1,710 graduates honored at spring commencement

The University of North Georgia (UNG) honored more than 1,700 spring graduates in commencement ceremonies on May 2-3 in the Convocation Center at UNG's Dahlonega Campus, with a graduate degree ceremony on May 2.

Juan Velásquez Tercero, one of the student speakers, talked about how he has overcome adversity and encouraged his fellow graduates to never stop learning. A first-generation college graduate, Velásquez Tercero earned his Cottrell Master of Business Administration this spring after previously earning a graduate certificate in cybersecurity and a Bachelor of Business Administration in management. He serves as an academic advisor at UNG.

"Let's be grateful for today and hopeful for tomorrow," Velásquez Tercero said. "Let's live with a reorganized priority list and continue being curious in this new chapter that unfolds as we lean into our purpose."

Neva Garrett, another of the student commencement speakers, earned a bachelor's degree in political science. Two of her children previously graduated from UNG. After starting her time as a UNG student in 1982, Garrett married her high school sweetheart and took time away from her education to raise seven children, all of whom are college graduates. One of her kids encouraged her to return to the school.

"I never thought I would see this day that I would graduate college at age 60. It is never too late to get that degree if you want it," Garrett said. "In fact, it's easier than ever."

Chelsea Southerland, from Commerce, Georgia, earned a degree in middle grades education. Southerland shared she attended UNG because of its reputation for supportive faculty and a strong sense of community. She plans to teach physical science at Commerce High School, where she graduated from high school.

Southerland, who is engaged and getting married soon, attended UNG's Gainesville Campus. While doing so, she was involved in the Kappa Delta Pi education honors society and the National Science Teaching Association. She also currently works part-time as a veterinary technician.

"UNG taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability. Life often throws unexpected challenges our way, but it's how we respond to them that truly defines us," Southerland said.

Lily Hammond, from Dawsonville, Georgia, earned a degree in music. Inspired by her family and her mentor Dr. Esther Morgan-Ellis, Hammond wants to pursue her master's at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the fall and one day become a professor.

During her time at UNG, Hammond has sung the national anthem on several occasions for the university, including commencements, convocation, a movie premiere, and scholarship galas. Her experiences have all shaped into one lesson she thinks everyone who attends UNG should know: the importance of community.

"There are so many incredible people on this campus and nearby," Hammond said. "After three years of riding the bus and getting to know Mr. Danny, I found out in one of our conversations that he used to be close work buddies with my grandfather. They were able to reconnect, and it highlighted the importance of getting to know the people around me and keeping in touch."

Mariah Wicker, from Buford, Georgia, has played sports since she was 3 and plays softball for UNG. She earned a degree in criminal justice and is wrapping up an internship with UNG Police, which she says was her favorite course.

Wicker has made the eight-team national championship event with UNG three times and was the Peach Belt Conference tournament MVP in 2023. The 2023 team capped the year by winning the NCAA Division II national championship.

"I'd like to emphasize the importance of working as a team together. When a team jells together, nothing can stop them," Wicker said. "Teamwork and trust helped my team successfully obtain a national championship. UNG taught me if I work hard and put in the effort toward anything I want, it is mine."

Xandrea Dantin, from Ellijay, Georgia, earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in management with a concentration in entrepreneurship. Dantin has been a part of Presidential Ambassadors, the Cottrell Leadership Fellows Program, Blue Ridge Scholars, Student Government Association, and Supplemental Instruction during her UNG academic career.

Dantin, who started her undergraduate education on the Blue Ridge Campus, went on to complete her degree in Dahlonega. Inspired by Associate Director of University Events Jessica "Bird" Brown, Dantin aspires to pursue a career aligning with her passions and one that will have a positive impact and bring happiness to those she interacts with like Brown has done with her.

"Bird has truly shown me a new level of leadership, and I have learned so much while being under her ˈwing,ˈ" Dantin said. "I aspire to match the level of intentionality, active listening and effort that Bird has applied to her way of leading."

As one of six senior military colleges in the United States and the Military College of Georgia, UNG had 52 graduates take their oath of office and commission as second lieutenants in the Army, Georgia Army National Guard and Army Reserve in a ceremony May 2 at the Convocation Center.

UNG holds commencement ceremonies at the end of spring, summer and fall semesters, awarding about 3,000 degrees and commissioning more than 100 officers annually.