by Krissy Proctor
Copy Editor
As finals week draws near, some students are preparing for more than just their last exams; they are preparing for the beginning of the rest of their lives. On Dec. 17 at the Tivoli Theatre in Chattanooga, 157 Bryan graduates will say “goodbye” to college life and “hello” to their careers.
This year’s winter ceremony will see more students receiving their diploma than ever before. Last year 130 graduated, with 20 of those being traditional students.
“It is common to see more students from the ASPIRE program graduate [in December] than traditional students, and that hasn’t changed this year, but all the programs have increased this year, including on-campus students,” said Dr. Bradford Sample, academic vice-president.
“I am so excited about my future plans,” graduating senior Caleb Haynes, a traditional student, said about receiving his degree in psychology with a minor in criminal justice. He plans to move to Virginia after graduation and pursue a career in law enforcement.
“Of course, I am a little nervous. I know that I may not get exactly what I want at first. But I am determined not to give up until I get what I want or realize the job isn’t for me.”
This year’s ceremony will begin at 7:30 p.m. The event will feature Rev. Tony Walliser of Silverdale Baptist Church as the main speaker, with Dr. Paul Boling, Bryan professor of philosophy and father of graduating senior Bryan Boling, reading Scripture, and James Koan II, father of graduating senior Joy Koan, giving the benediction.