By: William Fisher and Storm Brooks, News Editor and Staff Writer
In an early afternoon ceremony, the university awarded over 200 degrees to students at APSU’s 88th Commencement Ceremony.

The event took place in Dunn Center on Friday, Aug. 5, at 2 p.m. Students from the College of Arts and Letters, College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, College of Graduate Studies, College of Science and Mathematics and the School of Technology and Public Management participated.

University President Alisa White, SGA President Ryan Honea and Fort Campbell Garrison Commander Col. James Salome all spoke at the event.

Salome encouraged students to push themselves both academically and in life.

“For the rest of your life, from generation to generation, there will be moments where you will have to raise the bar,” Salome said. “There will be moments where you will have to fill a void that no one else can fill.”

During the ceremony, Provost Rex Gandy posthumously awarded Sue Nash an associate’s degree in liberal arts during the ceremony. Nash died while in Madrid on an APSU study abroad trip on May 12. Her husband, Thomas Hussey, accepted the award on her behalf.

After the 90-minute ceremony ended, family and friends greeted the new graduates on the floor of the Dunn Center.

Corey Teague, who received his degree in psychology, looks forward to working with children and athletes in the future. Teague said that going to Austin Peay was a great experience and APSU is a “great school for anyone around the world.”

Brian Solvberg celebrated earning his new degree as well. Solvberg, an Army veteran, graduated with a bachelor’s in business administration.

“Graduating school is bittersweet,” said Solvberg.“I am a father, a grandfather and a vet, so my journey to school is a long one.”

Solvberg said professors like Gloria Miller and John Volker inspired him to focus on human resources and helped him obtain his degree.