The University of North Georgia awarded degrees to more than 1,000 graduates participating in commencement ceremonies held May 9-10, including a special ceremony held between playoff softball games in Dahlonega.<br />
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Due to a regional softball tournament, the university held a short ceremony for three senior softball players Saturday at UNG's Haines & Carolyn Hill Stadium. UNG's softball team earned the top seed and hosted the 2014 NCAA Division II regional tournament during the weekend. The NCAA appearance is the seventh in a row for the Nighthawks and marks the fifth time in six seasons the team has hosted an NCAA regional tournament. The players receiving degrees were: Karlie Hope Gillam of Dahlonega, Georgia, Bachelor of Science in physical education; Sarah Elizabeth Johnson of Powder Springs, Georgia, Bachelor of Science in psychology; and Mary Kay "Katie" Garrett of Statham, Georgia, Bachelor of Business Administration in management.<br />
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This semester, UNG conferred a total of 1,445 degrees, including 603 associate, 718 bachelor's degrees, and 124 graduate degrees. UNG also awarded 10 one-year certificates for work in specialty areas. Additionally, 33 graduating members of the Corps of Cadets took oaths as second lieutenants in the National Guard or U.S. Army; commissioning ceremonies also were held separately on May 9.<br />
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"We are here to honor you with the richest tradition of the academic community
