The new graduates were honored with special ceremonies and celebrations throughout the week leading up to Commencement, each marking the important journeys undertaken during their time at UNC Asheville.
On the morning of Commencement the graduates gathered one last time to line up for their final walk together as UNC Asheville students.
Kimmel Arena was filled with proud supporters, from family and friends to faculty and staff.
Ona Elkins, a political science and international studies double major, with a minor in Asian Studies, the 2024 valedictorian, recipient of the Manly E. Scholarship Award, and this year’s student speaker.
Elkins referenced her high school graduation being derailed by COVID, a common experience for most of this year’s graduates. She said the circumstances of the pandemic and surrounding social justice movements pushed them to be conscious of their place in society.
“UNC Asheville students are uniquely situated to respond to these demands. We are united in a mutual spirit of advocacy and the desire to make the world a better place. We, as a campus community, believe in the right of all people to be free, to live in peace and security, and to live joyfully,” Elkins said. “Our graduation today marks an incredible opportunity to make a change in the world that we are about to enter. So go boldly, Class of 2024, and become the people that will make our world a better place.”
The University also recognized three honorary degree recipients: Oscar Wong, Walter Ziffer and David Holt, who was also the recipient of the 2024 UNC Asheville Chancellor’s Medallion.
Trey Adcock, associate professor of interdisciplinary studies, international studies, and the director of American Indian and Indigenous Studies, was honored with the Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching.
UNC Asheville also awarded its yearly Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award to Jackie Langille, associate professor of environmental studies, for her dedication to guiding undergraduate students in environmental exploration.
At last, the big moment had arrived. It was time for the students to walk across the stage, receive their diplomas, and officially become UNC Asheville graduates.
Among the graduates were the members of the first graduating class from the UNC Asheville - UNC Gillings Master of Public Health program in place-based health.
"With this important chapter of their lives now complete, they are ready to go out into the world,” Chancellor van Noort said. “I am confident they will make a difference for good by building successful careers and living lives of purpose and meaning.”
You can relive the full ceremony (or skip ahead to cheer for your favorite graduate again!) via the live-stream recording:
Medical school, marketing, and building robots are just a few of the exciting adventures in store for our graduates. Find out more about their future plans in our "What's Next?" series.
© 2026 UNC Asheville
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