USAO will be put in the rear-view mirror for 173 graduates, who will walk across the stage Saturday, April 28th, starting at 11 a.m. in the Oval. For the last few years, USAO has provided a home, an education, and a sense of community for the graduates. A few graduates shared feelings of excitment, nerves, and nonstalgia as they look towards the stage.

Delaney Medcalf, graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with minors in Liberal Arts, Chemistry, and Psychology, said she cannot believe her four years at USAO are over and that she is proud of herself and everyone who is graduating. She continued to say that a lot of this year’s graduates were here in the thick of COVID-19 and that they made it through.

“I am going to miss seeing all the friendly faces on campus. USAO has been my home for the last four years, so it is going to be weird not coming back in August to take classes from the professors here or living with my roommates anymore,” said Medcalf. “I am going to miss the familiarity and routines I have created up here.”

Daniel Buster, graduate with a Bachelor of Art in Communication with a Liberal Arts minor, agrees that the routine of college is hard to shake. Buster graduated in the fall trimester and has since spent his time working to support his wife, who is finishing her degree in Deaf Education at USAO, and their dog.

“It’s so weird to have spent so much of my life with one very distinct and pointed goal, and then to finally finish it,” said Buster “Graduation comes with a period of recovery, and I’m still working through it even though I finished months ago.”

He said that when he began his degree, he wanted to “leave his mark,” which he said caused him to become highly involved in student life. Buster continued to say that his name will not always be attached to the impacts he made while a student, but his greatest accomplishment was the relationships he was able to build here.

Jensen Link, a graduate with a Bachelor of Art in History with minors in Philosophy and Liberal Arts, agrees with Buster’s statement about the community the two have built while at USAO.

“I would say my greatest accomplishment that I think about is the community that I was part of,” said Link. “Being able to make lifelong friends and meet my future wife is my favorite accomplishment by a long shot.”

Link was inducted into Hypatia, Alpha Lambda Delta, and Phi Alpha Theta and is graduating Summa Cum Laude and as Legacy Alumni. He said he feels like all the hard work from the last few years has paid off.

“All the days that I would dedicate to reading, writing, studying, listening, and constant working on my academics meant something,” said Link.

Like every other graduate, Link, Buster, and Medcalf have plans for their post-college lives. Medcalf said she will move to Baltimore, Maryland for the next two years where she will attend Johns Hopkins University’s PREP program. Buster said he will continue to work at the canals in OKC to support his family, and Link said he hopes to work as a case manager at a law firm before deciding on law school.

Graduation will begin with the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1” by Edward Elgar, which will be performed by USAO’s Concert Band and directed by Kaleb Benda, an adjunct band director. The band consists of Jaden Johnston, Hannah Romans, Jade Stewart, Lydia Willis, Karmen Jaramillo, Tyler Sweeden, Sierra Whittaker, Thomas Buchanan, David Orgas, and Isaiah Young. President John Feaver will then welcome the graduates and their guests to the commencement ceremony.

A song from the Visual and Performing Arts’ spring production “A Man of No Importance” will be played as this year’s special music piece. The song, “Welcome to the World,” will be sung by an eight-person crew, including Sami Barker, Gage Burke, Dan Harper, Keane Harrison, Aaron Huebert, Zena Myers, Maureen “Molly” Runion, and Caleb Townley. Dr. Feaver will return to the stage to introduce the keynote speaker, Allison Garrett, Chancellor for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Once again, Dr. Feaver will return to the stage for the conferring of degrees. Donna Miles, vice president for Academic Affairs, will then speak on the Academic Schools’ Outstanding Graduates and the Mentored Research Scholars. Next, Heidi Walker, president for USAO’s Alumni Association, will present the Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate Award.

USAO’s Chamber Ensemble will take the stage to sing “The College Hymn” by Ester Phillips Williams. The ensemble includes Clay Edwards, Noah Holden, Mobi James, Sparrow Marturano, Gabi Merchen, David Orgas, Lydia Willis, Isaiah Young and is accompanied by Kate Sekula, associate professor of Music. Finally, USAO’s Concert Band will wrap up graduation with “Rondeau” by Mouret.

Faculty Association Outstanding Graduate Awards:

School of Visual & Performing Arts: Lacey Dutton

School of Science & Physical Education: Alexandra Delaney Medcalf

School of Social Sciences & Business: Robert Spurlin and Rachel Dennis

School of Education & Speech-Language Pathology: Macoy Ramsey

School of Humanities & Interdisciplinary Studies: Robert Spurlin and Rhiannon Quillin

Mentored Research Scholars:

Ch’mere-Renne Austin, William Berumen, Rachel Dennis, Lacey Dutton, Antoinette Falkenstein, Nicholas Harwood, Tyler Lavey, Elis Lynch, Alexandra Delaney Medcalf, Rhiannon Quillin, and Parker Stoddard

Academic Honor Societies

HYPATIA: Honorary Scholastic Society of the University

Destinee Asbill ,Ch’Mere-Renee Austin, Madison Austin, Phoenyx Sequoyah Baker-Blount, Kayla Sue Beil, Daniel Buster, Arianna Camerlin, Briteanna Curry, Rachel Elizabeth Dennis, Lacey Lynne Dutton, Jonathan Fenhaus, Kennedi Ford, Bethany Jane Goulet, Dan Harper, Keane Harrison, Nicholas Daniel Harwood, Savannah Love James, Erin Ruth Kelley, Conner James King, Tyler Lee Lavey, Jensen Link, Paige Farin Marshall, Alexandra Delaney Medcalf, Grant King Murphey, Zena Myers, Chelsea Nicole Patterson, Rhiannon Marie Quillin, Allison Sumner Riddle, Kati Robbins, Robert Spurlin, Chandler Standridge, Dani N. Stevens, Parker Stoddard, Cassidy Diane Sturgeon, Skyler Sturgis-Garneau, Jennifer Lea Wall, and Chloe Windham

ALPHA LAMBDA DELTA: National Honor Society for Freshmen

Abigail Elizabeth Davis, Rachel Elizabeth Dennis, Jonathan Fenhaus, MacKenzie Lynn Freeman, Kalep Charles Glandon, Bethany Jane Goulet, Savannah Love James, Conner James King, Mikahla Lynn Lavey, Tyler Lee Lavey, Jensen Link, Max Ryan Llwyd, Alexandra Delaney Medcalf, Kati Robbins, Aubrey Haidyn Ruttman, Cassidy Diane Sturgeon, and Isabellah June Willoughby

ALPHA PSI OMEGA: National Honor Society for Theatre

Samantha Barker, Thomas Gage Burke, Dan Harper, Keane Harrison, Zena Myers, and Caleb Josiah Ray Townley

BETA BETA BETA: Honorary Scholastic Society in Biology

Lariah Allen, William Paul Berumen, Jonathan Fenhaus, Tyler Lee Lavey, Breena Rose Lijewski, Elis Lynch, Alexandra Delaney Medcalf, Emma Beth Rice, Aubrey Haidyn Ruttman, Parker Stoddard, and Tayra Jessica Ward

KAPPA DELTA PI: International Education Honor Society

Kayla Sue Beil, Morgan Bellar, Tacara C. Corley, Briteanna Curry, Mikahla Lynn Lavey, Allison Murray, Chelsea Nicole Patterson, Kydie Jo Smith, Cassidy Diane Sturgeon, Jennifer Lea Wall, and Sheila Michelle Woodell

PHI ALPHA THETA: National Honor Society for History

Jensen Link and Robert Spurlin

PI GAMMA MU: National Honor Society for Social Sciences

Rhiannon Marie Quillin

PSI CHI: International Honor Society for Psychology

Ch’Mere-Renee Austin, Rachel Elizabeth Dennis, Conner James King, Maria Isabell Lara, Tyler Lee Lavey, and Brooke Makayla Stephens

SIGMA TAU DELTA: International English Honor Society

Keiarie Henry, Rhiannon Marie Quillin, and Robert Spurlin

Degree Recipients:

Bachelor of Fine Art:

Cassie Duncan

Lacey Lynne Dutton, Summa Cum Laude

Joseph D. Flores

Zachary Cole Frost

Savannah Love James, Summa Cum Laude and Legacy Alumni

Erin Ruth Kelley, Cum Laude

Emmo Maddox, Legacy Alumni

Jillian Scroggins

Dani N. Stevens, Summa Cum Laude, Absentia, and Legacy Alumni

Bea Tezén

Alyssa Gail Unsell

Bachelor of Art:

Destinee Asbill, Cum Laude

Mickayla Louise Ball

Samantha Barker

Passionette Breedlove

Daniel Buster, Cum Laude

Damarco L. Calvin

Samkelo Brian Cele

Rachel Elizabeth Dennis, Summa Cum Laude and Legacy Alumni

Sydney Lee

Tyler Dockery, Legacy Alumni

Alicia Fink

Kennedi Ford, Cum Laude

Clarisse Joni Fraley, Legacy Alumni

Langston Gaither

Leah Aleace Glass

Macy Mae Godwin

Bethany Jane Goulet, Summa Cum Laude

Ashlynn Taylor Lane Haley

Dan Harper, Cum Laude

Keane Harrison, Summa Cum Laude

Keiarie Henry

Gabrielle Cana Jordan, Legacy Alumni

Brantley Connor Karpe

Conner James King, Cum Laude and Legacy Alumni

Bethanee Elizabeth Lara

Mykaela Leraas

Jensen Link, Summa Cum Laude and Legacy Alumni

Caitlyn Elaine Mainord

Zena Myers, Magna Cum Laude and Legacy Alumni

Lauren Elisabeth Nava, Legacy Alumni

Rory Leandro Kitwana Pantophlet

Cole J.B. Placencia

Cambrie Lynn Price, Legacy Alumni

Rhiannon Marie Quillin, Cum Laude

Briana Nicole Quoetone

Maureen Katherine “Molly” Runion

Robert Spurlin, Summa Cum Laude

Chandler Standridge, Summa Cum Laude and Legacy Alumni

Cassidy Diane Sturgeon, Summa Cum Laude

Skyler Sturgis-Garneau, Magna Cum Laude

Reggie Thompson, Cum Laude

Caleb Josiah Ray Townley, Legacy Alumni

Marland Lee Toyekoyah III, Legacy Alumni

Racheal Whitney Webster

Isabellah June Willoughby, Legacy Alumni

Joseph Willoughby, Legacy Alumni

Bachelor of Science:

Lariah Allen

Sydney Lyn Arneson

Madison Austin, Cum Laude and Legacy Alumni

Ch’Mere-Renee Austin, Magna Cum Laude and Legacy Alumni

Phoenyx Sequoyah Baker-Blount, Cum Laude and Legacy Alumni

Sydney Ann Bean

Kayla Sue Beil, Cum Laude

Morgan Bellar

William Paul Berumen

Aaron Dwayne Bitz

Amyah Benaye Black

Madelyn Annelysse Blair

Hannah Rayanne Blough

Gideon Bossman Quansah

Deangello Brown

Thomas Gage Burke

Jeffie Jean Buster

Arianna Camerlin, Magna Cum Laude

Carlos Carrillo Jr.

Samkelo Brian Cele

Tahlia Sloan Casey

Darnell Charles

Devon Charles

Tacara C. Corley

Briteanna Curry, Cum Laude

Abigail Elizabeth Davis, Magna Cum Laude

Adam Reed Day

Andres Camilo Daza Gomez, Absentia

Rachel Elizabeth Dennis, Summa Cum Laude and Legacy Alumni

Kenneth Wayne Dohm III, Absentia

Itzel Y. Dominguez

Harry David Donaldson, Absentia

Zaria Joan Dorsey

Avery Kay Eason

Aaron Trey Edwards

Mikki Elam

Silas Elliott, Legacy Alumni

Emeka Eni

Antoinette Joann Falkenstein

Jonathan Fenhaus, Summa Cum Laude

Amos Ferka

Nathan Lawrence Fitch, Absentia

MacKenzie Lynn Freeman, Magna Cum Laude

Caleb Gilliss

Kalep Charles Glandon, Legacy Alumni

Julian Gomez Jr.

Savanna Lee Grassmann

Nicholas Daniel Harwood, Summa Cum Laude

Christopher Isaac Hempfling

Ramon Hernandez, Legacy Alumni

Aaron Dale Huebert

Timilie DeAnne Hughes, Legacy Alumni

Wyatt Robert Lynn Hull, Absentia

Jaycee K. Faith Kievit

Marquis Madeline Marie King

Kamara Addisyn Lagaly

Maria Isabell Lara

Mikahla Lynn Lavey

Tyler Lee Lavey, Summa Cum Laude

Mykaela Leraas

Breena Rose Lijewski

Max Ryan Llwyd

Brett Ryan Lorah

Elis Lynch, Legacy Alumni

Gerard Reynaldo-Lamar Makuntae

Paige Marshall, Summa Cum Laude

Sydney Faye Matheson

Erin Rileigh McCaslin, Legacy Alumni

Alexandra Delaney Medcalf, Summa Cum Laude

Hunter Brice Mildren, Absentia

Kaylin Morris

Grant King Murphey, Cum Laude

Allison Murray

Lauren Elisabeth Nava, Legacy Alumni

Brittany N. Olvera

Shema K. Ouamalich

Jessica Julisa Palmer

Jaycee Paras

Allison Patak

Priya Jagdish Patel

Chelsea Nicole Patterson, Magna Cum Laude

Jessica Lee Perry, Absentia and Legacy Alumni

Cambrie Lynn Price, Legacy Alumni

Madelyn Ashley Primeaux, Summa Cum Laude

Macoy Wade Ramsey, Summa Cum Laude and Legacy Alumni

Emma Beth Rice, Legacy Alumni

Courtney Rose Rich

Kelsey Elisabeth Ridder

Allison Sumner Riddle, Magna Cum Laude

Kati Robbins, Summa Cum Laude

Cynthia Rodriguez

Aubrey Haidyn Ruttman, Absentia

Elvis Samoei

Rhaven René Sarille

Grace Marie Schmidt

James Drew Shaver, Absentia

Kathryn Michelle Smith

Kydie Jo Smith, Legacy Alumni

Kalique J. St. Jean

Greyden Lane Steinmetz, Absentia

Brooke Makayla Stephens

Parker Stoddard, Summa Cum Laude

Jaryn Mackenzie Stringfellow, Legacy Alumni

Pedro Pablo Taboada Torres, Absentia

Amanda Trevizo

Dawn Renee’ Tsatoke, Legacy Alumni

Luis Oscar Valdez-Rivera

Jennifer Lea Wall, Cum Laude

Tayra Jessica Ward

Samiya Anteece West, Absentia

Kemoy N. Willis

Joseph Willoughby, Legacy Alumni

Jacob Wilson

Chloe Windham, Summa Cum Laude

Connor Jacob Wojahn, Absentia

Sheila Michelle Woodell

Emily Loughridge is a second-year Communication major at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.