Wendi Donley graduates cum laude from TU
by MC Liberal staff writer

Wendi Griffin Donley graduates cum laude.

On Saturday, May 5, 2007, Thomas University held its 52nd commencement exercise. The event was held at the Municipal Auditorium in downtown Thomasville at 11:00 a.m. One-hundred and seventy three students received diplomas at the annual commencement with

Wendi Griffin Donley of Colquitt among those receiving diplomas.

The commencement began with the processional, "Pomp and Circumstance" by Edward Elgar, followed by the invocation by the Rev. John Rainey of GoalLine Ministries.

After the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, Mr. Rankin Smith, chairman of the Board of Trustees at Thomas University, welcomed the crowd to the commencement after which Dr. Gary Bonvillian, president of Thomas University, gave the presidential welcome.

The speaker for this year's graduation ceremony was introduced by Dr. Bonvillian. She was Mrs. Sheila McNeill, past national president of the Navy League of the United rational and touching speech on her life's journey and what each graduate could do to be as successful in his/her life and profession. In closing she commended all the graduates on their accomplishments and wished them well in their future endeavors.

After Mrs. McNeill's speech, Dr. Karl Barton, associate professor of music at Thomas University, and Ms. Lisa Mitchell, assistant professor of speech and theatre, entertained the audience with an American medley.

Dr. Ann Landis, academic dean, then gave the presentation of the candidates, followed by the authorization to issue diplomas by President Bonvillian.

As the candidates were called by Dr. Landis, they made their way across the stage to accept their diplomas from the president.

After the conferral of degrees by Dr. Bonvillian, Ms. Susan Ford, assistant academic dean, recognized those who were honor society members followed by the singing of the Alma Mater. The graduates marched out to the recessional as they were greeted by family and friends.

Wendi Donley, who graduated cum laude, received a bachelor of science degree in early childhood education. While at Thomas University, she was a member of Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society for educators, and a member of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE). She was also awarded the Goizetta Endowment Scholarship during her senior year at TU.

As a 2005 graduate of Bainbridge College, she received her associate of arts degree. While at Bainbridge College, she was named to Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges and was on the Dean's List. She is also a 2002 graduate of Miller County High School.

Wendi completed her student teaching at Miller County Elementary School in April and has worked as a Reading First para-professional for the past few months in first grade under Mrs. Angela King.

The graduation ceremony was attended by her husband, Brian Donley, her mother and father, Wanda and Steve Griffin, and her grandmothers, Vada Griffin and Betty Jackson.

On Friday, May 4, an honor's tea was held at the Business Exchange Building in Thomasville at 4:00 p.m. for the honor graduates. After refreshments were served, the honor graduates of TU were awarded their gold cords to be worn at graduation. Attending the tea with Wendi were her husband and her parents.