Emory & Henry University celebrates 178th Commencement
Saturday, Emory & Henry University celebrated its 178th commencement as over 270 graduates walked across the commencement stage and out into the world. This was the second year that Emory & Henry has celebrated commencement under the name Emory & Henry University and the first year the University conferred bachelor’s degrees for elementary education to a “Grow Your Own” cohort of online paraprofessionals working full-time while earning their degrees.
Dr. Michael Lane, Vice President for Academic Affairs, welcomed graduates, friends, families and students to the ceremony.
“To the parents, grandparents, spouses, partners, children, families and supporters joining us this morning – thank you. Your encouragement, sacrifices, prayers and belief in these graduates helped make this day possible.” said Lane. “This accomplishment belongs to you, as well, and to our faculty and staff. Thank you, for the countless ways you have guided, challenged, mentored and inspired our students. The impact extends far beyond this campus and will continue through the lives and careers of these graduates for generations to come.”
Madison Rossi-Dupas, Class of 2026, was chosen by her peers as this year’s senior orator. A native of Kingston, Tenn., Rossi-Dupas addressed graduates with a speech titled “To Be,” centered around the theme of both place and community at Emory & Henry University.
“Many parts of our college experience are similar to other liberal arts institutions,” said Rossi-Dupas. “However, what sets Emory & Henry apart is our deliberate intention to connect to this place and each other. Exit 26 individually invites each of us to become a part of its living history, its community.”
Rachel Ritter, Class of 2025, of Gibsonville, North Carolina, gave the master’s oration. Titled “The Decision to Act,” Ritter encouraged her fellow graduates to act decisively.
“Success does not come from circumstances it comes from decisions. While we cannot control everything that happens to us, we can always control what we do next,” said Ritter. “And in that truth lies both a challenge and a responsibility. Because if our future is shaped by our decisions, we’re not just observers in our lives. We’re builders in them.”
The William and Martha DeFriece Award was also presented to Dr. W. Mark Handy, Class of 1986. Every year, the DeFriece Award is given to an alumnus or faculty member who has made a significant contribution to civilization or to humanity. Dr. Handy was given the award in honor of his significant positive contribution to the University and to the region as a medical practitioner, education, healthcare leader, and musician.
This year’s commencement featured a keynote from LeRae Edwards Collins, Class of 2008, the president and Chief Executive Officer of the Holston Foundation. She is the first woman to serve as president and CEO of the Holston Foundation in its more than 40-year history.
While at Emory & Henry, Collins was deeply engaged in campus life and leadership and was named the Outstanding Senior, received the Senior Service Award and was recognized as the Outstanding Political Science Student. Collins also served as the Vice President of the Student Government Association, was a member of a sorority, and contributed to campus media outlets.
“If there is one thing I hope you remember today, it is this – all roads lead to Emory & Henry. Not just the roads that brought you here, but the roads that will take you into your future and continue to connect you,” said Collins.
Additionally, several special awards were presented to students during the ceremony:
• The Byars Medal in Science was presented to Cami DeBusk. The award recognizes a senior who has demonstrated the most outstanding record in the sciences.
• The Eleanor Gibson Via Science Award for Women is awarded to a female candidate for a bachelor of science degree who has demonstrated marked achievement. Elizabeth Gurshpun was honored this year with the award.
• The Senior Service Award is given to a student chosen by faculty who has given unusual and distinctive service to the University. This year’s Senior Service Award was given to Madison Rossi-Dupas.
• Cami DeBusk, Gabrielle Iadevaio, and Taylor Wallace were awarded with this year’s Snavely Senior Scholarship Prize, which is given to a senior or seniors with the highest academic average in the class.
• Two members of the senior class are honored each year with the Outstanding Senior Awards. Chosen by a faculty vote, the award honors two seniors with outstanding campus leadership and academic achievement. This year’s winners are Channah Davidson and Madison Rossi-Dupas.
Dr. Lane presided over the conferral of degrees, which included 157 Bachelor of Arts, 110 Bachelor of Science, five Bachelor of Science in Nursing, seven Master’s degrees, and two Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees. This talented and diverse group of graduates will go on to graduate programs, professional careers, and high impact internships in fields like healthcare, business, law, and beyond.
In addition to the graduates, Emory & Henry bid farewell to two retiring faculty members Dr. Ed Davis, who retired after 35 years of service, and Dr. Xiaoxue Li, who retired after 19 years of service. Dr. Michael Puglisi, Vice President for Accreditation and Special Projects, also retires after 21 years.
