The University of North Carolina Asheville celebrated 170 graduates at its winter Commencement ceremony on Dec. 15, 2023.
Held at Kimmel Arena, the event was led by the new Chancellor-elect, Kimberly van Noort.
In her remarks to the graduates, van Noort encouraged students to remember the University motto “Levo Oculos Meos In Montes,†meaning “I lift my eyes to the mountains,†as they move through life after graduation.
“We always want you to look up, look ahead, and look to the future but also to be inspired by our amazing location and by the multitude of transformative experiences you have had here,†van Noort said. “We’ve asked a lot of you, because the world needs leaders with wisdom. The world needs UNC Asheville graduates. Wherever you go, put your ambition into action and rise to meet any challenge. And remember that it all started here.â€
The diverse graduating class ranged in age from 19 to 42, with 90 percent of the graduates from North Carolina and 10 percent out of state.
Psychology had the highest number of graduates, followed by biology and new media.
Business and health and wellness promotion were also among the most popular majors.
The average class cumulative GPA was an impressive 3.33.
Graduates also heard remarks from Roger Aiken, chair of the UNC Asheville Board of Trustees; Carolyn Coward, member of the UNC Board of Governors; Alondra Barrera-Hernandez, president of the UNC Asheville Student Government Association; and Keya Maitra, recipient of Board of Governors’ 2023 Award for Excellence in Teaching and professor of philosophy.
Maitra also touched on the wisdom that an arts and sciences education imparts upon UNC Asheville graduates.
“What I want to remind you of are the seeds of wisdom ingrained in your education that will help you flourish beyond today, beyond the classroom, and most likely, beyond your discipline. I want to remind you how your ability to connect and relate to one another makes each one of you amazing,†Maitra said. “And I am inspired by each of you as you take your next steps in this wisdom of kinship.â€
December graduates will embark on a wide variety of journeys, including pursuing masters degrees, working with NASA, starting affordable home-building non-profits, and conducting soil research in the rainforests of Puerto Rico.
