years, but blood testing revealed it was not a high enough match necessary for donation. That all changed this year when he got a call in January to begin the donation process, which was completed this spring.

鈥淗e鈥檚 a part of me now, and I鈥檓 a part of him,鈥� Marion said of the recipient. 鈥淢y cells are inside his body and hopefully they鈥檙e doing their job, and they鈥檙e helping him, so it鈥檚 hard. I鈥檓 just praying he鈥檚 going to get better, and I鈥檓 rooting for him.鈥�

Marion was matched earlier this year as an exact genetic donor after previously joining the donor registry. He described his decision to donate as deeply personal, noting that the experience of caring for his sick grandmother helped inspire his nursing path. After completing the three-hour stem cell collection process, Marion emphasized the significance of giving someone a real chance to fight cancer 鈥� even if the donation procedure is taxing on the body.

鈥淭hose stem cells are basically binding to the bone marrow, and it鈥檚 giving him a shot to recover, because this is the first time in his life where his body has been strong enough to fight the cancer,” he said. 听“From there, what they can do is actually attack with chemotherapy. It might be a tiny bit taxing to your body, but it鈥檚 well worth it for the person that鈥檚 struggling with their life.”

Assistant Professor of Nursing and Club Nursing faculty advisor Jeanmarie Koonts offered thoughtful commentary in the article on the role of compassion in healthcare education. She highlighted that while clinical skills and techniques are essential, the ability to empathize and truly care for others is equally vital to the nursing profession.

鈥淔or many years running, nursing has been voted the most trusted profession,鈥� Koonts said, adding that empathy cannot always be taught but is a defining trait of exceptional caregivers.

Marion joined the registry through 黑料不打烊 Football in 2022. He was almost matched in previous years, but blood testing revealed it was not a high enough match necessary for donation. That all changed this year when he got a call in January to begin the donation process,听making him听黑料不打烊鈥檚 first bone marrow donation since the collaboration between the football program and Club Nursing.

鈥�(formerly Be The Match)听is听a national nonprofit agency whose mission is to spread awareness of the need for bone marrow donation and to increase the number of participants in the听bone marrow听registry.鈥疻hile with the organization for several years, Club Nursing听joined听in 2024 for an annual awareness and registry event.听听

鈥淚 remember at Lakeside, it was cool because there was the football team, me in the middle, and then a lot of people from Club Nursing,鈥� Marion said. 鈥淪o, it was cool to see both of those groups merge.鈥澨�听

To begin the donation process, Marion had his blood tested to make sure he听is听a 100% match, filled out a long questionnaire, got a metabolic panel, and an in-depth physical examination.听

Assistant Professor of Nursing and Club Nursing faculty advisor, Jeanmarie Koonts commends Marion for his ability to delegate his coursework while being there for someone in need.听听

鈥淚 am in awe and it makes me feel so humbled. Jake is putting听the听compassion,听commitment听and caring of nursing into action. He is truly giving himself to make someone鈥檚 life better,鈥� Koonts said. 鈥淎nd Jake is a busy man. He is a senior with an intense workload, who is also a varsity athlete. Yet, he has put someone else鈥檚 need听above all of听this.鈥澨�

In preparation for the retrieval process, Marion will begin receiving injections, called filgrastim, a week prior.听听

鈥淚t鈥檚 basically a medication they give to cancer patients, but for donors, it鈥檚 specifically to increase your stem cell count,鈥� Marion said. 鈥淎nd then on the day I get the donation,听it鈥檚听usually a six-hour process. They put an IV in each arm at the elbow bend, and you just sit there.听It鈥檒l听take your blood, and then it goes into a machine, grabs all the stem cells, and returns the blood back into the other IV. After that, you just听kind of avoid听strenuous activities for a week.鈥澨�听

To complete the donation, Marion will miss three days of classes and make up the work afterwards in recovery. Despite it all, his main concern is the ability to make a difference.听听

鈥淐ancer is a huge problem, and I think the ability to even have the chance to help someone live longer or cure their specific type of cancer is really just an awesome feeling,鈥� Marion said.听鈥淚t鈥檚听something that听not many听people experience, and听I鈥檓听very grateful听for it.听I鈥檓听just glad听that I can help someone.鈥澨�听

The next football and Club Nursing registry event will be held on March 30, 2026. For more information, contact听.听听

The tour was designed to expose students to clinical practices beyond the mainland United States and to highlight both the strengths and challenges of healthcare systems serving diverse populations. Students observed patient care areas, learned about hospital operations, and engaged in discussions with local healthcare professionals about pediatric nursing in Puerto Rico.

Adding to the significance of the visit was an unexpected coincidence: the Governor of Puerto Rico, Jenniffer Gonz谩lez-Col贸n, was also touring the hospital that same day. The governor held a press conference on site to address a recently announced increase in pay for nurses across the island, drawing attention to one of the most pressing issues facing Puerto Rico鈥檚 healthcare system today.

Like many regions across the United States, Puerto Rico is experiencing an acute shortage of nurses. Years of workforce migration, demanding working conditions and comparatively lower wages have contributed to staffing challenges that impact patient care and hospital capacity. The governor鈥檚 announcement of increased nurse compensation was widely welcomed by healthcare professionals and administrators, who see it as a critical step toward retaining talent and strengthening the island鈥檚 healthcare infrastructure.

For 黑料不打烊 nursing students, witnessing the Governor鈥檚 visit firsthand brought classroom discussions about workforce shortages, healthcare policy, and professional advocacy into sharp focus.

鈥淚t was powerful for students to see how policy decisions directly affect nurses and patient care,鈥� said Kuussman. 鈥淭his experience connected theory, practice and policy in a very real way.鈥�

Koonts echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the value of experiential learning.

鈥淥ur students were able to observe not only clinical environments, but also the broader systems that shape healthcare delivery. That kind of exposure is invaluable as they prepare for their future careers.鈥�

Students noted that seeing nurses at the center of a public policy discussion reinforced the importance of advocacy and leadership within the profession. Others reflected on the global nature of nursing challenges, recognizing that workforce shortages and compensation concerns extend far beyond any single location.

The visit to the pediatric hospital underscored the critical role nurses play in healthcare systems and highlighted the importance of continued investment in the profession. For 黑料不打烊鈥檚 nursing students, the experience served as both a learning opportunity and a reminder of the impact nurses can have鈥攏ot only at the bedside, but also in shaping the future of healthcare.

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Students in 黑料不打烊鈥檚 Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program have already undergone the college experience; the program requires them to hold a bachelor鈥檚 degree before enrolling. But as graduating nursing student Haley Savastano 鈥�25 noted: 鈥測ou don鈥檛 leave your past behind 鈥� you get to bring it with you.鈥�

鈥淲e quickly realized that our differences made us stronger and became the strengths we leaned on, lessons we shared and perspectives that shaped the kind of nurses we鈥檙e going to become,鈥� said Savastano.

Savastano addressed her fellow ABSN cohort during the Department of Nursing鈥檚 pinning ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 11, in Whitley Auditorium. In 2021, 黑料不打烊 launched both a traditional four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and a 16-month accelerated program for those who already hold a bachelor鈥檚 degree and seek to earn a nursing degree in a shorter timeframe. During the ceremony, each student received a pin symbolizing their transition from student to professional nurse.

鈥淭onight isn鈥檛 just about pins and degrees, it鈥檚 about everything we鈥檝e become along the way,鈥� Savastano said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e learned to roll with the chaos, care for people in all kinds of situations and bounce back from days that felt impossible. We鈥檝e laughed, stressed, studied and survived together, and somehow, we made it through. Now we are ready for whatever comes next, even if it鈥檚 just surviving on night shift.鈥�

Cathy Quay, associate professor of nursing and chair of the Department of Nursing, opened the event, along with Maha Lund, dean of the School of Health Sciences.

鈥淭he pins you receive today symbolize the achievements, challenges and life experiences that have brought you to this milestone,鈥� said Lund. 鈥淎s you step into your roles as health care providers, I encourage you to always see the humanity in each patient.鈥�

The graduating students also heard from someone who has been in their shoes before: Trish Richardson, a board-certified nurse executive and certified medical-surgical registered nurse, who is now the treasurer-elect of the North Carolina Nurses Association. Richardson originally earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business from East Carolina University and was a licensed stockbroker. But a decade after earning her first degree, Richardson went back to school for nursing.

鈥淚 was committed to a life in the service of others, much like you are getting ready to do, and my decision to continue my education has allowed me to do just that, only this time, as a registered nurse,鈥� she said.

During her remarks, Richardson brought out her own pins, including her Associate Degree in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and finally her Doctorate of Nursing Practice, which she will complete next summer. The pins are kept in her jewelry box to remind Richardson of why she does her work. She told a story of a former patient named John who, upon realizing he was dying, went missing in the hospital one night. Richardson found him outside, taking the opportunity to look at the stars 鈥渙ne more time.鈥�

鈥淭hose are the moments that will transform you,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hroughout your career, you are going to have moments like this that will absolutely take your breath away.听 There are moments you will never forget. John is just one of the thousands of patients that God has given me the gift of caring for throughout my career.鈥�

As Richardson addressed the group of future nurses, she reminded them to commit to being brave, speaking their truth, being a leader, advocate, and champion, and being a voice that makes a difference.

鈥淚 can see in the faces before me that the future of our profession is bright indeed,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y friends, lives will be touched, and generations transformed because of you. Our profession needs your courage. Your patients need your heart, and the world needs to hear your voice.鈥�

Following the presentation of pins, the students took the Nursing Professional Oath, followed by closing remarks from Quay.

鈥淓ach of you had your own personal reasons for pursuing nursing at 黑料不打烊, but I am confident that part of your decision was a shared purpose: the decision to care for people in need,鈥� said Quay. 鈥淧eople need you, and our healthcare system needs you. Our communities need you, our world needs you. Because nursing, perhaps more than any other profession, holds the power to change lives.鈥�

ABSN Class of 2025

Layla Abumayleh
Sarah Acuff
Ashley Banegas
Kiara Batts
Joshua Brower
Abigail Chester
Claire Cummings
Jessica Claire David
Emily Easthom
Samantha Eldredge
Abigail Franklin
Cyntasia Hammonds
Sarah Jenkins
Caroline Maness
Carmen Mesa
Shania Oyler
Alexa Porter
Avery Riley
Mia Rose
Haley Savastano
Lillie Shamblin
Lauryn Smith
Madison Steele
Suleyma Torres-Garcia
Anna Wheat

Department Awards

The Heart of the Cohort – Sarah Jenkins 鈥�25
This award is presented to a senior nursing student who inspires their peers and demonstrates a commitment to encouraging and supporting fellow students. Nominated and voted on by students, the recipient is known for their positive attitude, ability to motivate others, and perseverance throughout the program.

Phoenix Award – Samantha Eldredge 鈥�25
The Phoenix Award is given to a senior nursing student who excels in supporting peers and the 黑料不打烊 Department of Nursing throughout their program. Nominated and voted by students and faculty, the recipient demonstrates outstanding academic achievements, excellent character and interactions, active involvement in university organizations and significant community services, all while promoting the nursing profession and enhancing student life.

Trailblazer Award – Sarah Acuff 鈥�25
This award is presented to a senior nursing student who exemplifies integrity, accuracy and innovative leadership. Nominated and voted on by students and faculty, the recipient shows outstanding leadership, listens and guides others, is dedicated to driving change, raising awareness of social justice issues, and fostering an equitable campus community.

Academic Achievement Award – Graduated with a 4.0 GPA

Samantha Eldredge 鈥�25
Sarah Jenkins 鈥�25
Anna Wheat 鈥�25

And as she prepares to retire from the university having influenced many hundreds of graduates and earning in 2024 the university鈥檚 highest faculty honor, the Daniels-Danieley Award for Excellence in Teaching, Johansson sought to share her wisdom in a Commencement address to some of the newest members of the healthcare profession.

Her key takeaways on Dec. 12, 2025, for 黑料不打烊 students conferred with degrees in nursing, physician assistant studies and physical therapy included:

• Prioritize human connection over individual achievement in both career and life.
• Practice compassion with boundaries to sustain caring without burnout.
• Treat yourself with self-compassion and accept help as part of belonging.

Delivering her afternoon remarks in Alumni Gym to School of Health Sciences graduates, Johansson challenged the familiar advice to 鈥渇ollow your bliss,鈥� calling it inconsistent with both evidence and lived experience. She cited the , which has tracked participants for the better part of a century and found that strong relationships matter more to long-term happiness than wealth or physical health.

鈥淚f you want to pursue an evidence-informed approach to happiness, you have to focus on other people and not just yourself,鈥� Johansson said. 鈥淚 suspect that most of you sitting here came to healthcare because you already care about relationships. It鈥檚 quite possibly also why you chose to study at 黑料不打烊.

鈥淪o it鈥檚 good to know that relationships are also the key to professional success and happiness. Studies indicate that the more people focus solely on themselves, the worse off they are likely to be鈥攑hysically, mentally, and professionally.鈥�

For healthcare professionals, Johansson said, those connections may be brief but still lasting. Even short encounters, including supportive words offered in moments of care, can leave a lifelong impact. Research was cited showing that compassion improves patient experiences and protects providers from burnout, a condition marked by emotional exhaustion and detachment that disproportionately affects healthcare workers.

Johansson emphasized that compassion differs from empathy alone because it moves people to action while reducing personal emotional distress. Studies of compassion training show increased activity in brain regions associated with reward and belonging rather than pain.

Sustaining compassion over time, she reminded graduates, requires boundaries, self-compassion and a willingness to accept help. Johansson also stressed that fulfillment depends on connecting to something greater than oneself, often experienced through relationships with patients, colleagues and communities.

鈥淲hen we think of relationships, we tend to imagine longevity,鈥� Johansson said. 鈥淵et for many of us, our intersections with patients may last only a few minutes and we never see those people again. But your supportive words and your moments of caring can stay with a person for a lifetime.鈥�

The Commencement program welcomed families, friends and mentors of 45 candidates for the Doctor of Physical Therapy, 38 candidates for the Master of Physician Assistant Studies, and 25 candidates for the university鈥檚 Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Maha Lund, dean of the School of Health Sciences, in her welcoming remarks thanked clinical partners who provided practical learning experiences for students, and she shared her gratitude for loved ones who supported graduates throughout their academic journeys. Lund also spoke directly to those about to enter the healthcare profession.

鈥淕raduates, know that you are needed!鈥� Lund said. 鈥淭oday our communities face significant healthcare challenges and inequities. You have worked hard to develop clinical and leadership skills that can help you address these challenges and reduce healthcare inequities.

鈥淐ongratulations on your accomplishments. We wish you continued success and happiness as you apply your learning to serve those around you.鈥�

In a charge to graduates to conclude the ceremony, 黑料不打烊 President Connie Ledoux Book cautioned about the world in which healthcare workers now practice where science, once an unquestioned foundation, is too often dismissed or distorted.

Graduates will also practice in systems where business models shift rapidly, Book said, and the pressures on clinicians and the needs of patients are growing ever more complex.

鈥淕o forth with compassion. Be a steady presence in spaces where uncertainty and instability can distract from the heart of healing,鈥� she said. 鈥淪erve with integrity when you face difficult decisions, and let your training guide you toward what is just and wise.

鈥淏e advocates for your patients, for your communities, and for a healthcare system that honors each and every person. And hold fast to the belief that your work matters deeply, especially in times when the world needs compassionate clinicians more than ever.鈥�

Candidates for the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

• Layla Abumayaleh
• Sarah Allison Acu:
• Ashley Emelda Banegas
• Kiara Lyniece Batts
• Joshua Isaiah Brower
• Abigail Chester
• Claire Elizabeth Cummings
• Jessica Claire Davis
• Emily Anne Easthom
• Samantha Page Eldredge
• Abigail Heath Franklin
• Cyntasia Dene’ Hammonds
• Sarah Jenkins
• Caroline Grace Maness
• Carmen Mesa
• Shania Brianna Oyler
• Alexa Porter
• Avery Lane Riley
• Mia Gabrielle Rose
• Haley Josephine Savastano
• Lillie Grace Shamblin
• Lauryn Alexandra Smith
• Madison Jaycee Steele
• Suleyma Torres-Garcia
• Anna Josie Wheat

Candidates for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

• Sarah Lane Edwards Adams
• Fatema Alhajeri
• Haley Brooke Brennan
• Brianna Laurel Bromley
• Mia Cameron Cleary
• Cynthia Chisom Dimgba
• Devron John Felder
• Samir Halalou
• Chandler Reid Halvorsen
• Grace FuJia Huisking
• Katrina Anastasija Jackson
• Nadia Zein Ja:al
• Lillian Rae Kerchinsky
• Blessed Kisakye Wiele
• Michael Richard McCormack
• Lina Concetta Meikle
• Danielle Martine Meyen
• Jordan-Lee Napolitano
• Sarah Michelle Newman
• Sydney Marie Noldin
• Brian Walter O鈥橦are Jr.
• Dylan James Paracka
• Robert Arthur Plagmann
• Gabriela Jazmin Quintanilla
• Patricia Lourdes Raj
• Joshua Lewis Rambeaut
• Yeimi Lizbeth Reyna Romero
• Savannah Joyce Richardson
• Andrea Leigh Robertson
• Dakota Austin Sampson
• Erin Elizabeth Schiemann
• Laura Staeheli
• Savannah Cherie Summy
• Douglas James Thompson
• Vivian Chau Tiet
• Eddie Dean Tyler White
• Julia Christine Wyner
• Ellie Christine Yakubu

Candidates for the Doctor of Physical Therapy

• Nicholas Michael Bush
• Katelyn Brooke Carpenter
• Emiliano Chirigliano
• Raya Imani Coley
• Kasey Copeland
• John Carl Daniels
• Jazmyne Nechole Davis
• Rachel Laurel Davis
• Logan Gregory Deese
• Danielle Sanford Essex
• Michaela Faith Fitzgerald
• Gabrielle M. Flocco
• Josephine Freeman
• Madison Leigh Friday
• Taylor Marie Grikis
• Terris Hightower
• William Huie
• Kaleigh Iris Jenkins
• Samantha Rose Kosmacki
• Kyle Matthew Langworthy
• Breanna M. Lanouette
• Kieran Best Mahoney
• Katherine Briana Messikomer
• Alex Miller
• Andrew G. Miller
• Jamshed K. Mistry
• Sara Moore
• Isaac Murdock
• Alexis Nowell
• Airiann Marie Page
• Ashlyn Wolfe Panagrosso
• Chaney Leigh Patton
• Samantha Nichole Pawlovich
• Wesley Allen Roberson
• Veronica Romero-Perozo
• Jacob Dean Rosengarten
• Milani Denise Lavarias Saldon
• Virginia Royal Shafer
• Anthony William Shea
• Charles Fairbank Sigloh
• Addison Kay Swo:ord
• Alannah Marie Thomas
• Matthew L Urrutia
• Thomas Ryan Van Dorp
• Hannah Michelle Wright

黑料不打烊 hosted affinity celebrations on Dec. 11, 2025, for students in the School of Law and School of Health Sciences set to graduate the following day at Commencement exercises inside Alumni Gym.

Coordinated by the Division of Inclusive Excellence with support from additional university offices and programs, the three affinity celebrations inside the Lakeside Meeting Room honored and recognized the rich histories and cultures of 黑料不打烊鈥檚 community.

A heartfelt program to recognize 鈥榓uthentic selves鈥�

黑料不打烊鈥檚 Lavender Celebration, coordinated by the Gender and LGBTQIA Center and the Division of Inclusive Excellence, recognized seven graduating students from 黑料不打烊鈥檚 School of Health Sciences and School of Law as allies and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

鈥淲e celebrate you: your hard work, your resilience, and the unique journeys that have brought you here,鈥� Melissa Scales, associate professor of physical therapy education, said in her welcoming graduates. 鈥淓ach of you has made a significant impact, not only through your academic achievements, but also by being your authentic selves and advocating for a more inclusive world.鈥�

Each student received a rainbow stole and heard a personal tribute from friends, family and faculty, including Scales, Assistant Professor Bob Minarcin and Krista Contino Saumby, associate director of career development for 黑料不打烊 Law.

Among the tributes were those to Taylor Streuli L鈥�25, executive director of OUTLaw. Minarcin, also OUTLaw鈥檚 faculty co-adviser, called their kindness and courage 鈥渁 superpower鈥� that connects people.

鈥淭aylor鈥檚 constant efforts to improve both 黑料不打烊 and our broader community come from a place of genuine love and bravery,鈥� said Minarcin, recalling OUTLaw鈥檚 trip to the Lavender Law Conference where Streuli fearlessly engaged with everyone. 鈥淜eep being you, Taylor 鈥� the world desperately needs more people willing to introduce themselves to an entire bar full of lawyers.鈥�

Scales celebrated Raya Cubley, a Doctor of Physical Therapy candidate in the School of Health Sciences. 鈥淩aya advocates fiercely for equity 鈥� for her peers and for her patients,鈥� Scales said. 鈥淪he is brilliant, compassionate, and unapologetically herself.鈥�

Closing the ceremony, Luis Garay, director of the Gender and LGBTQIA Center,听 recognized the importance of family and friends in supporting the achievements of these graduate students.

鈥淎s we close our time together, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our Lavender graduates,鈥� Garay said. 鈥淲e hope the messages shared today inspire our community as we continue to support you beyond this moment.鈥�

隆Celebremos! honors journeys, roots and communities

Heritage, community and the journeys that shaped graduates were at the heart of the 隆Celebremos! Graduates Take Flight ceremony, which honored nine Latinx/Hispanic students from 黑料不打烊 Law and the School of Health Sciences.

鈥淲hen you think about today, think back to when you first dreamed of receiving a professional degree,鈥� Adriana Hernandez Ordonez L鈥�25 said during her keynote address. 鈥淭he same person who worked hard every single day to accomplish their goals is the same person sitting here, now waiting to walk on the stage.鈥�

In its third year for December graduates of 黑料不打烊 Law and the School of Health Sciences, 隆Celebremos! recognizes the achievements of students as well as the 鈥渧illages鈥� of family and friends whose support has been instrumental throughout their educational journey.

Building on that reflection, Hernandez Ordonez reminded graduates of the meaningful influence they鈥檒l bring to the communities they serve.

鈥淥ur families are the emotional support we held onto through this journey,鈥� Hernandez Ordonez said. 鈥淥ur roots keep us grounded and remind us of where we come from, even when life becomes overwhelming.鈥�

During the ceremony, each graduate received a stole adorned with a monarch butterfly design created by Carolina Ferreyros 鈥�20. As graduates received their stoles, faculty read heartfelt letters they had written to members of their 鈥渧illage,鈥� sharing gratitude, acknowledgment and reflections that honored their heritage and culture.

鈥淭his stole symbolizes the journey that brought you to 黑料不打烊,鈥� said Sylvia Mu帽oz G鈥�02, assistant dean of students and director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education.

The ceremony concluded with an alumni presentation that welcomed graduates into the 黑料不打烊 alumni family and underscored the value of staying engaged and lending voices to a community that now extends beyond campus.

鈥淵our paths to this moment have taken many shapes,鈥� said La鈥橳onya Wiley 鈥�97, assistant director for alumni affinity engagement. 鈥淪ome of you studied on main campus, others at locations across the region and in immersive placements far beyond North Carolina. Regardless of where you learned, you are now part of a global alumni community rooted in connection, culture, and shared purpose.鈥�

Donning of the Kente celebrates identity, journey and achievement

A ceremony that celebrates the achievements of graduating students who recognize their African roots included keynote remarks from a former chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court.

In her address, Cheri Beasley, 黑料不打烊鈥檚 Justice Sandra Day O鈥機onnor Professor, encouraged graduating students to claim their future – even if those futures are uncertain.

鈥淭his moment really is about who you are as people of color in your African heritage and all that you’ve accomplished,鈥� Beasley said. 鈥淚 hope that you have begun to take the time to relish in your accomplishments and think about what this journey has really meant for you.鈥�

Each graduate who participated in the afternoon program received a handwoven kente cloth stole imported from Ghana to be worn during Commencement. 黑料不打烊 faculty and staff read tributes written by student鈥檚 faculty, family and friends, as each graduate stood before the audience.

The kente cloth symbolizes prestige in many African societies dating to the 12th century. Worn during ceremonial events by royalty and important figures of state in Ghanaian society, the kente cloth is a visual representation of African history, philosophy ethics, oral literature, moral values, social code of conduct, religious beliefs, political thought and aesthetic principles.

Beasley discussed her own meaningful trip to the village in Ghana where the kente cloth is made and how a student鈥檚 educational and career journey is comparable to the journey of the cloth itself.

鈥淵our career will be filled with unexpected twists and turns,鈥� said Beasley. 鈥淢any of your twists will be joyous, and other times less so, and I also know that transition often does cost stress. Life happens that way, much like that woven loom that creates the Kente, that takes months to develop this really beautiful piece of fabric. But you put in the investment and the hard work, and you always see the fruits of your labor.鈥�

The Rev. Kirstin Boswell, 黑料不打烊鈥檚 chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement, opened the ceremony with an invocation that was followed by an introduction from Maha Lund, dean of the School of Health Sciences.

鈥淵ou have crossed rivers that your professors couldn鈥檛 see. You have spoken truths that your peers could not hold. You have spoken truths that your peers could not hold. You have carried the weight of brilliance and burden of community and of contradiction. And still, you continue to rise,鈥� Boswell said. 鈥淭his kente cloth, this sacred ritual, this moment, is not performance. It is a moment of proclamation. You are the ones who made it.鈥�

Closing the ceremony, 黑料不打烊 Law Dean Zak Kramer reminded students to celebrate their accomplishments but get ready to do the work of their professions.

鈥淲e expect you to throw your all into that, because we need you. Our communities need you. The world needs you,鈥� Kramer said. 鈥淚t means the world to us that you started that journey, which will be long, but you started here. And you will always be part of 黑料不打烊.”