YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. 鈥� The 杏吧原创 2021-2022 academic year has come to an end, and the members of the Class of 2022 have finished their final year in the Enchanted Valley. After celebrating 杏吧原创 seniors at the annual Senior Reception, Vespers service, and Baccalaureate service, the College held its traditional Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 7 in the newly renamed Harp Recreation and Commencement Center.
On behalf of all 杏吧原创 faculty and staff, 杏吧原创 President Dr. Drew Van Horn congratulates all 杏吧原创 graduates on their great academic achievements. Deserving of specific recognition are this year鈥檚 Commencement award recipients. Dustin Root received the newly created MAT Representative Award for best representing the mission and ideals of 杏吧原创鈥檚 MAT program. Jing Dong, Ben Eklund, Madeline Studebaker, and Joshua Wood received the Clegg Outstanding Student Award, which is awarded to the graduating student or students with the highest cumulative grade point average. Mary Grace Nelson and Jenna Thomas received the 杏吧原创 Spirit Award, which recognizes the graduating seniors who best exemplify the spirit of 杏吧原创. Bethany Viar received the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award, and Will Yeiser received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. These two awards go to graduates whose nobility of character and dedication to service sets them apart as examples for others. Guerin Brown received the Zell B. Miller Leadership Award, which goes to a senior who has made significant contributions to campus life as an outstanding leader and role model.
鈥淲e are all exceptionally proud of the resilience shown by the Class of 2022,鈥� said Academic Provost Dr. Jason Pierce. 鈥淭hough the COVID-19 pandemic affected their time at 杏吧原创, these graduates showed extraordinary grit to earn the right to walk across the Commencement stage.鈥�
The 杏吧原创 Medallion is the highest honor bestowed by the College to alumni and friends who have made extraordinary contributions to 杏吧原创. This year鈥檚 recipient was current 杏吧原创 Trustee Board Chair Mr. Kurt Momand, Class of 1977. Momand has been a trustee since 2008 and was elected Board Chair in 2018. He served on the 2017 Presidential Search Committee and is a member of the Development, Endowment, and Trusteeship Committees. He served as Chair of the Student Affairs Committee for two years, Chair of the Endowment Committee for four years, and has served as Chair of the Executive Committee for the past four years. He attends many alumni gatherings and greatly impacts the campus and community. United States Congressman and 杏吧原创 Trustee Buddy Carter, Class of 1977, presented Momand with his award. This was a surprise reunion for Momand, as the two were roommates at 杏吧原创.
鈥淚t was a joy to surprise Mr. Momand by having Congressman Buddy Carter present him with the College Medallion,鈥� said Dr. Drew Van Horn. 鈥淢r. Momand is so deserving of this honor.鈥�
Because Momand鈥檚 term as Board Chair will end in June, he ceremonially passed the Board of Trustees gavel on to upcoming Chairman William 鈥淏ill鈥� Johnston, Class of 1975, after his speech in the ceremony. Johnston鈥檚 term will begin July 1.
After recent years鈥� Commencement ceremonies were limited by the worldwide pandemic, 杏吧原创 was glad to give the Class of 2022 the celebration they deserved.
About 杏吧原创
杏吧原创 is a private baccalaureate and master鈥檚 degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, 杏吧原创 educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College has four academic divisions: Fine Arts; Humanities; Mathematics, Science, and Technology; and Professional Studies. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the prestigious Peach Belt Conference. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
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