A large group of female college graduates, all wearing graduation caps and gowns, pose for a photo during a big ceremony.

Augusta University celebrates fall 2024 graduates

Avatar photoHaley Crain2 min readDecember 19, 2024

More than 650 students participated in ceremonies honoring graduating undergraduate and graduate students during Augusta University’s fall 2024 commencement ceremonies, which took place Dec. 11-12 at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center.

The fall 2024 commencement ceremonies marked the first commencement for Russell T. Keen as president of Augusta University.

Six female students holding decorated graduation caps.
Graduate students pose with their decorated caps.
Five female students gather together with their left hand on their hip.
Three female students standing and smiling together.
Female singing at podium.
Barbara Yancey, an alumna of the College of Education & Human Development, sings at the Graduate Hooding and Commencement Ceremony.
Man speaking at podium.
Wellstar MCG Health’s Ralph Turner, DBA, at the Graduate Hooding and Commencement Ceremony.
Female student receives a hood from her mentor.
Students standing to recite an oath together.
Two female students stand next to a cat mascot.
Male student holds up his hand with the cat mascot.
Woman speaks at podium with her arms wide open.
Chick-fil-A’s Angela Canada at the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony.
Female student sings at podium.
Emma Kelley sings at the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony.
Student crosses the stage to shake the president's hand.
Male and female smiling at student.
President and First Lady Keen congratulate graduates following the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony.
Two female officers shaking hands.
LTC Nancy Tucker (left) shakes 2LT Stephane Echevarria’s hand following the Oath of Office.
Students taking selfies and celebrating.
Undergraduate students celebrate their degrees.
Female student rings silver bell.
Eboni Watts rings the Arsenal Bell to conclude the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony.

Among the highlights of this semester’s ceremonies included the graduation of Augustus. Zach Thurman, a graduate of the College of Education and Human Development, has portrayed Augustus for the last year. Thurman has been a part of JagNation long before he set foot on campus as a student as his mom Gina worked in the Office of the Dean of Students for over 30 years. Additionally, both of Zach’s parents graduated from legacy institutions of Augusta University.

Two men and two women standing together and smiling.
Zach Thurman with mom Gina, dad Robert, and sister Ashley. [Paula Toole/Savannah Evan Photography]

Graduates heard encouraging messages and different advice the keynote speakers have received throughout their lives. Ralph D. Turner, DBA, president of Wellstar MCG Health, spoke during the Graduate Hooding and Commencement Ceremony sharing the importance of finding your “why.” Angela Canada, senior culinary team lead for Chick-fil-A, spoke at the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, sharing how uncertainty is not a dead end in life.

Two student speakers, chosen through a selection process with AU’s Student Government Association, brought messages of finding one’s purpose in life and embracing the uncertainties of life’s journey.

Man speaks at podium.

“The most important driver of a person’s purpose in life is faith. The Bible reminds us in Jeremiah 29:11, ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.’ When God has a plan for your life – a purpose, nothing can stop you.”

Churchill Ezeokonkwo, School of Public Health,
Graduate Hooding and Commencement Ceremony student speaker

Woman standing at podium.

“Regardless of how many times you hear ‘Congratulations!’ or ‘We regret to inform you,’ wherever you are is where you’re meant to be. Please look back at your difficult road and appreciate your beautiful destination.”

Eboni Watts, College of Education and Human Development,
Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony student speaker

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Written by
Haley Crain

Haley Crain is the Communications Specialist for the Division of Instruction & Innovation at Augusta University. Contact her to schedule an interview on this topic or with one of our experts at hcrain@augusta.edu.

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