AJ
Alicia Johnson
  • Class of 2013
  • Loudon, TN

Alicia Johnson Graduates from Tennessee Wesleyan College

2013 May 9

Alicia Johnson of Athens, TN graduated at Tennessee Wesleyan College's 156th commencement, which was held Saturday, May 4, in McMinn County High School's gymnasium. Family and friends of the students and the college gathered together to honor the 201 new Tennessee Wesleyan graduates receiving their degrees and to hear Commencement speaker Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, U.S. Representative of the 3rd Congressional District of Tennessee, share his encouragement and wisdom with the graduating class.

"Always strive to improve," said Fleischmann. "Don't be afraid to ask for help from other people and don't be afraid to help other people. Dream big. When those opportunities come up, when they face you all, if you're not dreaming big, you will miss them."

TWC's celebration of its 156th Commencement spanned three days and three major events. The celebration kicked off with a Thursday evening Nurse Pinning Ceremony and was followed by Friday's Baccalaureate service and Saturday's Commencement. With 201 students graduating, this year's Commencement celebration was the highlight of the 2012 - 2013 academic year.

Receiving their pins at a Thursday evening service at Cokesbury United Methodist Church in Knoxville, Tenn., more than 60 nursing students graduating with their Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Tennessee Wesleyan's Fort Sanders Nursing Department were cheered on by proud family members and friends.

"It is my charge to you, TWC Nursing Class of 2013, to never forget what you have learned, to always be confident in yourself, and to go out into the nursing world, providing the best patient care possible," said Mallory Dietz, who gave the student address at the ceremony.

All 201 new graduates gathered together at Friday's Baccalaureate service in TWC's Townsend Memorial Hall to enjoy fellowship and words of assurance and affirmation from special guest speakers. The Reverend Joe Green shared a sermon with the students, their family and friends, and the TWC faculty and staff who were in attendance.

"I encourage you to make an impact," said Rev. Green, the Cleveland District Superintendent for the United Methodist Church. "Let your lives be carbonated with the Spirit and let God not only work within you but also through you."

Saturday's 156th Commencement was a celebration of the academic achievements of its 2013 graduates. In addition to Congressman Fleischmann's keynote address, remarks were also given by graduating Senior Salama Lumbasio, a TWC biology major and chemistry minor who will spend three months of her upcoming summer shadowing doctors and participating in Vanderbilt's clinical research program.

"It has been said that to whom much is given, much is expected," said Lumbasio. "My hope is that we do not use the opportunities our education has provided us for the soul purpose of living a comfortable, complacent life. Outside of TWC, there are problems to be solved and people to be helped.

"We highly capable citizens of the world are responsible for achieving these noble goals. Because if we neglect these sacred duties then the pressing issues facing humanity today are not met. If we do however, dedicate our success not just to our own well-being but also for that of others, especially those less fortunate, then our future is bright."