(Steve Latham/JSU Photos)

 

JSU Holds Spring Commencement

Paul Snow Stadium was the setting for Jacksonville State University's Spring 2009 Commencement on Friday, May 1.

Leading the class were Valarie Ann Boyd of Roanoke, who graduated summa cum laude and with special honors with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics; James Adam Burke of Canada, who graduated summa cum laude and with special honors with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Integrated Manufacturing Systems Technology; Vickie Guthrie Fowler of Jacksonville, who graduated summa cum laude and with special honors with a Bachelor of Social Work; Justin Miles Gravette of Ashland, who graduated summa cum laude and with special honors with a Bachelor of Science in Biology; and Christopher H. Moore of Radcliffe, KY, who graduated summa cum laude and with special honors with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.

The commencement address was delivered by Dr. Belle Wheelan, President of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, who is the first African American and first woman to serve in that position.

The faculty led the processional into the stadium and University President Dr. William A. Meehan presented the degrees.

The ceremony was televised live via WJXS-TV24 and broadcast regionally on several cable companies. A video stream of the commencement remains available for a limited time on the JSU Television Services website.

For a complete list of graduates, please click here.

Below are more photographic highlights by University Photographer Steve Latham.

Dr. Belle Wheelan, President of the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, delivers the address.

 

JSU president Dr. William Meehan is shown with top graduates during a reception prior to the ceremony. From left, Dr. Meehan, Vickie Guthrie Fowler, Justin Miles Gravette, James Adam Burke and Chistopher H. Moore.

Zainab Sabree listens to commencement speakers prior to receiving her degree. Sabree was shot multiple times several years ago, leaving her paralysed from the neck down, but she still managed to graduate magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management.

 

Mother Carol and daughter Daphne Ragland graduated together.

 

Erin Chupp receives her Master of Arts in English from Dr. Meehan.

Construction on the housing-stadium addition provides a backdrop for the Class of 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

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