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#UNCA2020

Congratulations, Class of 2020!

By UNC Asheville

May 8^th, 2020

20 FOR 20

UNC ASHEVILLE CLASS OF 2020, IT'S TIME TO CELEBRATE YOU!

This digital yearbook, titled "20 for 20," features 20 words from our graduates about their time at UNC Asheville, along with 20 words of wisdom and encouragement from alumni, faculty, staff and family to the Class of 2020.

Enjoy these stories as we honor #UNCA2020.

VIRTUAL COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

Saturday, August 1, 9 a.m.

Congratulations, UNC Asheville Class of 2020! We had so hoped to be able to gather on the Quad to share this moment with you, but you are making history as UNC Asheville's first ever graduating class to take part in a virtual Commencement Ceremony. We are so proud of your steadfast work, determination, and important accomplishments. We look forward to seeing where the future takes each of you.

Please find more information about the graduates, honorary degree recipients, and ceremony speakers in the Commencement program.

A MESSAGE FROM CHANCELLOR CABLE

Chancellor Nancy J. Cable congratulates UNC Asheville's Class of 2020

20 WORDS FROM #UNCA2020

"Attending UNC Asheville was the best decision I have ever made. I’m proud to be a Bulldog now and forever." -Ally Hibbitts '20

"I have my friends, colleagues, and family to graciously give thanks. I have found myself and my passions through them." -Corey Smith '20

"UNCA has been my home and growing place for the past 4 years! Going to UNCA was one of the best decisions I’ve made, being able to grow and be challenged into becoming a better person is what makes me #bulldogproud." -Corabelle Brindle '20

"Thank you for a wonderful 4 years here at UNCA! Go bulldogs!" -Andy Stein '20

"UNC Asheville allowed me to discover new opportunities, step out of my comfort zone, and be a proactive member in the community. UNCA will forever be my home and I am so proud to call myself a Bulldog!"🐶💙 -Morgan Gott '20

"My time at UNCA was life changing. The ending may have been unexpected but the journey was unforgettable." -Martin Phillips '20

"Through great challenges, there is great reward. In my time at UNCA, I’ve gained friendships, knowledge, awesome experiences, and perseverance." -Caitlin Glover '20

"I am forever grateful to this University that allowed a first generation college student flourish in such an unique environment." -Carolina Zatta '20

"Best four years of my life, not one regret, and I can’t wait to make UNCA proud as an alumni!" -Julia Quigley '20

"Thank you to all my professors, mentors, and friends who helped me grow so much! I'll miss you, UNCA!" -KG Brake '20

"At convocation we received a pebble that said 'peace,' that’s when I knew I had made the right decision. Four years later I couldn’t be happier with that decision." -Elizabeth Berkeley '20

"Everyone deals with adversity but not everyone can recover. Focus on what you can do next, and you will always succeed." -Ava Bock '20

"I'm grateful for the home and years of happiness being a part of UNC Asheville has brought me. Go Bulldogs!" -Sam Hazlett '20

"UNC Asheville taught me that I am strong, determined, and on my way to a bright future. It gave me love, knowledge, and a sense of self." -Olivia Burchette '20

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Zipporah Scott '20

"Thank you with all my heart for showing me the Power in the Polo working as an RA and OL. You've empowered me for LIFE!" -Kacey Rudock '20

"UNCA has provided me with the best four years of my life. Proud to be a bulldog!" -Josh McCormack '20

"I would summarize my experience at UNCA as exciting, memorable and filled with self growth! Proud to be a bulldog!" -Katie Walker '20

A SPECIAL ALMA MATER

UNC Asheville's Music Department dedicates a reimagined alma mater to the Class of 2020.

FROM MOM & DAD
TO LOGAN DYE

"What a great four years!! Congratulations Logan Dye!! You’re a college grad - Environmental Studies 😊 We are so proud!" -Mom/Dad

2020 UNCA Pandemic Graduation Celebration!!

"Congratulations UNCA Graduates - Liz and Logan!! We are so proud!" Andi and Robert

"UNCA 2020 Graduates Liz, Logan and Martin, Taking a Stand - Thanks UNCA! March for our Lives 2018 Washington DC" -Andi Dye

"UNCA - No words needed - Logan Dye" -Andi Dye

FROM MOM & DAD
TO MARTIN PHILLIPS

"Martin Phillips wasn’t sure if College was for him. There is no question now. You rocked College! Love you More!!" -Dad

"Dad and I could not be more proud of all Martin Phillips accomplished!" -Mom

FROM AUNT ROBIN (and UNCA alumna)

"Lani-

The possibilities are endless! You can be whatever you choose. Follow your dreams and never give up! To new beginnings!"

-Love Aunt Robin

TO CAROLINA ZATTA

"Behind You, all your memories. Before You, all your dreams. Around You, all who love you. Within You, all you need. Best Wishes on your graduation."

-Laura Zatta

TO NICK SARBAUM

"Congratulations, Nick Sarbaum (BS Econ)! You have a huge and bright future ahead of you, and we can't wait to see it unfold. With love and pride, Mom and Dad."

TO RYAN CARTER

"Congratulations Ryan Carter! You persevered at UNCA! We are beyond proud of your accomplishments and look forward to the adventures ahead." -Mom, Kerry & Logan

FROM LAURA DOWER

"Congratulations Max Dower! We are proud of you and all you have achieved at UNCA!!"

-Laura Dower

FROM THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

"You have everything you need. You lack nothing. You have everything you need. You lack nothing. Let this knowing empower and remain with you as you proceed from here to wherever you wish to be. You have my best wishes."

-Mildred Barya, Assistant Professor of English

FROM ALUMNI

"Never compromise on your dreams, but just be sure to write them down in pencil...and keep an eraser handy."

-Alum Shelby Burleson

"Be who you are. Keep the faith. Focus on what brings you joy. Worry about relationships with others more than money."

-Alum Ken Saunders

"Stay resilient. Stay grounded. Keep innovating. Push forward. Defy limitations. Dream big. Speak up. Rise up. Produce change. Remember UNCA."

-Alum Cara Forbes

"The path ahead may not be easy but you are strong and smart. Have courage. Have faith. You will succeed."

-Alum Nefertiti Fenison

"No matter what happens to you in life, remain resilient and positive. You will get through anything."

-Alum Chante Freeman

FROM CAMPUS RECREATION

“What we learn with pleasure, we never forget.” - Alfred Mercier

Thank you, Seniors, for all the learning and laughs along the way. Continue to Explore, Move, Play and Thrive! Love, Campus Recreation (Wendy, Leah, Lindsey, Blake, Rowan & Shelby)!