an undergraduate hugs a family member with a crowd of people around them inside the Convention Center at the Augusta Marriott after the graduation ceremony
An Augusta University undergraduate receives a hug from one of their guests after commencement on Dec. 14.

In Photos: Augusta University celebrates fall 2023 graduates

Avatar photoHaley Crain3 min readDecember 19, 2023

More than 900 students participated in ceremonies honoring undergraduate and graduate students for Augusta University’s fall 2023 hooding and commencement ceremonies, which took place Dec. 13-14 at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center.

Graduates heard encouraging messages and different advice the keynote speakers have received. Stephanie Stuckey, chair of Stuckey’s Corporation, spoke at the Graduate Hooding and Commencement Ceremony, sharing lessons she’s learned since taking over her family’s business, such as embracing change and making others feel valued and special.

Rodney Bullard, CEO of The Same House, spoke at the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, sharing the importance of bringing courage, conviction and compassion to the headwinds that life will bring.

Two student speakers, chosen through a selection process with AU’s Student Government Association, delivered messages of taking risks to achieve great things, the importance of seeking community and embracing the process that is life.


“Although this milestone today marks one of our utmost achievements, it’s not the ultimate destination. Our forthcoming actions and achievements will lead us to a prosperous future, filled with love, accomplishments, happiness and personal development. It’s not to imply that we won’t stumble when taking turns venturing forward. But with a fall comes an opportunity to rise higher”

Deepali Giri, a graduate of the College of Nursing and student speaker for the Graduate Hooding and Commencement Ceremony


“Embrace the process. Embracing the process requires resilience, as it demands that you face your difficulties head on, while recognizing them as simply an opportunity to grow. If you patiently embrace the process, you can become someone that you and other people can be proud of.”

Justin Goddard, a graduate of the Hull College of Business, who served as student speaker for the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
Two young women wearing graduation caps and gowns smile as one holds her cell phone up to take a photo.
Graduates taking a selfie before the Graduate Hooding and Commencement Ceremony.
A large auditorium hall is filled with people waiting for a graduation service to begin.
Commencement guests gathered at Augusta University’s commencement ceremonies.
College professors wearing commencement garments of hats and robes walk down an aisle with a woman holding a wooden torch at the front.
Augusta University administration and other faculty members process into commencement.
Three young women in graduation caps and gowns celebrate having graduated from their master's programs.
Graduate students celebrate after crossing the stage at commencement.
A man stands up among a large seated crowd to take a photo with his cellphone.
A proud family member captures their graduate crossing the stage.
A man in graduation regalia of a cap and gown waits to shake the hand of another man walking across a graduation stage.
A doctoral student crosses the stage to shake hands with President Brooks A. Keel.
Four graduates in graduation robes smile for a photo.
Graduate students gather together before the Graduate Hooding and Commencement Ceremony.
A man in graduation regalia stands at a podium to deliver a speech during a graduation ceremony.
Provost Neil MacKinnon convenes the Graduate Hooding and Commencement Ceremony.
Three women wearing graduation caps and gowns stand in a line holding colorful robes over one arm that signify they have completed their master's degrees.
Graduate students wait in line to be hooded at the Graduate Hooding and Commencement Ceremony.
A woman bends at the knees to allow another woman to place a colorful garment around her neck signifying she has completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
A Doctor of Nursing Practice student receives their hood.
A woman in graduation cap and gown stands at a podium to give a speech.
Stephanie Stuckey, chair of Stuckey’s Corporation, gives the keynote address at the Graduate Hooding and Commencement Ceremony.
A man wearing a graduation gown stands at a podium to give a speech.
Rodney Bullard, CEO of The Same House, gives the keynote address at the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony.
A man in graduation cap and gown smiles as he congratulates a woman in a mobility scooter for graduating.
College of Allied Health Sciences Dean Lester Pretlow congratulates one of his students.
Two men wearing graduation caps and gowns shake hands while posing for a photo.
Hull College of Business Dean Mark Thompson presents a diploma to one of his graduates.
A young woman holds her hands up in celebration as she crosses a stage to accept her college diploman.
An elated undergraduate student before she crosses the stage at the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony.
Two young women pose with a college mascot as one of the women holds up her cellphone to take a selfie.
Undergraduate students take a selfie with Augustus before the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony.
A young woman wearing a graduation cap and gown stands at a podium to deliver a speech.
Larianna Goss, an alumna of the Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, sings at the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony.
A man stands at a podium and delivers a speech while wearing a graduation cap and gown.
President Brooks A. Keel at the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony.
A man wearing a graduation cap and gown stands at a podium and delivers a speech while holding his hands out wide.
Summerville Alumni Society President Kyle Scott welcomes students to the Augusta University Alumni Association.
Three women and one man pose for a group photo. All four are wearing graduation caps and gowns.
Undergraduate students pose with Dr. Susan Davies following the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony.
Four young women celebrate having graduated from college while wearing their caps and gowns. Two women hold up their cellphones for a selfie, while another moves her tassel from right to left.
Undergraduate students turn their tassels at the end of commencement.
Five women wearing graduation caps and gowns celebrate together as they are recognized as graduates.
Undergraduate students begin the celebrations at the end of commencement.
A group of women hold hands and form a prayer circle around five young women, also holding hands.
Undergraduate students celebrate with friends and family after the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony.
Two women, one wearing a graduation cap and gown, celebrate outside.
An undergraduate student celebrating with one of her guests.

Photos by Augusta University’s Michael Holahan and Savannah Evan Photography’s Paula Toole.

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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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