Spring Send-Off: ABAC bids farewell to grads

May 16—TIFTON — The spring commencement ceremonies of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College saw almost 400 students off with a smile as they took their first step to the future.

Three-hundred-and-ninety-seven students of ABAC celebrated their graduation from the college May 11, and though it signaled the end of their time there, it was also the prologue to the newest chapter in their lives.

Graduates were divided between a morning and afternoon ceremony, with the students of the School of Art and Sciences, School of Nursing and Health Services, and those graduating with associate degrees attending the 10 a.m. event, and students of the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Stafford School of Business taking part in the 3 p.m. ceremony.

ABAC President Tracy Brundage presided over both ceremonies, saying she couldn't be prouder seeing all of the excited faces and sending them off to their next chapter, especially given they were her first spring graduates at ABAC.

She expressed confidence that the graduates had learned many valuable lessons during their time at ABAC and they would take the lessons with them into the future, such as mustering the courage to take the next step or to be kind and hardworking.

Brundage recounted how many ABAC alumni looked back on their time with the college fondly and hoped the graduating students would view their time in the same way.

"This day serves as a springboard towards your future and we are honored that ABAC has been able to accompany you on this important journey," Brundage said.

The ABAC president handed the mic to Tyler Harper, Georgia agricultural commissioner, who provided the graduates with the commencement address.

Harper said he was proud to assist in recognizing the graduating class, asserting they deserve to be praised for their hard work and dedication, adding he was confident of their the skills and motivation to achieve their dreams moving forward.

He reminded the graduates that missteps, obstacles and hardships would inevitably be a part of their journey but these would be moments for them to push forward and grow. Recounting his own experiences with being underestimated and told he was too young or inexperienced to take positions, he urged the graduates to remember there is no limit to their potential and that no one could tell them they are too young to reach their dreams.

"As you receive your diploma today, understand that you've acquired the tools that you will need to face those challenges — through the lessons you have learned in and out of the classroom," Harper said. "Your diploma becomes less of a document and more of a ticket: a ticket to the next stage of your journey in completing goals and dreams that you have set for yourself."

After Harper, Caleb Bagley, Student Government Association president and graduating magna cum laude in rural community development, took the stage to give a speech as student representative.

He offered thanks to the people who helped him and other graduates succeed, admitting the sentiment included his classmates for inspiring him to work harder, and encouraged the graduates to thank the people that had influenced them.

Bagley said he was certain he and his fellow graduates would be able to utilize the lessons and skills they had acquired and that each and every one of them had the potential to achieve greatness, and he urged them to never forget what they had learned at ABAC.

"Today, as we celebrate our graduation, let us also celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in our lives," Bagley said. "Let us go forth with confidence, courage and a sense of purpose, knowing that we have the power to shape the world around us and to create a better future for all. Congratulations, Class of 2023: we did it, and as always, 'Gee haw, whoa back, give 'em hell, ABAC.'"

Before diplomas were handed out, the students were invited to turn their tassels, officially marking their graduation from ABAC, much to the pride and excitement of the faculty and family presiding over them.

Special recognition was given to Bryce Roland, recipient of the spring 2023 David and Kim Bridges Award, for his active involvement in the ABAC community.

In presenting him with the award, Brundage noted how driven Roland had been to get involved with ABAC, even from day one of his time at the college, and praised him for his leadership skills and work ethic.

Some ABAC students likely know Roland as the face behind the school's mascot, Thunder, and he bore that with pride at the ceremony, accepting his award wearing the hooves of his costume.

Once all of the graduates had received their degrees, Melissa Pierzchajlo, president of the ABAC Alumni Association, welcomed them to the ABAC alumni network, informing them they had become part of a community of former students that would support them and keep them connected to the school.

At the conclusion of each ceremony, Brundage congratulated the graduates one final time on making it to this day and moving to their next chapter, and encouraged them to enjoy the campus as they saw fit for pictures or fond memories. And with that, the graduates, now alumni, proceeded out from Gressette Gym to the bells of the Church of All Faiths, stepping out into a new saga waiting to begin.