Light the Way was more than a giving campaign. It became a bold movement, rooted in UNCG’s legacy of breaking down barriers and focused on a brilliant future. Its impact has transformed graduates’ lives, and the $266 million raised is just the beginning.
The double alum took advantage of every opportunity at his disposal in the Bryan School of Business and Economics. He became one of the first beneficiaries of a new scholarship and, as part of the inaugural class of the highly-touted Blueprint Series, built key skills that catch the eye of prospective employers.
After years away from school, transfer student Jason Rich ’26 found his place in UNCG’s Interior Architecture program, where studio culture, mentorship, and hands‑on projects helped him rediscover his creativity and the community he’d been searching for.
Nikolai Tassin ’26 arrived at UNCG expecting to pursue therapy, but discovering undergraduate research reshaped his path. Through hands‑on lab work, mentorship, and campus leadership, he found confidence, community, and a passion for inquiry. His experiences in research, creativity, and advocacy guided him toward Commencement and his future career.
Susan Safran ’77 received an honorary doctor of science degree for her exceptional guidance in advanced learning in health care, emergency training, and higher education. Randall Kaplan received an honorary doctor of laws degree for his visionary leadership, public service, and philanthropy, establishing a transformative impact across North Carolina.
UNCG graduated 2,813 students on May 7–8 to the Class of 2026, each with their own story that brought them here. And every one of them will leave with something lasting and transformative, their degrees like passports for entry into big places and bright futures.
Business major Lucas Koon returns to UNCG after a first-year misfire to graduate with a 3.5 GPA and internship experience from Volvo.
For Samantha Fynn, nursing was a calling, not just a career choice. Now she’s trading the classroom for the emergency room and a home at the coast.
Forty-one students were selected this year, representing the best in undergraduate academics and research in their disciplines.
The excitement can be felt across UNCG as it gets ready to honor the nearly 3,000 Spartans who will graduate this spring. Each of their stories speaks to their perseverance and passion for modeling leadership and service wherever they go. To help with traffic and parking around First Horizon Coliseum, UNCG will provide free shuttles from campus.
