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 . |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 . |
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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 |