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Beginning a new chapter
Winter Commencement
Years of hard work came to fruition Dec. 15 as 1,811 graduates had degrees conferred at Carolina's Winter Commencement ceremony.
Our December graduates excelled in the classroom, conducted research, dominated their sports and served the state. Now, they’ll become leaders in their chosen fields and communities.
- 1,811total graduates
- 989undergraduates
- 822graduate and professional students
- 176first-generation students
- 1,039North Carolina residents
- 60Covenant Scholars
Meet the graduates
December graduate pauses studies for hurricane relief
Jessica Bowling’s National Guard duties took her to western North Carolina to help with Helene recovery in October.
Twins team up on cancer research
At Lineberger, the search for solutions is personal for postdocs Ryan and Brandon Mouery ’24 (PhD).
Study abroad trip sparked switch in majors
A professor’s advice and the “Black Panther” movie also influenced Krystal Lacayo’s interest in environmental justice.
Sports broadcaster says ‘yes’ to all
From “Sports Xtra” to the Olympics, “I am well prepared wherever I go because of Carolina,” Kyle Lobenhofer says.
Christine Kwon pivots from advertising to advocacy
The first graduate of the pharmacy school’s Master of Professional Science program took an unconventional path.
Jeff Ayers beat cancer to earn his doctorate
A summer fellowship when he was in remission gave him the time he needed to complete his research.
Air Force veteran earns advertising and PR degree
After switching from air traffic control to public affairs, Caitlin Russell steered her career course to Carolina’s journalism school.
Education major loves wearing different hats
A multifaceted program at the UNC School of Education proved a perfect fit for December graduate Dezja Ishmeal.
Winter SSW grad looks to make global impact
Ashley Myles studied in the UNC School of Social Work, where she focused on inequities in global and maternal health.
Dr. Shelton “Shelley” Earp, a longtime member of the UNC School of Medicine faculty and former director of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, delivered the keynote address.
Under his leadership, UNC Lineberger became one of the nation’s leading cancer research hubs, connecting faculty from across the University and beyond. Earp also initiated partnerships with other University of North Carolina System schools, recognizing the importance of collaboration in research that leads to new treatments for cancer.
