GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — Overcast skies couldn’t dampen the upbeat mood at the 2017 College Graduation Recognition Ceremony May 12 at the Rose Barracks Multi-Purpose Center in Vilseck.

 

Senior Education Services Officer Kathleen Connolly opened the ceremony, which drew the largest number of college graduates in the ceremony’s three-year history.

 

“Adult learners really do make a sacrifice,” Connolly said, pointing to the long hours adults spend pursuing their degree in addition to time spent working in their professions, or taking care of a family.

 

This year, 45 students earned associates, bachelors and masters degrees from three on-post universities, Central Texas College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and University of Maryland University College. In addition, students received degrees from nearly 20 other off-post colleges.

 

Students also came from the Hohenfels and Garmisch communities to attend the ceremony. Many were accompanied by family and friends, some in uniform.

 

Teachers Angelo Aldridge, from Central Texas College, and Dr. Gloria Jones, from University of Maryland University College Europe, were recognized for their service and dedication to students and received the Excellence in Teaching award.

 

The graduates were quick to point to those who had encouraged them on their paths.

 

Jerry Jackson, Jr., a UMUC graduate who received a bachelor’s in Management Studies quickly pointed to his wife, Antoinette.

 

“I feel great, my wife actually motivated me to do it,” Jackson said, smiling.  A retired veteran, Jackson said he would like to obtain a master’s degree and maybe eventually a doctorate.

 

Leah Markham already had a master’s degree in business, but decided to change direction, attending Liberty University and obtaining a dual master’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. She acknowledged how hard it was, having just finished her student teaching last Friday.

 

“I would say make sure you follow your heart, once you find what you like to do,” Markham said. “It makes it all worth it.”

 

Markham suffered a miscarriage after 16 weeks, in the middle of her student teaching, but quickly returned to her studies, wanting to be a good example for her children.

 

Those in attendance included garrison leadership, college representatives and Education Center staff who praised the hard work, determination and focus of the graduates.

 

 

Central Texas College .
Rodney Morgan, Retired First Sgt. Applied Science, A.A. .	Chief Warrant Officer 2 LeJuan Taylor General Studies, A.A. .	Sgt. 1st Class Tyler Marc Walden General Studies, A.A. .
Staff Sgt. John Cruz General Studies, A.A. .

 

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University .
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Natasha Rayan Aeronautics, B.S. .	Perla A. Matthews Cardenas Engineering Technology, B.S. .	Justin Reuter Technical Management, B.S. .
Spc. Valdeta Mehanja Aeronautics, M.S. .

 

University of Maryland University College .
Sgt. Tyisha L. Carter Business and Management, A.A. .	Sgt. Mark Antonio Jainarine General Studies, A.A. .	Sgt. Maggie Lavagnino General Studies, A.A .
Sgt. Karyn Yeomans General Studies, A.A. .	Spc. Andrew Allan Antretter General Studies, A.A. .	Andrianna Garza General Studies, A.A. .
Jesse Lopez General Studies, A.A. .	Sgt. First Class Matt Weatherford History, B.A. .	Margarita DeLeon Social Work, B.A. .
Jerry C. Jackson, Jr. Management Studies, B.S. .	Lluviay R. Zapata Marketing, B.S. .	Staff Sgt. Eddie Schaub Psychology, B.S. .
Jackie Lynn Boesman Business Administration, B.S. .	Joseph L. Duran Business Administration, B.S. .	Helena Giese Management Studies, B.S. .
Master Sgt. Kris Pate Social Science, B.S. .	Berinda Atkinson Social Science, B.S. .

 

Off-Post Universities .
1st Sgt. Kirklee Daubon Management, A.A. American Military University	Sgt. Tileesa Marie Alven Sports and Health Sciences, B.S. American Military University	Sgt. Even Smith Intelligence Operations, A.S. Cochise College
Sgt. Matthew Diggins Business Administration, B.S. Columbia College	Spc. Francesca R. Dickey Criminal Justice, A.S. Columbia Southern University	Capt. Sherice Patton Nursing, M.S. Eastern New Mexico State University
Sgt. 1st Class Felix Cana Criminal Justice, A.S. Kaplan University	Leah Markham Elementary Education, Special Education, M.A. Liberty University	Trista Nichole Gideon Business Administration, M.S. Liberty University
Jamie R. Lane Healthcare Administration, B.S. Northeastern State University	Jessica Ball Human Development and Family Science, B.S. Oregon State University	Sgt. 1st. Class Rene Urietalagunas Business Administration, B.S. Post University
Chelsey N. Bullock Business Administration, B.S. Sam Houston State University	Staff Sgt. Steven R. Borcsani Leadership, B.S. Trident University International	Spc. Andrew BrisenoLopez Leadership, B.S. Trident University International
Sgt. Maj. Angella Beckford Management, M.S. University of Management and Technology	Staff Sgt. Iusteen H. Garcia Business Administration, B.S. University of Phoenix	Maj. Matthew Werner Procurement and Acquisitions Management, M.A. Webster University

 

 

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