Central Michigan University Athletics
Photo by: Julia Bice '22,M'24 - @jb.jpg10
Graduating Student-Athletes Honored in Sunday Ceremony
12/10/2023 12:02:00 PM | General, Our Stories, Student-Athlete Leadership & Development
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Eleven Central Michigan student-athletes were honored on Sunday morning in a graduation celebration ceremony organized by the athletics department in the Kulhavi Events Center.
"This will always be home, we will always be here for you, and we are so happy that you are a part of this community forever," Zyzelewski Family Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics Amy Folan said as she addressed those in attendance, including the graduates, family members and friends.
The student-athletes will be presented their respective diplomas next week during the university's graduation ceremony in McGuirk Arena. On Sunday, each was presented their gold stole which is to be worn along with their cap and gown during the graduation ceremony.
"You are athletes and that athletic spirit and that athletic competition will propel you throughout your life," CMU President Dr. Robert O. Davies said in an address, noting that less than 1 percent of the adult population of the United States competed in athletics at an NCAA Division I institution and holds a degree.
"You've learned about determination and how to overcome obstacles," Davies said. "Employers love to hire individuals who have participated in athletics. Student-athletes know how to work with one another, they know leadership, they know about setting goals and doing everything legally, physically, and morally to achieve those goals. That's what you stand for."
Newly appointed Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. Kelly Murphy also addressed the gathering, as did Deputy Athletic Director/Senior Women's Administrator Tangela Cheatham.
The December graduates, with their sport and their major:
• Brian Taylor, men's basketball, administration.
• Jayden Evans, football, sport management.
• Javon Gantt, football, sport management.
• Albert Jespersen, football, psychology.
• Jesse Prewitt III, football, communications/public administration.
• Robert Stuart, football, neuroscience.
• Marcus Young, football, law & economics.
• Rachel Ruttenberg, field hockey, creative writing.
• Megan Scholten, soccer, advertising.
• Aliyah Boeve, women's cross country/track & field, early childhood development.
• Lauren MacDonald, women's cross country/track & field, master's of health services administration.
"This will always be home, we will always be here for you, and we are so happy that you are a part of this community forever," Zyzelewski Family Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics Amy Folan said as she addressed those in attendance, including the graduates, family members and friends.
The student-athletes will be presented their respective diplomas next week during the university's graduation ceremony in McGuirk Arena. On Sunday, each was presented their gold stole which is to be worn along with their cap and gown during the graduation ceremony.
"You are athletes and that athletic spirit and that athletic competition will propel you throughout your life," CMU President Dr. Robert O. Davies said in an address, noting that less than 1 percent of the adult population of the United States competed in athletics at an NCAA Division I institution and holds a degree.
"You've learned about determination and how to overcome obstacles," Davies said. "Employers love to hire individuals who have participated in athletics. Student-athletes know how to work with one another, they know leadership, they know about setting goals and doing everything legally, physically, and morally to achieve those goals. That's what you stand for."
Newly appointed Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. Kelly Murphy also addressed the gathering, as did Deputy Athletic Director/Senior Women's Administrator Tangela Cheatham.
The December graduates, with their sport and their major:
• Brian Taylor, men's basketball, administration.
• Jayden Evans, football, sport management.
• Javon Gantt, football, sport management.
• Albert Jespersen, football, psychology.
• Jesse Prewitt III, football, communications/public administration.
• Robert Stuart, football, neuroscience.
• Marcus Young, football, law & economics.
• Rachel Ruttenberg, field hockey, creative writing.
• Megan Scholten, soccer, advertising.
• Aliyah Boeve, women's cross country/track & field, early childhood development.
• Lauren MacDonald, women's cross country/track & field, master's of health services administration.
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