For many of the nearly 1,500 UNC Greensboro undergraduates about to accept their diplomas this Fall 2024 Commencement, their journey began amid the uncertainty of COVID-19 remote learning and restrictions. Over the years, the physical transformation from remote learning to in-person classes and activities reflects the personal transformations happening within each of them. On December 12 and 13, 2024, they will celebrate with friends and families how they triumphed over all uncertainties, whether those came from the external world or their own personal challenges.
UNCG will confer nearly 2,000 new degrees – 1,488 baccalaureate, 362 masters, and 137 doctoral – representing the next group of proud Spartans to transition from student to alumni.
The ceremonies will begin with doctoral hooding at the UNCG Auditorium on December 12, followed by the Commencement ceremony at the newly christened First Horizon Coliseum on December 13.
Among the inspiring graduates is Laiba Saddique, who faced the challenges of enrolling in college at the same time she was adjusting to a new life in Greensboro after immigrating from Saudi Arabia. Fortunately, her biggest supporter in life was never far from her on campus: her mother, Dr. Rabia Qindeel, who enrolled in a master’s program at UNCG.
Commencement will be a family affair for them. Qindeel, a teacher at Eastern Guilford High School, will receive her masters in teacher education with a concentration in middle/secondary mathematics. Siddique will receive her bachelor of fine arts in new media and design.
Commencement Speakers
This year’s graduate speaker is Cailyn Stackhouse, who earned her bachelor of science in marketing with a concentration in social media from the Bryan School of Business and Economics. Stackhouse will invite her fellow Spartans to reflect on how far they have come, the fears and difficulties they overcame, and the many moments both big and small that have come to define them.
The doctoral hooding ceremony speaker is Dr. Connie McKoy, professor emerita of the School of Music. She was a music educator for 45 years and has presented nationally and internationally in her area of expertise, culturally responsive pedagogy in music. McKoy earned both her master of music in music education and her Ph.D. in music education from UNCG. She was named a Distinguished Alumni in 2017.
Chancellor Franklin Gilliam, Jr., Provost J. Alan Boyette, and all the deans, professors, lecturers, and staff at UNCG, are honored to share this momentous occasion with the graduates and their families, just as they have been honored to be a part of their academic journey. UNCG is excited to welcome these new graduates into the storied network of Spartan alumni who remain connected with the campus and each other.
Most importantly, UNCG is eager to see what next steps the Class of 2024 will take to impact their families, communities, and their futures.
Story by Janet Imrick, University Communications
Photography by Sean Norona, University Communications
CELEBRATE OUR GRADS!
Graduates and their families are encouraged to share their accomplishments on social media by tagging the University accounts and using the hashtags #UNCGGrad and #UNCGWay. Visit UNCG’s digital swag page for graduation-themed graphics, filters, and templates.
Mention @UNCG in celebratory posts on Instagram and X and @uncgreensboro on TikTok.
