Brenau University celebrated 279 undergraduate and graduate degrees in two ceremonies on Friday, Dec. 12.
During the two commencement ceremonies, 185 graduates participated, including 83 earning master’s degrees, 38 earning doctoral and terminal master’s degrees, and 64 receiving undergraduate degrees.
Brenau President David L. Barnett was the keynote speaker for both ceremonies.
“I encourage you today to take the opportunity in the months and years ahead to embrace community, create a sense of belonging between you and others where you spend your time, seek fulfillment personally and professionally by including others in your lives,” Barnett said. “Belonging to and investing yourselves in a community that seeks to accomplish a greater good than is possible alone is essential to humanity and will help you live a more fulfilling personal and professional life.”
Two student speakers offered words of encouragement: Julamy Serrano Arocho delivered the morning invocation, and Sarah Goodwin, Ed.D., delivered the afternoon invocation.
While in the process of writing her dissertation, Goodwin was diagnosed with cancer.
“I believe every person here has something unseen they’ve carried, overcome, or are still healing from,” Goodwin said. “My hope is that this moment reminds you that your story is nothing to hide. It is part of your strength. This is a chapter I never asked for, but one that shaped me into someone stronger, more grounded, and more grateful than I ever imagined.”
Serrano Arocho immigrated to the United States from Puerto Rico 10 years ago and left her career in the U.S. Air Force to pursue occupational therapy.
“So today, I challenge us all to leave here not just as graduates, but as bold decision-makers. Say ‘yes’ to yourself. Try. Ask. Show up. Let this degree be your starting point, not your ceiling,” Serrano Arocho said. “And if you’re wondering, here we are. I’m 34 years old, my son is in kindergarten, and we have another little one on the way. What once felt distant and overwhelming is now my reality.”
Commencement ceremonies, including the student remarks, can be viewed on the Brenau Vimeo page.
