USAO’s fall 2019 commencement honors 49 graduates
On Dec. 7, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma’s fall 2019 commencement ceremony awarded 49 students with bachelor’s degrees.
At the end of each semester, the university’s commencement ceremony celebrates the term’s graduates with an event filled with pageantry that also featured speeches from Oklahoma Academy for State Goals President Julie Knutson and USAO President John Feaver.
“Every semester, my heart fills with joy to see these students—now alumni—assembled before me,” said Feaver. “The students who come to USAO are a special breed. They are young people dedicated to the distinct principles that set our institution apart from any other university in Oklahoma. These bright, curious and exceptionally motivated students leave here well-equipped for the challenges facing them in the world today. I know this new generation of Drovers will have no trouble surmounting these challenges and that they will find success no matter where life leads them."
To begin commencement, the USAO Concert Band performed Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance March No.1,” a traditional processional. For the ceremony’s special music, music education major Allison Oliver performed “In My Dreams” from the musical Anastasia before Feaver’s address, while the Concert Band performed Sean Joseph Mouret’s “Rondeau from Premier Suite” as the event’s recessional.
The university awarded 34 Bachelor of Science degrees, 13 Bachelor of Arts degrees and two Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees during the Dec. 7 ceremony.
Nationally ranked for quality and value, for over a century USAO has remained committed to providing a broad and accessible undergraduate education as the state’s only public liberal arts college.
Bachelor of Arts
| Ty Parker Astle |
| Ansley R Black |
| Veronica Lee Bryant |
| Catharine Elizabeth Coley |
| Caitlyn Lauren Hatfield |
| Jessica Rae Knowles |
| Allison Marie Oliver |
| Blain Alexander Perry |
| Cassandra JoAnn Poole |
| Lindsey Nicole Shown |
| Fernando Torre Alvarez |
| Karlie Kay Velasco |
| Jessica Denise Plummer-Williams |
Bachelor of Science
| Jocelyn Albizurez |
| Zachary Levi Bernsten |
| Laci Elizabeth Bond |
| Jessica Marie Bonds |
| Caitlyn Michelle Caudill |
| Ryan Crandel Chappell |
| Jennetta May Chiles |
| Danielle Elizabeth Cotton |
| Duke Austin Davenport |
| Kendra D Deweese |
| Amanda Nicole Leia Gibson |
| Stephanie Ophelia Grabau |
| Cheyenne Nicole Hannah |
| Matthew Michael Holinsworth |
| Ye Huang |
| Kylie Nichole Hudson |
| Madison Elisabeth Irving |
| Ashley Renee Jameson |
| Tarrah Lynn Kinney |
| Telmo Lertxundi Mendoza |
| Courtney Breann Lyles |
| Daniel Gustav Merkel |
| Sabrina Dale Mertens |
| Kieran Remmell Mitchell |
| Mayra Elena Montes |
| Jean Marie Petroff |
| Dalton James Rego |
| Kenniel Rivera-Gonzalez |
| Zachary Allen Schmidt |
| Rani-Anne Secoy |
| Hunter James Stephens |
| Mary Ann Sweat |
| Francis Manuel Ventura Polanco |
| Miranda Beth Wagner |
Bachelor of Fine Arts
| Emili Faith Hall |
| Ann Elise McSparrin |
Faculty-Mentored Research Program
The following students produced original research projects suitable for conference presentation and/or professional publication under the mentorship of USAO faculty:
Cassandra JoAnn Poole
The USAO Faculty Association honored these students with Outstanding Graduate Awards:
Emili Hall for the Division of Arts and Humanities
Ashley Jameson for the Division of Education and Speech Language Pathology
Caitlyn Caudill and Zachary Schmidt for the Division of Science and Physical Education
Distinguished Graduate Award
Chris Collins, president of the USAO Alumni Association, presented the Association’s Distinguished Graduate Award to Veronica Bryant.
Bryant graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in art and theatre arts.