Brenau University held its commencement ceremonies on Friday at Pearce Auditorium, granting degrees to 275 students across the summer and fall.
“The university’s dedication to this mission and vision – which both challenged and benefited you as students – is leading us on our path to a thriving future,” President David L. Barnett, Ph. D., said. “Now, as graduates, we encourage you to be a part of ensuring Brenau’s future while finding your own path to thrive.”
Brenau celebrated 136 students who earned degrees in the fall and 84 who earned degrees in the summer.
Of the graduates, 39 earned doctorates, 158 earned master’s degrees, 71 earned their bachelor’s degrees, and an additional seven earned specialist degrees.
29 of those earning bachelor’s degrees graduated from The Women’s College.
Brenau reports that over 200 students and their families attended the ceremony.
Additionally, six faculty and staff members celebrated degrees. Kim Boyd and Cartsa Mendez earned their Doctor of Education, Ronnell Leftwich earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Carly Esford, Rachel Lane, and Tracy Moore earned a Master of Business Administration.
Leftwich was the student speaker at the Kente Stole Ceremony presented by the Black Faculty and Staff Association on Dec. 10 and at the graduate commencement ceremony.
“The road was long, filled with many ups and downs, multiple barriers, and challenges, from the COVID-19 epidemic to changes in doctoral programs,” Leftwich said. “Congratulations to my fellow graduates. I wish you nothing but peace, good health, and success in your future endeavors.”
Taylor Mooney was the student speaker at the undergraduate ceremonies. Mooney was in the honors program and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.
“My time here at Brenau has been one of the most challenging and transformative periods of my life. Like many of you, I faced days when it felt almost impossible to keep going. I stumbled, I struggled, and yes, there were times when I doubted myself,” Mooney said. “But even in those moments of defeat, I found something valuable—a lesson, a strength, a reminder that failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of it. Each setback taught me to keep pushing forward, to keep trying even when it felt easier to give up.”
Both commencement ceremonies were live streamed and can be viewed here.
