University of Louisiana at Lafayette 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 bachelor’s degree in political science. She plans to attend graduate school to study public policy or comparative politics, then enroll in law school.
“I’ll be able to apply what I’ve learned as I move forward with my education. I feel like I’m well versed in a lot of subjects,” Dixon said.
UL Lafayette conferred 1,641 bachelor’s, master’s, 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 you’ve 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 bachelor’s degrees Friday.
Savoie’s 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 Lafayette’s overall Outstanding Graduate. A biology major, he received a bachelor of science degree.
Chasah West was recognized with the first Outstanding Master’s Graduate Award. West received a master’s 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 bachelor’s degree in performing arts. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Broussard of Lafayette, La
- Katie Lynn Leleaux received a bachelor’s degree in architecture. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roger Leleaux of Duson, La.
- Mariah Day Hukins received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Colin Hukins of Carencro, La.
- Katie Elizabeth Stefan received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Stefan of Lafayette, La.
- Wadie Chalgham received a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Riadh Chalgham of Lafayette, La.
- Andrew Michael Roche received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Randy Roche of Lafayette, La.
- Natalie Claire Loomis received a bachelor’s degree in English and a bachelor’s degree in Francophone studies. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Loomis of Lafayette, La.
- Ashley Anne Poirrier received a bachelor’s degree in communicative disorders. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Poirrier of New Iberia, La.
- Leah Michelle Ray received a bachelor’s degree in English. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Ray of Carencro, La.
- Michael Nicholas Artigue received a bachelor’s degree in biology. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Artigue of Lafayette, La.
- Victoria Lee Bolgiano received a bachelor’s degree in biology. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clifton Bolgiana of Lafayette, La.
- Andrea Page Cantrell received a bachelor’s degree in biology. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Les Cantrell of New Roads, La.
- Amy Marie Dekerlegand received a bachelor’s degree in biology. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Dekerlegand of Lafayette, La.
- Zadid Kamrul Haq received a bachelor’s degree in biology. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ema Haq of Lafayette, La.
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Photo info: Jeremiah C. Sulunteh, Liberian ambassador to the United States