Published May 13, 2017
Degrees were awarded to 860 graduates at the Lunsivery of Louisiana Monroe
Spring 2017 Commencement Saturday in Fant-Ewing Coliseum.
Emerald McIntrye/ULM Photo Services
There were tears and cheers at Saturday’s Spring 2017 Commencement Ceremony at the
University of Louisiana Monroe as degrees were conferred on 860 students.
There were 193 students graduating with honors, 34 summa cum laude (3.900-4.000),
45 magna cum laude (3.750-3.899) and 114 cum laude (3.500-3.749). The 14 summa students
with 4.0 cumulative GPAs were recognized individually as the top graduates.
Thirty-six student-athletes graduated with a 3.0 or higher.
ULM alumnae Maxine L. Moreau, CenturyLink President of Consumer Markets, gave the
commencement address. She advised the graduates to look to the future, especially
technology.
“Think about the pace of change and what that means for you as you embark on the next
phase of your life journey. Your generation is blessed by technological advances I
could only imagine when I was a student here, earning my degree in Computer Information
Services,” Moreau said.
Moreau said in less than 10 years, smartphone technology will be out of date.
“The smartphone will become obsolete by 2025, replaced by augmented reality. Let me
say it again … smartphones could become obsolete by 2025,” she said.
She stressed to the graduates that they are poised to leave their mark on the world.
“You, today’s graduates, many who are part of the millennial generation, are uniquely
positioned to use your knowledge, skills and aptitudes to advance your cause regardless
of your degree or discipline. Whether you go on to contribute your talents to science,
education, government, a large corporation, a small start-up or a non-profit organization
… you can help make real change happen in this world.”
It is a tradition for President Dr. Nick J. Bruno to recognize a few outstanding graduates
at commencement. Saturday he spoke about five, sharing a bit about their journeys.
“I think the one theme is perseverance and dedication,” he said.
Chelbi Elizabeth Johnson of Sterlington, changed majors as a freshman, switching from
education to political science. She may go on to law school, but this summer she begins
her Masters in Public Administration at ULM. Johnson said she was led by her faith
to a career where she could help people.
Siddartha Dhakal left his home in Kathmandu, Nepal, in 2013. Since arriving at ULM,
Dhakal set his sights on a post-graduate position with an Ivy League school and has
worked tirelessly to achieve that goal. And he did. In the fall, Dhakal will be at
Yale University on a full scholarship to pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical research. He
leaves ULM with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Brett Kathey was recognized for receiving his degree in general studies 31 years after
he started ULM. Kathey was a freshman from Leesville in 1986. Soon a job offer he
could not refuse put his studies on hold. Fast forward three decades and Kathey decided
to complete his college education by taking classes online through eULM. Kathey and
his wife, Heather, live in Dallas, and he did not know she had written to ULM about
her husband’s accomplishment.
Jenna Maihles smiles after she receives her diploma at the ULM Commencement
Jenna Ann Maihles was honored for her dedication to her dream of becoming a doctor. Mailhes is from
Monroe and through the years has been by her mother’s side during serious illnesses.
Her experiences with her mother’s health issues gave Mailhes even more determination.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and will go on to LSU Medical School-Shreveport
in the fall.
Linda Jackson of the Monroe is ULM Associate Registrar responsible for transcripts
and also the liaison with VA students. Jackson enrolled at ULM in the late 1970s,
but was unable to complete her studies. She began working for ULM in 1999 and over
the years took classes when she could. Saturday she was presented with the diploma
she set out to earn some 40 years ago.
There was a new look on the coliseum floor for the ceremony as the students wore newly
designed maroon or black commencement robes by Balfour. The maroon robes were worn
by those receiving bachelor’s degrees and the black for master’s and Ph.D.
For the full degree candidate list, please see http://ulm.edu/commencement/documents/grad-list-spring-2017-final-r1.pdf
