91勛圖 graduate Kayla Dixon left the Spring 2015 Commencement General Assembly at the Cajundome on Friday ready to embark on the next chapter of her life.
Dixon, of New Roads, La., earned a bachelors degree in political science. She plans to attend graduate school to study public policy or comparative politics, then enroll in law school.
Ill be able to apply what Ive learned as I move forward with my education. I feel like Im well versed in a lot of subjects, Dixon said.
UL Lafayette conferred 1,641 bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees, a school record.
Among that group were the first graduates of its doctor of nursing practice program, Dr. Linda Green, and Dr. Robyn Ray, both of Alexandria, La.
Dr. Joseph Savoie, UL Lafayette president, told graduates during his General Assembly address that whether they enter the workforce, or seek another academic degree, he is confident that what youve learned at the University will serve you well.
I encourage you to take the same sense of hope, optimism, hard work and tenacity that brought you to this day and carry it with you in whatever you do, Savoie said. You have the opportunity to use your abilities to solve problems and to help others.
Savoie also recognized members of the Classes of 1965 and 1940, many of whom attended the General Assembly. The group included two members of the Class of 1940, Geraldine Beaullieau Angers and Dracos Burke, whose grandsons received bachelors degrees Friday.
Savoies mother, Grace Boudreaux Savoie, is also a 1940 graduate, but was unable to attend the General Assembly.
Commencement speaker Jeremiah C. Sulunteh, Liberian ambassador to the United States, congratulated students on what he described as one of the most important and significant days of your lives.
He urged graduates to become global citizens, in a world made smaller by technology. Sulunteh also said that nations have a mutual responsibility to deal with important issues, such as the Ebola virus.
An outbreak of the Zaire strain of the virus last year killed thousands of people in West Africa, primarily in Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. There were international concerns about its potential to spread to other parts of the world.
Your challenge as you leave (this ceremony) is to determine what your impact as an individual, and as a collective group of University graduates, will be on the world, Sulunteh said.
Zadid Haq was cited UL Lafayettes overall Outstanding Graduate. A biology major, he received a bachelor of science degree.
Chasah West was recognized with the first Outstanding Masters Graduate Award. West received a masters degree in communication.
Fourteen students were recognized as summa cum laude graduates for achieving perfect 4.0 grade point averages.
They are:
- Kallie Elizabeth Broussard received a bachelors degree in performing arts. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Broussard of Lafayette, La
- Katie Lynn Leleaux received a bachelors degree in architecture. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roger Leleaux of Duson, La.
- Mariah Day Hukins received a bachelors degree in secondary education. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Colin Hukins of Carencro, La.
- Katie Elizabeth Stefan received a bachelors degree in elementary education. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Stefan of Lafayette, La.
- Wadie Chalgham received a bachelors degree in petroleum engineering. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Riadh Chalgham of Lafayette, La.
- Andrew Michael Roche received a bachelors degree in electrical engineering. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Randy Roche of Lafayette, La.
- Natalie Claire Loomis received a bachelors degree in English and a bachelors degree in Francophone studies. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Loomis of Lafayette, La.
- Ashley Anne Poirrier received a bachelors degree in communicative disorders. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Poirrier of New Iberia, La.
- Leah Michelle Ray received a bachelors degree in English. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Ray of Carencro, La.
- Michael Nicholas Artigue received a bachelors degree in biology. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Artigue of Lafayette, La.
- Victoria Lee Bolgiano received a bachelors degree in biology. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clifton Bolgiana of Lafayette, La.
- Andrea Page Cantrell received a bachelors degree in biology. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Les Cantrell of New Roads, La.
- Amy Marie Dekerlegand received a bachelors degree in biology. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Dekerlegand of Lafayette, La.
- Zadid Kamrul Haq received a bachelors degree in biology. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ema Haq of Lafayette, La.
View a list of .
Photo info: Jeremiah C. Sulunteh, Liberian ambassador to the United States