ABAC celebrates graduates at Dec. 14 commencement exercises

Kevin Hall, The Moultrie Observer, Ga.
·3 min read

Dec. 16—TIFTON — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College celebrated a total of 267 graduates who earned their degrees in two commencement ceremonies held on Dec. 14.

The morning ceremony featured graduates from the School of Nursing and Health Sciences and the School of Arts and Sciences, while the afternoon ceremony honored graduates from the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Stafford School of Business.

"Today is why we do what we do," said ABAC President Tracy Brundage. "For our faculty, staff, and administration, watching these graduates enjoy this day makes us all so proud. The smiles on their faces reflect a sense of pride and excitement that is evident, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for all of them."

Cathy Cox, president of Georgia College and State University and an ABAC alumna, was the commencement speaker at both ceremonies. She earned her associate degree at ABAC before attending the University of Georgia and then Mercer Law School. She practiced law in Bainbridge and Atlanta for 10 years, during which time she was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives and was the first woman to be elected as Georgia's Secretary of State.

Cox's remarks focused on authenticity, which she said was a defining characteristic of ABAC.

"Interestingly to me, the word of the year for 2023 from Merriam-Webster is the word 'authentic,'" Cox said. "The choice of the word 'authentic' struck me as the word I would use to describe just about every ABAC student and alumnus, every faculty and staff member, every relationship that ever connected me to ABAC. ... I am so grateful for my ABAC experience, and I hope that each of you graduates today has a sense that the friendships you've made, the faculty who pushed you to do and learn more than you thought you were capable of doing, the work you've put in to get you across this finish line today, are all part of an authentic bond you have with a college that has genuinely cared about your success, and will continue to care for the remainder of your life."

The School of Nursing and Health Sciences held its pinning ceremony at noon and honored several graduates with awards: Kajal Patel received the Clinical Excellence Award sponsored by Tift Regional Medical Center; the Academic Excellence Award, sponsored by Colquitt Regional Medical Center, was awarded to Victoria Pierce; and Allison Gibbs received the Dedication to Nursing Award, sponsored by South Georgia Medical Center.

The Lisa Purvis Allison Spirit of Nursing Award was awarded to Lizbeth Espinoza (BSN), Rebecca Lemmon (ASN — Tifton) and Brooke Tobin (ASN — Bainbridge).

Emma Richwine, an agricultural communication major from Bishop, received the prestigious David and Kim Bridges Award during the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources commencement ceremony.

Other participants in the ceremonies included Dr. Amy Willis, interim provost and vice president for academic and student affairs; Dr. Jeffrey Ross, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences; Dr. Matthew Anderson, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Mark Kistler, dean of the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources; and Dr. Renata Elad, dean of the Stafford School of Business.

Melissa Pierzchajlo, president of the ABAC Alumni Association, inducted the graduates into the association. Director of Public Relations Emeritus Mike Chason called the graduates' names as they received their diplomas.